The life of a pickleball paddle is not an easy one. First, it must endure endless abuse, including constant pounding, slashes, and smacking sounds of solid contact with the hard court surface. Durability is one of the prominent features that you must consider while choosing a new pickleball paddle.

I’m sure there are many people out there wondering how long pickleball paddles last. And if you have an old one in the back of storage, you wonder if it’s still good to be used. In this article, I am going to find out the answers to all these questions and present some tips for prolonging the paddle’s lifespan.

yellow and blue pickleball paddles in a pickleball filed

How Long Should a Pickleball Paddle Last

In general, pickleball paddles should have a lifespan of one to five years as promised by the manufacturers. But depending on usage and care, it can be less or more. Paddles, on the other hand, are subject to normal wear, strain, and negligence. Paddles are also becoming obsolete every two to three years due to the rapid progress of paddle technology.

How Long Do Pickleball Paddles Last

The lifespan of a paddle typically ranges from one to five years, depending on how often it is used and how well it is maintained. Some people have found their paddles are still working after eight to ten years. However, lasting a long time does not mean it will be effective like a younger one, as paddles will deteriorate over time due to natural wear and tear and may become damaged due to neglect. In addition, due to the rapid pace at which innovations in paddle technology are made, paddles become obsolete approximately every two to three years.

Regarding materials, the graphite paddle typically lasts at least a year for an experienced player who wants to play pickleball nearly every single day. On the other hand, a paddle made of wood may have a longer lifespan than one made of composite or graphite. This is because it is thicker, allowing players to employ it in the most versatile manner possible.

Types of Material Used for Pickleball Paddles

In the sport of pickleball, players have a wide range of options available in terms of the paddles they can utilize. The materials used in paddles are categorized into two basic types: core and surface. The core, as it is named, is the root element of a paddle, sandwiched between two layers of surface layers. And core materials are always different than surface ones.

Aluminum, Nomex, and polymers are nowadays popular cores with a combination of surface layers, including fiberglass, composite, and graphite. Each one has certain qualities that set it apart from the others. When getting a paddle for pickleball, the first thing you need to decide is what kind of paddle you want to get.

There are many popular options, and choosing the best one for your playing style can be challenging. The first popular ones to hit the market were wood and graphite. Although composite paddles are newer on the market, they are now growing in popularity as well.

Each type of material used in the pickleball paddle impacts the playability and cost of the paddle. Although wood is the most common, its popularity is waning, replaced by composites and graphite. 

A composite paddle has a blade of fiberglass covered with a thin layer of plastic resin. Meanwhile, graphite paddles utilize heavy-duty graphite that’s lightweight and often preferred by advanced players. While both offer a great combination of power and control, each material has its strengths and weaknesses that can affect one’s playing style.

With these materials, many players are still asking themselves how long their pickleball paddles will last. So here’s how.

How Should You Store Pickleball Paddles to Make Them Last

It’s a well-known fact that the climate can harm your paddle inside and outside the home if you are not careful. That’s why smart pickleball players seek safe storage for their paddles at the end of the day. But how do you determine which storage method is best for you? And more importantly, how will it help you maintain high-quality paddles during all seasons?

If you are a pickleball player, you should be aware of the climate. The weather plays a vital role in your paddle’s life expectancy. It doesn’t stand a chance if either extreme temperature — hot or cold — gets to your paddle. For example, hot weather causes damage from the sun and UV rays, while cold weather can cause the core of the pickleball paddle to split. 

Proper storage of your pickleball paddle does not only prolong its life but increases your playing enjoyment as well. It is recommended that you keep your paddle out of extreme temperatures and minimize the time it takes in humid environments. It will slow the deterioration of the materials and make the product last longer.

How Do You Maintain a Pickleball Paddle?

Players need to take proper care and maintenance of their paddles. Premium wood paddles are a fine product and should last a long time if cared for properly. It is a good idea to clean the pickleball paddle with a small amount of window cleaner or non-abrasive liquid dish soap on the face to prevent sweat, dirt, and grime from messing up the appearance of the face. 

Dry it quickly using a paper towel or a thick kitchen tissue. Besides, take care not to immerse the paddle completely. If water can penetrate the meticulously designed core, it will affect the weight and sweet spot and eventually destroy it.

Your paddle is an essential tool for you, so it’s important to take care of it. This doesn’t just mean keeping it out of the reach of children and sealing up any cracks or holes that you find. It means taking more care—after all, your racket is not just a collection of wood or metal but a finely tuned instrument that is vital to how you play. 

How Often Do Pickleball Paddles Break?

Although there is a lack of data that demonstrates how frequently the paddles break, there are some cases where pickleball paddles made of composite materials tend to be more fragile than those made of wood or graphite, bubbling upward and distorting after a relatively short period of use. 

Graphite pickleball paddles can also be problematic in terms of longevity, as the foam core may not be able to withstand the wear and tear of aluminum. But as for wood, they are sturdy and may be used for a considerable number of years without a need for replacement.

How Do You Know Your Paddle Is Dead

The term “dead paddle” refers to a paddle that has been broken or overused to the point where it can no longer perform to the best of its abilities. This can result from visible mishaps such as being tossed, getting hit on the ground, or breaking. Besides, it’s also possible that your equipment has just reached the end of the natural lifespan for which it was designed.

Signs of a dead paddle:

  • The paddles sound dull. If your paddle has started to develop “dead” areas where the internal honeycomb has been deformed, it may sound different than the day you acquired it and create a “duller” noise.
  • There is growing unevenness on the surface. It’s relatively uncommon for a dead spot to be incredibly minute and, as a result, nearly impossible to identify. However, once you notice that a paddle is not operating or see tiny bumps on its surface, you should most likely consider replacing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can you tell if a pickleball paddle is bad?

If your pickleball paddle loses responsiveness and you lose control of the ball, it’s time to buy a new one.

Q2: Does shape impact the pickleball paddle’s durability?

A: No. Pickleball paddles are usually available in two shapes, standard wide-body, and elongated shape. The shape only determines the playability like reach, power, control, etc, but can’t influence the longevity of your paddle.

Final Thoughts

Don’t replace your paddle if you can still get a good grip on it. However, if you’re having problems holding the paddle correctly and your shots are landing away from your desired target, it’s time to dig deeper into your wallet and invest in a new pickleball paddle. The more dents you see on your old paddle, the more your money will go out the window. So, how long does a pickleball paddle last? It depends on your care and usage.