The undergrip is the layer between your racket's base grip and the overgrip. It builds up the handle, damps vibration and improves your hold. But not all padel undergrips are the same: there are foam, gel, polyurethane, raised and tape undergrips, and each type changes how the racket feels in a different way.
In this comparison we put the most common types of undergrip side by side with the Helix Pro Invicta, our anti-vibration silicone undergrip, so you can choose the one that best suits your hand and your game.
Quick answer: which padel undergrip should you choose?
- If you want less vibration without losing feel: a thin silicone undergrip such as the Helix Pro Invicta.
- If you mainly want a very cushioned feel and don't mind a fat handle: a foam or gel undergrip.
- If you just want to add some thickness with a classic material: a polyurethane or tape undergrip.
- If you like to feel the edges of the handle: a raised or faceted undergrip.
What to look at when comparing undergrips
- Thickness: every millimetre counts. A thick undergrip can leave your handle too big. If in doubt, read how to work out the grip size you need.
- Vibration: how much cushioning it adds without making the shot feel "spongy".
- Fitting: wrapping and securing with tape, or a faster system.
- Durability: whether it flattens or deforms with use.
If you're not sure about the difference between the layers, we explain it in overgrip vs undergrip: what each one does.
The types of undergrip, one by one
Anti-vibration silicone undergrip: Helix Pro Invicta
The Helix Pro Invicta is a silicone undergrip with a diamond pattern, created and tested by a top-10 Premier Padel player. It is the thinnest undergrip on the market, so it adds thickness in a controlled way without turning the handle into a bat, and it goes on in around 30 seconds with a cord system, much more easily than undergrips you have to wrap.
- Absorbs vibration from impact before it reaches your hand.
- Adds just the right thickness without losing feel.
- Extends the life of the overgrip you put on top.
- Because it damps vibration and lets you grip less hard, it helps prevent elbow and wrist injuries.
Price in our store: €15.99.
Foam (cushion) undergrip
The classic padded undergrip. It gives a soft feel and cushions through thickness, but it usually builds up the handle quite a lot and, with use, the foam flattens and loses some of its effect. It is wrapped over the base grip and secured with tape.
Gel undergrip
Aims for more pronounced cushioning thanks to a layer of gel. Very comfortable if a soft feel is your priority, although it also adds thickness and a little weight to the handle. It is wrapped on, like the foam type.
Polyurethane undergrip with tape
A cushion-type polyurethane wrap wound on under the overgrip to add a bit of thickness and a little cushioning. A simple, affordable option, but its anti-vibration effect is limited and fitting it needs steady tension to avoid wrinkles.
Raised or faceted undergrip
It has faces or raised areas designed for your fingers to sit in, so you can feel the racket's position better. Popular with players who like a very defined grip, although it changes how the handle feels and is usually thicker.
Tape or fabric undergrip
A thin tape, sometimes fabric, used mainly to fine-tune thickness in small amounts. It barely damps vibration; its role is adjustment rather than comfort.
Padel undergrip comparison table
| Type of undergrip | Material | Thickness added | Vibration | Fitting | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Pro Invicta | Silicone with diamond pattern | Thinnest on the market, controlled thickness | Absorbs vibration | Cord system, around 30 s | €15.99 |
| Foam (cushion) | Foam | High | Cushions through thickness; flattens with use | Wrap and secure with tape | Budget |
| Gel | Gel layer | High | Pronounced cushioning | Wrap and secure with tape | Mid-range |
| Polyurethane with tape | Polyurethane | Medium | Limited | Wrap and secure with tape | Budget |
| Raised or faceted | Material with faces or raised areas | Medium-high | Depends on the model | Wrap and secure with tape | Mid to high |
| Tape or fabric | Thin tape | Low | Almost none | Wrap and secure with tape | Budget |
Indicative values; features vary by model.
Who should choose what?
- Choose the Helix Pro Invicta if you feel vibration in your elbow or wrist, if you squeeze the racket hard when the handle slips, if you want to build up the handle slightly without losing feel, or if you don't want a fiddly installation.
- Choose foam or gel if a very soft feel is your priority and your hand suits a thicker handle.
- Choose polyurethane or tape if you just want to adjust thickness cheaply and vibration isn't a concern.
- Choose a raised undergrip if you like to clearly feel the racket's position in your hand.
If you want to understand why vibration ends up in your arm, we explain it in padel undergrip: what it is and why your elbow notices it.
How to get the most out of your undergrip
- Check your grip size first. If the handle already feels big, a thin undergrip like the Invicta is the least intrusive option.
- Pair it with an overgrip that doesn't soak up sweat. The Helix Pro Grip silicone overgrip repels sweat and lasts around 10 times longer than a cloth overgrip.
- Check the whole set-up every season. Make sure the racket's base grip underneath is still well stuck.
Conclusion
Foam and gel undergrips give lots of comfort at the cost of thickness, and polyurethane or tape ones are fine for simple adjustments. If you are looking for the best anti-vibration padel undergrip, thin, easy to fit and letting you hold the racket more loosely, the Helix Pro Invicta is designed for exactly that.
See the Helix Pro Invicta undergrip →
FAQ
Where does the undergrip go?
Over the racket's base grip and under the overgrip.
Which undergrip damps vibration the most?
Foam and gel undergrips cushion mainly through thickness. The Invicta absorbs vibration while being the thinnest undergrip on the market, so you don't have to play with an overly thick handle.
Can I use the Invicta with any overgrip?
Yes. It goes under whichever overgrip you prefer, cloth or silicone, and also extends its life.
Does an anti-vibration undergrip help if my elbow hurts?
No grip is a treatment. The Invicta damps vibration and lets you grip less hard, so it helps prevent elbow and wrist injuries. If you already have pain, see a healthcare professional.