Overgrip vs. Replacement Grip: What’s the Difference?
Quick answer: A replacement grip is the cushioned base wrap, about 2 mm thick, that sticks directly to the racquet handle. An overgrip is a thin layer, about 0.4–0.6 mm, wrapped on top for tack, sweat absorption and a slightly bigger handle. Change an overgrip every 5–10 hours of play and the base grip about once a year.
The grip is your only connection to the racquet, so it has a big effect on comfort and control. There are two kinds of tennis racquet grips: replacement grips and overgrips. Most players use both, one on top of the other.
What is the difference between an overgrip and a replacement grip?
| Replacement grip | Overgrip | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Directly on the handle, replacing the grip the racquet came with | Over the replacement grip |
| Typical thickness | About 2 mm (Babolat Syntec Pro: 1.9 mm) | About 0.4–0.6 mm (Babolat VS Original: 0.43 mm; Wilson Pro Overgrip: 0.6 mm) |
| Backing | Adhesive along the whole length | No adhesive backing, except usually a small strip at the tapered starting end |
| Effect on grip size | Sets your base grip size | Adds about 1/16 in, roughly half a grip size |
| Main job | Cushioning, comfort and the shape of the bevels | Tack or absorbency, a fresh feel, and protecting the base grip |
| How often to change | About once a year for most players | About every 5–10 hours of play |
| Installing it | Remove the old grip first; takes longer | Wraps over the existing grip in a couple of minutes |
Thickness examples are manufacturer specs. Replacement intervals are Babolat’s general guidance; heavy sweaters and frequent players change more often.
What is a replacement grip?
A replacement grip is applied directly to the racquet handle. It replaces the grip that came installed from the factory (the original grip). Replacement grips are thicker than overgrips, have a sticky back and offer a good amount of cushioning, so they provide most of the comfort you feel in your hand.
Think of the replacement grip as the base layer for an overgrip. Because changing it means peeling off the old grip and wrapping a new one, most players leave the base grip on and change overgrips instead. Leather replacement grips are thinner and firmer, for players who want more feel through the bevels.
What is an overgrip?
An overgrip is wrapped over the replacement grip. It’s thin, has no sticky back (although most have a small strip of adhesive at the starting end), and is designed to be changed often. Players use overgrips to get a specific feel, to slightly increase grip size, and to keep the handle feeling fresh and new-looking.
Overgrips come in many colors and in different levels of cushioning, thickness and texture: smooth, perforated or with raised ribs. Some are tacky (they feel sticky in your hand); others are dry and absorbent, which many players prefer in hot, humid weather or if they sweat a lot. It’s entirely up to you which type works best.
Should I use an overgrip, a replacement grip, or both?
- Use both if you play regularly. The overgrip takes the wear, so your base grip lasts longer.
- Change the replacement grip if it has lost its cushioning, is crumbling or slippery, or you want a different base feel such as leather.
- Add an overgrip if your hand slips, you want more tack or absorbency, or you’re between grip sizes and want to build the handle up slightly.
How often should I change my overgrip and replacement grip?
As a general rule, change your overgrip every 5–10 hours of play. Many competitive players change theirs much more often, some before every match. Recreational players often wait too long. Change it sooner if you notice any of these signs:
- It has lost its tack and the racquet feels slippery.
- It’s frayed, torn, discolored or noticeably thinner.
- It stays damp or feels hard and flattened.
- You’re getting blisters.
Replacement grips last much longer, especially under an overgrip. About once a year is a good rule for most players. Change it sooner if it crumbles, loses its texture, or no longer absorbs sweat. It’s hard to hit a good stroke, or control your shots, if you can’t hold onto your racquet.
How do I put on an overgrip?
It takes a couple of minutes, and all you need is a pair of scissors:
- Unroll the overgrip. Unroll the overgrip and remove the plastic film. Set the finishing tape aside.
- Peel the adhesive tab. Remove the backing from the adhesive strip on the tapered end, if your overgrip has one.
- Start at the butt cap. Place the tapered end at the bottom of the handle on a short bevel, angled upward. Right-handers usually pull the grip to the right with the racquet upside down; left-handers pull to the left.
- Wrap up the handle. Wrap it around the handle, overlapping about 1/16 inch each turn. Pull as tightly as you like: the tighter you pull, the thinner it will feel.
- Trim the end. When you reach the top of the handle, cut off the excess at an angle so the end sits flat.
- Secure it. Wrap the finishing tape around the end of the overgrip to hold it in place.
Does an overgrip change my grip size?
Yes, slightly. A typical overgrip adds about 1/16 inch to the circumference, roughly half a grip size. A heat-shrink sleeve under the grip adds about 1/8 inch, a full size. That’s why we suggest that players between sizes buy the smaller grip and add an overgrip. See How to measure tennis racquet grip size and Increasing your tennis racquet grip size.
The bottom line
Which overgrip or replacement grip you prefer is a personal choice. What matters is replacing them regularly, so your racquet never slips in your hand. Shop overgrips and replacement grips, and if you have questions, contact us. We’re always happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
Is an overgrip the same as a replacement grip?
No. A replacement grip is the thicker, cushioned base grip (about 2 mm) with an adhesive back that wraps directly onto the handle. An overgrip is a thin layer (about 0.4–0.6 mm) wrapped over it for tack, sweat absorption and a fresh feel, and it is changed much more often.
Can you put an overgrip directly on the handle?
It isn’t recommended. Overgrips are thin and have no adhesive backing, so on a bare handle they give little cushioning and can slip. Wrap them over a replacement grip.
How often should you change an overgrip?
About every 5–10 hours of play, or sooner if it loses its tack, frays, stays damp or causes blisters. Players who sweat heavily may need a fresh one every session.
How often should you change a replacement grip?
About once a year for most players, sooner if it crumbles, loses its texture or cushioning, or no longer absorbs sweat. Using an overgrip on top helps it last longer.
Does an overgrip make the grip bigger?
Yes. A typical overgrip adds about 1/16 inch to the handle circumference, roughly half a grip size. A heat-shrink sleeve adds about 1/8 inch, a full size.