Pickleball paddles usually last between one and five years. Many factors impact the lifespan of a pickleball paddle: the amount of use, how well they are looked after, and the play style of their owner.
How Long Do Pickleball Paddles Last?
On average, a pickleball paddle should last for between one and five years, according to Selkirk, a paddle manufacturer.
This large range is because there are a number of factors that impact the lifespan of a pickleball paddle.
- Material: One of these is the material your paddle, paddle face, and core material are made of. Some materials (like wood paddles) offer less consistent performance but have excellent durability, so they last longer than a better-performing but less hardy type of paddle.
- Use: Another factor is the amount of use the paddle gets. If you only play occasional pickleball games (i.e once or twice a month), your paddle is going to last quite a long time. However, professional and advanced players who play a lot and undertake a lot of practice pickleball drills will be using their paddles much more. This will reduce the lifespan of their paddle when compared to a recreational player who spends less time on the pickleball court.
- Care: Another factor is whether or not you take proper care of your paddle. This has a huge impact on its longevity. Keeping your paddle away from extreme temperatures (e.g in a car on a hot day, or in the garage during a freezing cold spell) should increase the lifespan. Equally, storing your paddle in a proper paddle bag while not playing, making sure your paddle has a well-maintained edge guard, and avoiding clinking of paddles with other players will help protect it from dents, scratches, and other general wear and tear.
- Playing Style: The final factor regarding the lifespan of a pickleball paddle is your individual playing style. Power players who hit a lot of high-speed drives will find that their paddles wear out quicker than control players who hit soft dinks and drop shots. This is just due to the stress the different types of shots put on the paddle.
Which Pickleball Paddle Materials Last the Longest?
If you’re looking for a cheap, hardy, inexpensive paddle that will last a long time, wood paddles are a good place to start. They are a great option for new players or those with kids who just want a piece of equipment that is going to last without much maintenance.
We recommend the Amazin’ Aces’ wood paddle set:
The Amazin' Aces Wood Pickleball Paddle Set is ideal for both beginners and seasoned players. This complete set includes four premium wooden paddles, four durable pickleball balls, and a handy carry bag for easy transport. Whether you're just learning the ropes or refining your skills, this set offers endless fun and gameplay on the court.
However, wooden pickleball paddles are by far the heaviest and worst-performing type of paddle, so they aren’t suitable for people who play the sport more regularly.
Of the better-performing options, the two best paddle types are graphite paddles and composite paddles.
Four great examples of good-performing graphite or composite paddles are:
The Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle, perfect for players who dominate all areas of the court, features a blend of traditional design and modern technology. Its textured carbon fiber face and control-focused thickness enhance your grip and play, allowing for precise spin, soft resets, and seamless volleys.
Use code PBUNION for 10% off at checkout!
The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro V3 upgrades your game with its new face designed for unmatched spin on cuts and slices. The textured surface ensures optimal dwell time for spins, while the 5.25" handle provides two thickness options for a personalized grip and for more control.
The Vanguard Power Air Invikta is the cream of the crop when it comes to pickleball paddles in our opinion, as it has become a staple on the pro scene. It was developed in partnership with pro players, such as Tyson McGuffin, in order to ensure the best possible product.
Use code PBUNION for 10% off at checkout!
The Vulcan V720HT MAX Pickleball Paddle is a game-changer, designed for maximum forgiveness, an extensive sweet spot, and enhanced spin and power capabilities. Its unique oval shape not only features the largest sweet spot in Vulcan's lineup but also provides a lighter feel than its 8.3-ounce weight suggests.
Use code PBUNION for 10% off at checkout!
Graphite paddles are the hardiest and most durable. Selecting one of these will increase the life of your paddle. However, they are less powerful than polymer/composite options and can also be more expensive.
How many pickleball paddles should You have?
Having at least two pickleball paddles is a good idea for most players. Here’s why:
- Backup: A second paddle serves as a backup in case your primary paddle gets damaged during play, ensuring you can continue playing without interruption.
- Different Playing Conditions: Different paddles can be beneficial for different conditions or playing styles. For example, you might prefer a lighter paddle for indoor play and a heavier one for outdoor play, or you might choose one paddle for power and another for control.
- Wear and Tear: Having more than one paddle can help distribute usage and extend the life of each paddle.
- Experimentation: As you grow and evolve as a player, your preferences might change. Having multiple paddles allows you to experiment with different weights, materials, and grip sizes to find what works best for your game.
While two paddles are sufficient for most, enthusiasts or competitive players might choose to have a larger collection to fine-tune their game further or to match specific playing conditions or opponents.
How to Know When to Replace Your Pickleball Paddle?
There are a number of ways to tell that your paddle is nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Feel: Most pickleball players will be very familiar with the way the ball reacts off their paddle and will be aware of any changes. Has the sweet spot become smaller or less powerful? Are you sensing dead spots where the ball comes off the paddle more slowly than it should? These are signs the paddle might need replacing.
- Sound: You can also notice a paddle that is reaching the end of its life by the paddle sound. If there is a sudden change in the noise your paddle makes as it hits the ball, it might mean something has broken, or the paddle has had too much wear and tear.
- Appearance: Another way to tell is by your paddle’s appearance. If there are noticeable dents or scratches on the face of your paddle, these can affect performance and might mean your paddle is past its shelf life.
Not every type of wear and tear requires replacing the whole paddle. Paddle grips can be replaced easily either at home or by a professional. People who play a lot of pickleball should consider replacing their grips at regular intervals to ensure the grip stays tacky and functional.
What To Do When Your Pickleball Paddle Is Worn Out?
If your paddle has worn out, you have several options.
If you think it might be able to be repaired, you can take it to a local pro shop or pickleball club and see if they can get it feeling brand new again.
If your paddle is still under warranty, the manufacturer might be able to replace or fix it for you. Most paddle companies will have the terms of their warranties on their stores at checkout.
If that is not possible, it’s probably time to invest in a new paddle. If you love your current model, you can buy the same one again or look for one like it. Or perhaps you’ve figured out that the paddle you had wasn’t quite right for your playing style, and you’re after a change?
How do you pick the best pickleball paddle?
Check out the following paddle buying guides we have here on the website for tips and tricks on how to find the pickleball paddle that’s right for you.
- How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
- 5 Best Pickleball Paddles Under $65
- 5 Best Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players
- The Top 5 Pro-Level Pickleball Paddles
- Our Top 5 Pickleball Paddles Based On Aesthetics
Choosing the best pickleball paddle depends on your playing style, skill level, and preferences. Consider the paddle’s weight (light for quickness, heavy for power), grip size (comfortable hold without straining your hand), and material (wood for durability and affordability, composite or graphite for a better feel and control).
Experiment with different paddles if possible, as the right choice enhances your control, comfort, and performance on the court.
