Paddle Maintenance & Replacement: What Every Pickleball Player Should Know

Paddle Maintenance & Replacement: What Every Pickleball Player Should Know

Your paddle is more than just equipment — it’s your partner on the court. Whether you’re a casual weekend player or training for tournaments, proper care of your paddle directly affects your performance, comfort, and investment. Here’s how to maintain your paddle and know when it’s time for a replacement.

1. Clean It Regularly

Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the paddle face after each session. For textured or gritty surfaces, a soft brush (like a toothbrush) can help remove embedded dirt or ball fibers. Avoid using harsh chemicals — warm water is enough.

2. Avoid Heat & Moisture

Extreme heat (e.g. leaving your paddle in a hot car) can warp the core or loosen the surface glue. Store your paddle in a cool, dry place. A paddle cover or a well-padded bag adds extra protection, especially during travel.

3. Inspect the Edge Guard

The edge guard protects your paddle from impact damage. If it starts to peel or loosen, it may eventually compromise the integrity of the paddle. Luzz offer edge guard replacement, but if the frame is cracked, consider a new paddle.

4. Monitor for Dead Spots

Over time, high-frequency use can compress the core, resulting in “dead spots” — areas where the ball doesn’t bounce back as it should. If your shots start feeling flat or inconsistent even with proper technique, that may be the reason.

5. Know When to Replace

Here’s a general timeline based on usage:

  • Casual player (1–2x/week): Replace every 12–18 months

  • Regular player (3–5x/week): Replace every 8–12 months

  • Competitive player: Replace every 6–9 months or at first sign of performance drop

If you're playing with grit-coated paddles, monitor the surface. A worn-out texture will affect spin and ball control — a good reason to upgrade.

Final Tip: Rotate if Possible

If you have more than one paddle, rotating them can help extend each paddle’s life and give you more consistent feel across different matches.

 

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