The cheapest upgrade you can make to your pickleball game costs less than a coffee. A fresh overgrip changes how the paddle feels in your hand, and a paddle that slips, twists or rubs a blister into your palm costs you points no matter how good the face is. Most players ignore the grip until it is slick and worn through, and by then they have been playing worse for weeks without knowing why.
This guide compares five overgrips sold in the Philippines through PickleballPH, from a ₱185 three-pack to a ₱765 four-pack. It is a research guide based on product listings and the published reviews of other testers, not a hands-on test, and I have marked where the information is the manufacturer’s claim.
What an overgrip does
An overgrip is a thin wrap that goes over the grip already on your paddle. Its job is to give you traction, absorb sweat and add a little cushion. Replacing it is much cheaper than replacing the factory grip, and it is quick: you peel off the old one, start wrapping from the bottom of the handle, and finish with the tape that comes in the pack.
Overgrips differ in three ways that matter. Tack is how sticky the surface feels, which helps if you want the paddle to stay put. Absorbency is how well it handles sweat, which matters a lot in Philippine humidity. Thickness changes the size of the handle: a thicker wrap adds cushion but makes the grip bigger, and a thinner wrap feels more connected to the paddle.
| Overgrip | Pack | Listed price | Approx. per grip | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBPH Tacky Overgrip | 3 | ₱185 | ₱62 | Tacky surface |
| PBPH Pro Dri-Grip | 3 | ₱310 | ₱103 | 0.6mm, sweat-wicking |
| SELKIRK Tacky Overgrip | 3 | ₱500 | ₱167 | Tacky, moisture absorption |
| CRBN DryTec Overgrip | 4 | ₱710 | ₱178 | 0.6mm, tacky and soft |
| JOOLA Premium Overgrip | 4 | ₱765 | ₱191 | Tacky, moisture-absorbing |
Prices are the peso prices listed at PickleballPH at the time of writing. Some listings were showing as sold out, so check the current stock.
PBPH Tacky Overgrip: the cheapest way to try a fresh grip
The PBPH Tacky Overgrip is listed at ₱185 for a three-pack, which works out to about ₱62 per grip. It is the cheapest option here by a wide margin. The listing describes a tacky surface that adds grip and a more secure connection between your hand and the handle, and it is designed to wrap over your existing grip.
The listing does not give a thickness, so I cannot tell you how it compares to the others on cushion. What I can say is that it is the one to buy if you want to try an overgrip for the first time without spending much, or if you go through grips quickly and want a cheap supply. For a ₱185 pack, there is little to lose.
PBPH Pro Dri-Grip: the sweat-focused value pick
At ₱310 for three, the PBPH Pro Dri-Grip costs about ₱103 per grip and is the only budget option that lists a thickness: 0.6mm, which is a comfortable and responsive feel without much bulk. The listing says it is engineered to reduce vibration and wick away sweat, and that it is compatible with all paddle brands.
For most players in a hot, humid country, this is the sweet spot of the list. The price is low, the thickness is a standard 0.6mm, and the pitch is built around keeping your hands dry through long matches. It also comes in a resealable pack, which helps the spare grips stay fresh.
SELKIRK Tacky Overgrip: the brand-name tacky option
The SELKIRK Tacky Overgrip is listed at ₱500 for a three-pack, about ₱167 each. The listing promises superior grip and feel, along with moisture absorption and durability. It is a straightforward tacky overgrip from one of the biggest paddle brands.
The thickness is not listed, and the listing is short on details, so there is not much to separate it from the cheaper tacky options except the brand name. If you already use a Selkirk paddle and like to keep your gear matched, it is a reasonable choice. If you are buying only on performance, the cheaper PBPH options give you similar claims for much less.
CRBN DryTec Overgrip: the cushioned all-rounder
The CRBN DryTec Overgrip, at ₱710 for four, works out to about ₱178 each. CRBN lists it at 0.6mm and says it blends tackiness and softness for a secure yet comfortable feel. The pitch is shock and moisture absorption: it is designed to wick moisture and soften impact so your hand stays locked in during fast play.
It is also designed for quick, hassle-free installation. If you are replacing a worn-out stock grip, it is a good upgrade. The extra grip in the four-pack helps too, because you get one more wrap for the price than the three-pack options.
JOOLA Premium Overgrip: the premium pick
The JOOLA Premium Overgrip is the most expensive option here at ₱765 for four, about ₱191 each. The listing describes a tacky surface that gives enhanced traction for controlled shots and moisture-absorbing technology that wicks away sweat and humidity. It wraps over your existing handle, and the pack includes finishing tape. It comes in gray and pink.
It is not much more than the CRBN, and the brand is one of the most common in the Philippines, which means the replacement is easy to find. Unlike some options, the listing does not give a thickness, so I cannot say how it compares on cushion.
What the international testers say
Local listings are limited in what they tell you, so I also looked at what the major international testers say about the best overgrips. The opinions are mixed. Some pick the Gamma Supreme as the best overall for its cushioned, tacky feel, and others point to Tourna Grip as the best for sweaty hands. The Yonex Super Grap gets credit as a value pick and a cushioned feel, and the Wilson Pro gets credit as a thin, connected feel.
The honest takeaway is that there is no single winner, and several of those sites are affiliate-driven. Those brands are also harder to find in the Philippines than the ones on this list. If you can get hold of them, they are worth a try. Otherwise, the options above cover the same categories: tacky, dry and cushioned.
Overgrip or replacement grip?
A replacement grip, such as the CRBN and SELKIRK replacement grips sold in the same store, goes on after you strip the factory grip down to the handle. It is thicker and more cushioned, and it is meant to last longer. An overgrip is thinner and goes on top of whatever is already there. For most players, overgrips are the better routine: they are cheap, fast to change, and you can swap them as often as you need. Replacement grips make more sense when the base grip is worn through, or when you want a permanently thicker handle.
One note on handle size. Each overgrip layer adds a little thickness, and a second layer on top of a worn first layer can make the handle too large for comfort. If your hands are small, take the old overgrip off before you wrap the new one.
What it costs over a season
The per-grip price looks tiny, but it adds up if you change often. Take a player who changes their overgrip every two weeks. Over a year that is about 26 grips. At the PBPH Tacky price of roughly ₱62 each, that costs around ₱1,600. At the PBPH Pro Dri-Grip price of about ₱103 each, it is closer to ₱2,700. At the JOOLA price of about ₱191 each, it is around ₱5,000.
That does not mean the cheapest option is the right one. A grip you like and that keeps your hand dry is worth extra money, and for some players the cost difference is small compared with what they spend on paddles and court fees. But if you are changing grips often because of sweat, the cheaper packs let you do it without worrying about the cost.
Common mistakes
- Wrapping too loosely. A loose wrap bunches up and slides, so keep light tension throughout.
- Waiting too long. A slick grip makes you squeeze harder, which tires your forearm and can hurt your timing.
- Stacking layers. Too many layers make the handle too big, so remove the old overgrip first.
- Ignoring the tape. The finishing tape keeps the end from peeling, so use it.
- Leaving paddles in the heat. A hot car can soften the adhesive and loosen the wrap.
How to choose
- Sweaty hands: Pick a grip that is built for moisture, such as the PBPH Pro Dri-Grip, CRBN DryTec or JOOLA Premium.
- You like a sticky feel: The PBPH Tacky or SELKIRK Tacky are made for it.
- You want cushion: Look for a thicker wrap or the softer feel the CRBN DryTec describes.
- You want a thin, connected feel: Choose a 0.6mm grip and wrap it tightly.
- You are on a tight budget: The PBPH options give you a fresh grip for as little as ₱62.
How to put one on
- Remove the old overgrip and peel off any leftover adhesive.
- Start at the bottom of the handle with the sticky end and the tapered end pointing toward the paddle face.
- Wrap upward at an angle with light tension, overlapping each turn by a few millimeters.
- Finish at the top of the handle and secure it with the finishing tape.
- Squeeze and twist the grip a few times to settle it.
Do it carefully and the grip will not bunch or slide. A rushed wrap leaves gaps and wrinkles that you will feel on every swing.
When to change your overgrip
There is no fixed schedule, but a few signs tell you it is time. The surface feels smooth or slick, it looks shiny, it starts to peel at the edges, or you notice yourself squeezing the handle harder to hold on. If you play several times a week in a hot climate, plan on changing it every few weeks. If you play casually, every couple of months may be enough.
Keep a spare in your bag. A new grip takes a minute to install, and it is much better than finishing a session with a slippery handle.
My picks
- Best budget: PBPH Tacky Overgrip (₱185 for three). Cheap enough to replace often.
- Best value: PBPH Pro Dri-Grip (₱310 for three). A listed 0.6mm thickness and a focus on sweat.
- Best cushion: CRBN DryTec (₱710 for four). It is built around softness and shock absorption.
- Best premium: JOOLA Premium (₱765 for four). Tacky, moisture-absorbing and easy to find.
- Best for Selkirk paddles: SELKIRK Tacky (₱500 for three).
If you are also choosing a new paddle, my reviews of the Enflexy Noir and Enflexy Mjolnir both talk about handle feel, and either one is a good candidate for a fresh overgrip.
