What is the best padel overgrip? It depends on how much you sweat, how often you play and how much you are willing to spend on replacements. In this comparison we put the best-selling types of overgrip (thin polyurethane, absorbent or dry, and tacky) side by side with the Helix Pro Grip silicone overgrip.
Quick answer
- If you want an overgrip that lasts longer and doesn't get soaked: anti-sweat silicone (Helix Pro Grip).
- If you prefer the feel of cloth and like fitting a fresh overgrip often: any classic 3-pack; choose dry if you sweat, tacky if you don't.
- If you sweat a lot and want to stick with cloth: a dry, absorbent overgrip, and change it as soon as it loses its feel.
What to look at when comparing overgrips
- Feel: tacky or dry. We explain it in detail in tacky or dry padel overgrip.
- How it copes with sweat: cloth overgrips absorb sweat until they are saturated; silicone repels it.
- Durability: a conventional overgrip is usually changed every 4 to 8 matches.
- Real cost: not the price of the pack, but how much you spend on replacements over a year.
The types of overgrip, one by one
Thin polyurethane overgrip
The most common format on new rackets and in shops: a very thin, stretchy polyurethane wrap on a fabric base, wound on and finished with adhesive tape. It gives good feel and plenty of tack with a dry hand. It is mostly sold in 3-packs for around €5-7.
Absorbent or dry overgrip
A rougher feel, designed to soak up sweat. At first it can even grip better the damper it gets, but once saturated it loses its feel, gets dirty and needs changing. Similar price: 3-packs for around €5-7.
Tacky overgrip
An adhesive surface that gives lots of grip with a dry hand. With heavy sweat the tacky layer gets covered in moisture and the racket starts to turn. A good option if you don't sweat much. Same price range per pack.
Silicone overgrip: Helix Pro Grip
The Helix Pro Grip takes a different approach: it is made of silicone with a helix-shaped relief and repels sweat instead of absorbing it, so it doesn't get saturated mid-match. You wipe it clean with a cloth, it lasts around 10 times longer than a cloth overgrip and it goes on in under a minute by pulling a cord. The 30 cm format gives you 2 grips (two padel rackets, one plus a spare, or one tennis racket). Design registered with the EUIPO and available in 9 colours. Price: €16.90.
Padel overgrip comparison table
| Overgrip type | Material / feel | With heavy sweat | Fitting | Durability | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Pro Grip (silicone) | Anti-sweat silicone with helix relief | Repels sweat, doesn't saturate | Cord, under 1 min | Around 10 times a conventional overgrip | €16.90 (30 cm = 2 grips) |
| Thin polyurethane | Stretchy polyurethane, lots of feel | Loses grip when soaked | Wrapped + adhesive tape | Every 4-8 matches | 3-pack for around €5-7 |
| Absorbent / dry | Rough feel, absorbs sweat | Fine until saturated | Wrapped + adhesive tape | Every 4-8 matches | 3-pack for around €5-7 |
| Tacky | Adhesive surface | Slips once soaked | Wrapped + adhesive tape | Every 4-8 matches | 3-pack for around €5-7 |
Typical market prices in October 2026; may vary.
The overgrip that lasts longest: doing the yearly maths
If you play two matches a week and change your overgrip every 4 to 8 matches, you get through 13 to 26 overgrips a year. With 3-packs at around €5-7, that is roughly €22 to €60 a year per racket, plus the time spent changing it.
With an overgrip that lasts around 10 times longer, the same season is covered with very few units. So even though the Helix Pro Grip costs more per pack, it usually works out cheaper over the year for regular players. To fine-tune the maths for how often you play, see how often you should change your padel overgrip.
Who should choose what?
- Helix Pro Grip, if you sweat, play several times a week or are tired of changing your overgrip. If you want to try silicone first, there is the Helix Pro Grip single unit, 14.5 cm and pre-sized for padel and pickleball.
- Thin or tacky overgrip, if you like the tacky feel of a thin wrap and don't sweat much.
- Dry, absorbent overgrip, if you prefer cloth, sweat a little and don't mind changing it often.
If you also want to reduce vibration, pair your overgrip with the Helix Pro Invicta undergrip, which extends the life of the overgrip and helps prevent elbow and wrist injuries.
Conclusion
Cloth and polyurethane overgrips are good options if you like a fresh feel often. If you want an anti-sweat overgrip that lasts longer and grips the same on the last point as on the first, silicone is the most practical alternative. For a comparison by grip type, see the best padel grips for sweaty hands.
See the Helix Pro Grip overgrip →
FAQ
Which padel overgrip lasts the longest?
Cloth overgrips are changed every 4 to 8 matches on average. A silicone overgrip like the Helix Pro Grip lasts around 10 times longer because it doesn't absorb sweat.
Which overgrip is best for sweaty hands?
One that doesn't get saturated: anti-sweat silicone or, if you prefer cloth, a dry overgrip that you change often.
How many rackets does one Helix Pro Grip cover?
The 30 cm format gives you 2 grips: two padel rackets, one racket plus a spare, or one tennis racket.
Is it hard to fit?
No. It goes on in under a minute by pulling a cord.