How to Regrip a Pickleball Paddle or Add an Overgrip (2026)
Last updated: October 2026
Overgrip vs replacement grip, how to wrap each one step by step, and how a grip changes your handle size.
An overgrip is a thin wrap that goes over your existing grip: it adds a little thickness, absorbs sweat and is cheap to change often.
A replacement grip swaps out the base grip entirely and changes the feel more. To wrap either one, start at the butt cap with the tapered end, pull it slightly tight, overlap each turn by the same amount as you wind up the handle, then cut at an angle and finish with the finishing tape. Change an overgrip when it feels slick or looks shiny. Each overgrip adds a little to your handle size, so go a size smaller on the paddle if you plan to use one. A Hesacore Pickleball Original Grip is $26.90, or $24.21 with code PRH10.
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Overgrip or replacement grip?
| Overgrip | Replacement grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Goes | Over the existing grip | In place of the existing grip |
| Thickness | Thin, adds a little size | Sets the base feel and size |
| Change it | Often, when it gets slick | Less often, when it is worn or you want a new feel |
| Good for | Sweat, tack, building a handle up slightly | A worn, torn or slick base grip, or a different shape |
How to add an overgrip
- 1. Check the base grip. If it is torn or lumpy, replace it first. An overgrip copies whatever is under it.
- 2. Peel the backing off the overgrip if it has one, and find the tapered end.
- 3. Start at the butt cap. Lay the tapered end at the bottom of the handle, angled slightly, and hold it in place with your thumb.
- 4. Wrap with light tension. Turn the paddle as you go, pulling the grip slightly so it lies flat. Use the same direction as your base grip.
- 5. Keep the overlap even. Each turn should cover the edge of the last one by the same amount. Even overlap is what makes it feel smooth.
- 6. Stop at the top of the handle, where the old grip ends. Cut the extra at an angle so the end lies flat.
- 7. Finish it. Wrap the finishing tape around the end, half on the grip and half on the throat.
How to replace the base grip
- 1. Remove the old grip. Peel off the finishing tape and unwind it. Pull any staple or tack at the butt cap.
- 2. Clean the handle. Peel off leftover adhesive so the new grip sits flat.
- 3. Wrap from the butt cap up with the adhesive side down, the same way as an overgrip, with even overlap and steady tension.
- 4. Trim and tape at the top of the handle.
- 5. Check the size by holding it with your normal grip. If it is now too thin, add an overgrip on top.
- Some grips, including specialty grips, come with their own instructions. Read the pack before you start.
How a grip changes handle size
Most paddles list a 4.125 or 4.25 inch grip circumference. A thin overgrip adds a small amount, and two add more, so a handle that feels slightly small can be built up one wrap at a time. You cannot make a handle smaller than its base, which is why players between sizes usually go smaller and add an overgrip. How to measure your hand is in the grip size guide.
How often to change it
- Overgrip: when it feels slick, looks shiny or starts to tear. Players who sweat a lot change them often.
- Replacement grip: when it is torn, flattened or no longer tacky after cleaning.
- Sweaty hands: carry a spare overgrip and a towel in your bag. A slipping grip makes you squeeze harder, and a tight grip hurts touch shots.
Gear that helps
- Hesacore Pickleball Original Grip: $26.90, $24.21 with code PRH10. The Hesacore to start with.
- Hesacore Pickleball Carbon Grip: $29.90, $26.91 with code PRH10.
- Hesacore Pickleball Elongated Grip: $27.90, $25.11 with code PRH10. The longer wrap for long handles.
- Hesacore's code is PRH10, not PRH. See the Hesacore code page.
- Shopping for a paddle with a long handle to start with? The Honolulu J6CR Crystal Blue has a 6" handle and is $175.50 with code PRH. More in best long handle paddles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an overgrip and a replacement grip?
An overgrip is a thin wrap that goes over your existing grip. A replacement grip removes the old one and goes directly on the handle.
Which way do you wrap a pickleball grip?
Start at the butt cap and wrap up toward the face, in the same direction as the existing grip, with even overlap.
Does an overgrip make the handle bigger?
Yes, a little. Each overgrip adds a small amount to the circumference, so two add more.
How often should I change my overgrip?
When it feels slick, looks shiny or starts to tear. Heavy sweaters change them often.
What is the code for Hesacore grips?
PRH10, not PRH. The Pickleball Original Grip is $26.90, or $24.21 with PRH10.
Can I put an overgrip on a new paddle?
Yes. Many players add one straight away for tack or to build a 4.125 handle up slightly.
Related guides
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Most partner brands use PRH. If a brand uses a different code (e.g. Ronbus), it is on that paddle review and on /deals.