Overgrip or replacement grip: what is the difference?

An overgrip is a thin wrap that goes on top of the grip already on your racket. The replacement grip, also called the original grip, is the thicker layer underneath it, stuck straight onto the handle.

Two items here are replacement grips, not overgrips: the Syntec Uptake jar of 30 and the Dunlop Hydramax Pro two-pack for squash. Buy one of those only when the grip under your overgrip is worn out. An overgrip adds to the handle's thickness, so if your handle already feels big, pick a thin one such as the 0.55 mm black Gecko-Tac.

Which overgrip for tennis, padel or squash?

For padel, Dunlop describes the Tour Pro as a soft padel overgrip. It comes in packs of 3 in yellow, green, orange and pink. More padel kit is in padel accessories.

For a tennis overgrip, the Dunlop Gecko-Tac Tennis 3 Pack has an extra-tacky surface and suits players of all levels. The Wilson Ultra Wrap is extra thin, with a stretchy felt that gives a soft feel. See more in tennis accessories.

If you play more than one racket sport, the white and black Gecko-Tac 3-packs fit tennis, squash and padel rackets, and Bonelli overgrips fit tennis and padel handles. Squash players can browse squash gear.

Tacky, sweat-absorbing or perforated?

A tacky overgrip suits hands that stay fairly dry, because it can turn slippery once it is wet. An absorbent or dry overgrip holds better as it gets damp, though it tends to wear out sooner. Most overgrips here are tacky: Bonelli, most Gecko-Tac packs and Babolat My Overgrip describe a tacky surface that keeps your hand in place. If your hands sweat a lot, the Dunlop U-Sweat is built around sweat absorption. For hard sessions in the heat, the Bonelli Perforated overgrip has micro-perforations that let air through and draw moisture away from your hand.

If you are new to overgrips, start with a white or black Dunlop Gecko-Tac 3 Pack: it is thin, tacky and fits tennis, squash and padel rackets.