Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular as an exercise and fun sport so you can buy various pickleball equipment and products online and in stores. To perform better, pickleball players should replace or improve their paddles. In terms of cost, pickleball paddles are expensive, but how durable are they?
A pickleball paddle should last about 2 to 3 years in the hands of the average recreational player. It’s essential to take care of your equipment no matter how often you play or what type of paddle you use. Here we will explain the factors that affect the life expectancy of pickleball paddles and the time for their replacement. We’ll also discuss how to make your paddle last longer and what causes it to wear out.
Can Pickleball Paddles Be Worn Out?
Yes, pickleball paddles wear out like everything else. It may result from overuse, adverse conditions, mishandling, or accidents. It’s time to buy a new paddle. However, wear and tear of the Pickleball paddle is natural.
Selecting the right pickleball paddle can be a daunting task, but our comprehensive guide on How to Pick a Pickleball Paddle will walk you through everything you need to know.
How Do You Know When a Pickleball Paddle Is Worn Out?
You can tell if your pickleball paddle is worn out by how it looks. However, there are other ways to tell when a pickleball paddle needs replacing.
1. Notice The Sound
Some paddles have loud popping sounds, while others have muffled sounds. They all have a hollow ring when the ball hits the sweet spot. If your paddle’s sweet spot sounds different from what it did when it was new, it has actually worn out.
2. Feel Of The Paddle
In terms of response, the new paddles are excellent. The paddle’s center or sweet spot quickly bounces the ball with a loud bang. However, with a worn-out paddle, you will lose power and efficiency.
3. Paddle Appearance
Suppose you examine the pickleball paddle and see bumps on the surface. The shot’s continuous hits may have damaged the core. These drops on the paddle face indicate that you need to change the paddle. The paddle handle and edge guard can also break.
Factors to Determine How Long a Pickleball Paddle Lasts
Here are some factors that determine the lifespan of a pickleball paddle.
The level of your pickleball skills
A factor that assists in determining how long a pickleball paddle will last is the level of your pickleball skills. If you play aggressively enough, you will find that the paddle will move sooner than necessary. Using the paddle properly in various shots will help you play smarter and more effectively.
How You Keep Your Paddles
The biggest threat to a pickleball paddle’s durability is the weather & temperature. High temperatures are bad for pickleball paddles and can cause damage. If you leave a paddle out in the sun, the core material will soften, marking the end of its useful life. On the other hand, shallow temperatures can cause the paddle to crack and require replacing in a short time.
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The Material Your Paddle Is Made from
In general, there are two types of pickleball paddles on the market.
- Wooden pickleball paddles are the cheapest and ideal for beginners and children. It is also the most durable paddle and shows no signs of wear and tear even after years of use; You could use one for over five years!
- Composite or graphite pickleball paddles are made of carbon microfilm and designed primarily for pickleball professionals. However, graphite coating film wears out quickly and may need replacement after a few months.
A Few Tips to Prolong Your Pickleball Paddle’s Life
If you want to exceed the expected lifespan of your pickleball paddle, you must educate yourself on proper paddle maintenance. Maintaining your paddle is simple. We recommend applying these five tips the next time you use your paddle in a pickleball game.
Tip 1: Maintain The Grip
Paddle handles can lose their grip. Therefore, if this happens, replace them immediately. Your paddle should always be fresh and sticky. In turn, this will help to extend the life of your Pickleball Paddle, thereby making it more durable.
Tip 2: Clinking Is Bad
Pickleball players often clink each other’s paddles before, during, or after a game. It may be a welcome sign or a high-five.
While this can significantly increase the bonding or competition between players, it can damage your paddle. Even if you lightly clink the paddles, there is still a risk of scratches or damage to your equipment. These scratches can cause dents, and you’ll soon need a replacement.
Tip 3: Regularly Clean Up Your Paddle
After a pickleball game or regular practice, it’s a good idea to clean your paddle with a soft towel soaked in warm water. Then dry it immediately with another soft towel. You don’t need to dip your paddle in the water as it can do more damage.
Tip 4: Storage Matters
It is not advisable to throw the paddle in the back seat. For example, it would be nice to store it in a padded bag in a compact backpack or secure shoulder bag. Another storage tip is to always keep your paddles somewhere in a place with average room temperature. Do not expose to excessive heat or cold. Using this method prevents damage to the paddle materials.
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Tip 5: Play Smart And Right
Another factor was determining how long your pickleball paddle lasts and how hard you play it. Expect your paddle to kick back sooner if you play Pickleball aggressively enough. You can play smartly and correctly, using the paddle sparingly in several shots or hits.
When Should I Replace My Pickleball Paddle?
While you don’t need to replace your pickleball paddle as often as other sports equipment, you should keep an eye on the condition of your paddle. Depending on how frequently you play and what material your paddle consists of, you may need to replace it every one to three years. Here are some signs that it might be time for a new paddle:
- The First Thing You Should Consider Is How Often You Play: If you’re an active player who hits the court several times a week, you’ll need to replace your paddle more often than someone who only plays once in a while. Frequent use can cause the paddle to wear out, making it less efficient.
- Another Thing To Think About Is The Condition Of The Paddle Itself: . Another thing to think about is the condition of the paddle itself. If you notice cracks or chips in the paddle, it’s time to buy a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it depends on usage, most wooden paddles should last at least 2-3 years. The same cannot be said for graphite-coated paddles, as their carbon layer tends to wear out much more quickly, and professionals need to replace their paddles after a few months of use.
If you are using a regular paddle, you should wait around 2-3 years. You should wait 4-6 years to utilize a graphite paddle. If you use an aluminum paddle, then you can count on 5-8 years.
Despite their durability, pickleball paddles have fatal flaws. Pickleball paddle feature impact-resistant plastic designed to withstand heavy use and repeated hits. Your favorite paddle will eventually snap in half during a heated training session or league game as it loses its tensile strength and durability over time.
The Pickleball’s unique design also has a downside: fatigue from wear and tear. The ball travels so fast on this surface that impact wears down 10% faster than other materials.
Conclusion
Pickleball paddles generally last between one and five years, depending on how frequently and hard they use. Recreational players will get the utmost longevity and durability from these paddles, along with their style and size.
After reading this blog, I hope you are now aware that the five tips presented in the article can help you prolong the life of your paddle. You can keep your paddle in good shape by keeping it clean after a game, properly maintaining it, making sure you do not clink the paddle during the game, and playing in a manner that does not damage it. If you feel like your pickleball paddle is about to wear out, replacing it every 3-4 years is advisable.
