The big purchases in pickleball are paddles, shoes and bags, and my other guides cover those. This one is about the small things: the replacement grip that makes an old paddle feel new, the wristband that stops sweat running into your palm, and the keychain or bottle opener that makes a good gift for the player in your life. They are cheap, they are easy to ship and they are the items most players forget until they need them.
This guide covers thirteen of them, sold in the Philippines through PickleballPH, from ₱450 to ₱5,600. It is a research guide based on the listings, not a hands-on test. Some were in stock and some were not, and I have marked which.
Replacement grips: five options
A replacement grip goes under an overgrip. It is the base layer that you wrap onto the bare handle of the paddle, and it is what you feel when you take the overgrip off. If your factory grip has gone smooth, cracked or sticky in the wrong way, replacing it is the cheapest way to bring a paddle back. It takes more effort than an overgrip, because you have to peel off the old grip, but it is a ten-minute job.
| Grip | Pack | Listed price | In stock |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOOLA Feel-Tec Pure Grip | Replacement grip tape | ₱1,050 | Yes |
| CRBN Replacement Grip | 3 grips | ₱800 | Yes |
| CRBN Replacement Grip, 32 in | 3 grips | ₱800 | Yes |
| SELKIRK Comfort Replacement Grip | 1 grip | ₱490 | No |
| SELKIRK Cushion Contour Replacement Grip | 1 grip | ₱490 | No |
The JOOLA Feel-Tec Pure Grip at ₱1,050 is described as restoring the tacky feel of a new paddle while pulling moisture from your palms. JOOLA notes that the gray tape will look familiar, because it is the original grip on the Ben Johns Perseus, Collin Johns Scorpeus and Anna Bright Scorpeus paddles. It was in stock.
The CRBN Replacement Grips at ₱800 come three to a package and are made from a premium elastomer that is meant to absorb moisture, cushion and reduce hand fatigue. There is also a 32-inch version at the same price. Both were in stock, and at about ₱267 a grip, they are the best value of the replacement options.
Selkirk sells two replacement grips at ₱490 each. The Comfort Grip offers cushioning and sweat absorption, and the Cushion Contour Grip has ridges that let you feel where the grip is in your hand, which Selkirk says helps beginners learn intuitive paddle positioning. Both were out of stock.
Wristbands: three options
Wristbands do two jobs: they stop sweat from running down your forearm into your palm, and they give you something to wipe your brow on. The CRBN Wristband at ₱600 is a set of two 4-inch terry loop bands, embroidered with the CRBN logo, made of 72% cotton, 22% nylon, 4% rubber and 2% spandex, in white or black. The Paddletek Wristband at ₱550 is a 2-pack of 100% cotton, 8 by 8 centimeters, with the Paddletek icon in several colors. The JOOLA Trinity Wristband at ₱450 is made from soft, elastic, moisture-wicking polyester.
All three were out of stock. Cotton absorbs more, polyester dries faster, and which you prefer depends on whether you want a sponge or a quick-dry band. If you sweat heavily, cotton is the more absorbent option, and you should carry a spare pair.
CRBN Bottle Opener: the useful gift
The CRBN Bottle Opener at ₱750 is a compact tool made from 304 stainless steel, shaped like a pickleball paddle and laser engraved with the CRBN branding. The listing says it is corrosion and scratch resistant, pocket-friendly and keychain compatible. It was in stock. It is the sort of gift that gets used after the game, and it is among the few small accessories on this list that is in stock.
Paddle keychains: the collectible gift
JOOLA sells two collectible keychains, both in the form of mini paddles. The Pro V Keychain at ₱580 is a miniature replica of the Pro V paddles in Agassi, Hyperion, Kosmos, Perseus and Scorpeus versions. The Pro IV Keychain at ₱600 adds a small ball and comes in Agassi, Graf, Hyperion, Magnus, Perseus and Scorpeus designs. Both were out of stock.
They are a fun, cheap gift for a player who loves a specific paddle, and they hang from a bag zipper or a key ring. Choose the one that matches the recipient’s paddle shape.
CRBN Pivot Eyewear: the premium gift
At ₱5,600, the CRBN Pivot Pickleball Eyewear is the most expensive item here. The listing describes lightweight TR90 frames that switch between a full-frame and an edgeless design, with adjustable arms for a secure, non-obstructive fit, and two included FortifEYE lenses, including a photochromatic lens that goes from clear to dark with the light. It was out of stock.
Eye protection is an overlooked part of pickleball safety, because a ball can hit the face at speed, and sport lenses help with sun glare as well. If you want to give or get a serious gift, a good pair of sport eyewear is one.
RELOAD Paddle Sheets: a refresh for an RLD-1
The RELOAD Paddle Sheets at ₱1,600 are raw carbon fiber sheets made to fit the RLD-1 range of paddles. I covered the paddle in my guide to smaller brands. If you own an RLD-1, new sheets are how you refresh a worn face. They were in stock, with a stick-and-rip-it design.
Why the grip matters more than you think
The grip is the only part of the paddle that touches your hand, and a worn one costs you in three ways. It slips, so you squeeze harder and tire your forearm. It rubs, so you get blisters. And it changes your feel for the paddle, so shots you used to hit well start to drift. Players often blame their technique or their paddle when the real culprit is a slick, flattened grip. Replacing it is one of the cheapest and most effective fixes in the sport.
A good rule is to replace the base grip once a year if you play often, and to change the overgrip much more frequently, as my overgrip guide explains. The two work together: the base grip gives you cushioning and shape, and the overgrip gives you tack and sweat control.
Managing sweat on court
In Philippine humidity, sweat control is a kit, not a single item. A wristband keeps sweat off your hand, a cap or visor keeps it out of your eyes, a towel dries your hand between points, and a moisture-absorbing grip keeps the paddle from sliding. If you use just one of these, the grip is the most important, because a slippery paddle affects every shot. Add the others as your sessions get longer. My guide to visors, hats and towels covers the rest.
Gift tips
- Match the brand. A player who uses a CRBN paddle will probably like a CRBN accessory.
- Check the paddle shape. Keychains come in specific shapes, so pick the one they use.
- Think consumable. Grips, wristbands and tape get used up, so they are always welcome.
- Add a note on size. If you buy a wristband or hat, check the size.
- Check stock. Many of these were sold out, so order early.
Looking after small accessories
Wristbands should be rinsed after use and air dried, because cotton holds sweat and starts to smell if it stays damp. Keep grips in their packs until you use them, away from heat, since adhesive can degrade. Wipe a bottle opener clean, and keep eyewear in a case or a soft pouch to avoid scratches. A few small habits keep cheap items working for a long time.
Questions players ask
Do I need a replacement grip or just an overgrip? An overgrip is enough for most players. Replace the base grip when it is worn through, cracked or sticky in the wrong way.
Can I put a CRBN grip on a JOOLA paddle? The listing says CRBN grips are for replacement use on standard paddle handles, but check that the length and width fit your handle before buying.
Are wristbands worth it? If you sweat a lot, yes. They are cheap and make a noticeable difference to grip.
Gift ideas by budget
- Under ₱500: JOOLA Trinity Wristbands (₱450) or a Selkirk replacement grip (₱490).
- ₱500 to ₱1,000: a keychain (₱580 to ₱600), CRBN Wristband (₱600), CRBN Bottle Opener (₱750) or CRBN replacement grips (₱800).
- ₱1,000 to ₱2,000: JOOLA Feel-Tec Grip (₱1,050) or RELOAD sheets (₱1,600).
- Over ₱5,000: CRBN Pivot Eyewear (₱5,600).
For a bigger gift, my guides to overgrips, caps and paddle covers cover items that are more useful than decorative.
How to change a replacement grip
- Peel off the old overgrip and the old grip, and remove any leftover adhesive.
- Check the handle for damage or sharp edges.
- Start at the butt cap end with the adhesive side down, and wrap upward with light tension.
- Overlap each turn by a few millimeters and keep the angle consistent.
- Finish at the top of the handle and secure it with the tape.
- Add an overgrip on top if you want extra tack.
Which replacement grip suits you
Choose by feel. A thicker, cushioned grip, like the Selkirk Comfort or the CRBN elastomer, reduces hand fatigue and suits players with sore wrists. A thinner, tacky grip, like the JOOLA Feel-Tec, gives a more connected feel. Ridged grips like the Cushion Contour help beginners find the right hand position. If your hands sweat, pair any of them with a good overgrip, and keep a wristband handy.
My picks
- Best value grip: CRBN Replacement Grips (₱800 for three).
- Best restoring grip: JOOLA Feel-Tec Pure Grip (₱1,050).
- Best small gift in stock: CRBN Bottle Opener (₱750).
- Best collectible: JOOLA Pro IV Keychain (₱600).
- Best premium gift: CRBN Pivot Eyewear (₱5,600).
