How to Regrip Your Pickleball Paddle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fresh grip, better feel, fewer slips. Regripping your pickleball paddle takes about ten minutes, and the payoff shows up on your first dink. In this MintSport guide, you will learn the tools to gather, how to remove the old grip, the right way to wrap a new one, and simple checks that keep your handle tidy and secure. The process works for standard grips, overgrips, and cushioned handle wrap.

What you will need

• Replacement pickleball paddle grip or handle wrap
• Optional overgrip for extra tack or sweat control
• Scissors or a utility knife
• Finishing tape, most grips include a strip
• A small piece of double-sided tape, optional but helpful
• Clean towel and rubbing alcohol for quick handle prep

Tip: If your hands sweat a lot, choose a tacky overgrip and plan to replace it more often. If you want shock absorption, pick a cushioned wrap with a perforated surface.

Step 1: Remove the old grip and clean the handle

1. Peel off the finishing tape at the top of the handle.
2. Unwind the old grip slowly. If it tears, do not worry, just keep peeling.
3. Scrape away leftover adhesive with your fingers.
4. Wipe the bare handle with a towel lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol. Let it dry.

Why this matters: a clean handle lets the new wrap lie flat, which prevents lumps and reduces hot spots during play.

Step 2: Decide between a base grip and an overgrip

• Base grip: Thicker, often cushioned. Best when the original grip is worn or slippery.
• Overgrip: Thinner, designed to go over a base layer. Great for adding tack, absorbing sweat, or making a small size tweak without bulk.

If your handle already feels right in size, use an overgrip. If the core wrap is damaged or slick, start fresh with a full replacement base grip.

Step 3: Find your starting angle

Most grips come with a tapered end and an adhesive strip on the underside.

• Hold the paddle with the face pointing up.
• Place the tapered end at the butt cap, slightly overlapping the lip to guard the edge.
• Angle the strip so the first wrap forms a snug collar around the butt without wrinkling.

Optional: add a small square of double-sided tape on the butt cap to lock the first turn in place. It makes the entire job easier.

Step 4: Wrap with even tension

1. Begin turning the paddle while guiding the grip upward.
2. Maintain light, even tension. Pull enough to keep the material flat, not so hard that it stretches thin.
3. Overlap each turn by about one eighth to one quarter of an inch. Keep the overlap consistent to avoid ridges.
4. Check alignment every few turns. If the edges drift or wrinkle, back up and smooth them out.

Pro tip: watch the seam. A straight seam usually means a clean spiral and a comfortable feel in the hand.

Step 5: Finish clean at the top

1. Stop wrapping when you reach the top of the handle where the throat begins.
2. Mark the excess at an angle that matches your final turn.
3. Cut along the mark with scissors.
4. Secure the end with the included finishing tape. Wrap the tape around the top a couple of times for a neat band.

If your kit includes a branded collar, slide it down over the finishing tape for extra hold and a clean look.

Step 6: Add an overgrip if you want more tack or size

• Start at the butt cap again.
• Use the same light tension and overlap method.
• Test every few wraps. If the handle is getting too thick, unwind a turn and reduce overlap.

Stacking an overgrip on a fresh base grip is a popular way to dial in size without committing to a thicker core wrap.

Step 7: Set the grip and test

• Press along the seam from bottom to top to help the adhesive bond.
• Let the paddle sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the wrap settles.
• Do a quick on-court feel check. Hit dinks, drives, and a few serves. Make sure your hand does not slide and the butt cap feels protected.

How to choose the right grip material

• Tacky polymer: Best for humid days and sweat control. Great feel with one overgrip on top.
• Dry feel, perforated: Wicks moisture and stays steady over long sessions.
• Cushioned foam core: Adds comfort and a touch of shock reduction.
• Textured patterns: Improve traction without relying solely on tack.

If you struggle with blisters, look for a softer cushion layer and keep overlap smooth. If you need more wrist action for spin, try a thinner wrap for better feedback.

Sizing and thickness tips

• A grip that is too small makes you squeeze harder, which can cause forearm fatigue.
• A grip that is too large reduces wrist mobility and touch.
• Use an overgrip to fine-tune. One layer usually increases size by a small step while adding tack.

A quick rule: if your fingertips dig into your palm when holding the handle normally, add an overgrip or switch to a thicker wrap.

Troubleshooting

• Ridges or bumps: Your overlap changed. Unwind a few turns, smooth, and rewrap with steadier spacing.
• Peeling edge: Add a short strip of finishing tape across the seam, then wrap the band around the top again.
• Slippery feel in heat: Swap to a tacky or perforated overgrip. Carry a spare in your bag.
• Too thick after wrapping: Re-do with less overlap, or remove the overgrip and try a thinner model.

Care and replacement

• Wipe the handle after play with a dry towel.
• Rotate your paddle in hand between points to let sweat evaporate.
• Replace an overgrip as soon as it looks shiny or feels slick.
• Replace the base grip when cushioning compresses or the surface tears.

Regular refresh keeps control high and helps prevent small slips that turn into mishits.

FAQ

How often should I replace my grip?

Overgrips may last a few sessions in hot weather. Base grips can last months if you keep them clean. Replace when tack fades, edges lift, or you feel hard spots.

Can I stack more than one overgrip?

Yes, but go slowly. Two thin overgrips can work for bigger hands. Test between layers to avoid over-building the handle.

Do I need adhesive on the handle first?

Not required. Most modern wraps include a tacky underside. A tiny square of double-sided tape at the butt cap is optional for security.

What if I cut the end too short?

Do an extra half turn to cover the top, then lock it with finishing tape. The collar will hide small mistakes.

Will regripping void my paddle warranty?

Regripping is considered normal maintenance. Avoid cutting into the paddle face or throat and you will be fine.

Ready to upgrade your handle feel today? Pick a fresh pickleball paddle grip, add a sweat-friendly handle wrap, and keep a couple of spare overgrips in your bag. MintSport stocks proven options that wrap clean and last. Explore the collection of pickleball accessories and set your paddle up for confident swings in any weather.