Tennis Overgrip Guide
The overgrip is the most replaced accessory in tennis — and arguably the most important. A fresh grip costs under $4 but makes your racket feel completely different. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is an Overgrip (and Why Do You Need One)?
Your racket comes with a "replacement grip" (the base grip). An overgrip goes over the top of it. It's thinner (about 0.5–0.7mm), cheaper to replace, and absorbs the sweat, wear, and dirt that would otherwise ruin your base grip.
Think of it like a phone screen protector — it takes the abuse so the expensive part underneath stays in good condition.
Tacky vs Dry: Which Type?
Tacky (Sticky Feel)
The most popular type worldwide. Feels slightly sticky when new, which gives you a secure grip without squeezing hard.
Best for: Hot weather, sweaty hands, players who like a "locked-in" feel
Lasts: 3–5 sessions before losing tackiness
Trade-off: When worn out, gets slippery fast — there's no gradual decline
Our pick: Tacky Overgrip 3-Pack ($12.95)
Dry (Absorbent Feel)
Feels like soft fabric. Gets grippier as your hands sweat, which is the opposite of tacky grips. Preferred by many touring professionals.
Best for: Very sweaty hands, long matches, players who prefer a firm hold
Lasts: 5–8 sessions (degrades more gradually than tacky)
Trade-off: Feels less secure on dry hands — needs moisture to work well
Our pick: Pro Overgrip 3-Pack ($11.95)
How Often Should You Replace Your Overgrip?
This depends on how much you sweat, how hard you grip, and the conditions you play in. But here are general guidelines:
| How Often You Play | Replace Overgrip | Grips Per Year (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Once a week | Every 3–4 weeks | 12–15 |
| 2–3 times a week | Every 1–2 weeks | 25–50 |
| Daily (competitive) | Every session or every other session | 100–200+ |
Signs it's time to change: The grip feels smooth or shiny, it's darker than when new (absorbed sweat/dirt), you're gripping harder to compensate, or the edges are peeling.
How to Wrap an Overgrip (Step by Step)
- Remove the old overgrip by unwinding from the top. Peel off any adhesive residue.
- Start at the butt cap. Peel the backing off the tapered end of the new overgrip. Angle it slightly (about 10°) and stick it to the butt cap.
- Wrap upward with slight overlap (2–3mm). Keep constant tension — not too tight, not loose. Each wrap should overlap the previous one by about 20%.
- Maintain the angle. The grip should spiral evenly up the handle. Uneven wrapping creates lumps that affect your hold.
- Cut the excess at the top of the handle. Angle the cut so it follows the wrap direction.
- Apply the finishing tape (included with most overgrips) to secure the top end.
The first few times you wrap, it'll feel awkward. By the fifth time, it takes 60 seconds.
Overgrip Thickness: Building Up the Handle
Some players add 2–3 overgrips on top of each other to increase handle size. This is a legitimate technique:
- Bigger handle = less wrist strain. Players with hand or wrist issues often benefit from a thicker grip.
- More cushioning. Multiple layers absorb vibration better, which helps with tennis elbow.
- But: Too thick and you lose feel and manoeuvrability. Start with one extra layer and adjust.
Glow Overgrips for Night Play
If you play in the evening, our glow-in-the-dark overgrips serve double duty — fresh grip feel plus visibility in low-light conditions. The phosphorescent material charges under any light source and glows for the duration of a typical evening session. They wrap and perform exactly like standard overgrips.
Bulk Buying: The Smart Move
If you're replacing overgrips every week or two, buying in bulk makes sense. Our 12-pack (assorted colours) is $29.95 — that's $2.50 per grip versus $4.00 per grip in a 3-pack. At 2–3 sessions per week, a 12-pack lasts about 3 months.
Fresh grip, fresh game
Pro overgrips from $11.95, glow overgrips from $14.95. Free shipping over $75.