In short: an undergrip is the layer that sits directly on the racket handle, under the overgrip. It does three things: it dampens part of the vibration from each shot, it adjusts the handle thickness and it gives you a stable base so you can hold the racket without squeezing. If you finish matches with a loaded forearm or play with a hard racket, it's probably the cheapest equipment upgrade you can make for your elbow.
What a padel undergrip is
From the inside out, a padel racket has: the handle (part of the frame itself), the factory grip and, on top, the overgrip you replace every few weeks. The undergrip takes the place of the factory grip or goes over it. It isn't what your hand touches (that's the overgrip), but what sits underneath and decides how the handle feels.
Factory grips are usually a thin strip of synthetic material. They do the job, but they aren't designed to absorb vibration or to fit the thickness to your hand.
Overgrip vs undergrip: the difference in one sentence
The overgrip provides the grip (feel, sweat, tack); the undergrip provides the base (thickness, cushioning, stability). They are used together. We explain it in detail in overgrip vs undergrip: what each one does.
What an undergrip is for: the 4 things it does
1. It dampens vibration
Every impact makes the racket vibrate. That vibration travels through the handle into your hand and up the forearm to the elbow. A layer of soft material between the handle and your hand absorbs part of that energy before it reaches you. It doesn't eliminate it (nothing does), but it reduces what your arm takes on every shot. And in a match you hit hundreds of shots.
You notice it most with hard rackets (stiff EVA rubber, diamond shape) and when you hit outside the sweet spot.
2. It lets you hold the racket relaxed
When the racket twists or slips, your hand squeezes by reflex. That sustained grip force is what loads the forearm tendons that attach at the elbow. An undergrip with relief gives your hand firm reference points: you know where the racket face is without looking and you don't need to strangle the handle to control it.
3. It adjusts handle thickness
A handle that is too thin forces you to close your hand more and increases tension; one that is too thick stops your fingers closing properly. The undergrip adds thickness evenly. If you don't know your size, see how to work out the grip thickness you need.
4. It adds stability and feel
A base that doesn't move helps the overgrip work better and stops the racket shifting on precision shots: volleys, bandejas, coming off the wall.
Undergrip and elbow pain: what it can and can't do
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is an overload injury of the forearm tendons. It has several causes: technique, how much you play, the racket, handle thickness and how hard you squeeze. Equipment only affects some of them, but they are exactly the ones you control and can change in a minute: the vibration reaching your hand and how hard you grip.
That's why an undergrip helps prevent tennis elbow. It makes sense to use one if your elbow already feels sensitive, if you're coming back after some discomfort or if you want to look after your arm long term. What an undergrip can't do is heal a damaged tendon. If the pain lasts more than two or three weeks, wakes you up at night or you lose strength when gripping, see a physiotherapist or doctor. We go deeper in padel elbow pain and what your grip has to do with it.
When it's worth fitting one
- You finish matches with a loaded forearm or with discomfort in your elbow or wrist.
- You play with a hard racket or have just switched to a stiffer one.
- You play twice a week or more.
- Your handle feels thin or the racket twists in your hand.
- Your hands sweat and you squeeze too hard so the racket doesn't slip.
If you play once a month with a soft racket and feel nothing, you don't need one.
How to choose an undergrip
- Material. Silicone and rubber dampen; silicone also doesn't absorb sweat, so it doesn't get soaked or lose its shape.
- Thickness. Check how much it adds and compare it with your handle. Thicker isn't better: it's better if your hand needs it.
- Relief. A pronounced relief helps you orient the racket without squeezing.
- Fitting. Some are wrapped with tape and some are sleeve-type, which go on in seconds and come off without leaving residue.
- Lifespan. Sitting under the overgrip, it barely wears: a good one lasts as long as the racket.
How to fit it
- Remove the overgrip. Decide whether to fit it on the bare racket (if your handle is already thick) or over the factory grip (if you want it thicker).
- Slide the undergrip onto the handle down to the base and straighten it.
- Put the overgrip on top, starting from the bottom. If you've never done it, follow how to put an overgrip on a padel racket step by step.
Our option: Helix Pro Invicta
Helix Pro Invicta is a 1.2 mm silicone undergrip with a diamond relief and a design registered at the EUIPO. It fits in a minute with its cord system, no tape or glue, on the bare racket or over the original grip. It doesn't absorb sweat and lasts until you change rackets. On top, Helix Pro Grip provides the anti-sweat grip; both together come in the Complete System Pack. Helps prevent tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): it dampens vibration and lets you grip without over-squeezing, two of the causes that load the elbow the most.
Frequently asked questions
Does an undergrip replace the overgrip?
No. They go together: the undergrip underneath (base, thickness, cushioning) and the overgrip on top (feel and tack).
Does an undergrip help prevent tennis elbow?
Yes, it helps: it reduces two equipment-related load factors, vibration and grip force. No accessory can guarantee 100% that you won't get injured; together with good technique, a sensible amount of play and a suitable racket, it helps your arm work less.
Does it change how the racket feels much?
For the first few matches the handle will feel slightly thicker and more cushioned. Most players adapt within one or two matches.
How often do you replace it?
A silicone one, practically never: it's protected under the overgrip. You replace it when you change rackets.
This article is about sports equipment, not medicine. If you have persistent pain, see a healthcare professional.
Helix Pro Grip is a Spanish brand of silicone grips with a design registered at the EUIPO. Over 100,000 grips sold.