Why Every Pickleball Player Should Consider a Silicone Undergrip
Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports across all age groups, is as much about strategy and skill as it is about having the right gear. Whether you're a casual weekend warrior or a tournament-level player, the details of your equipment can greatly impact your performance. One of the most overlooked but essential parts of your paddle setup is the undergrip — specifically, the silicone undergrip.
Silicone undergrips are changing the game for pickleball players, offering a range of benefits that go beyond simple comfort. If you’ve ever struggled with grip fatigue, wrist or elbow pains, sweaty palms or inconsistent paddle control, it might be time to take a closer look at this simple but game-changing accessory.
In this post, we’ll break down what a silicone undergrip is, how it works, and most importantly, why it could be the upgrade your paddle — and your performance.
What Is a Silicone Undergrip?
A silicone undergrip is a reusable, slip-resistant sleeve that fits snugly underneath your paddle’s outer grip tape. Made of flexible, medical-grade silicone, it’s designed to enhance grip stability, shock absorption, and long-term paddle control. Unlike disposable overgrips that need frequent replacement, silicone undergrips are long-lasting, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain.
You can find a high-quality version of Hesacore-type silicone undergrip, which offers multiple color options to match your pickleball paddle overgrip or personal style.
1. Enhanced Comfort and Grip Stability
One of the first things players notice after installing a silicone undergrip is the dramatic increase in comfort. Silicone’s soft, rubber-like texture molds slightly to the hand, allowing for a firmer yet more relaxed grip. This reduces muscle fatigue, especially during long matches or back-to-back games.
More importantly, the grippy surface reduces slippage even when your hands get sweaty. That means fewer adjustments mid-play and greater control over shot direction and spin.
Key benefit: Improved grip without over-tightening your hold, reducing stress on the wrist and forearm.
2. Shock Absorption and Injury Prevention
Pickleball paddles, particularly when used at high speeds or with lots of spin, can generate subtle vibrations with every shot. Over time, these vibrations can lead to discomfort or even repetitive strain injuries like tennis elbow.
Silicone naturally absorbs shock better than traditional overgrip materials. By acting as a buffer between your hand and the paddle, it reduces the micro-vibrations transmitted to your joints.
Key benefit: Helps protect against joint strain, tendonitis, and chronic hand/wrist issues.
3. Consistent Paddle Feel
Unlike temporary tape grips that wear down, wrinkle, or lose their tackiness, silicone undergrips retain their texture and form over time. That means the feel of your paddle stays consistent from practice sessions to tournament play.
If you're the type of player who likes precision and predictability, this consistency can be a game-changer. You won’t need to second-guess your paddle’s grip, allowing you to focus on your form and strategy.
Key benefit: A reliable feel from match to match with no performance drop-off due to worn grips.
4. Customizable Thickness and Fit
Silicone undergrips give you the flexibility to tweak your paddle handle’s circumference without committing to permanent modifications. If your current grip feels too thin, adding a silicone undergrip beneath your overgrip is an easy way to thicken it without compromising responsiveness.
It’s also great for players with specific ergonomic needs — such as those with arthritis or smaller hands — because you can experiment until you find the grip thickness that minimizes strain and maximizes control.
Key benefit: Adapt your paddle grip to your hand size and comfort preference with minimal fuss.
5. Easy to Install and Maintain
Installation is simple: you slide the silicone undergrip onto your paddle handle (sometimes with a bit of soapy water for ease), let it dry or settle, and then wrap your overgrip as normal. Some players use the silicone undergrip on its own, especially in hot or humid conditions, where tackiness is key.
Maintenance is equally easy. Just rinse the undergrip with water if it gets dusty or sweaty—no need to constantly replace it like standard overgrips.
Key benefit: Saves time and money on frequent grip replacements while being eco-friendly.
6. Stylish and Functional
Let’s face it: style matters. The MyPickleball silicone undergrips come in a range of colors like black, neon green, hot pink, and electric blue, allowing you to coordinate with your paddle or express your personality.
But the color isn’t just cosmetic — some colors reflect heat better, making them cooler to the touch when playing under the sun.
Key benefit: Boost your on-court confidence with a grip that looks as good as it feels.
7. Ideal for All Skill Levels
Beginners benefit from the extra grip confidence and reduced slippage, while intermediate and advanced players love the control and durability. Whether you're playing casual doubles or battling it out in a tournament, the silicone undergrip offers an advantage that scales with your skill level.
Key benefit: One small upgrade, big impact for every type of player.
Real-World Reviews
Players who've switched to silicone undergrips consistently report:
- "My wrist pain is almost gone after switching!"
- "I don’t have to rewrap my grip every couple weeks anymore."
- "It feels like I have more control over my spin and dinks."
- “It stays grippy even in 90° heat!”
Final Thoughts
In a sport where milliseconds and micromovements matter, every piece of equipment counts — and the handle of your paddle is your connection to the game. A silicone undergrip might seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference in comfort, control, and injury prevention.
Whether you’re recovering from joint issues, seeking better grip during summer heat, or just want to add some style and consistency to your game, this undergrip is worth trying. With long-lasting durability, excellent grip retention, and customizable comfort, it's one of the smartest investments you can make in your pickleball gear.
Ready to elevate your paddle grip?
Check out the full range of Silicone Undergrips at MyPickleball.shop