How Long Does a Pickleball Paddle Last? Detailed Guide

Just like any other piece of equipment, how long a pickleball paddle lasts depends on a number of factors. With proper care and storage, your paddle could last for years.

But if you’re not careful, you could end up damaging your paddle and needing to replace it sooner than you’d like.

In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about how long pickleball paddles last and how to care for them.

How Long Should a Pickleball Paddle Last?

Ideally, a pickleball paddle should last anywhere from 2-5 years. But again, this all depends on how well you take care of it and how often you play. If you’re playing pickleball several times a week, you might need to replace your paddle sooner than someone who only plays a few times a month.

Pickleball Paddle Life Based on Different Scenarios

1. If you’re a beginner who plays a couple of times a week:
On average, a beginner who plays a couple of times a week will go through one paddle every six to twelve months. Why? Because as you become a better player, you’ll start hitting the ball harder and with more precision. This puts more wear and tear on your paddle, and eventually, you’ll need to upgrade to a better quality paddle to keep up with your game.

2. If you’re an intermediate player who plays a few times a week:
If you’re playing a few times a week and are starting to get pretty good, you can expect your paddle to last around nine to eighteen months. Just like with beginners, as your skills improve, you’ll need a better quality paddle to take your game to the next level.

3. If you’re an advanced player who plays every day:
If you’re an advanced player who plays pickleball every day, you can expect your paddle to last around three to six months. The reason for this is that advanced players hit the ball harder and with more spin, which puts a lot of wear and tears on their paddle. They also tend to use higher quality paddles, which means they need to replace them more often.

4. If you’re a professional player:
If you’re a professional pickleball player, you can expect to go through two to four paddles per month. The reason for this is that professional players are constantly hitting the ball hard and with a lot of spins, which takes a toll on their paddle. They also use higher quality paddles, which need to be replaced more often.

How to Make Your Pickleball Paddle Last Longer?

There are a few things you can do to help extend the life of your pickleball paddle. Proper care and storage are key to making your paddle last as long as possible.

1. Store Your Paddle Properly

When you’re not playing pickleball, it’s important to store your paddle properly. This means keeping it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you have multiple pickleball paddles, don’t store them all together in one bag. This could cause them to bump into each other and become damaged.

2. Clean Your Paddle After Every Use

After every pickleball game or practice, take a few minutes to clean your paddle. Wipe down the face of the paddle with a damp cloth to remove any sweat or dirt. If your paddle has a grip, make sure to clean that as well. A build-up of sweat can cause the grip to become slippery and difficult to hold onto.

3. Don’t Leave Your Paddle in the Car

On hot days, never leave your paddle in the car. The extreme heat can cause the paddle to warp and become damaged. If you have to leave your paddle in the car, be sure to cover it with a towel or blanket to protect it from the heat.

4. Check for Damage After Every Use

Before you put your paddle away, take a few minutes to check it for any damage. Look for any cracks, chips, or dents in the paddle. If you see any damage, it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible. Ignoring small problems can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

5. Don’t Play With a Damaged Paddle

If your paddle is damaged, don’t try to play with it. Playing with a damaged paddle can make the damage worse and cause you to have to replace your paddle sooner than you’d like. If your paddle is damaged, take it to a pickleball pro shop to have it repaired or replaced.

Conclusion

A pickleball paddle should last anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on how well you take care of it. To extend the life of your paddle, be sure to store it properly, clean it after every use, and check it for damage. And if your paddle is ever damaged, don’t try to play with it. Doing so could make the damage worse and cause you to have to replace your paddle sooner than necessary.