Pickleball Paddle Accessories Explained: Grips, Overgrips, Lead Tape & More (Australia 2026)
Why Paddle Accessories Matter More Than You Think
Most pickleball players spend hours researching which paddle to buy — then wrap it in a sweaty stock grip and wonder why it slips after three games. The truth is, the accessories you put on your paddle can have just as big an impact on your game as the paddle itself. The right grip setup improves control, reduces arm fatigue, and helps you hold your technique when the pressure is on. Lead tape can change the balance, power, and swing weight of any paddle you own.
In this guide, we break down every paddle accessory available at Pickld — what it does, who it's for, and how to use it properly.
Part 1: Base Grips — The Foundation of Your Game
Your base grip is the original grip that sits directly on the paddle handle. Most paddles ship with a thin, mediocre stock grip that wears out fast and provides little cushion. Replacing it with a quality aftermarket base grip is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Pickld Hexacore Grip — Premium Cushion Grip
The Pickld Hexacore Grip is our flagship base grip, designed specifically for pickleball players who want maximum cushion, sweat absorption, and a confident feel through every dink and drive.
- Thickness: 1.8mm — substantial cushion without making the handle feel bulky
- Material: High-density foam core with a moisture-wicking outer layer
- Best for: Players with joint sensitivity, players who grip tight under pressure, anyone playing in warm or humid conditions
The hexagonal texture pattern gives the grip its name — and its function. The raised hex pattern channels sweat away from your palm while creating micro-grip points that prevent the paddle from rotating in your hand at contact.
Pro tip: Replace your base grip every 3–6 months depending on how often you play. A worn base grip feels slick and compressed — it's false economy to leave it on.
Shop the Pickld Hexacore Grip →
Pickld Hex Grip Pro 5.25" — Slim Performance Grip
The Pickld Hex Grip Pro 5.25" is a slimmer, lighter base grip for players who prefer a more direct feel — closer to the paddle with less padding between hand and handle.
- Thickness: 0.8mm — thin and direct
- Material: Perforated synthetic leather with tackifier coating
- Best for: Players who use overgrips on top, players who want maximum feedback at contact, those with larger hands
- Length: 5.25" — slightly longer than standard for players who choke down or use a two-handed backhand
Part 2: Overgrips — Freshness, Tack, and Customisation
An overgrip wraps over the top of your existing base grip. They're thinner (typically 0.5–0.7mm), cheap enough to replace frequently, and dramatically improve tack and sweat absorption. Most competitive players change their overgrip every 1–4 sessions.
Think of your base grip as the mattress, and your overgrip as the fitted sheet — you wash (or replace) the sheet regularly without replacing the whole mattress.
Gamma Sports Supreme Overgrip
The Gamma Sports Supreme Overgrip is a trusted, tour-proven overgrip used widely across both tennis and pickleball. It's tacky fresh out of the packet, absorbs moisture quickly, and lasts well through extended sessions.
- Thickness: 0.6mm
- Tack level: High (noticeably grippy when new)
- Feel: Slightly textured, not slick
- Best for: Players who sweat a lot, hot or humid conditions, players who want confident grip without squeezing hard
Available individually or in packs. At just $8 per grip, replacing it regularly is more affordable than dealing with a slipping paddle mid-game.
Pickld Grip Pack Bundle — Best Value Combo
The Pickld Grip Pack Bundle combines the Hexacore base grip with a Gamma Supreme overgrip at a bundled price. This is the easiest, most cost-effective way to completely re-grip any paddle.
Ideal for: New paddle purchases, gifts for pickleball players, anyone who hasn't re-gripped their paddle in over 6 months.
Part 3: How to Wrap an Overgrip — Step by Step
- Start at the butt cap. Most overgrips have a tapered end or adhesive tab — begin here and angle the grip slightly as you start wrapping upward.
- Maintain consistent tension. Pull the grip gently as you wrap — not so tight it stretches thin, but enough that it lies flat with no bubbles.
- Overlap by 2–3mm per wrap. Each turn should slightly overlap the previous one.
- Finish at the top of the handle. Cut or tear the grip cleanly, then secure with the finishing tape (usually included).
- Smooth it down. Run your thumb along any raised edges to press the grip flat.
The whole process takes about 90 seconds once you've done it a few times. You'll never want to play with a worn grip again.
Part 4: Lead Tape — Customise Your Paddle's Weight and Balance
Lead tape is one of the most underrated tools in any pickleball player's arsenal. A few strips can fundamentally change how your paddle feels and performs — adding swing weight, shifting the balance point, or increasing stability on off-centre hits. Unlike buying a new paddle, lead tape costs a fraction of the price and lets you experiment until you find your ideal setup.
Pickld Lead Tape for Pickleball Paddles
Our Lead Tape for Pickleball Paddles is pre-cut to pickleball-specific widths and comes in multiple length options. It's self-adhesive, easy to apply, and can be removed or adjusted without damaging your paddle.
Where to Place Lead Tape — And What Each Placement Does
At 12 o'clock (top of the paddle face): Increases overall swing weight and power. The paddle feels heavier and more stable through the ball. Best for players who want more pop on drives and smashes. Start with 2–4g and assess.
At 3 and 9 o'clock (sides of the paddle face): Increases stability and sweet spot size. When you hit off-centre, the paddle twists less. This is the most popular placement for control-oriented players. Add equal amounts to both sides to keep the paddle balanced.
At the throat (just above the handle): Increases swing weight with less change to balance point. Good for players who want more mass without dramatically changing the swing feel.
Under the grip (handle): Makes the paddle feel more head-light. Useful if you find the stock paddle too head-heavy for comfortable volleys.
How Much Lead Tape to Add
Start conservatively — 2g is a noticeable change. 4–6g is a significant change. Most players end up adding 3–8g total. If you go too heavy, the paddle becomes fatiguing to swing and your reaction time at the kitchen line suffers. Add 2g, play a full session, then decide if you want more.
Lead Tape and JOOLA Paddles
Many of our customers use lead tape to fine-tune their JOOLA paddles. The JOOLA Pro V range (Perseus, Hyperion, Scorpeus) benefits particularly well from small additions at 3 and 9 o'clock, as their carbon fibre faces reward a slightly heavier, more stable swing setup.
Shop Lead Tape for Pickleball →
Part 5: Edge Guard Tape — Protecting Your Investment
Edge guard tape wraps around the edge of your paddle to protect it from chips, cracks, and abrasion — particularly from dragging the paddle on hard courts during low dinks. Edge guard tape is especially important for high-end carbon fibre paddles. A JOOLA Perseus or Hyperion is a significant investment — a few dollars of edge protection is worth it.
Application is simple: clean the paddle edge, cut the tape to length, and press firmly. Replace it if it starts lifting at the edges.
Building Your Complete Paddle Setup
Casual / recreational player: Replace your stock base grip with the Hexacore Grip. That alone will transform how your paddle feels.
Regular club player: Hexacore base grip + Gamma Supreme Overgrip changed every 4–6 sessions. Try the Grip Pack Bundle for the best value.
Competitive / tournament player: Hex Grip Pro base + fresh Gamma Supreme every 1–2 sessions + 3–4g lead tape at 3 and 9 o'clock for stability + edge guard tape on any carbon paddle.
Shop All Pickleball Accessories at Pickld
All accessories in this guide are available at Pickld — Australia's dedicated pickleball store. We stock everything you need to play your best game, from premium JOOLA paddles to the accessories that keep them performing like new.
- Pickld Hexacore Grip — $35
- Pickld Hex Grip Pro 5.25" — $15
- Gamma Sports Supreme Overgrip — $8
- Pickld Grip Pack Bundle — $37.50
- Lead Tape for Pickleball Paddles — from $5
New to Pickld? New customers get 10% off their first order. Questions about which accessories suit your paddle or play style? Get in touch — we're happy to help.
Why Paddle Accessories Matter More Than You Think
Most pickleball players spend hours researching which paddle to buy — then wrap it in a sweaty stock grip and wonder why it slips after three games. The truth is, the accessories you put on your paddle can have just as big an impact on your game as the paddle itself. The right grip setup improves control, reduces arm fatigue, and helps you hold your technique when the pressure is on. Lead tape can change the balance, power, and swing weight of any paddle you own.
In this guide, we break down every paddle accessory available at Pickld — what it does, who it's for, and how to use it properly.
Part 1: Base Grips — The Foundation of Your Game
Your base grip is the original grip that sits directly on the paddle handle. Most paddles ship with a thin, mediocre stock grip that wears out fast and provides little cushion. Replacing it with a quality aftermarket base grip is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Pickld Hexacore Grip — Premium Cushion Grip
The Pickld Hexacore Grip is our flagship base grip, designed specifically for pickleball players who want maximum cushion, sweat absorption, and a confident feel through every dink and drive.
- Thickness: 1.8mm — substantial cushion without making the handle feel bulky
- Material: High-density foam core with a moisture-wicking outer layer
- Best for: Players with joint sensitivity, players who grip tight under pressure, anyone playing in warm or humid conditions
The hexagonal texture pattern gives the grip its name — and its function. The raised hex pattern channels sweat away from your palm while creating micro-grip points that prevent the paddle from rotating in your hand at contact.
Pro tip: Replace your base grip every 3–6 months depending on how often you play. A worn base grip feels slick and compressed — it's false economy to leave it on.
Shop the Pickld Hexacore Grip →
Pickld Hex Grip Pro 5.25" — Slim Performance Grip
The Pickld Hex Grip Pro 5.25" is a slimmer, lighter base grip for players who prefer a more direct feel — closer to the paddle with less padding between hand and handle.
- Thickness: 0.8mm — thin and direct
- Material: Perforated synthetic leather with tackifier coating
- Best for: Players who use overgrips on top, players who want maximum feedback at contact, those with larger hands
- Length: 5.25" — slightly longer than standard for players who choke down or use a two-handed backhand
Part 2: Overgrips — Freshness, Tack, and Customisation
An overgrip wraps over the top of your existing base grip. They're thinner (typically 0.5–0.7mm), cheap enough to replace frequently, and dramatically improve tack and sweat absorption. Most competitive players change their overgrip every 1–4 sessions.
Think of your base grip as the mattress, and your overgrip as the fitted sheet — you wash (or replace) the sheet regularly without replacing the whole mattress.
Gamma Sports Supreme Overgrip
The Gamma Sports Supreme Overgrip is a trusted, tour-proven overgrip used widely across both tennis and pickleball. It's tacky fresh out of the packet, absorbs moisture quickly, and lasts well through extended sessions.
- Thickness: 0.6mm
- Tack level: High (noticeably grippy when new)
- Feel: Slightly textured, not slick
- Best for: Players who sweat a lot, hot or humid conditions, players who want confident grip without squeezing hard
Available individually or in packs. At just $8 per grip, replacing it regularly is more affordable than dealing with a slipping paddle mid-game.
Pickld Grip Pack Bundle — Best Value Combo
The Pickld Grip Pack Bundle combines the Hexacore base grip with a Gamma Supreme overgrip at a bundled price. This is the easiest, most cost-effective way to completely re-grip any paddle.
Ideal for: New paddle purchases, gifts for pickleball players, anyone who hasn't re-gripped their paddle in over 6 months.
Part 3: How to Wrap an Overgrip — Step by Step
- Start at the butt cap. Most overgrips have a tapered end or adhesive tab — begin here and angle the grip slightly as you start wrapping upward.
- Maintain consistent tension. Pull the grip gently as you wrap — not so tight it stretches thin, but enough that it lies flat with no bubbles.
- Overlap by 2–3mm per wrap. Each turn should slightly overlap the previous one.
- Finish at the top of the handle. Cut or tear the grip cleanly, then secure with the finishing tape (usually included).
- Smooth it down. Run your thumb along any raised edges to press the grip flat.
The whole process takes about 90 seconds once you've done it a few times. You'll never want to play with a worn grip again.
Part 4: Lead Tape — Customise Your Paddle's Weight and Balance
Lead tape is one of the most underrated tools in any pickleball player's arsenal. A few strips can fundamentally change how your paddle feels and performs — adding swing weight, shifting the balance point, or increasing stability on off-centre hits. Unlike buying a new paddle, lead tape costs a fraction of the price and lets you experiment until you find your ideal setup.
Pickld Lead Tape for Pickleball Paddles
Our Lead Tape for Pickleball Paddles is pre-cut to pickleball-specific widths and comes in multiple length options. It's self-adhesive, easy to apply, and can be removed or adjusted without damaging your paddle.
Where to Place Lead Tape — And What Each Placement Does
At 12 o'clock (top of the paddle face): Increases overall swing weight and power. The paddle feels heavier and more stable through the ball. Best for players who want more pop on drives and smashes. Start with 2–4g and assess.
At 3 and 9 o'clock (sides of the paddle face): Increases stability and sweet spot size. When you hit off-centre, the paddle twists less. This is the most popular placement for control-oriented players. Add equal amounts to both sides to keep the paddle balanced.
At the throat (just above the handle): Increases swing weight with less change to balance point. Good for players who want more mass without dramatically changing the swing feel.
Under the grip (handle): Makes the paddle feel more head-light. Useful if you find the stock paddle too head-heavy for comfortable volleys.
How Much Lead Tape to Add
Start conservatively — 2g is a noticeable change. 4–6g is a significant change. Most players end up adding 3–8g total. If you go too heavy, the paddle becomes fatiguing to swing and your reaction time at the kitchen line suffers. Add 2g, play a full session, then decide if you want more.
Lead Tape and JOOLA Paddles
Many of our customers use lead tape to fine-tune their JOOLA paddles. The JOOLA Pro V range (Perseus, Hyperion, Scorpeus) benefits particularly well from small additions at 3 and 9 o'clock, as their carbon fibre faces reward a slightly heavier, more stable swing setup.
Shop Lead Tape for Pickleball →
Part 5: Edge Guard Tape — Protecting Your Investment
Edge guard tape wraps around the edge of your paddle to protect it from chips, cracks, and abrasion — particularly from dragging the paddle on hard courts during low dinks. Edge guard tape is especially important for high-end carbon fibre paddles. A JOOLA Perseus or Hyperion is a significant investment — a few dollars of edge protection is worth it.
Application is simple: clean the paddle edge, cut the tape to length, and press firmly. Replace it if it starts lifting at the edges.
Building Your Complete Paddle Setup
Casual / recreational player: Replace your stock base grip with the Hexacore Grip. That alone will transform how your paddle feels.
Regular club player: Hexacore base grip + Gamma Supreme Overgrip changed every 4–6 sessions. Try the Grip Pack Bundle for the best value.
Competitive / tournament player: Hex Grip Pro base + fresh Gamma Supreme every 1–2 sessions + 3–4g lead tape at 3 and 9 o'clock for stability + edge guard tape on any carbon paddle.
Shop All Pickleball Accessories at Pickld
All accessories in this guide are available at Pickld — Australia's dedicated pickleball store. We stock everything you need to play your best game, from premium JOOLA paddles to the accessories that keep them performing like new.
- Pickld Hexacore Grip — $35
- Pickld Hex Grip Pro 5.25" — $15
- Gamma Sports Supreme Overgrip — $8
- Pickld Grip Pack Bundle — $37.50
- Lead Tape for Pickleball Paddles — from $5
New to Pickld? New customers get 10% off their first order. Questions about which accessories suit your paddle or play style? Get in touch — we're happy to help.