Make Your Pickleball Gear Last: A Care Routine

Paddle, shoes and balls add up fast. A few simple habits stretch each one further, and that is the cheapest way to save.

Paddles

Wipe the face

Grit and residue build up on the surface and blunt its grip, particularly on raw carbon. A slightly damp microfiber cloth after each session handles most of it, and cleaning erasers designed for textured faces tackle the rest. Keep harsh chemicals and scouring pads away.

Renew the handle

Slippery, worn tape makes you grip harder, which dulls feel and strains your forearm. Fresh overgrip costs little and goes on fast, so replace it once it turns smooth or frays.

Guard the rim

Dragging the edge along the court when you dig out low balls chews up the edge guard and can crack the face. Watch its condition, and keep the paddle in a cover between games.

Keep it cool

Heat softens the adhesives that hold a paddle together, so avoid leaving it in a hot car.

Balls

• Keep them at room temperature, since cold makes outdoor balls crack sooner
• Cycle through several balls so wear spreads out
• Retire any that turn soft, warp or crack, because a dead ball wrecks your timing

Shoes

• Save court shoes for the court, as pavement grinds down the sole
• Let them dry in open air rather than closed in a bag
• Replace them when the tread goes smooth or the heel loosens, since worn shoes invite injuries

Bags

A bag with a vented shoe pocket and a padded paddle compartment does more than organize. It keeps sweaty shoes off your paddles and cushions the face when you travel.

Knowing when to replace

A dead spot, a cracked face or a loose core means the paddle is finished. Check the coupon page before buying. For balls and shoes, our guides to indoor and outdoor balls and court shoes help.