How to maintain your padel racket so it lasts twice as long

🧽 Equipment Care • 5 min read

A padel racket can last 4 months... or 18 months. The difference: 5 simple maintenance tips. Our complete guide to preserving your rackets and saving money.

A padel racket costs €200-300. Changing it every 4 months is €600-900 per year. Making it last 18 months is dividing the cost by 4. Here are the 5 simple tips that make all the difference.

The 5 golden rules of maintenance

1

Always in its cover

The number 1 rule everyone neglects. Without a cover: knocks against shoes/bottles, compression against other items, residual sweat attacking the grip. Our DEM PADEL rackets come with an included cover.

2

Avoid thermal shocks

Carbon and EVA foams hate extreme variations. No car trunk in summer (40-60°C), no frozen trunk in winter, no prolonged direct sunlight by the court. Store at 18-25°C indoors between sessions.

3

Change your overgrip regularly

Every 8 to 12 sessions. It absorbs your sweat, becomes smooth, you grip harder = tension transferred to the elbow (guaranteed epicondylitis). Our pack of 3 = €8.50 and lasts 3-5 months.

4

Clean the surface after each session

Wipe with a soft, damp cloth (not soaked). No chemical products (alcohol, bleach) — they attack the varnish. Let it air dry before putting it back in its cover.

5

Inspect the edges regularly

Every month: no visible cracks, frame protector in place, no chips on the head. Even a small crack = stop playing, it will spread and become dangerous.

The 3 mistakes that kill a racket in less than 6 months

How do you know if your racket is at the end of its life?

  1. Loss of tension: the ball travels less far
  2. Dull sound on impact (used to be snappier)
  3. "Soft" feeling: the ball sinks in
  4. New vibrations in the wrist

If you check 2 out of 4 signs, your racket is dying. 3-4 = it's time to buy a new one.

The anti-vibrator: useful or marketing?

The anti-vibrator really reduces vibrations transmitted to the elbow and shoulder. Particularly useful if:

  • You play 3 times a week or more
  • You have already had epicondylitis
  • You are looking for more comfort on touch

Our pack of 8 = €12, you place 1 per racket.

What impact on lifespan?

8-10 months

DEM PADEL neglected

12-14 months

Average maintenance

16-20 months

Good maintenance (5 rules)

The difference between "neglected" and "good" maintenance represents a whole racket saved every 2-3 years.

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Maintenance checklist

  • âś… Always in its cover
  • âś… Never in a hot/cold car
  • âś… Overgrip changed every 8-12 sessions
  • âś… Clean with a soft cloth after session
  • âś… Check the frame every month
  • âś… No angry hits against the ground/fence
  • âś… Anti-vibrator for intensive play or elbow sensitivity

Follow these points, and you will easily double the lifespan of your racket — and gain playing comfort in the process.

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