This Pickleball Grip Is Changing the Game (and the Pros Agree)

A growing group of players are realizing it’s not just about what you wrap over your handle. It’s about what you place under it.

Most pickleball players think they’re doing enough by slapping an overgrip on their paddle, maybe even layering two if they’re feeling adventurous. And then there are those who (brace yourself)... play straight on the bare factory grip. No cushioning, no texture, just raw-dogging it like it’s 1985.

But a growing group of players are realizing it’s not just about what you wrap over your handle. It’s about what you replace under it. And it’s called Hesacore, a radically different kind of grip that’s changing the way people play, swing, and stay injury-free.

Where Standard Grips Fall Short

Base grips aren’t created with performance or comfort in mind. They’re mostly aesthetic: a layer of foam and faux leather to make the paddle look clean on the shelf.

Overgrips add a bit of tackiness to help keep it from spinning in your hand, maybe some mild sweat absorption if you’re lucky. But that’s about it.

• No ergonomic support.
• No shock absorption.
• No real advantage.

Without shape or support, you end up gripping harder than you need to. That tension creeps up your forearm, your wrist tightens, and after a few hard games, your body’s begging for Advil.

PPA Pro Jaume Martinez Vich - Sponsored Player of Hesacore

The Grip That’s Not Just a Grip

Instead of wrapping the paddle in layers of tape and hoping for the best, I’ve started replacing my base grip with something different: a Hesacore grip.

Hesacore uses a hexagonal honeycomb structure that’s engineered to match the natural shape of your hand. The grooves increase surface contact, letting you grip more loosely while staying totally in control. That added texture also helps keep the paddle from spinning or slipping, even when your hands are sweaty and the game gets gritty.

The material itself is shock-absorbent, so every ball impact sends less vibration into your wrist and elbow. It’s one of the few grips out there that actively reduces joint pain and fatigue, especially if you’re dealing with overuse or tennis elbow.

The structured shape also creates subtle tactile reference points that make it easier to switch grip styles on the fly, whether you're going from continental to semi-western, or adjusting between dinks and drives. Your hand just finds the right position faster, no fumbling required.

Choosing the Right Hesacore Grip

There are a few versions of the Hesacore grip, and picking the right one depends on your playing style, pain points, and paddle handle length. Here’s a breakdown:

🔹 TOUR — The Balanced Option

🔹 GEL — The Softest, Most Forgiving

🔹 CARBON — The Firm, Feedback-Heavy Option

Upgrading your grip might not be the first thing you think of when trying to level up your game, but it probably should be. Hesacore isn’t just more comfortable, it’s smarter. It helps reduce strain, improves control, adds stability without added pressure, and keeps your hand locked in even when sweat, fatigue, or nerves kick in.

It’s already in the hands of some of the sport’s top competitors. And once you try it, it’s hard to go back to wrapping tape and hoping for the best.

You can order directly from hesacorepickleball.com or find them through select paddle retailers. Just be warned — it might ruin every other grip for you.

Heads up: hundreds of thousands of pickleballers read our free newsletter. Subscribe here for cutting edge strategy, insider news, pro analysis, the latest product innovations and more.