We recently discussed the average lifespan of a padel racket. But beyond simply counting months, it's the everyday actions that truly make the difference between a racket that lasts two seasons and one that loses its performance in just a few weeks. Cleaning, storage, protection: here's an overview of the best practices to adopt after each session. 

The frame protector, an often overlooked accessory

The first thing to do, and yet still too rarely followed by amateur players, is to equip your racket with a frame protector.

This accessory, usually made of plastic or fiber, absorbs some of the impacts against the floor or glass surfaces. These impacts, repeated over several sessions, eventually cause cracks in the frame.

It adds a little weight to the racket, but significantly reduces the risk of breakage, especially for players who play on abrasive surfaces.

The frame protector, an often overlooked accessory

Cleaning and storage: the steps to take after each session

The racket accumulates, match after match, dust, ball residue and perspiration, all of which eventually affect the grip.

A simple dry cloth, wiped after each game, is enough to remove most of these deposits without damaging the coating. Abrasive products or water should be avoided, as they accelerate surface degradation.

Storage is just as important as cleaning. A racket left in direct sunlight or in a very humid environment will see its foam and fiberglass degrade more quickly, which directly affects the power and control of shots.

The best thing to do is to store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.

The overgrip, a detail that changes everything

Often relegated to the background, the overgrip nevertheless deserves special attention.

Constantly exposed to perspiration and friction, it wears out much faster than the rest of the racket. Replacing it regularly, every three to four matches for a dedicated player, helps maintain a reliable grip and prevents slippage during the most powerful shots.

Andoni Bardasco 2024 overgrip at the heart of padel

Spot the signs of wear before it's too late

Some signs don't lie.

A loss of power, which requires more effort to achieve the same ball speed, or a loss of control, with less precise trajectories despite an unchanged technique, should raise concern.

Visually, cracks in the frame, even minor ones, chips on the edges or a visibly damaged surface are all signs of advanced deterioration.

Making a habit of inspecting your racket every five to six weeks allows you to anticipate these signs before they really affect your level of play.

Simple maintenance, but one that protects a real investment

None of these actions require much time or special equipment. But taken together, they help preserve the feel of a new racket for longer, and therefore postpone an investment that remains, for many players, one of the most significant expenses in their sport.

While there is already a lot of advice on choosing a racket, the maintenance of it deserves just as much attention.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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