As you embark on your pickleball journey, replacing your paddle grip should be part of your routine, especially if you play regularly. You might not notice the difference at first, but you will if you do not replace it when you should. So, before it affects your play drastically, here’s a step-by-step guide to replace your paddle grip.
What is a Pickleball Paddle Grip?
In pickleball, a paddle grip means two different things. First, it is how you hold your paddle correctly during the game to improve your play. There are three different paddle grips - Continental, Eastern, and Western. For complete details, you can check out our Pickleball Grips Guide.
Second, a paddle grip is the “tape” wrapped around your paddle handle. This factory grip is designed to cover the handle so you’ll feel comfortable while swinging the paddle. As a result, you have a better chance of winning. Over time, this paddle grip will wear out, and you should replace it as soon as possible.
Grip Tape vs Overgrip: What’s the Difference?
Some pickleball players, especially beginners, tend to get confused and think that grip tape and overgrip are the same. Although these two tapes look similar and are both replaceable, they are not the same and have different uses. You should not use grip tape as an overgrip and vice versa. Otherwise, it will negatively affect your game.
As mentioned earlier, the grip tape is the original grip on your paddle handle. On the other hand, you use overgrips only to add grip to your paddle. Replacement grips are thicker and more expensive than overgrips, so using an overgrip is sometimes better than replacing your original grip.
When Should You Replace Paddle Grip?
Again, paddle grips will wear out as time goes on. Although the physical damage may be unnoticeable, here are some instances where you should consider replacing your paddle grip:
- When your paddle starts to slip off your hand, and it becomes uncontrollable
- When you keep adjusting your grip to hold the paddle properly
- When the cushioning starts to feel uncomfortable
- When you feel the grip is too small and you need a thicker one
How to Replace Pickleball Paddle Grip Correctly
Replacing your old paddle grip is easier than you think. It’s almost the same as removing an old tape from an electric wire and replacing it with a new one. So, without further ado, here’s how to do it:
Materials and Tools Needed
- Pickleball paddle
- New grip tape
- Finishing tape (included in the package)
- Scissors or kitchen shears
- Clean, dry cloth
Steps:
- Remove the old grip from your paddle. Use scissors if necessary. If the old grip has been on for a long time, you may find it hard to remove it, so be patient and careful not to scratch the handle.
- Using a dry cloth, clean the handle to remove adhesive residue and accumulated dirt.
- Remove the new grip tape from the package and unroll it.
- Take off the adhesive strip from the tapered end. Make sure the grip is flat and not twisted.
- If you are right-handed, align the tapered end of the grip with the left side of the butt cap of your paddle, and wrap it clockwise. If you are left-handed, do the opposite. Pro Tip: Make sure that the visible brand name of the tape is not upside down.
- To avoid wrinkles, slightly pull the grip tape while wrapping your paddle handle.
- Continue wrapping, but this time, add an angle downward and do an overlap for every turn. If you want a thicker grip, you need more overlaps.
- While wrapping, ensure the tape is tight enough and has an even overlap.
- Once you finish wrapping the entire handle, cut the excess tape in parallel with the handle button.
- Tape the end with the provided tape and make sure it is secure.
Congratulations! Your pickleball paddle now has a new grip!
To help you visualize these steps, here is a great tutorial video from Onix Pickleball.
If you want to add an overgrip to your paddle instead, read our Pickleball Overgrip Guide.
