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When practicing a sport, our body is as important as the tools we use. In padel, the racket and the shoes are perhaps our most important pieces of equipment, which is why every padel player should know that proper racket maintenance will help us prolong its useful life and obtain better results. Proper racket maintenance will keep scares, disappointments and unnecessary problems to a minimum.
PROPER MAINTENANCE OF YOUR PADEL RACKET IS A PRIORITY
Except in a few rare cases, every sport requires the relationship between athlete and equipment to be set at an optimum level, in order to obtain the best results possible. Proper set-up and maintenance of the padel racket must be a priority for every player. In many sports, proper equipment maintenance is essential, as most athletes are well aware. Skiers, cyclists, boaters, golfers and, yes, even tennis players spend time and resources maintaining their equipment. So, what about padel?
HOW DO WE BEST MAINTAIN OUR PADEL RACKET?
Unfortunately, despite our best intentions, many players neglect the proper maintenance of their padel racket, the principal and most expensive item in this sport. After having made the effort to carefully select their racket, when it comes time to finalize the purchase they rarely ask the seller or professional, "What is the best way to maintain this padel racket?"
- What are the main factors to consider in order to successfully extend the useful life of our racket?
- How can we protect and make the most out of our initial financial investment?
To answer these important questions, let's explore the differences between physical elements and habits or behaviors.
CHECK AND REPLACE THE GRIP ON THE PADEL RACKET
The grip is the point at which our body connects with the racket. Every decision that affects the game is transmitted from the palm of our hand to the grip of the racket. Maintenance on this part of the padel racket must be delicate and precise. Any roughness, wrinkle, or dampness on the grip will affect our hand's sensitivity and will, in turn, affect the orders our brain sends continuously to our body.
Carbosports Tip: optimal grip maintenance is essential. Check the grip regularly, and if you detect any alteration, replace the racket overgrips right away. At our online shop, you are sure to find the best padel grips on the market.
CHOOSE A GOOD COVER OR A GOOD PADEL BAG BACKPACK
The surface is where the racket strikes the ball, and where our commands are transmitted to the game. Over time, and after repeated and constant impacts with the ball, the surface tends to deteriorate, giving rise to irreparable cracks. However, if we are careful in how we use our racket, avoiding humidity and abrupt temperature changes, we will extend its life.
Carbosports Tip: always use a cover, padel bag or padel bag backpack, and never leave the racket in the trunk of the car on very hot days without optimal protection. Come visit our online shop and discover our recommended racket backpacks.
CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE RACKET FRAME PROTECTOR
The frame is, perhaps, the part of the racket that suffers the greatest risk of damage from smacks against the wall, our partner's racket and even the ground. Many rackets include their own anti-shock protector. For those rackets that do not, there are a number of protectors on the market that players can use which effectively prevent damage in the event of a blow to the racket.
Carbosports Tip: always protect the racket with a frame protector that is more or less rigid.
AVOID BLOWS TO THE RACKET , BAD HABITS AND HUMIDITY
Blows to the racket
While you are playing, you should never hit anything other than the ball with the racket. Of course, accidents do happen. No matter how careful you are, you still may bang your racket into the wall, your partner's racket or the floor of the court.
Carbosports Tip:
- In order to minimize these unwanted shocks to the racket, work on proper technique and fluid communication with your partner.
- And, of course, let's all work to eliminate unsportsmanlike behavior and protests that lead to hitting benches, posts or ball cans.
Habits
Another thing players at a certain level often do is pick up the ball up by hitting it rather than bending over. This habit is not at all recommended, as it shortens the life of the racket.
Carbosports Tip: avoid hitting the ball to pick it up.
Water
Playing on rainy days can harm the proper maintenance of the padel racket, so avoid playing matches on those days.
Carbosports Tip: if you do play in the rain, be sure to clean and dry the racket immediately before storing it in the padel bag, and keep it away from damp balls.
Other uses
Finally, let's not forget that the racket is the most important element of the game and the one that allows us greater competitiveness and fun.
Carbosports Tip: avoid using the padel racket for anything other than playing on the padel court. Do not use it at the pool, the beach, etc.
HOW TO REPAIR YOUR PADEL RACKET
Before we go any further, let's examine whether it's worth repairing the racket. Cracks can appear on the racket face or frame and typically have a direct impact on the racket's performance.
Whether you repair a padel racket will not necessarily depend on its initial expense. Though, if it is an inexpensive racket, it will most likely not be worth repairing. Nor will it necessarily depend on the depth of the crack.
If the crack is superficial or it is a high-end racket and we want to repair it, it would be best to have a specialist examine and repair it.
But if we choose to repair the racket ourselves, we must get a repair kit and follow the instructions to the letter, because there are a number of steps involved that must be done carefully: sanding, cleaning, applying patches, resins and fibers, applying pressure to reduce the thickness of the racket, and, finally, removal of excess resins.
SHOULD I REPAIR MY PADEL RACKET?
If the racket is high-quality, new or presenting only a superficial crack, it may be worth repairing it. In those cases, we again recommend taking it to a professional.
On the other hand, if it is an inexpensive racket or the crack is deep, it will not be worth repairing. At our online shop, you can find every kind of padel racket, for players of all levels, and always at the best price.
REPLACE AND RECYCLE YOUR WORN PADEL RACKET
All that being said, and even after following these tips to help us extend the useful life of our racket, the day will come when we have to replace it because of wear or fatigue, or simply because we want finer quality equipment and material. At which time, that racket can be reborn as the finest racket to play with on the beach.