Making your paddle last: care, grip, and when to replace

Bottom line: keep it out of the heat, wipe the face after play, re-grip it when it goes slick, and replace it when the core softens or the face delaminates — usually one to two years of regular play.

Heat is the real enemy

A paddle left in a parked car in Bacolod sun can reach temperatures that warp the core or weaken the adhesive bond between the face and the core. That damage is permanent and it kills the paddle's feel. Carry it inside, every time. Do not leave it on a hot dashboard or a metal bench in direct sun either.

Face care keeps your spin

The paddle face has a fine texture — grit or a raised pattern — and that texture is what lets you brush the ball for spin. Dust, sweat and court grime fill it in. A quick wipe with a slightly damp microfibre cloth after each session keeps it alive. Do not use solvents or abrasive pads; they strip the surface faster than play does.

Storage and transport

• Use an edge-guard cover or a padded sleeve so bag rattle does not chip the rim.
• Store it flat or hanging, not leaning under weight, and away from windows in direct sun.
• If it gets soaked, wipe it down and let it air-dry — do not bake it dry in the sun.

The cheap fix

A worn, shiny grip makes you squeeze harder and lose touch — and it is a roughly 150-peso overgrip away from feeling brand new. Re-grip the moment the grip goes slick. Most regular players do it every couple of months. The grip guide covers wrapping technique and sizing.

When to replace the paddle

Retire it when you notice a dead spot or a buzzing rattle (the face is delaminating), when the core has softened so shots that used to have pop now feel mushy, or when a crack appears in the edge guard or face. For a player hitting a few times a week, that is typically twelve to twenty-four months — carbon-faced paddles at the firmer end of that range.