When to Replace Your Pickleball Grip Tape (and How to Wrap an Overgrip)

Person holding a pickleball paddle by the grip

Short answer: Replace your overgrip when it turns slick, changes colour, tears or stops feeling tacky. JOOLA Australia suggests frequent players re-grip every few weeks and casual players every couple of months. Selkirk says many people put on a fresh overgrip every few games. An overgrip wraps over your paddle's existing grip and is cheap and quick to change.

Last checked: 20 October 2026.

Written by Peter and Amanda, founders of Ace Sporting Goods. The guidance below comes from manufacturers, Pickleball Australia and the Global Pickleball Federation, linked at the end.

What's the difference between an overgrip and a replacement grip?

Overgrip Replacement grip
What it is A thin tape wrapped over your existing grip The cushioned base grip that comes on a new paddle
Why use it Extra tackiness and comfort, and a fresh feel When the base grip itself is worn out
How to fit it Wrap over the top Strip the old grip back to the handle first
Effect on grip size Makes the handle a little thicker Restores the original size
How often Selkirk: many people fit a fresh one every few games No fixed interval given

Sources: JOOLA Australia and Selkirk.

How do you know it's time to replace your grip?

  • It feels slick or slippery, especially when your hands sweat.
  • It has changed colour or lost its surface texture. JOOLA Australia names both as signs to change it.
  • It has cracks, tears or worn patches where your hand sits. Selkirk lists these.
  • It feels less cushioned or uncomfortable in long sessions, another Selkirk sign.
  • You find yourself squeezing harder to stop the paddle twisting.

Selkirk says a worn grip makes it harder to hold the paddle firmly.

How often should you change your grip?

  • JOOLA Australia: "Frequent players should re-grip every few weeks." It says casual players may only need new grips every couple of months. This is JOOLA's advice on re-gripping in general, not only overgrips.
  • Selkirk: many people put on a fresh overgrip every few games.

Neither gives an exact schedule.

How do you put on an overgrip?

  1. Peel off the backing. Most overgrips have a tapered end.
  2. Line the tapered end up with the bottom of the butt cap, as Onix describes, and make one full turn.
  3. Wrap up the handle in a spiral, overlapping each turn slightly. Onix suggests about an eighth of an inch.
  4. Keep the tension even. Selkirk suggests roughly 70 to 80 per cent tension.
  5. Wrap direction: looking down at the butt cap, right-handers wrap to the right and left-handers to the left, per Selkirk.
  6. Trim the excess at the top and secure it with the finishing tape.

Can an overgrip change your grip size?

Yes. Selkirk says an overgrip still increases the handle's circumference. Pickleball Australia says you can't make a grip smaller, but you can build it up with overgrips. If you're between sizes, start with the smaller handle and add an overgrip.

Is an overgrip allowed in tournaments?

Yes. The Global Pickleball Federation rulebook lists grip wraps and grip size inserts as permitted changes.

Ace grip tape

Our Ace Grip Tape comes in black, white or brown. It's $12, or $8 in our sale until 6 December 2026. Our Accessory Bundle includes three grips, a paddle cover and three balls ($80, sale $52 until 6 December 2026).

An overgrip wraps over any paddle handle, so any brand's overgrip will fit our paddles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an overgrip last?

Selkirk says many people fit a fresh overgrip every few games. JOOLA Australia suggests re-gripping every few weeks if you play often, and every couple of months if you play casually.

Should I put an overgrip on a new paddle?

You don't have to. JOOLA Australia describes an overgrip as adding tackiness and comfort over the existing grip. It will make the handle a little thicker.

Can I put an overgrip on top of another overgrip?

The sources we checked don't cover this. Removing the old one first keeps the handle size consistent.

When should I replace the base grip?

When it's torn, cracked or has lost its cushioning. Selkirk explains how to strip it back and wrap a new one.

Related guides

Sources