Do I need a frame protector on my padel racket?

It's not required, but it protects the edge from scrapes on the floor and glass, and only adds about 6 g.

Padel grips, overgrips and frame protectors

The small things that make a racket last. An overgrip is a thin tape wrapped over the handle for grip and sweat; frame tape protects the edge of the racket from the walls and the floor.

Updated 30 September 2026. No sponsored picks: we don't sell kit and nobody paid to be mentioned.

Illustration: a padel racket with a fresh overgrip on the handle and a roll of overgrip tape

Short answer: an overgrip is a thin tape wrapped over the handle's base grip for tack and sweat. Change it whenever it feels slippery or worn; the brand NOX suggests every three or four matches if you sweat a lot. Frame tape protects the edge of the racket from scrapes on the floor and glass.

Grip vs overgrip

The grip (or base grip) is the cushioned layer wrapped around the handle when the racket is made. An overgrip is a thinner tape that goes on top of it, for extra tack and to soak up sweat. Overgrips wear out much faster and are replaced far more often; the base grip only needs replacing when it's worn through or has lost its cushioning.

How often should you change an overgrip?

There's no set rule: it depends on how much you sweat, the weather and the overgrip itself. As a guide, the brand NOX says an overgrip starts to lose its properties after three or four matches. If it's shiny, slippery or you're gripping harder to hold on, it's time. Some players keep a spare in the bag and change it mid-session in summer.

How to put on an overgrip

Unwind the old overgrip and peel off any leftover tape.
Peel the backing off the new one and start at the bottom of the handle, with the tapered end against the butt.
Wind it up the handle at a slight angle, overlapping each turn by a few millimetres and keeping it tight.
Stop where the handle meets the frame, cut off any excess at an angle and fix the end with the finishing tape.

Frame protector tape

Frame protector tape runs around the top edge of the racket. It stops scrapes and chips when the racket clips the floor or the glass, which happens a lot in padel. It adds about 6 g, so a heavy racket gets slightly heavier. Many rackets come with one fitted.

Racket covers

A racket cover is a padded sleeve for a single racket. The LTA's guide calls it great for protecting and carrying one racket, and it's the cheapest way to keep your racket from being scratched in a sports bag.

Questions people ask

How often should I change my padel overgrip?: There's no set rule. When it feels slippery or worn; the brand NOX suggests every three or four matches as a guide.
Do I need a frame protector on my padel racket?: It's not required, but it protects the edge from scrapes on the floor and glass, and only adds about 6 g.