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Pickleball Accessories: Grips, Tape & Small Upgrades That Matter

Overgrips, edge guard tape, and tungsten tape — the small pickleball accessories that make a real difference in feel and paddle life.

By USPickleballCourt.com Editorial TeamPublished July 25, 2026Last updated July 25, 2026

Player holding a pickleball paddle on an outdoor court

Quick answer

Overgrips, edge guard tape, and tungsten tape — the small pickleball accessories that make a real difference in feel and paddle life.

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These aren’t glamorous purchases, but they’re some of the highest-value dollars you’ll spend on gear — a low-cost accessory can extend the life of a mid-tier paddle or fix a grip issue that’s been quietly costing you shots.

The core four

Overgrips (Franklin) Your factory grip degrades with sweat and use, and a slick grip directly costs you control on fast exchanges at the kitchen line. Most players should replace overgrips every few weeks of regular play — it’s the single cheapest performance upgrade available.

Extra-tacky overgrips (Tourna Mega Tac) For players who sweat heavily or play in humid conditions, a tacky overgrip like Tourna Mega Tac restores feel between full grip replacements and helps during sticky summer sessions.

Edge guard tape Protects the vulnerable edge of the paddle face from chips and cracks caused by court contact — cheap insurance for a paddle you’ve already invested in, especially if you scrape low volleys.

Tungsten tape Applied to the paddle’s edge or handle, tungsten tape lets you fine-tune weight and swing balance without buying a new paddle — a favorite among more advanced players dialing in feel. Beginners generally don’t need it yet.

Buying tips

  • Replace overgrips proactively, not reactively. Waiting until a grip feels obviously slick means you’ve already been playing at reduced control for a while.
  • Edge guard tape is cheap insurance. If you already dropped money on a mid-tier or premium paddle, a few dollars of tape protecting the edge is an easy call.
  • Tungsten tape is a fine-tuning tool, not a fix. It adjusts an already-good paddle’s feel; it won’t turn a beginner paddle into an advanced one.

Keep learning

Products mentioned

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change my overgrip?

Every 2–4 weeks for regular players, sooner if you play in humid conditions or notice the grip feeling slick.

Does tungsten tape actually make a noticeable difference?

Yes, for players sensitive to paddle weight and balance — it's a small, precise adjustment rather than a dramatic one, which is exactly the point.

Should beginners buy tungsten tape?

Usually not yet. Fix contact and consistency first; weighting is a fine-tuning tool once you already like a paddle.

USPickleballCourt.com Editorial Team

Editorial byline · Amazon Associates publishers

We research pickleball paddles, court shoes, and portable nets for Canadian players — from first-time buyers to tournament regulars. Our guides prioritize court feel, fit, and practical buying advice over hype. See /about for how we research.

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