You probably know your paddle will eventually get damaged if you regularly play pickleball. How quickly a paddle will wear out depends on several factors, including what type of material the paddle is made from, how often it is used, and how it is treated.
Pickleball paddles are typically made from wood, so they wear out faster than composite materials. Composite paddles are typically more expensive than wood paddles, but they are also more durable and resistant to wear. However, if you take good care of your paddles, they will last longer than a paddle made of wood.
How you use your paddle also affects how long it will last. Below we will discuss it more.
Can You Play Pickleball With A Worn Out Paddle?
Injuries caused by wearing a worn-out paddle can include a pulled muscle, bruised or sprained ankle, and a broken arm.
You can try to play pickleball with a worn-out paddle, but it may be more challenging than playing with a new paddle.
Paddles for playing pickleball are made of wood, plastic, or metal. Wooden paddles tend to last the longest but are not very durable. The main reason for this is that wood is vulnerable to moisture. If you use wooden paddles too often, the wooden fibers will expand. When this happens, the wood will warp and change shape.
This is why we recommend using plastic or metal paddles. Plastic and metal paddles are more durable than wooden ones. They also tend to hold up better than wooden paddles. If you use a worn-out wooden paddle, replace it with a new one.
You might also be unable to play pickleball if you use a worn-out paddle. The worn-out paddle will not allow you to hit the ball as hard. If you are not comfortable playing with a worn-out paddle, we recommend buying a new one.
Do You Have a Dead Pickleball Paddle?
You can listen for a dead pickleball paddle by hearing the sound it makes when you hit the sweet spot. If you can tell whether or not you hit the sweet spot, then your paddle is probably okay. If you can’t tell, then you should replace it.
So how do you know if you have the dead paddle? Here I discussed three factors that help check your paddle to see if it is dead.
1. Paddle Sound: The sound your paddle makes when you hit the ball matters. A lot of people don’t understand this. If your paddle doesn’t make a sound, it isn’t hitting the ball properly.
So, if you notice that your sound isn’t normal, it may be time for you to replace your paddle. Paddles can be repaired, but they cannot replace. You will have to look around online and ask a friend for a replacement paddle. Once you get a new paddle, you need to practice with it until you are comfortable with it.
2. Paddle Power and Spin: You will want to play with it before you hit a ball. That way, you can ensure that it gives you the power and spin you need to hit the ball. If your paddle isn’t making the right sound, it may be because something has happened to it. You will have to look around online and ask a friend for help.
3. Cleaning Paddle: You can do some things to ensure your paddle is in good condition. For starters, you will want to clean it often. Keep it away from water. If you notice it is starting to rust, you will want to clean it and then paint it. You will want to ensure you don’t use abrasive pads to clean it.
How To Tell A Pickleball Paddle Is Dead?
Tap your knuckle around the paddle to tell if a pickleball paddle is dead. You can hear the locations of the optimal areas and dead areas. The optimal areas will have a higher pitch, while the dead areas will have a lower pitch. This is because when a pickleball paddle ages, it begins to break apart.
You must listen carefully as you try to hear the different pitches in the sound. When you hear the high pitches, the optimal area is alive. The low pitches mean that the dead area is alive. As you listen to the sounds, you may be able to tell where the dead area is. You can also tell where the dead area is by looking at it.
What Can You Do To Extend The Life Of Your Paddle?
To extend the life of your paddle, it’s important to store it properly. You should store it in a clean, dry place. Be sure to protect your paddle from getting wet.
To keep your paddle looking new, ensure it is stored in a dry place.
You can prevent your paddle from warping or cracking when you store it in a cool, dry place. This happens because moisture creates an environment that is too humid or hot for your paddle. If your paddle warps or cracks, you can no longer use it. If you store your paddle in a well-ventilated area, you can prevent it from deteriorating. Make sure that the air flowing through your paddle is fresh and clean.
You should keep your paddle in a dry place. If you do this, you can prevent it from rusting. To do this, put the paddle dry for a few weeks. Then, inspect it for any rusted areas. You may also have to use a solution with rust-inhibiting chemicals to remove rust stains.
If you are storing a paddle made of metal, you should protect it from getting wet. If your paddle gets wet, you may not be able to use it again.
FAQs
How do you know when your pickleball paddle is worn out?
The sweet spot is like a magnet attracting your ball. The ball will start flying away when the sweet spot becomes less attractive.
How long should a good pickleball paddle last?
The quality of a paddle is determined by the type of wood used, the care it receives, and the amount of use and maintenance. Most paddles will last 1-5 years, depending on use and how well they are cared for.
How often do you need to replace a pickleball paddle?
If you are using a regular paddle, you should probably only expect to get about 2-3 years out of it. If you are using a graphite paddle, you should probably expect to get about 4-6 years out of it. If you are using an aluminum paddle, you might expect to get about 5-8 years out of it.
Conclusion
Although it’s hard to say exactly how long a pickleball paddle will last, it’s safe to say that it will eventually wear out. The good news is that there are many ways to prolong the life of your paddle, such as using a cover or not letting it come into contact with water.
With proper care, your paddle can last for many years. So enjoy your game, and don’t worry too much about your paddle wearing out.
