How often should you change your racket and how to know when it no longer performs, according to experts
By Muhammad Arslan Saleem January 27, 2026 05:27
There is a moment when your racket doesn’t work as it usually does. If you take a quick glance, it looks like it is intact. There aren’t any strange noises or visible strikes, but something doesn’t feel right. The ball doesn’t come off as it usually does. You can’t control certain shots you once mastered, and you start to feel odd impact sensations. That’s the point where most players start to wonder if it’s a technical issue or the racket has reached the end of its cycle. According to coaches and specialists alike, knowing when to change it depends far more on use and on on-court sensations than on time alone.
The real lifespan of a padel racket
It’s difficult to mention an exact time frame. However, brands and coaches usually manage a clear time range. For someone who plays once or twice a week, a racket can perform for 12-18 months. From then on, the wear is progressive, almost unnoticed.
On the other hand, if you play three or four times a week, or you are competing regularly, that margin stretches quite a lot. In those cases, the racket might lose performance in six to eight months, even less if the matches are intense and the tempo is high.
Whenever we confirm the racket has lost performance, the recommendation is to get informed properly before taking the next step. Nowadays, there are specialized online stores where you can compare different models, materials, and game levels, with updated guides about the best padel rackets, which are useful for choosing the racket that fits your game frequency and real feel on the court.
Why time alone isn’t the only factor
One of the most common mistakes is thinking that a racket has a longer timespan because it’s not broken. Reality is very different, as the internal materials, especially the rubber, compress with use and lose their ability to recover. This has a direct impact on ball exit and control.
Other factors you should take into consideration are the type of court, climate conditions, and how you transport your racket. Excessive heat, sudden changes in temperature, and humidity accelerate wear, even though you can’t feel it externally. That’s why two rackets bought on the same day can age in very different ways.
Signs that your racket has lost performance
There are a few evident hints that professionals recommend not to ignore. The most common is the loss of ball output. If you need to force your arm more to achieve the same depth, something is wrong. The material can’t return energy as it used to, and your hit is more challenging.
Another signal is excessive vibration. When the racket starts transmitting harsh impacts, especially in off-center hits, it usually means the internal structure is fatigued. This has an impact on performance, and most importantly, it increases the risk of injuries in the elbow and the wrist.
Irregular control of the ball is another clear indicator. Balls flying out without an obvious reason, or unstable sensations on flat shots and volleys, are often linked to a racket that has lost stability.
Different players, different replacement cycles
Experts insist that not all players should change rackets with the same frequency. An occasional player, who just wants to have fun and plays with a lower intensity, can keep the same racket for longer without issues. On the other hand, someone who trains regularly and tries to improve their game should be more picky.
Playstyle has its influence as well. Offensive players, who hit harder and are looking for more power, stress the racket more. Players who prefer control usually conserve it further, but that doesn’t mean it lasts forever.
The mistake of waiting for the racket to break
One of the most common pieces of advice that specialists often repeat is not to wait until there is a visible crack. When it happens, the racket has been performing well below its optimal level for a while. Changing it before it reaches this point allows you to keep consistent sensations and avoid unneeded adaptations.
Furthermore, playing with a worn racket can affect technique without the player realizing it. Shots get forced, swing mechanics change, and confidence drops in key moments of a match.
Changing your racket as part of player development
Far from being an unnecessary expense, changing the racket at the right moment is part of your sporting progress. As the level improves, the demands change, and the material should accompany that evolution.
Experts agree on a simple idea: if you doubt your racket is performing as it used to, then probably it doesn’t. Listening to your sensations, observing your game, and understanding wear is the best way to make the right choice and keep enjoying padel without unnecessary limitations.
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