Pickleball is a fantastic activity for exercising and socializing with friends. But like any sport, it’s important to keep your equipment in good condition. Regular re-gripping is one of the most crucial things you can do to keep your pickleball paddle perfect.
Over time, your paddle’s grip may wear out, get dirty, or lose its cushioning and tackiness. This can affect your comfort, control, and performance on the court. Fortunately, re-gripping a pickleball paddle is not a difficult task and can be done at home with some basic tools and materials.
In this article, we will show you how to re-grip a pickleball paddle step by step, as well as the benefits of doing so and some frequently asked questions.
New grip of Pickleball Paddle
You can use a new grip, which is thicker and replaces the original grip, or an over grip, which is thinner and goes over the existing grip. You can find different types of grips online or at sports stores, such as cushioned, perforated, tacky, or textured grips, you will need the following items to re-grip your pickleball paddle:
Once you have gathered these items, follow these steps to re-grip your pickleball paddle:
Tips for Choosing Material
Here are some additional tips for gathering your materials:
1. Make sure that you have enough grips to wrap around the entire handle of your paddle. You may need to purchase two grips if your paddle has a long handle.
2. If you are using grip tape, make sure that you purchase a roll that is the same width as your paddle handle.
3. If you are not sure what type of grip to get, ask a salesperson at your local sporting goods store for recommendations. Now, just move toward the actual procedure to replace the grip.
How to replace a pickleball paddle grip
Re-gripping a pickleball paddle is a simple process that can help improve your comfort and control while playing. Here’s a more detailed explanation of each step on how to re-grip a pickleball paddle:
1. Remove the Old Grip Tape
Start by cutting the old grip tape at the end of the handle using scissors or a utility knife. Then, slowly peel off the old tape from the handle. There are any staples or nails holding the tape in place, use pliers to carefully remove them. Take your time to avoid damaging the paddle handle.
2. Clean the Handle
After removing the old grip tape, it’s important to clean the handle to ensure good adhesion for the new grip tape. Use a damp cloth or alcohol wipes to clean the handle surface, removing any dirt, sweat, or residue left from the old tape. Allow the handle to dry completely before proceeding.
3. Start Wrapping the New Grip
Begin wrapping the new grip tape from the bottom of the handle. Leave about an inch of extra tape at the end, as this will help secure the grip later. Ensure that the grip tape is aligned with the edge of the handle to ensure a neat and uniform appearance.
As you wrap, make sure to keep the grip tape tight and even. Overlapping each turn by about 1/8 of an inch will help prevent gaps and create a smooth surface.
4. Secure the Top End
Continue wrapping the grip tape up the handle until you reach the top. When you’ve covered the entire handle, cut off any excess tape using scissors or a utility knife to secure the end of the grip tape, you have a few options:
Use finishing tape or electrical tape to wrap around the top end, creating a neat and secure finish. If the grip tape has an adhesive backing, you can tuck the end under the previous layer of grip tape for a clean look.
5. Finish the Bottom End
Trim any excess tape at the bottom of the handle and fold it over the butt cap (the rounded end of the handle). This helps cover the butt cap for a polished appearance. Just like at the top end, you can use finishing tape or electrical tape to seal the folded-over grip tape securely in place.
By following these steps, you will have successfully re-gripped your pickleball paddle. The new grip will offer improved comfort, traction, and control while playing, allowing you to enjoy a better overall experience on the court. Remember to take your time during the process to ensure a professional-looking and effective re-grip.
Benefits of Re-gripping a Pickleball Paddle
Re-gripping a pickleball paddle can have several benefits for your game, such as:
1. Improving your comfort and reducing hand fatigue by providing a softer and smoother surface for your palm and fingers.
2. Enhancing your control and accuracy by increasing the friction and grip between your hand and the paddle.
3. Customize your paddle’s handle size and shape to fit your hand size and preference.
4. Refreshing your paddle’s look and feel by choosing a new color or style of grip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that people may have about re-gripping a pickleball paddle:
How often should I re-grip my pickleball paddle?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on several factors such as how often you play, how sweaty your hands are, how hard you grip the paddle, and how much you care about the condition of your grip.
However, a general rule of thumb is to re-grip your pickleball paddle at least once a year or whenever you notice signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, peeling, fading, or loss of tackiness.
How do I know what size of grip to choose for my pickleball paddle?
The size of the grip refers to the circumference of the handle, which can vary from 4 inches to 4 1/2 inches. The best way to determine the right size for you is to try different paddles and grips and see which one feels the most comfortable and natural in your hand.
You can also measure your hand by wrapping a tape measure around your palm just below your fingers and comparing it to the grip size chart below:
| Hand Size (inches) | Grip Size (inches) |
| Less than 4 | 4 |
| 4 to 4 1/8 | 4 1/8 |
| 4 1/8 to 4 1/4 | 4 1/4 |
| 4 1/4 to 4 3/8 | 4 3/8 |
| 4 3/8 to 4 1/2 | 4 1/2 |
Keep in mind that these are only approximate guidelines and that you may prefer a slightly larger or smaller grip depending on your personal preference and playing style.
How do I adjust the size of my pickleball paddle’s handle?
If you find that your pickleball paddle’s handle is too small or too large for your hand, you can adjust its size by adding or removing layers of grip tape. For example, if you want to make your handle larger, you can add an over grip on top of the existing grip or use a thicker replacement grip.
If you want to make your handle smaller, you can remove the original grip and use a thinner replacement grip or no grip at all. However, be careful not to change the size of your handle too drastically, as it may affect your balance and swing.
Conclusion
This is how you re-grip a pickleball paddle successfully. Enjoy your improved feel and control on the court. Remember to replace your grip regularly, especially if you play often or in humid conditions. A good rule of thumb is to change your grip every 40 hours of play or every six months, whichever comes first.
Remember to re-grip your pickleball paddle regularly or whenever you notice signs of wear and tear on your grip. Happy playing!
