Buying used, is it worth it?

Buying used gear, is it worth it at padel ? So much of seller's side as the buyer, weigh the pros and cons on giving a second life to your equipment padel.

For some people, buying and selling second-hand is a way of life. As much as it can work in some sports, as much in padel, it can turn into a bad deal.

The shovel

If we compare the padel with the other racket sports that are tennis, badminton or squash, we do not need to have done Saint Cyr to realize that the pala of padel is different. Buying a second-hand tennis racket is possible because, well-maintained, a tennis racket can live a long time.

Au padel be very careful. A pala, even in good visual condition, may have suffered. How? 'Or' What ? Simply the conditions in which it was kept; too hot, too cold cause the foam and carbon to deteriorate without the visual appearance having been modified.

Our advice: If you buy a used pala, take it in hand, try it, check if it was not hit (scuffed does not count). If you are comfortable in the field, ok take the step of buying but at a very, very reasonable price.

Bags or paleteros

In this case there is less to worry about. Just one glance at the bag and you'll be fixed quickly. Note that a new large capacity paletero costs € 80, and a special backpack padel the 40 €.

Clothes

Yes yes, the clothes also sell secondhand. Some people quickly get rid of their sportswear to keep up with fashion. These clothes are often sold at bargain prices. Beware of wear, of course, because the perspiration is acidic, so it can alter the tissues.

The shoes

Shoes are as delicate a product as palas. A shoe padel worn on a regular basis will take the shape of its owner's foot and will have been deformed by races, sudden stops, changes of direction ... We advise you, in the case of a purchase of shoes from padel, to try them. This will be the only barometer of the current state of shoes.

Conclusion

Buy or sell gear from padel can give a second life to equipment. But let's be reasonable and lucid. Apart from paleteros, the rest is almost for the use of a single owner. Buying second-hand on the internet is like playing Russian roulette with the barrel loaded, you are sure to lose. The only way to realize a good opportunity is by running a short network, in your club or in a neighboring club, by trying out the equipment.

Do not forget that each end of the year, the brands liquidate their equipment of the current season before launching the news. A word, hi.

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.