An overgrip is the thin, replaceable wrap that goes over your racket’s base grip — and it’s the cheapest way to keep your racket feeling fresh. A worn, slippery grip makes you squeeze harder (straining your arm) and lose confidence on big swings; a fresh overgrip restores tack and security for a couple of dollars. The only real decision is tacky versus dry. We ranked the best of each and explain how to fit one yourself.
Tacky or dry? A tacky overgrip (like Wilson Pro) is slightly sticky for a secure, connected feel — best for most players in normal conditions. A dry/absorbent overgrip (like Tourna Grip) feels like a soft cloth and soaks up sweat — best if your hands sweat heavily or you play in heat. If your grip slips when you sweat, go dry; otherwise go tacky.
The overgrips, ranked
- Excellent tack for a secure, connected grip
- Comfortable, slightly cushioned feel
- The most popular overgrip on tour and in clubs
- Great value in multi-packs
- Tack fades faster in very sweaty hands
- Not as absorbent as a dry grip in heat
- Soaks up sweat — grip actually improves as it dampens
- Ideal for heavy sweaters and hot, humid play
- A cult favourite for sweaty-hand players
- Long-lasting once you adjust to the dry feel
- Dry, papery feel takes adjustment if you're used to tacky
- Less cushioned than tacky grips
- Reliable tack at a low price, especially in multi-packs
- Thin profile for a responsive, connected feel
- A long-running club favourite
- Great everyday choice
- Thinner cushioning than the Wilson Pro
- Tack fades with heavy sweat
Side by side
| Overgrip | Price | Type | Best for | C&F Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Pro Overgrip | $10/3 | Tacky | Most players | 9.0 |
| Tourna Grip | $12/10 | Dry | Sweaty hands | 8.8 |
| Yonex Super Grap | $8/3 | Tacky | Value | 8.5 |
| Head Prime | $9/3 | Tacky | Comfort | 8.4 |
| Babolat Pro Tour | $9/3 | Tacky | All-round | 8.3 |
How to apply an overgrip
- Start at the bottom. Peel the backing and begin at the butt of the handle, securing the tapered end with the finishing tape later.
- Wrap upward with slight overlap. Spiral up the handle, overlapping each turn by a few millimetres, keeping light, even tension.
- Finish and tape. Cut any excess at the top and secure with the included finishing tape. It should feel smooth with no gaps or bunching.
What to skip
Leaving a worn, slippery grip on. A slick grip makes you clench harder — tiring your forearm and contributing to arm strain. Overgrips cost pennies per use; replace them as soon as they feel slippery or dirty.
Stacking many overgrips to build size. If your grip’s too small, layering overgrips makes it mushy and imprecise. Better to size the base grip correctly or use a heat-shrink sleeve — see how to choose a tennis racket for grip sizing.
Tacky grips if your hands pour sweat. A tacky grip turns slick when saturated. Heavy sweaters should use an absorbent dry grip like Tourna Grip, which performs better as it dampens.
How to choose
For most players in normal conditions, the Wilson Pro Overgrip is the best tacky choice — secure, comfortable, and great value. If your hands sweat heavily or you play in heat, the dry, absorbent Tourna Grip is the answer. On a budget, the Yonex Super Grap delivers reliable tack for less. Whatever you pick, replace it often — it’s the cheapest upgrade in tennis.
Getting your grip size right matters too — see how to choose a tennis racket. And keep a few spares in your bag.