Top Signs You Need a New Pickleball Paddle

The Trick is to Know When to Replace It—Before It Costs You the Game

This is not an easy topic for some people. Letting go never is.

Some pickleball players are holding on too tightly (literally and figuratively) to their paddles when, in fact, they should start shopping for a new one.

Your pickleball paddle is more than just equipment—it’s an extension of your game. But like all well-used tools, it doesn’t last forever. Whether you’re a casual weekend warrior or playing competitively every week, knowing when it’s time to retire your paddle can make all the difference in your performance—and even prevent injury.

Here are the top signs that your paddle may be past its prime, along with what to do about it.

Your Paddle Feels “Dead” or Lacks Pop

If your paddle isn’t bouncing the ball off with the same force, it might have dead spots—areas on the face where the core has broken down. You might find yourself swinging harder just to get the same effect, but all that does is wear you down faster.

You can try doing “The Tap Test” to tell if you have a dead spot. Tap around the paddle and see if the sound changes in different places. The paddle should sound the same all around.

👉 What to do: There’s no quick fix for this. A paddle with a compromised core won’t recover. If you’re noticing inconsistent bounce or decreased power, it’s time to replace it. However, if you recently purchased your paddle, see if its warranty or the manufacturer’s warranty is still valid.

Visible Cracks, Chips, or Dents

All paddles get scratched. But if yours has cracks, deep chips, bubbling, or indentations on the surface or edges, those cosmetic issues may actually be affecting your shot control and accuracy. Worse, they could worsen quickly with continued use.

👉 What to do: Light scuffs are fine. But serious surface damage, especially around the sweet spot or edge guard, means it’s time to upgrade.

Delamination or a Crushed Core

If you hear a strange whistling sound, rattling, or feel a hollow vibration when you hit the ball, it could be delamination. This happens when the paddle’s surface separates from the core inside. Another issue is core crushing—when your paddle just starts to collapse inward from wear.

👉 What to do: Neither issue is repairable. If your paddle feels or sounds off, it likely is.

Source

Loose or Damaged Edge Guard

The edge guard protects your paddle from accidental drops and hits. If it’s starting to peel, warp, or come loose, it can mess with your balance and lead to even more damage.

👉 What to do: If it’s a one-time fix, repair it. Get some super glue and tamp the edge down. But if it’s happening repeatedly or getting worse, it’s not worth patching—time for a new paddle.

Source

Grip or Handle Problems

A worn-out grip is easy to fix. But if the handle itself is loose, wobbly, or cracking, that’s a safety hazard—and a sign of deeper structural issues.

👉 What to do: Replace your grip regularly. However, if the paddle's handle feels unstable, replace the paddle.

Loss of Control, Power, or Spin

Are your shots flying long, falling short, or losing spin, even though your form feels solid? Over time, a paddle’s responsiveness tends to fade, especially if it has been used heavily. There is also a “grip” on the face of your paddle. You can feel it when you run your hand on it. If your paddle face feels smooth, it will lessen the amount of spin you can get on your shots.

👉 What to do: If your performance dips and everything else checks out, don’t blame your technique—it might be the paddle.

Strange Noises or Vibrations

Notice a weird rattle, buzz, or vibration every time you make contact? That’s usually a red flag pointing to internal damage or delamination.

👉 What to do: Paddles should feel solid and responsive. If it sounds or feels “off,” it probably is.

How Often Should You Replace Your Paddle?

That depends on how often you play:

• Frequent players (3–5 times per week): Every 6–12 months
  

• Recreational players (1–2 times per week): Every 12–18 months
  

• Occasional players: Every 1–2 years or when performance noticeably drops

And if you’re a competitive player, upgrading even sooner might give you a sharper edge.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Even if your paddle doesn’t look too worn, a subtle loss of responsiveness can make a big impact on your game. Staying on top of paddle condition isn’t just about performance—it’s about safety, control, and continuing to enjoy the sport you love.

So if your paddle is starting to feel a little... off, it might be trying to tell you something. Listen up—and level up.

👉 Need a New Paddle?

IPOP’s brand new Pro Shop is now open, and whatever your paddle needs are, we’ve got you covered.

Come check out our selection of:

• Top international brands
  

• Top Canadian paddle companies (for those who want to buy local 🇨🇦)
  

• Fresh grip tape to refresh your current paddle
  

• Expert advice to help you find your perfect fit

When you decide to buy a new paddle, don’t judge by price or other people’s reviews alone. Get the paddle in your hand and try it for yourself. Some paddles will feel more “right” for you than others.

Some paddles are made for power, others for accuracy, and still others for having a larger sweet spot. The point is, there’s a paddle that’s right for you — you just have to find it.

IPOP can help… with our Demo Wall.

IPOP offers a wide selection of paddles for purchase (more details below), and every paddle is available for demo from our pro shop. This way, you can find the paddle that works best for you BEFORE making a purchase.

Stop by IPOP and ask to demo one of our paddles today! It’s only $5 for your 2-hour session.

Ready to buy?

Explore our online store, where you can find the paddle you're looking for from the comfort of your own home or phone.

Whether you're a casual player or a serious competitor, we’ve got paddles to match your game—and your budget. Swing by next time you play and give your game the upgrade it deserves.