9 best tips to extend the life of your padel racket

#1 Use common sense It may sound cliché, but be nice to the racket. It may come as a surprise, but it is actually not the racket's fault when you sometimes play badly. So let's stop throwing the racket on the ground or hitting it against anything other than padel balls.

#2 Remember - It's not a tennis racket! Part 1 For padel players who come from tennis, some old (un) habits can persist on the padel court. Hitting the racket in your hand to "feel the tension" is a bad habit. With a tennis racket, you can do it as your palm hits the strings, but a steady palm against the padel racket's sweet spot is directly harmful to the racket. Many cracks and holes in the outer layer occur because you hit the racket in your palm and not because you have a super-hard smash. Even if the racket is destroyed in the moment of impact, it may be because it has received blows to the hand earlier. This also applies to blows to the knee and feet.

#3 Remember - It's not a tennis racket! Part 2 Hitting the ball with the racket while the ball is in the air is rarely harmful to the racket. On the other hand, hitting the ball when it is on the ground to "tap" it up as you usually do in tennis is not recommended. By pressing the ball between a racket and a hard surface, you are asking for cracks in the racket. Let it be. Pick up the ball with your hand or with the help of your foot and racket if you master it.

#4 Don't leave the racket in the car The material in the racket cannot withstand too many temperature changes. These can lead to drying out, which later leads to internal and external cracks. This applies in the summer as well as in the winter. Therefore, do not leave the racket in the car.

#5 Minimize the risk on the court Most padel is played for fun. Trying to win a ball at any cost may feel right, but it is mostly wrong. Are you afraid of your racket? Don't try to hit the ball if you risk hitting it against the glass/concrete/net post, etc. The wonderful feeling you get from winning that ball would disappear fairly quickly if you realize at the same time that the racket has taken the day off.

#6 Use frame protection The purpose of frame protection is self-evident. It protects against strikes and, above all, potential cracks. Always use frame protection. There are a variety of options available. Put on more than one if you want to protect around the entire frame. Note: Frame protection does not help with any of the points 1-5 above. So let's follow these too.

#7 Ensure a steady grip Do you often drop your racket? Most often, it is saved by the wrist strap, but sometimes the racket can fly away. This is unfortunate for both you and those who stand on the other side of the net. Make sure you have a fresh grip mounted (you can also use Hesacore and for example Gorilla grip).

#8 Use a racket cover or a good bag The material in a racket cover and paddle bag is designed to protect the racket, not just store it. With a cover or a bag, the racket is not exposed to large temperature fluctuations, shocks, and other factors. Note: We recommend taking the racket inside and not leaving it in the car - with or without a bag or cover.

#9 Moist air? Dry the racket properly! During the outdoor season, there are many days when the air is extra humid. Especially in the mornings or late evenings. Make sure to properly dry the racket with a cloth or towel before putting it back in the bag/cover. Allow it to air dry a bit if possible. Putting a damp racket straight into a dark bag without air can really shorten the life of the racket.