Paddle Care Guide - What You Need to Know to Take Care of Your Paddle
How Long Should a Paddle Last?
It is important to remember to take care of your paddle in a variety of ways in specific areas that we will touch upon. How you take care of it will directly impact the life and longevity of your paddle. Paddles typically last 2-3 years on average, but we at Prolite often see our paddle models lasting much longer than that.
Cleaning Your Paddle
Over time, your pickleball paddle can pick up dirt and sediment from the courts. While some believe that that adds a bit more surface enhancement compatible for extra spin, many will clean their paddle so it looks like the first time they bought it.
Paddle Face
If you decide to clean your paddle face, we highly recommend avoiding any household cleaners. Use a slightly damp cloth and rub the dirty area until clean. It is not necessary to clean your paddle. Some players utilize the sticky/dirty residue to impart extra spin Paddle graphics may show wear after use due to hitting the ball over and over and over….and over. You get the point. Continuously hitting a hard plastic ball in the same area repeatedly will show some type of wear. If your paddle has more wear in the middle of the paddle…well, props to you!
Paddle Grip
We do not recommend washing or cleaning your grip. If your grip is losing its tackiness, you can replace it with many different types of grips styles including overgrips and replacement grips. At Prolite, we have a large grip division dedicated to the diversity and preferences of all pickleball players. Check out our entire pickleball paddle grip selection!
Paddle Edge
We at Prolite specialize in all things pickleball. We are pickleball…since 1984. That is what we do 24/7. A few years ago we developed Edge Tape Armor, meant for all paddles…sadly, sometimes not ever our brand of paddle. Edge Tape Armor was specifically developed to protect your paddle’s life and edges, both edgeless and edge guarded paddles. The edge tape will not only protect your paddle from scrapes, bumps, and damage, but it will also add some style framing your beautiful paddle. We recommend using it on all paddles.
*Prolite’s Edge Tape Armor may add between .1-.3 ounces depending on how much you decide to use
Temperature and Storage
Never, ever, store your paddle in the trunk of a car, in a garage, or outside. Got it? Kidding aside, temperature can adversely affect your paddle longevity. Here is a detailed guide about temperature and what to do with your most prized pickleball possession.
Hot Temperatures - Can lead to the paddle becoming softer, maybe even delamination…Store it inside!
Cold Temperature - Can lead to the paddle becoming brittle, perhaps even breakage…Store it inside!
Complete Paddle Care
By taking these extra steps, you will be adding extra life to your paddle. Kind of like eating healthy and exercising. What does that mean for my paddle you ask? That means more games at the pickleball courts. More practice sessions. More happiness…and your paddle will love you for it!