When Should You Upgrade Your Padel Racket?

When Should You Upgrade Your Padel Racket

When Should You Upgrade Your Padel Racket? Numerous aspects need to be taken into account. If your racket starts to bother you or shows evident wear and tear, just stop using it and get a new one. As soon as you can, change it to avoid being harmed. With use, your racket begins to lose its attributes, and a replacement is required. 

A tennis racket can last for years if the strings are changed on a regular basis. Rackets are typically good for 12 to 18 months. If you play frequently, your racket will need to be replaced sooner, but if you just play rarely, you can replace it every 3 to 4 months. Temperature variations may also impact your racket, so you should know how to take care of it.

The Best Padel Racket for experienced players is often constructed of an EVA core, and a racket face composed of carbon fibre. Beginner padel rackets have a foam core and a fiberglass face and frame. However, regardless of the materials used, your racket will ultimately lose its shape and exhibit indications of damage.

If you’re not aware of the signals that indicate it’s time to replace your padel racket or the factors to be considered before updating the racket, keep scrolling! Additionally, we’ll offer some advice for preserving the life of your padel racket.

How long have you been playing?

Most players should replace their padel racket every six months or so. Depending on how frequently and for how long you play, you should change your racket. If you take good care of your racket and the frame doesn’t break, you could play occasionally or for years as a beginner with the same racket.

Professional players obviously need to replace their rackets more frequently because they play more regularly and use stronger shots.

You should also start shopping for a new racket once you realize that it is no longer enough for your improved game. For a slight advantage in the game, you should try to increase your strength or dexterity. You’ll discover that as your skill level rises, you need different gear, and it’s time to replace your racket.

How long have you been playing

Even if your racket isn’t too old, keep in mind that if you discover it has lost its suppleness or isn’t as effective as it once was, then it is time to buy a new one.

Player Type Time Period of padel racket change
OccasionalOnce a year
Beginner   After 6 months
Semi-professionalAfter 4 months
Professional      After 2 months         

How Much Have You Improved?

If your game has improved, that’s another incentive to switch out your racket. You should upgrade your racket three to four months after you started playing padel if you are using a normal racket and participating in weekly matches.

How Much Have You Improved

Your technique will drastically improve, and you will progress far more quickly than other gamers. When you have a better understanding of what you need for your game, you should improve your padel racket sooner.

You should purchase your racket in accordance with your skill level, playing style, and level of fitness.

Do You Have Any Arm Strains On Court?

You should be fine if you are completely comfortable and find your racket to be simple to use. Sometimes, the best way to know is to smash the ball hard; if, you feel a vibration in your arm as you strike, you should switch it instantly.

Even if you don’t see anything major, it could still be lead to injuries to your joints, particularly your elbow and shoulders ( Padel racket injuries ). Simply stop playing your racket and buy a new one if it starts to bother you or shows obvious signs of damage.

Damages that require you to change your racket immediately

1. Cosmetic crack

One type of damage you might notice on your racket is a cosmetic crack; it only impacts appearance. You can still hit the ball ( Best Padel Balls )well if you’re using a good racket.

padel racket Cosmetic crack
2. Chip and Scuffs

You don’t have to buy a new racket immediately if yours has visible damage like chips and scuffs. Scratches on your object’s face, frame, or core are most likely all you’ll see.

padel racket Chip and Scuffs

This type of injury could happen if you use low strokes or if you accidentally touch your racket to a hard surfaces like wall or floor.

3. Internal cracks

Even if your racket has a crack or damage to the carbon or fiberglass holding it together, you are still able to play with it.

But you must understand that the side that is playable is the one without a crack. This breakage can happen if you hit the ball hard or strike your knees, palms, or other courtside objects carelessly.

4. Serious cracks

If you’re using a racket that has a major crack, you need to obtain a replacement right away.

The frame of your racket may be harmed if you collide with your partner or strike the ground too low.  A padel racket with cracks is obviously not a decent racket. Playing with a damaged racket is not recommended because you will just cause further harm to it.

Serious padel racket cracks

How to extend the lifetime of your padel racket

Because it isn’t always feasible to replace our padel rackets, we usually want to increase their lifespan. In addition to investing in high-quality rackets, you should be aware of how to maintain your equipment.

If you want to extend the lifespan of your racket, pay strict attention to its specifications. The type of material used to make the racket has an impact on the duration. Carbon fibre rackets are incredibly durable.

How to extend the lifetime of your padel racket

The core material has a significant impact on both the lifespan and performance of your racket. In terms of endurance, those with EVA rubber cores often outlast those with foam ones. Here are some suggestions for extending the life of your racket.

1. Avoid high temperatures

If you live in a warm, sunny area and your racket is repeatedly exposed to sunlight and high temperatures, the color and design will start to fade, and the properties of the materials will be lost.  The foam will deform, which will have an impact on how it makes contact with and returns the ball to play across the court.

2. Avoid slamming your racket in the ground

Stop hitting your racket against the ground or other things. Fix any scuffs you find on the materials immediately to stop them from growing deeper and more noticeable. You can use glue to repair small dings on the face and frame of your racket.

3. Keep your racket dry

You must cleanse your racket to prolong its life and stop bacterial development. If you leave your tennis racket damp, the inner core components will deteriorate, making it harder to use.

4. Protect with Protective Strips

You can further protect your racket’s frame by enclosing it with protective strips.

Protect with Protective Strips

What should you upgrade to?

A round, low-balanced racket is what you should use if you seek comfort during your shots.

Go for a round-shaped racket with a central sweet spot if you want control over your shots. 

Choose a diamond-shaped, high-balanced racket if you desire power in your shots. You’ll feel hard and energized. Use a racket with a rough surface if you want your shots to have spin.

What should you upgrade to

Conclusion

Both professional and recreational players must be aware of when to upgrade their padel rackets. After playing for three to four months, you should consider replacing your padel racket. Professional players occasionally replace rackets because it impacts their game. It is up to you as the player to take care of your gear and make the decision about whether to get a new racket.

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