Padel equipment: what you need beyond the racket and balls

Padel equipment beyond the racket, balls and shoes comes down to three accessories: an overgrip that keeps your hold firm, a frame protector that takes the knocks from walls and floor, and a sweatband that stops sweat before it reaches your hand. All three wear out and get replaced, and they decide how long your racket and grip keep working as they should. Here is what each accessory does, the order to get them in and how to tell when it is time to replace them.

What equipment do you need for padel?

Padel equipment comes in two layers. The first is the foundation you cannot play without: racket, balls and shoes. You choose it by level, playing style and surface, and you rarely replace it.

The second layer is the accessories: overgrip, frame protector and sweatband. They are consumables that wear a little every session, and they are what you buy most often. This guide is about the second layer.

You do not need to know anything about a racket's shape or weight to choose accessories. The overgrip is wrapped over the racket's base grip and fits every padel racket, the frame protector sticks to the top of the frame, and the sweatband slips onto your wrist.

Why is the overgrip the first accessory to get?

An overgrip is a thin layer wrapped over the racket's base grip and replaced regularly. The base grip sits directly on the handle, is part of the racket and is rarely changed. You play with both at the same time.

The grip is the only part of the racket you hold for the whole match. A good overgrip should absorb sweat, give a firm hold without you having to squeeze harder and last more than a couple of matches. When it turns slippery, you feel it in your control long before you see the wear.

Znake Viper is our all-round overgrip: a perforated PU surface and an EVA strip down the middle that forms a raised edge for extra grip and control. It lasts up to 3× longer than a standard overgrip. If you prefer a tacky surface, Viper Sticky is the alternative.

Does your padel racket need a frame protector?

A frame protector is a thin strip that sticks to the top edge of the racket and takes the knocks before the frame does. Most damage to a padel racket sits right on that top edge and comes from glass, mesh walls or the floor on low balls.

Znake Carbon 3K is made of carbon fibre, 0.35 mm thin and weighs 5 grams. The balance point shifts only marginally, unlike thicker rubber protectors, which you clearly notice. The back is self-adhesive, so the protector is in place within minutes.

A frame protector is a consumable, just like the overgrip: it wears instead of the carbon and is replaced once it is worn through.

What does a sweatband do for your grip?

A sweatband is a terry band worn on the wrist that catches sweat before it runs down into your palm and onto the grip. That is why it also extends the life of your overgrip: a wrap that stays dry keeps its surface longer.

The Znake sweatband is made of breathable stretch terry that stays put without squeezing. It also works as a towel for your forehead between points and can be machine washed at 30 °C.

Wear the sweatband on the same hand that holds the racket, on the wrist just above the hand. If you play a lot in the heat, two work well, one on each forearm.

In what order should you buy padel accessories?

Start with the overgrip. It wears first and affects every shot. Try a 1-pack first, because the feel differs more between models than you might think, and move to a 5-pack once you know which surface you want.

Get a sweatband when sweat starts reaching the grip. If you play indoors in the heat or have sweaty hands, that happens early.

The frame protector becomes relevant when you play off the walls, which everyone does sooner or later. It takes the wear from the start, so it does the most good on a frame that is still intact.

How do you keep your padel equipment in shape?

Checking your accessories after a session takes a minute. Do it regularly and you will notice when something needs replacing before it affects your game.

Feel the overgrip. If the surface is slippery, the material has gone hard or you notice you are squeezing harder to keep control, it is time to change it.
Expect an overgrip to last roughly two to four weeks if you play two to three times a week.
Look at the top edge of the frame protector. Once it is worn through, it no longer takes the knocks. For an active player a frame protector usually lasts half a season to a full season.
Machine wash the sweatband at 30 °C. It keeps its colour and fit through the season.
Keep a spare overgrip in your bag. The Viper 5-pack comes with finishing tape in a resealable zip bag.

Frequently asked questions

What padel equipment does a beginner need?

A racket, balls and shoes to play, and an overgrip as the first accessory. A sweatband and a frame protector come when you sweat a lot or start playing off the walls.

What is the difference between an overgrip and a base grip?

The base grip sits directly on the racket handle and is rarely changed – it is part of the racket. The overgrip is wrapped on top of the base grip, is thinner and is made to be replaced regularly.

How often should you change a padel overgrip?

If you play two to three times a week, an overgrip lasts roughly two to four weeks. Change it when the surface feels slippery, the material has gone hard or you notice you are squeezing harder.

Does an overgrip make the handle thicker?

Yes, but only marginally – about half a grip size. If you want to keep the original thickness, you can remove the base grip and play with the overgrip alone.