Pickleball Paddles Grip: Get a Hold on Victory Without Getting Blisters

Pickleball has pretty much taken over local parks, rec centers, and—let’s be honest—our lives. The paddle’s our new best friend (sorry, tennis racket). Having a solid grip can mean the difference between nailing a shot and accidentally launching your paddle across the court. With all the sweat and excitement, holding onto your paddle shouldn’t feel like a workout in itself.

When you’re picking the right pickleball paddle grip, a few things jump out. Material matters—a lot. Some grips feel soft, some are tacky, and some just remind us of limp spaghetti. Grip size is a big deal, too. If it’s too thick or too thin, your game’s gonna suffer. Durability is worth thinking about unless you love swapping grips every week.

Finding the right grip might seem like a small detail, but it changes everything on the court. We spent way too many hours testing out different grips to figure out which ones actually help us keep our paddles in hand—especially when we’re sweating buckets.

Best Pickleball Paddle Grips

We all know sweaty palms can turn a pickleball match into a slip-and-slide. That’s why we pulled together the best paddle grips to keep us winning—and, okay, to avoid any paddle-flinging disasters. Here’s what actually worked for us.

JOOLA Pickleball Overgrip 4-Pack

Grab this grip pack if you’re tired of slippery paddles that feel gross after just a couple sweaty matches.

Pros

• Tacky grip stays secure, even when games get heated
• Absorbs sweat like it’s got something to prove
• Four in a pack, so you’re set for a while

Cons

• Doesn’t add much thickness
• White color gets dirty fast
• You still have to wrap it yourself (ugh)

After taping on a JOOLA overgrip, our paddles felt almost new again. The grip has a nice texture—not too sticky, just right—so our hands stayed comfy through those endless doubles matches.

We tested the sweat absorption, and honestly, it worked. Even after a few rounds in the heat, the handle stayed dry enough. We liked not having to stop mid-game to wipe our hands on our shorts. Wrapping it wasn’t rocket science, but our first try looked a little wonky. You get better with practice.

The four-pack is a nice touch, especially if you play a lot or have a habit of spilling drinks in your bag. Sure, the white gets grubby fast, but that just means it’s time to swap or actually wash your hands. All in all, this grip pack makes it way easier to keep your paddle—and your game—fresh.

CRBN Grip Tape

If sweaty, slippery hands have ever cost you a win, this grip tape might just save your sanity (and your game).

Pros

• Stays tacky and absorbent, even when you’re sweating buckets
• Cushions your grip, so you don’t get paddle shock
• Quick to wrap, so you’re not stuck on the sidelines

Cons

• Only four per pack, so you’ll want to ration
• Not the cheapest grip out there
• Color options are limited

We wrapped the CRBN Grip Tape around our paddles, and it felt like a serious upgrade. The cushioned feel tricked our hands into thinking we’d bought a new paddle.

Application went way smoother than we expected, especially after watching a quick video (thank goodness for YouTube). Nobody fought over who had to install the new grip for once.

During matches in the midday sun, it never slipped or got swampy. That left us free to focus on hitting, not fixing our grip. We just wish the pack included more rolls, since we go through them pretty quickly. It’s not a bargain, but we keep coming back because our hands are happier and our paddles feel locked in.

Hesacore Pickleball Grip

If you’re sick of your paddle flying out of your hand, this grip is a legit upgrade.

Pros

• Boosts grip without making your hands cramp
• Dampens vibrations, so you’re not left with jelly-hand
• Fights sweaty palms like a tiny rubber hero

Cons

• Adds thickness, which isn’t for everyone
• Install can be a puzzle
• A bit expensive for what it is

We tried out the Hesacore grip, and honestly, our paddles haven’t felt this steady in a long time. The textured rubber made it easy to hold tight without squeezing too hard.

It helped a ton during sweaty matches, so we weren’t constantly wiping our hands (or our egos) after wild swings. Installing it took patience—felt like wrestling a stubborn snake. But once it was on, the extra thickness worked great for those of us who like a chunky handle.

Some folks with smaller hands weren’t thrilled about the extra bulk. If you’re tired of your paddle vibrating or sliding around, the Hesacore grip really helps. Just know it’s not for everyone, especially if you prefer a slim handle or don’t love a little DIY paddle surgery. Our hands loved it, but our wallets are still recovering.

PickleGrips Hexcore Undergrip

Tired of sweaty, awkward grips and sore palms? This grip totally changes the game—and our hands thanked us.

Pros

• Super comfy, no more hand cramps on long rallies
• Makes the paddle feel secure, even on sweaty days
• Cuts down on shock, so our wrists don’t ache later

Cons

• Tricky to install the first time
• Feels chunkier than a standard grip
• Hex pattern isn’t for everyone

When we first wrapped the PickleGrips Hexcore on, we felt the difference right away. Our hands stopped slipping, and that annoying tingling after hard hits disappeared almost instantly.

It’s squishy in a good way and stays grippy even when our palms get sweaty by the third game. The install takes patience, and we’d suggest removing the stock grip first, unless you want a handle as thick as a mitten.

Once it’s on, the paddle feels like an extension of your arm. Shots felt more precise, and serve control improved, probably because we weren’t worried about our paddle boomeranging away.

Some of us found the hex pattern odd at first. A few wanted something more traditional, but after a week, most agreed our hands were happier. If you want to treat your paddles—and your hands—to a little extra comfort, the PickleGrips Hexcore Undergrip is worth a shot.

Gamma Honeycomb Grip

If you want your paddle to feel like it just had a spa day, this grip is a solid choice.

Pros

• Comfy, squishy padding feels great
• Honeycomb texture offers a non-slip hold (even when it’s sweaty)
• Easy to install, so you won’t spend hours fighting your paddle

Cons

• Adds some thickness, which might not work for small hands
• Sweat absorption isn’t as magical as we hoped
• Not the cheapest if you change grips a lot

We slapped the Gamma Honeycomb Grip on and immediately noticed the soft, tacky feel—almost like a secret handshake with our gear. Our hands didn’t slip, even after a few rounds under the sun.

Comfort definitely improved, and the cute hex grooves even made our paddles look fancier. Installing it was a breeze—easier than making toast, honestly.

The extra thickness isn’t for everyone. With our hands, it felt fine, but folks with smaller hands might wish their thumbs could shrink. It claims to wick moisture, but we still needed to wipe down when things got sweaty.

It holds up to rough games, doesn’t fall apart, and there are a few color choices for a bit of flair. If you want to refresh your handle and don’t mind a little extra bulk, this grip does the trick—just keep a towel handy for those super sweaty matches.

Gamma Grip Tape Supreme

If you want to drop fewer paddles and keep your hands a little less sweaty out there, this grip tape actually makes a difference.

Pros

• Feels super tacky and secure—almost like the paddle’s glued to your hand, but without the mess.
• Absorbs sweat quickly, so your grip stays steady through those long matches.
• Installs fast, so you’re not stuck fighting with tape forever.

Cons

• Tacky feeling fades faster than we’d like if you play every single day.
• Might bulk up the handle a bit if you’re picky about grip size.
• Needs to go over an existing grip—it isn’t a full-on replacement.

We wrapped this on our paddles and instantly noticed how soft and tacky it felt.

No more paddles flying off during a heated rally—unless you let go on purpose (which, uh, happened once).

It sticks to the handle easily and takes just a couple minutes to put on.

Sweaty hands are the enemy, but this absorbent material keeps things dry way longer than we expected.

Even after three straight games, we didn’t have to reach for a towel every few minutes.

If you play every day, the grippy texture does wear down a bit sooner than we hoped, but it still keeps its shape.

Just so you know, this grip works best when you wrap it on top of the original paddle grip.

If your handle’s already thick, you might want to watch out or risk turning your paddle into a baseball bat.

For how well it holds up in all sorts of sweaty situations, the Gamma Grip Tape Supreme deserves a spot in your gear bag.

Fjalljós Vibe-Busting Pickleball Grip

Want sweaty palms to stay put and your shots to stop rattling your bones?

This grippy little wonder is actually a fun upgrade.

Pros

• Strong anti-slip hold, even when things get sweatier than a summer league final.
• Gel-like silicone soaks up vibes (the bad paddle kind, not the good party ones).
• Install isn’t rocket science, and you get bonus overtape tossed in.

Cons

• Squeezing it on takes a bit of muscle and maybe a quick YouTube search.
• Grip shape might feel odd if you love super flat handles.
• Hard to tell exactly how much vibration it reduces—no magic cushion here.

After a few games with the Fjalljós Vibe-Busting Pickleball Grip, our hands stopped slipping faster than our weekend diet.

The raised pattern helps your fingers land right where you want them, and that soft squish is weirdly addictive.

Holding onto the paddle doesn’t feel like wrestling a slippery fish anymore.

Slapping this grip on was pretty straightforward once we realized the trick—use a little hand cream (seriously, it saves your thumbs).

The fit is snug and doesn’t slide around mid-game, even when sweat’s pouring.

For anyone with smaller hands or just tired of calluses, this grip’s comfort is a win.

We didn’t suddenly become rally champions, but the vibration wasn’t as jarring as some stock grips we’ve tried.

If you want a paddle grip that’s comfy, sticky (in a good way), and takes the edge off long matches, check this one out.

Just be ready to put in a bit of elbow grease during install, and don’t expect it to completely change your game overnight.

Tannius Pickleball Grip Tape 6-Pack

If you want your paddles to feel comfy, colorful, and non-slippery (even when you’re sweating like it’s gym class again), these grips are definitely worth a shot.

Pros

• Stays grippy and dry, even when your hands forget how to stay dry.
• Super easy installation—precut and ready to roll, no measuring headache required.
• You get a bunch of bright colors, so nobody steals “your” paddle by accident.

Cons

• A little too tacky at first (like that one cousin at family reunions).
• Roll barely makes it around longer handles, so some stretching may be needed.
• Bag isn’t the strongest—don’t trust it for long travel or snack storage.

We slapped these Tannius grips on a few paddles and instantly noticed the upgrade.

There’s a satisfying layer of squish, but it doesn’t make the handle look or feel like it’s dressed for winter.

Wrapping was straightforward, thanks to the precut strips—no more wrestling with slippery tape.

After a few games, sweaty hands weren’t a problem.

The tape actually soaks up moisture, so you’re not accidentally serving your paddle across the net.

The colors got some attention too—if losing paddles is your sport, now at least you’ll only do it on purpose.

The tape is a little too sticky when new, kind of like sitting in maple syrup but less delicious.

Also, the amount of tape per roll just covers the handle—if you want to go around an extra time, it’s going to be close.

The bag could be tougher; ours got a tear just hanging out in the gym bag.

Anyone who likes a grip that stays put and gives your paddle a one-of-a-kind feel should give the Tannius Pickleball Grip Tape 6-Pack a try.

JOOLA Paddle Grip Tape

If you want a grip that handles sweat and keeps you from flinging paddles like a medieval catapult, this JOOLA grip tape deserves a look.

Pros

• Great tacky grip keeps paddles steady in hand.
• Easy to wrap, even for those of us with questionable DIY skills.
• Two grips per pack gives you a backup for those extra clumsy days.

Cons

• White grip color shows dirt faster than you can say “pickleball rally.”
• Feels a bit pricey unless it’s on sale.
• Moisture-wicking could be stronger for sweaty palms.

Right away, we noticed how secure this grip tape feels during play.

No more worrying about slippery handles mid-swing—your paddle actually stays put, even during those heated, sweaty matches.

The padding is just enough to make things comfortable, but not so thick that it feels like holding a pool noodle.

Installing these grips surprised us.

The instructions made sense, and it only took a few minutes before we were back on the court.

We like that each pack comes with a spare.

It’s handy for when you forget to clean a handle and it ends up looking less than fresh.

Now, let’s talk appearance.

The white color looked sharp on day one, but after an afternoon of pickleball, it started collecting more grime than a teenager’s gym sock.

If you’re picky about keeping your gear spotless, this might not be the best choice.

Still, performance-wise, it’s a confidence booster, especially for anyone dealing with slippery grips or looking for a quick refresh.

hautllaif 6-Pack Colorful Paddle Grips

If you want to spice up your paddle game without sacrificing grip, these hautllaif tapes are a solid pick.

Pros

• Comes in a bunch of fun colors that actually make you look like you know what you’re doing.
• Grips are cushy, absorbent, and not hard to wrap—seriously, we managed it on the first try.
• The little rib down the middle helps your fingers hold on, even when you’re desperately swinging.

Cons

• Slippery when new—our hands slid around a bit until it wore in.
• Sometimes the pack is missing a grip, which is a bummer if you’ve got lots of paddles.
• Not as tacky as some might want, especially if you sweat a lot.

When we opened the hautllaif 6-Pack Colorful Paddle Grips, those bright colors made us smile.

Each wrap was easy to put on, thanks to the extra ridge that guided us along the handle.

We didn’t feel like we needed an engineering degree to install them.

The grips felt comfortable in our hands, though they were a little on the smooth side at first.

After a few games, things improved, but folks who like super tacky grips might want to knock some sweat into these before hitting the court.

We honestly enjoyed switching up our paddle’s look every week.

If we had to nitpick, that missing wrap in the box was a downer.

Overall, these grips did the job without leaving us sticky or fussy—just maybe bring a towel for those summer games.

Buying Guide

Let’s be real—nobody wants a grip that sends the paddle flying on the first serve. When you’re picking out a pickleball paddle grip, you’ve got to think about a few things so you don’t end up dropping the ball. Literally.

Grip size really matters. If your grip feels too big or too small, you’ll either wrestle it like a garden hose or squeeze it like a twig. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Hand Size	Recommended Grip Size
Small hands (under 7 inches)	4 to 4 1/8 inches
Medium hands (7 to 8 inches)	4 1/4 to 4 3/8 inches
Large hands (over 8 inches)	4 1/2 inches

Material can totally change the game. Some grips feel soft and squishy, while others are tacky and soak up sweat. If your hands get sweaty (don’t worry, it happens), a moisture-absorbing grip will help you hang on—unlike my handwriting after gym class.

Weight matters! Heavier grips soak up shock, but lighter ones give you more control. Try to find a balance that keeps your arm and your pride in good shape.

Texture counts, too. Smooth grips tend to slip, while bumpy or ribbed grips give you that extra bit of control. If your paddle feels like a bar of soap, maybe it’s time for something grippier.

And don’t forget about durability. Who wants to replace a grip every other weekend? Go for something that can actually keep up when you start racking up points.