Pickleball grips are one of those things you don’t think about until you’re mid-swing and the paddle twists in your hand. CRBN’s Drytec overgrips are aimed at that exact problem, and after a few weeks of testing, they mostly deliver. The 4-pack comes in a simple, no-frills sleeve, and each grip is pre-cut with the classic taper and adhesive strip. Installation is straightforward—line it up, stretch slightly, and finish with the included tape. No surprises there.
What stands out first is the texture. The Drytec material has a felt-like, almost suede finish that feels dry even before you start playing. It’s not the rubbery, sticky feel of some grips like Wilson’s Pro Overgrip or the cushioned thickness of Tourna Grip. Instead, it’s thinner and firmer, which translates to better feedback from the paddle. You feel the bevels more clearly, which is useful if you rely on finger spins or a precise grip change. But that thinness also means less shock absorption. If you’re prone to elbow discomfort, you might want a cushioned base grip underneath or a thicker overgrip altogether.
In real play, the Drytec grips handle sweat well. During a humid outdoor session, the surface didn’t turn slippery, and the tackiness actually increased slightly with moisture. That’s a plus for summer players. However, the tackiness fades after about four or five hours of play. It doesn’t disintegrate—the material stays intact—but the initial grip factor diminishes noticeably. You’ll likely replace these more often than a synthetic leather grip, which is par for the course with overgrips. At around $12 per 4-pack, that’s a reasonable trade-off, but it’s not a set-and-forget solution.
One thing that surprised me is how the grip affects paddle feel. On a CRBN paddle, the Drytec overgrip pairs well, preserving the paddle’s pop. On a heavier, more flexible paddle, the thin grip made it feel a bit boardy. So, while it’s marketed as a universal accessory, it shines on lighter, stiffer paddles. If you’re using a control-oriented paddle with a soft core, you might prefer a grip with more cushion to soften the response.
Compared to traditional replacement grips (like the ones that come stock on most paddles), overgrips like this are meant to be layered on top. That’s a key distinction. Replacement grips change the core feel and circumference, while overgrips are a temporary layer. The Drytec is firmly in the overgrip camp. It’s thinner than most, so it adds minimal circumference—good for players with smaller hands or those who already have a thick grip. But if you like a chunky, padded feel, this will feel too sparse.
There’s also the question of durability. The material resists tearing well, and the edge didn’t fray even after repeated paddle bag storage. The adhesive strip stays put, which is more than I can say for some cheaper grips. But the lack of a perforated pattern means it doesn’t breathe as well as some mesh-backed grips. On a hot day, my palm got sweaty underneath, though the surface stayed dry. It’s a minor issue, but worth noting for heavy sweaters.
Who is this for? If you’re a competitive player who wants a fresh, dry feel every few matches and doesn’t mind re-wrapping, the Drytec is a solid pick. It’s also great for juniors or players with smaller hands who need a thinner grip. On the other hand, if you’re a casual player who wants a grip to last a whole season, or someone with joint sensitivity who needs extra padding, look elsewhere. A cushioned overgrip like Gamma’s or a leather replacement grip would serve you better.
In the end, the CRBN Drytec overgrip is a competent, no-nonsense product. It does what it promises—stays dry, keeps tacky, and preserves paddle feel—but it’s not a miracle worker. The performance window is short, and the thin profile won’t suit everyone. If you’re already in the habit of changing overgrips regularly, this is worth trying. If not, you might be better off with a more forgiving option.