The best padel grip in the UK can be the difference between a confident, controlled session and a racket that feels like it’s constantly slipping out of your hand. Grip is one of the most overlooked pieces of padel kit. With players spending hundreds on rackets and shoes but ignore the one thing that connects them to their racket entirely.
Whether your grip is worn down, too slippery, or simply uncomfortable, replacing or adding an overgrip is the cheapest and most effective upgrade you can make to your game. Here are the five best padel grips available in the UK right now.
Overgrip vs Replacement Grip — What’s the Difference?
Before getting into the picks, it’s worth understanding the two types of padel grip:
Overgrip: A thin wrap applied over the existing handle. Overgrips are cheap, easy to apply, and most regular players replace them every few sessions. They improve feel, absorb sweat, and can slightly increase handle thickness.
Replacement grip: A thicker grip that replaces the original handle wrap entirely. Used when the base grip is worn beyond recovery or when you want to significantly change the handle feel or thickness.
Most players use overgrips for day-to-day maintenance and replacement grips only when the base handle needs a full refresh.
The 5 Best Padel Grips in the UK
1. HEAD Pro Padel Overgrip — £4.99
Best budget pick
The best padel grip for players who want reliable performance at the lowest possible price is the HEAD Pro. At under £5 for a pack, it’s the most affordable option on this list from a brand with genuine racket sports credentials. The grip is tacky enough to provide a secure hold during play, absorbs sweat effectively, and applies cleanly without bubbling or tearing. For casual players who replace their overgrip every few weeks, the HEAD Pro is the sensible choice as you’re not overspending on something that gets thrown away regularly.
Best for: Casual players who want a reliable overgrip at minimal cost
Buy on Amazon
2. Wilson Comfort Overgrip — £5.99
Best value pick
Wilson’s Comfort Overgrip is one of the most widely used overgrips in racket sports for good reason. The extra-soft feel absorbs vibration as well as sweat, making it noticeably more comfortable during longer sessions than firmer alternatives. At £5.99 it’s only marginally more expensive than the HEAD Pro but delivers a meaningfully better feel in hand. If comfort during extended play is a priority, this is the pick at the budget end of the market.
Best for: Players who prioritise comfort and softness in their grip
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3. Babolat Original Overgrip — £9.00
Best all-round pick
The best padel grip for most regular club players is the Babolat Original. Babolat has been manufacturing racket sports accessories for decades and the Original overgrip reflects that experience. It strikes the ideal balance between tackiness, absorbency, and durability, lasting noticeably longer than budget alternatives before needing replacement. The feel is consistent from the first session to the last, which matters more than you’d think when you’re trying to develop a reliable grip pressure. Slightly more expensive than budget options but worth every penny for regular players.
Best for: Regular club players who want quality and durability
Buy on Amazon
4. Bullpadel GB1200 Pack Overgrips — £12.97
Best value multi-pack
Bullpadel is a specialist padel brand and the GB1200 pack reflects that focus, where these overgrips are designed specifically for padel rather than adapted from tennis. The pack format offers excellent value for regular players who go through grips quickly, and the quality is consistent across the pack. The surface texture provides a reliable grip even in sweaty conditions and the application is clean and straightforward. A smart buy for anyone who replaces their overgrip frequently.
Best for: Regular players who want a padel-specific overgrip in bulk
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5. Hesacore Padel Tour Grip — £24.95
Best premium pick
The Hesacore Tour Grip is in a different category to the overgrips above with it being a premium replacement grip with a unique hexagonal surface pattern that reduces the need to grip tightly. The science behind it is straightforward: the raised pattern locks your hand in place so your muscles don’t have to work as hard to maintain control. This reduces arm fatigue, lowers the risk of tennis elbow, and improves feel significantly. At £24.95 it’s the most expensive option on this list by some distance, but for players who suffer from arm fatigue or grip-related discomfort, it’s a genuine game changer.
Best for: Players who suffer from arm fatigue or want the best premium grip available
Buy on Amazon
Our Top Pick
For most players the Babolat Original Overgrip at £9.00 is the standout choice as it’s reliable, durable, and from one of racket sports’ most trusted brands. Budget-conscious players will be well served by the Wilson Comfort at £5.99, and anyone with arm fatigue issues should seriously consider investing in the Hesacore Tour Grip at £24.95.
How Often Should You Replace Your Padel Grip?
This depends on how often you play and how much you sweat:
- Casual players (once a week): Replace every 4-6 sessions
- Regular players (2-3 times a week): Replace every 2-3 sessions
- Signs it needs replacing: Loss of tackiness, visible wear, slipping during play, visible discoloration from sweat
A fresh grip costs less than £5 and makes an immediate difference to how your racket feels. Don’t neglect it.
How to Apply an Overgrip
- Start at the bottom of the handle, just above the butt cap
- Wrap at a slight angle (roughly 45 degrees) overlapping each layer by about a third
- Keep the tension consistent as you wrap. Too loose and it bubbles, too tight and it feels hard
- Finish at the top of the handle and secure with the finishing tape included in most packs
- Trim any excess with scissors
The whole process takes under two minutes once you’ve done it a couple of times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a padel-specific grip or can I use a tennis overgrip?
Tennis overgrips work perfectly well on padel rackets — the handles are the same shape and size. Padel-specific grips aren’t necessary, though brands like Bullpadel design theirs with padel’s demands specifically in mind.
Does grip thickness affect my game?
Yes because a grip that’s too thin causes the racket to rotate in your hand on contact. Too thick restricts wrist movement. Most players find the standard handle thickness comfortable with one overgrip applied.
What’s the difference between a tacky and a dry grip?
Tacky grips feel sticky and provide grip through adhesion — best for players with dry hands. Dry grips feel more like cloth and absorb sweat — better for players with sweaty hands. The Babolat Original leans tacky; the Wilson Comfort leans dry.
Can I use grip tape instead of an overgrip?
Grip tape is generally thicker and less comfortable than a purpose-made overgrip. Stick to proper overgrips for better feel and easier application.
A fresh grip is just one part of a well-maintained padel setup. Check out our guides to the best padel rackets for beginners and best padel bags to complete your kit.