Introduction

Did you know that over 36.5 million people all

Over the world played pickleball from August 2021 to August 2022? Thanks to its versatility and ease of use, pickleball has grown rapidly to be one of the most widely played games in the world!

Did you also know that anyone can play pickleball? By anyone, we mean EVERYONE! It is an all-inclusive sport that friends, families, and everyone else bond over.

Pickleball is often described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and Ping-Pong. To play pickleball, you need certain pieces of equipment, such as pickleball balls, gear, and, most especially, paddles. A paddle is like water in the life of any pickleball game, meaning that without a “good water paddle,” you cannot have a “good life pickleball game.” Your paddle needs to be in great shape to play pickleball effortlessly.

You need a good paddle to have a successful pickleball game. However, it may be very common to see paddles that are not in shape. Several factors affect the lifespan and durability of pickleball paddles, ranging from how often you play to the environment in which you play.

This pickleball paddle selection guide covers everything you need to know about pickleball paddles. Let’s get into it!

 Overview of Pickleball Paddle 

To understand how to care for a thing properly, you need to know what it is made for. Generally, pickleball paddles are made when a honeycomb is woven between two surfaces. Between these two surfaces, there is the core, which is otherwise referred to as the panel and there is a handle at the end of the panel.

You should also note that several materials are used to make pickleball paddles. These materials make everyday pickleball paddles from adults to kids pickleball paddles. Let's take a look at some of them!

● Wood

Here's a little fun fact: the first set of pickleball paddles was made from wood in the 1960s! Wooden paddles are made from solid wood and wood products. However, they do not have a honeycomb core material.

If you're a vintage lover, you should slow down and rethink your choices regarding wood pickleball paddles. This is because wooden paddles are pretty heavy to lift. It best guarantees that your arms and wrists will be sore after your pickleball game. With a wooden paddle, your accuracy will not be at its best, and you will need help getting accurate shots here and there.

Hold on! Before you write off wooden paddles, there's one more thing to know. Wooden paddles usually have a long lifespan. They are also very durable and practical for play even after some time has passed. You can consider getting pickleball wrist brace to help alleviate the soreness that might be induced when you play with wooden paddles.

● Composite

Are you a seasoned player? Do you like to play with wooden paddles but are considering shifting to a lighter paddle? Then composite paddles are your best choice!

Composite Paddles are made from fiberglass and are referred to as mid-weight or heavy paddles. Even though they're heavy, they're not as heavy as wooden paddles, making them the perfect choice for anyone who wants to shift from wooden paddles.

What are the pros and cons of using a composite paddle? First, you get an upper hand in your game regarding power. Next, they're light enough to swing, but you still need a pickleball wrist brace for safety and to avoid soreness. The major con of composite paddles is that they do not guarantee shot accuracy.

● Graphite

Graphite paddles are undeniably the lightest pickleball paddles ever. The irony is that graphite paddles are made from hard carbon, which can also be any honeycomb core material. The material composition of a graphite paddle is excellent. They are light to carry and do not require you to wear a pickleball wrist brace.

Graphite paddles have a great connection when they make contact with the ball. They are powerful, and they can serve as youth pickleball paddles. Most people use graphite paddles for casual matches. However, they can also be used for primary or competitive matches.

We have explored an overview of lickle ball paddles and different material compositions. You may ask, how do I choose a paddle? When choosing your pickleball paddle, it is best to list your needs. Do you want a heavy paddle? Or do you prefer a light paddle? Are you big on shot accuracy? All these things go a long way in determining the paddle material that best suits your needs.

 Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a Paddle

Even if you buy a great paddle, several factors determine how long your paddle will last. Some of these factors include:

● Frequency of Play

How often do you use your pickleball paddle? Do you use it every other day or just when you have games? If you use your paddle too often, best believe you'll need a new one soon. Whether or not you are a regular player, always take care of your paddle. This increases the lifespan, one way or another.

● Environmental Conditions

Pickleball is an outdoor sport that is mainly played outside but can also be played inside. The difference between indoor and outdoor pickleball is the weather. When the weather is cold, your paddle grip won't be as firm because of the stiffness caused by the weather. Note that the weather does not necessarily affect your pickleball paddle but what you do after. So make sure you give your paddle intentional aftercare after every use, especially after use in extreme weather conditions.!

● Playing Style

Are you an aggressive or conservative player? Frequent aggressive play will most assuredly affect the paddle's durability. On the other hand, if you frequently make conservative plays and do not maintain your paddle, it's as good as gone.

 Maintenance and Care Tips

How do you properly maintain your paddle to guarantee durability and long lifespan? Here's how:

• Always store your Pickleball Paddlein a cool and dry place. This is to prevent it from rusting.
• Do not expose your pickleball paddle to the sun. Regularly check your paddle gear to ensure that it is free of damage. If you discover minor damage, consider fixing it immediately.
• Store your paddle in a delicate bag. Most pickleball bags have a compartment for paddles.
• After every pickleball game, clean your paddle with a microfiber towel or water. This will help prevent any buildup that might affect it.
• Do not use your paddle to “high-five” other players. Doing so will cause your paddle to start chipping off.
• Use the right pickleball ball for your paddle type so that your paddle won't take more than it can bear.
• Once you notice the slightest issue with your paddle, fix it!

Pickleball paddles are instrumental in determining an excellent pickleball game. You don’t have to always change your paddle because of poor maintenance. Changing your paddles every time is not a good idea. Start taking care of your paddle today!

 Signs of Wear and When to Replace

Some key indicators will signal that your paddle needs to be changed. Here are the indicators:

• Visual Indicators: Check the edges and surface of your paddle. Once you notice scratches, it needs to be replaced. These damages may seem minor, but they cause your paddle to lose its durability and effectiveness over time.

• Performance Indicators: Once a paddle is not performing as it originally was, you might need to change it. For instance, if the sound changes or it is not hitting the ball as fiercely as it usually does, it’s time to change it. To decipher whether or not the paddle sounds nice, hit the sweet spot of your paddle. If you hear a weird sound, your paddle needs a replacement.

• Safety Concerns: Safety is paramount in any pickleball game. Never play when your pickleball handle is loose or has rough edges. You might injure yourself or other players. Fix the damage if possible or get a new paddle.

 Economic Considerations

There are expensive paddles and budget—or cost-friendly pickleball paddles. Note that, in most cases, expensive paddles are durable and have a longer lifespan than cheap ones. The pickleball paddle material composition of expensive paddles is always top-notch, and the production quality and innovation that come with it make it a reasonable option.

Generally, the lifespan of pickleball paddles varies based on their type. For instance, while graphite paddles last one to three years, composite paddles last two or four years.

 Conclusion

It’s no news that a good pickleball paddle equals a good pickleball game.

Many factors contribute to the lifespan of your pickleball paddle. How frequently do you use the paddle to play? What is your playing style? What is the composition of your pickleball paddle material?

Remember, good pickleball paddles also require proper care and maintenance. Always give your paddle optimal care and attention, and use and store it properly. In all of these, never hold on to an already worn-out paddle. Sometimes, change can be a good thing, and change starts here!