This article looks at the Best grip powder for basketball and goes over the features that make them special.
I am a longtime basketball player who has spent over twenty years with the game. My own experience with different grip products, as well as my efforts on the court, have allowed me to cover each product below.
I believe that no grip powder works better for the court than the Dry Hands Ultimate Grip Solution because of its soft feel and how well it retains moisture.
Where many grip powders feel grainy or uncomfortable, the one from Dry Hands goes on easily and never feels sticky or greasy. This, combined with its ability to fight moisture, makes it an excellent choice for anyone who needs help with their grip in the game.
If you are curious about that product or want more information about similar ones, check out the reviews below.
Who Should Get It?
The products in this guide are for people who need a better grip when playing basketball. This can include people who can’t quite maintain the basketball, or players who sweat a lot. If you find yourself dropping the ball, or letting it slip out of your hands, these products will solve the problem.
If you don’t have any issues with grip during gaming, either due to your grip strength or hand size, you can get away without using an extra powder. A little always helps though.
Best Grip Powder For Basketball
Here I look at the top basketball grip powders and explain why they work well for both serious and pick-up games.
1. Dry Hands Ultimate Grip Solution
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Great against moisture. Good for hot or humid conditions. Comfortable. Let hands dry.
- Form: Lotion
- Skin type: Dry
- Size: 1 ounce
There are many reliable basketball powders on the market, but few are as comfortable as Dry Hands Ultimate Grip Solution. This option, which comes in the form of a lotion, actively repels all moisture from sweat build-up without leaving your hands feeling oily or sticky.
You can lather it on and you’ll be dry in seconds. There is no residue, and it feels great going on. In addition, the powder comes with a ton of strength. It not only keeps extra sweat off but also does a good job in hot conditions. It’s great for indoors and outdoors.
As good as this powder is, just know it doesn’t last incredibly long. You may need to apply this once or twice as the game goes on. Still, it’s a small price to pay for such a useful product.
2. Cramer Firm Grip
- Best for: Antiperspirant
- Key features: Strong wood resin-based formula. Great feeling. Portable, easy-to-carry bottle. Versatile. Can be used for various sports.
- Form: Powder
- Skin type: sweaty
- Size: 4 ounces
Antiperspirant powders are a great way to ensure you keep your grip during a hard-fought, hard-fought match. However, they can block your pores. This reduces breathing and can cause you to overheat. The Cramer Firm Grip cuts through both issues beautifully.
This powder is rosin-based, a factor that increases your grip without clogging your skin. It goes on easily and feels great no matter how often you use it. The rosin base is also useful in hot conditions, meaning it’s a great choice for any player who spends their time outdoors.
The only small downside you may notice here is that despite its antiperspirant properties, this product needs to be reapplied now and then if you’re particularly sweaty. However, those who only sweat minimally will stay cool and dry.
3. SportMediq Liquid Chalk
- Best for: Comfort
- Key features: No mess. Dries quickly. Creates an excellent, long-lasting grip. No leftovers. Safe material.
- Form: Liquid
- Skin type: Dry
- Size: 8.5 oz
Although not advertised as a basketball product, SportMediq’s Liquid Chalk is a great way to get an extra basketball grip. The magnesium carbonate liquid dries extremely quickly and does not leave a mess on your hands. It’s also easy to apply, just take a small amount each time.
The 8.5-ounce bottle will last a long time, which means you get a lot of bang for your buck. It’s much less messy than regular hand chalk, and the safe material ensures you won’t sweat too much, no matter how hard you push yourself. It also lasts quite a long time.
The only issue some may have here is that the powder can build up a bit when you first apply it. You don’t want too much transfer to the ball. As such, make sure to clap or wipe your hands a few times before getting into the game.
4. Spin-IT Grip Spray
- Best for: Versatility
- Key features: Easy to use bottle. Safe material. Fast working and fast drying.
- Form: Spray
- Skin Type:
- Size: 2 ounces
If you’re looking for a product that will give you a better grip inside and out, the Spin-It Grip Spray is a good bet. Although not technically a powder, it serves the same purpose. Just a quick spritz on your hands and you’ll have no problem hanging on to hard passes and return cats.
Another bonus of this product is that, unlike some more traditional products, it works immediately. After just two sprays you will see immediate results. It doesn’t have a feel, and the quick-drying properties mean you won’t even notice it’s on. It’s also incredibly cheap, which is a nice bonus.
This is a durable option that will last you quite a while. However, this will usually only last you one pick-up match or shooting session. If you notice that your grip is waning, don’t be afraid to go to the sidelines and reapply.
How To Choose Grip Powder For Basketball
These characteristics are important to consider when choosing the best grip powder for you.
Versatility
You need your basketball grip powder to protect against a range of different elements. Moisture is key, but you want something that actively stops excess sweat. Dealing with heat and humidity can also be important if you are someone who plays outside.
form
While they all fall under the powder category, the above models come in a few different forms. This includes traditional powder, lotion, and liquid. Powder usually provides the best grip, but lotions and liquids also create a good amount of stickiness.
long-lasting
Some powders, while effective in short bursts, don’t have a ton of longevity. This means that you have to reapply several times during a match. To avoid this, look for products that have a lot of power and stay on your hands throughout the competition.
Also, check out this article on Why Basketball Players Wear Double Socks
Basketball Grip Powder FAQ
This section covers (and answers) some of the biggest questions you may have about grip powder and getting tougher hands on the course.
How Can You Toughen Your Hands For Basketball?
Short of gloves, which don’t work for the game, using the above powders are the best way to toughen up your hands for basketball. Chalk works, as do fingertip moisturizers.
What Kind Of Powder Do NBA Players Use?
NBA players usually use chalk when getting ready for a game. This gives them much more grip and control, regardless of how much they sweat. King LeBron James is also famous for his chalk throw before every game, you can see this video for more.
How Do You Get Grip On Your Hands For Basketball?
Chalk or powder are the two best options if you want to improve your grip in the game. Although you could go with Stickum or similar products, it gets in the way and makes play far too uncomfortable.
Does Baby Powder Help With Basketball?
Although not as effective as other products, baby powder does help with grip. This is because it has natural antiperspirant ingredients. The drier your hands are, the better off you will be.
Final Verdict
The Dry Hands Ultimate Grip Solution is my pick for the best grip powder. All the solutions in this article do a good job, but this is the strongest, most reliable, and has a great feel. It is never too sticky, runny, or sticky. It only takes a little to give you a strong grip as well.
All these aspects, mixed with the affordable cost, make it one of the best ways to prevent any unnecessary drops or slides while playing the game.
