The Best Tennis Grips in 2026

Choosing the right tennis grip can transform your game, after all the only it’s the only part of the rack players are actually in contact with during play. Whether you’re a club player dealing with sweaty hands during summer matches or an advanced competitor looking for maximum feel, the grip is your direct connection to the racket. After testing dozens of grips across different playing conditions and speaking with players at various levels, I’ve found a few that I like. That being said, grip choice is entirely personal so make sure you try a few for yourself.

Unlike tennis balls or tennis shoes that most players carefully research, grips often get overlooked. Yet this small piece of equipment directly affects every single shot you hit. Whether you’re wielding one of the best tennis rackets for beginners or have graduated to the best advanced tennis rackets, pairing your racket with the right grip ensures you get the most from your equipment.

Heads up, this is a detailed guide that we estimate will take you about 16 mins to read from start to finish. If you are interested in a specific topic, check out the contents below.

1. Wilson Pro Overgrip (Best Overall)

1. Wilson Pro Overgrip (Best Overall)

Rating: 9/10

Wilson’s Pro Overgrip has dominated tour-level tennis for years, and for good reason. Having tested this on multiple rackets including my Head Radical, I consistently return to it for reliable all-round performance. The tackiness hits a sweet spot between aggressive stickiness and natural feel. Fresh from the packet, it provides excellent grip security without that overly gummy sensation some tacky grips create. During three-set matches in typical British summer conditions (18-22°C), the tack remains consistent throughout.

Durability is impressive for a tacky overgrip. I typically get 10-12 hours of play before the surface starts losing its texture, though this varies based on how tightly you grip the racket. The 0.5mm thickness adds minimal bulk whilst providing enough cushioning to reduce vibration. Pair these with quality hard court tennis shoes and you’ve got a winning combination.

• Perfect for: Club players through to advanced competitors wanting consistent, reliable performance
• Best suited to: All playing conditions, particularly moderate UK weather
• Price range: £12-15 per 12 pack

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2. Tourna Grip Original (Best for Sweaty Hands)

2. Tourna Grip Original (Best for Sweaty Hands)

Rating: 8.5/10

Anyone who plays competitive tennis in warm weather eventually discovers Tourna Grip. Unlike tacky overgrips, this feels almost paper-like when dry, but becomes grippier as moisture increases.

I tested Tourna extensively during indoor sessions and outdoor summer play. The grip transformation when your hands start sweating is genuinely impressive. Where tacky grips become slippery, Tourna maintains security. Several players at my club swear by it for exactly this reason.

The thin profile (0.45mm) preserves handle bevels perfectly, important for players with specific grip preferences. Touch players who frequently change grips will appreciate this. However, the firm, dry feel isn’t for everyone. If you prefer cushioned, soft grips, Tourna will feel alien initially.

Durability isn’t Tourna’s strength. Expect 6-8 hours before replacement, sometimes less with heavy use. The grip also picks up dirt more readily than synthetic alternatives. Keep a spare pack in your tennis bag for quick changes.

• Perfect for: Players with sweaty hands, hot weather play, those who prefer dry grip feel
• Best suited to: Outdoor summer tennis, humid conditions
• Price range: £9-12 per 10 pack

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3. Yonex Super Grap (Best Premium Feel & Durability)

3. Yonex Super Grap (Best Premium Feel & Durability)

Rating: 8.5/10

The Super Grap offers one of the best combinations of tackiness, absorbency and longevity available. Testing it against Wilson Pro, the Yonex feels slightly firmer, which translates to enhanced feedback from the strings. This firmer characteristic benefits players who want to feel exactly what’s happening at contact. When hitting with poly strings, the Super Grap communicates string movement and ball contact more clearly than softer alternatives. Advanced players typically appreciate this; beginners might find it less forgiving.

Tack retention is excellent. Even after 12-14 hours of play, the grip maintains reasonable stickiness, outlasting most competitors in this category. The absorbency handles moderate sweating well, though it won’t match Tourna in truly humid conditions. Available in numerous colours, which matters more than you’d think when coordinating your tennis bag setup or matching your kit. The variety makes it easy to distinguish between rackets if you carry multiple frames.

• Perfect for: Intermediate to advanced players wanting premium feel and long-lasting performance
• Best suited to: All conditions, particularly for players using polyester strings
• Price range: £13-16 per 12 pack

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4. Babolat VS Original (Best For Comfort)

4. Babolat VS Original (Best For Comfort)

Rating: 8/10

At 0.4mm, the VS Original is genuinely thin, designed for players who want minimal interference between hand and handle. After wrapping this on several rackets, the bevel definition remains crisp, essential for grip changes and slice execution. The thin profile means you feel every detail of the handle underneath. For advanced players with advanced rackets who’ve precisely customised their setup, this preservation of feel is crucial. It also works brilliantly if you’ve built up grip size with multiple layers and need that final, thin wrapper.

Tackiness is moderate rather than aggressive. It provides secure hold without excessive stickiness, though very sweaty hands might find it slippery. The cushioning is minimal, so vibration transmission is higher than thicker alternatives. Durability suffers due to the thin construction. Expect 6-10 hours maximum, sometimes less if you’re hard on grips. The price reflects this, making it a premium option requiring frequent replacement.

• Perfect for: Players prioritising feel and handle precision, multiple-layer grip builders
• Best suited to: Controlled conditions, precise racket customisation situations
• Price range: £11-14 per 12 pack

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5. HEAD Prime Tour (Best Value)

5. HEAD Prime Tour (Best Value)

Rating: 7.5/10

The Prime Tour targets players wanting maximum cushioning and absorbency. At 0.7mm, it’s noticeably thicker than most overgrips, which some players love and others find cumbersome. Testing revealed excellent shock absorption. Players dealing with tennis elbow or arm discomfort often find thicker grips reduce vibration transmission. The Prime Tour delivers here, feeling plush compared to thinner alternatives. Moisture management is solid. The grip absorbs sweat effectively without becoming overly sticky or slippery. However, the tackiness is subdued compared to Wilson Pro or Yonex options.

The thickness adds approximately 1-2mm to grip size depending on wrapping tension. If you’re between grip sizes, the Prime Tour offers an alternative to adding full replacement grips to your beginner racket or intermediate racket. Durability is reasonable at 8-12 hours, though the cushioning does compress over time, losing some comfort.

• Perfect for: Club matches and players who prioritise feel over durability
• Best suited to: Hard courts, particularly smoother surfaces
• Price range: £5-7 per tube of 4

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6. Solinco Heaven (Best Textured Grip)

6. Solinco Heaven (Best Textured Grip)

Rating: 8.5/10

Solinco’s Heaven overgrip features subtle perforations and texturing that create tactile feedback under your fingers. This isn’t aggressive texturing like you’d find on some paddle sports grips, but enough to notice. During testing, the texture helped maintain grip orientation awareness. When changing between forehand and backhand grips quickly, I could feel the texture alignment, providing confirmation without looking. Volleys and touch shots felt more connected. The tackiness is good, not exceptional. Combined with the texture, it provides secure hold in most conditions.

At 0.55mm thickness, it sits between thin and cushioned options, offering reasonable feel without sacrificing too much comfort. The perforation pattern also helps with breathability, though this is more marketing than meaningful benefit. Durability is middling at 8-10 hours. The textured surface shows wear faster than smooth alternatives. Consider pairing with the same attention to detail you’d give selecting hard court tennis balls.

• Perfect for: Players wanting enhanced grip awareness, those who frequently change grips
• Best suited to: All-court play, touch-oriented players
• Price range: £12-15 per 12 pack

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7. Babolat Leather Grip (Best For Customisation)

7. Babolat Leather Grip (Best For Customisation)

Rating: 8.5/10

Leather replacement grips represent the traditional choice for players who understand racket customisation. Babolat make a good option that delivers exceptional firmness, durability, and most importantly, weight. The feel is significantly firmer than synthetic alternatives, providing direct feedback to your hand and arm. This firmness isn’t for everyone, but advanced players appreciate how clearly it communicates what’s happening at contact and how you can feel the bevels of the handle underneath. Roger Federer used leather grips throughout his career, valuing that direct connection.

The weight advantage is substantial. A leather replacement grip adds approximately 10-15 grams to your racket handle compared to synthetic alternatives. This weight in the handle shifts the balance point towards a more head-light feel, which many players prefer for manoeuvrability and comfort. If your intermediate racket feels too head-heavy, adding a leather grip can transform the balance without changing frames. Durability is outstanding, lasting months or even years with proper care. However, they require an overgrip on top as leather becomes slippery when wet.

• Perfect for: Advanced players wanting firm feel, those customising racket balance, traditionalists
• Best suited to: Players needing to add handle weight for better balance, anyone wanting maximum durability
• Price range: £15-20 per grip

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Understanding Tennis Grip Types

Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s worth understanding the different categories. Most modern players use overgrips, which wrap over the existing base grip (also called replacement grip). The base grip typically stays on your racket for months, whilst overgrips get changed every few matches.

Replacement grips (base grips) are thicker, designed to replace the original manufacturer’s grip on your racket handle. Most come in synthetic materials offering cushioning and moderate tack. Leather replacement grips, whilst less common now, provide exceptional firmness and durability but require an overgrip on top as they become slippery when wet. Roger Federer famously used a leather base grip throughout his career.

Overgrips are thin wraps applied over the base grip, typically 0.4-0.7mm thick. They serve three purposes: customising grip size, adding tackiness or absorbency, and providing a fresh surface without replacing the entire base grip. Most players change overgrips far more frequently than base grips. Think of it like changing your clay court tennis balls regularly whilst keeping the same racket.

Grip Replacement Frequency

Most recreational players change overgrips far too infrequently. Professional players change before every match; club players should consider changing after every 3-4 playing sessions.

Signs you need a new overgrip:

• Surface feels smooth or shiny
• Tackiness has diminished noticeably
• Visible dirt or discolouration
• Edges are fraying or lifting
• You’re gripping tighter to compensate

Base grips last considerably longer, typically 6-12 months depending on play frequency. Replace when the surface becomes hardened, shiny, or the cushioning flattens completely.

Application Tips

Proper application ensures maximum performance and durability.

Basic Technique

1. Remove the plastic wrapper and adhesive strip from the grip
2. Start at the butt cap, slightly overlapping the bottom edge
3. Wrap diagonally up the handle, overlapping each layer by about 2-3mm
4. Maintain consistent tension throughout
5. Finish at the top, securing with the included finishing tape

Common Mistakes

Too much overlap wastes grip length and creates bulk. Too little creates gaps where moisture collects. Inconsistent tension creates bumps and valleys that affect comfort.

Starting position matters. Beginning too high on the handle means you’ll run out of grip before reaching the top. Starting too low wastes material on the butt cap.

Matching Grips to Playing Conditions

British Summer (May-September)

Temperatures of 15-25°C with moderate humidity suit tacky grips well. Wilson Pro, Yonex Super Grap, and Wilson Sublime all perform excellently. On particularly hot days (25°C+), consider having Tourna Grip as backup.

Indoor Courts (October-April)

Controlled temperatures and low humidity make this ideal for tacky grips. The lack of sweating means grips last longer. This is when you can use thinner options like Babolat VS Original without issues.

Hot Weather / Humid Conditions

Temperatures above 25°C or high humidity demand moisture management. Tourna Grip excels here, as does HEAD Prime Tour’s absorbency. Avoid extremely tacky options that become slippery when wet.

Cold Weather (Below 10°C)

Thick, cushioned grips like HEAD Prime Tour help combat the firmness that cold creates in strings and frames. The extra cushioning reduces shock, important when your tennis balls and equipment feel harder.

Grip Customisation for Specific Situations

Building Grip Size

Players between sizes or those wanting precise control can layer grips. Start with a base grip one size smaller than target, then add overgrips until reaching desired thickness. This allows fine-tuning impossible with standard sizes.

Some players use different numbers of overgrips on different rackets in their tennis bag, matching grip size to specific playing situations or practice types.

Creating Custom Feel

Advanced players often combine grip types. A common setup uses a firm base grip (like leather) with a cushioned overgrip for optimal balance of feedback and comfort. Others combine a tacky overgrip with textured elements for enhanced feel.

The string and grip combination matters more than many players realise. Stiff poly strings often pair better with cushioned grips to offset harshness. Soft multifilaments can handle firmer grips without excessive vibration.

Grip Maintenance

Extending grip life saves money and maintains performance.

Daily Care

Wipe grips with a damp cloth after each session to remove sweat and dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals that break down grip materials. Let grips air dry completely before storing rackets in your bag.

Storage

Never leave rackets in hot cars where temperatures exceed 40°C. Heat degrades grip adhesives and materials. Store rackets at room temperature in proper tennis bags rather than leaving them loose where grips collect dust.

When Training

During practice with ball machines, grips wear faster due to extended hitting sessions. Consider using slightly cheaper grips for practice and saving premium options for matches.

Eco-Friendly Grip Options

Tennis generates significant waste, and overgrips contribute. Most are synthetic and non-biodegradable. Some manufacturers now offer more sustainable options:

Tourna Tac (formerly Gamma Supreme)

Made from natural rubber with reduced synthetic content. Performance is solid though slightly less durable than pure synthetic alternatives.

HEAD HydroSorb Cloth Grips

Uses cloth construction absorbing moisture naturally. Requires more frequent replacement but biodegrades more readily.

The environmental impact remains significant regardless. Players concerned about sustainability should focus on extending grip life through proper maintenance and consider quality over frequent cheap replacements.

Professional Player Grip Setups

Understanding pro setups provides insight, though remember professionals have different needs than recreational players.

Rafael Nadal

Uses Babolat VS Original overgrips, changing before every match. His aggressive topspin style and heavy sweating make thin, absorbent grips ideal. He typically uses multiple layers to achieve his preferred thickness.

Novak Djokovic

Favours HEAD grips, typically changing multiple times per match during five-setters. His frequent grip changes between games demonstrate how much professionals prioritise fresh tack.

Carlos Alcaraz

Uses Babolat Pro Tour overgrips, similar to many Babolat-sponsored players. The tacky feel suits his aggressive baseline game and frequent drop shots requiring touch.

These setups work for players hitting thousands of balls weekly with professional stringing and coaching. Recreational players should focus on finding what feels comfortable rather than copying pros exactly.

Budget Considerations

Quality grips aren’t expensive, but costs accumulate. A 12-pack of premium overgrips costs £12-16, lasting approximately 36-48 hours of play if changed properly. That’s roughly £3-4 per month for regular players.

Value Options

Bulk purchasing saves money. Buying three 12-packs instead of single packs often reduces per-grip cost by 15-20%. Consider splitting bulk orders with club members.

House brands from retailers like Decathlon offer acceptable performance at lower cost. They won’t match premium options but work fine for practice sessions or junior players.

When to Splurge

Match situations and tournaments justify premium grips. The psychological benefit of fresh, high-quality grips before important matches often outweighs the minimal cost difference.

Players with arm issues should invest in quality cushioned grips. The potential injury prevention easily justifies the extra £2-3 per pack.

Grips for Junior Players

Juniors have specific needs differing from adults.

Size Selection

Junior rackets typically use grip sizes 0-2 (100-108mm). As hands grow, resist adding excessive overgrips as compensation. Instead, progress to the next grip size when appropriate.

Durability

Juniors are often harder on equipment than adults. Consider durable options like Yonex Super Grap over premium thin grips that won’t last.

Colours

Don’t underestimate colour importance for younger players. Letting juniors choose grip colours from the Super Grap range increases engagement with equipment care.

Replacement Frequency

Junior grips need changing more frequently due to growth, rougher handling, and less consistent equipment care. Budget accordingly when planning equipment costs.

Common Grip Problems and Solutions

Problem: Grips become slippery mid-match

Solution: Switch to Tourna Grip for better moisture management, or ensure you’re using fresh overgrips. Slipperiness usually indicates worn-out tack.

Problem: Blisters forming on palm or fingers

Solution: Usually caused by gripping too tightly (often from wrong grip size). Try slightly thicker grips and focus on relaxing your hand between points. Cushioned options like HEAD Prime Tour may help.

Problem: Grip feels too bulky

Solution: Remove an overgrip layer or switch to thinner options like Babolat VS Original. Ensure you’re wrapping with appropriate tension rather than too loose.

Problem: Grips won’t stick properly

Solution: Clean the base grip with rubbing alcohol before applying overgrip. Ensure you’re starting with the adhesive strip properly positioned at the butt cap.

Problem: Wrapping always ends too high or too low

Solution: Practice on an old racket first. Most players improve dramatically after wrapping 3-4 grips. Starting position and overlap consistency are key.

Specialty Grips for Specific Situations

Extra Long Grips

Some manufacturers offer extended-length overgrips for two-handed players who grip high on the handle. These prevent running out of grip material before covering the entire striking area.

Perforated Grips

Beyond Solinco Heaven, brands like Wilson offer perforated variants of standard grips. The perforations improve breathability slightly and reduce weight marginally, though benefits are minimal.

Pre-Wrapped Options

Some replacement grips come pre-shaped to handle contours, eliminating application uncertainty. These suit beginners uncomfortable with wrapping technique, though they cost more and offer fewer customisation options.