Tennis overgrips: pick the feel that keeps your racket in hand
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Wilson Pro Overgrip (12 pack). Best for: Players who want a thin grip with a soft feel. See options on Amazon
- Tourna Grip XL Original (3 pack). Best for: Players whose hands sweat. See options on Amazon
- Tourna Mega Tac (10 pack). Best for: Players who want a tacky feel that lasts. See options on Amazon
Overgrip or replacement grip
A replacement grip is the base layer that comes on the handle. An overgrip is a thin wrap that goes over it and is changed more often. Tourna sells both: its Classic Tour Grip is a 1.75 mm replacement grip, while Tourna Grip and Mega Tac are overgrips.
Dry feel or tacky
Overgrips come in two broad feels. A tacky grip feels slightly sticky in a dry hand. A dry-feel grip feels smooth at first and relies on handling sweat.
Tourna says Tourna Grip Original starts with a dry feel and becomes tackier once you start sweating, and that its design wicks moisture through the grip instead of back onto your hand. Tourna describes Mega Tac as extra tacky and says most tacky grips lose their tack in about 30 minutes, while Mega Tac lasts about 10 to 14 hours under normal playing conditions. Wilson describes its Pro Overgrip as super thin, high-stretch felt that keeps its feel for an extended period.
Going by Tourna's descriptions, players whose hands sweat a lot may start with a dry-feel grip, and players with dry hands who want more hold may try a tacky one.
Compare the three picks
| Overgrip | Feel | Pack and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Pro Overgrip | Thin, high-stretch | 12 grips; each with a finishing tape strip |
| Tourna Grip Original | Dry feel, tackier with sweat | 3 XL grips; finishing tape; made in the USA |
| Tourna Mega Tac | Extra tacky | 10 XL grips; finishing tape; made in the USA |
These details come from Wilson's and Tourna's product pages. We have not tested these grips.
How to put one on
Take off the old overgrip and its tape first, then follow the wrapping directions on the pack. Wilson says each Pro Overgrip comes with a thin strip of tape that is easy to apply after you wrap the grip around the handle, and both Tourna packs include finishing tape.
Pack sizes and other sports
Buying a larger pack lowers how often you reorder. Wilson sells the Pro Overgrip in 3 and 12 packs; Tourna sells Tourna Grip and Mega Tac in packs from 3 to 50 grips. Tourna says its grips also work on pickleball paddles, badminton and squash racquets and other handles. Check the pack count on the listing before you buy.
Grip size and arm pain
MedlinePlus says tennis elbow is common in people who play a lot of tennis or other racket sports. Its first step is to rest the arm for 2 or 3 weeks and avoid or change the activity that causes symptoms. If your tennis elbow is from sport, it suggests asking your provider about your technique and checking your equipment, and notes that changing the grip size of the racket may help. See a provider if it is the first time you have had these symptoms or home care does not help.
What to look for when you buy
Wilson Pro Overgrip (12 pack)
Best for: Players who want a thin grip with a soft feel
Wilson describes super thin, high-stretch felt, calls it the standard for overgrips in today's game, and includes a finishing tape strip with each of the 12 grips.
Watch out: Wilson sells several Pro Overgrip versions, including perforated and comfort; check the item number WRZ4016 and color on the listing.
See options on AmazonTourna Grip XL Original (3 pack)
Best for: Players whose hands sweat
Tourna says the grip starts with a dry feel, gets tackier as you sweat and wicks moisture through the grip. The pack has 3 XL grips with finishing tape, made in the USA.
Watch out: It feels dry, not sticky, when you first wrap it; choose Mega Tac if you want tack from the start.
See options on AmazonTourna Mega Tac (10 pack)
Best for: Players who want a tacky feel that lasts
Tourna calls Mega Tac extra tacky and says it keeps its tack about 10 to 14 hours under normal playing conditions, versus about 30 minutes for most tacky grips. The pack has 10 XL grips with finishing tape, made in the USA.
Watch out: The lasting-tack figure is Tourna's own claim; sweaty hands may prefer a dry-feel grip.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the difference between an overgrip and a replacement grip?
- A replacement grip is the base layer on the handle. An overgrip is a thin wrap over it that you change more often.
- Is a tacky or dry overgrip better?
- It depends on your hands. Tourna says its dry-feel Tourna Grip gets tackier as you sweat; tacky grips like Mega Tac feel sticky from the start.
- How long does a tacky overgrip stay tacky?
- Tourna says most tacky grips lose their tack in about 30 minutes of play, and that its Mega Tac lasts about 10 to 14 hours under normal playing conditions.
- Can I use a tennis overgrip on a pickleball paddle?
- Tourna says its grips also work on pickleball paddles. Check that the grip length suits the handle.
- Can grip size affect tennis elbow?
- MedlinePlus says changing the grip size of the racket may help if tennis elbow is from playing tennis. Ask your provider.
Sources
- Pro Overgrip 12 Pack (wilson.com), Wilson
- Tourna Grip XL Original Dry Feel Tennis Grip - 3 Pack (tourna.com), Tourna
- Tourna Mega Tac Extra Tacky Overgrip, 10-Pack (tourna.com), Tourna
- Tennis elbow (medlineplus.gov), NIH / MedlinePlus