How long does a padel racket really last? We explain it with a video.

It's one of the questions we get asked most in-store and on social media: “How long does a padel racket last?” or “When do I have to change it?”

And it's logical. A shovel isn't cheap, and we all want to know how much use we can get out of it before it starts to lose performance.

In this article we tell you from the real experience of players and customers, without unnecessary technicalities. Because not all blades last the same amount of time, and—above all—not all of us treat them the same.

Shovel care: the key that makes the difference

Before talking about numbers, we need to start with one thing: the maintenance and care of your shovel directly influences its useful life.

A well-maintained shovel can last twice as long as one that suffers from bad habits.

For example, if you are one of those who leave the shovel inside the car in full sun in summer, or keeping it wet in the paddle bag after a match, you are shortening its life without realizing it.

He extreme heat, humidity or sudden changes in temperature They affect the EVA or FOAM core, and it gradually loses its elastic properties.

Keeping your paddle dry, ventilated, and at room temperature costs nothing, and can make the difference between changing it every six months or every two years.

How long does a paddle last depending on your type of player?

Now, let's get to the point: How long does a padel racket last depending on the frequency and type of use?. Because a player who trains five times a week isn't the same as someone who only plays a game on Fridays with friends.

Intensive players: between 4 and 8 months of optimal performance

If you train consistently, compete or play tournaments on weekends, you will most likely notice some loss of performance between 4 and 8 months of use.

During this period, the rubber begins to lose some of its original bounce and the racket no longer responds as effectively in terms of power and control.

That doesn't mean it breaks or becomes useless, but it does mean the sensations change. The ball stops coming out with the same force, vibrations increase and the feel becomes drier.

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Many competitive players change their racket even earlier, not because it's damaged, but because they're always looking for maximum performance.

Occasional players: up to 1 or 2 years of good condition

At the other end are the more recreational players, those who play one or two games per week, more for fun than for competition.

In these cases, a shovel can remain perfectly functional for 1 or even 2 years, as long as it is well cared for.

Moderate use makes the materials have time to “rest” between matches, which helps maintain elasticity and the sweet spot for longer.

Plus, if you don't subject it to extreme temperatures or unnecessary impacts, the racquet can last you for many seasons.

Signs that your shovel needs a change

While months or the number of games played are a good guideline, the most important thing is to listen to your feelings on the court.

A paddle may look visually perfect, but if it no longer transmits the same when hitting, it has probably reached its limit. the time to renew it.

How do you know if your shovel is worn out?

Some clear clues are:

• You notice more vibrations when hitting the ball, even when doing the same technical gesture.
• You feel like the ball doesn't come out of the racket evenly, as if it lacks bounce.
• Loss of control or power occurs for no apparent reason.
• You hear a “muffled” or different sound when hitting.

When this happens, The ideal thing is to try a new shovel and compare sensations. Many times the difference is abysmal, and you realize how much the previous one had lost.

In short: it depends more on you than on the shovel.

The duration of a padel racket It's not an exact figure. It depends on your playing frequency, your level, the type of ball you use, the weather conditions, and, above all, how you care for it.

An intensive player will notice wear in less than a year, while an occasional player can enjoy their racket for two or three seasons without any problem.

If you feel that something has changed in your hitting, or that you no longer have the same sensations as before, maybe it is time to welcome a new shovel.

And remember: a well-maintained shovel not only lasts longer, but also protect your arm and improve your performance.