Padel Basic Grips
Padel basic grips
The basic grip is the grip that sits directly around the handle of your racket. Every racket comes with a factory basic grip. That is functional but not always optimal for your hand. Replacing a basic grip makes sense when the original grip has aged, when you want a different thickness or a different material feel, or when you prefer a leather grip over standard PU foam.
When to replace the basic grip?
The basic grip is more durable than an overgrip but also has a lifespan. When it feels hard, smooth or uneven, that affects the overgrip on top of it. A poor basic grip makes even a new overgrip less effective. Replace the basic grip when you notice irregularity in the thickness or when the material has lost its elasticity.
Materials and what they do
PU foam basic grip: the standard material in most factory grips. Soft, light and pleasant in the hand. Good for players who want a filled, comfortable grip. Less suited for players who want to feel the edges of the handle clearly for technical adjustments between forehand, backhand and volley.
Leather basic grip: stiffer and harder than PU. The edges of the handle are more perceptible, making the technical grip position easier to adjust between shots. Less absorbent, so better suited in combination with an absorbent overgrip.
The relationship between basic grip and padel elbow
A too-thin basic grip combined with a thin overgrip gives a total handle thickness where you need constant muscle tension in the forearm to maintain control. That chronic tension is a direct trigger for epicondylitis. By choosing the right basic grip thickness as a starting point, you lay the foundation for a total handle thickness that suits your hand. That protects the elbow structurally, session after session.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to remove the basic grip before applying an overgrip?
No. The overgrip goes over the basic grip. You only remove the basic grip when you want to replace it with a different basic grip.
How do I know which size basic grip I need?
Padel handles come in standard size L1 or L2. Check the specifications of your racket. The basic grip you buy must match the handle size of your racket.
Is a leather basic grip better than PU?
Not better, but different. Leather gives more feel for the edges of the handle, which technically advanced players appreciate. PU is softer and more comfortable for longer sessions. Which you choose depends on your playing style and personal preference.