How to Care for Your Padel Racket (And Make It Last)
A good padel racket is an investment. The Clima Clasico retails at $269. Some top-end rackets go north of $400. Looking after yours properly isn't just good sense. It's the difference between a racket that lasts two years and one that lasts five.
Enemy #1: Temperature
This is the one most players don't know about. Carbon fiber and foam cores are sensitive to extreme temperature changes. Leaving your racket in a hot car or a trunk in summer can cause the core to expand and contract, leading to delamination (where the face separates from the core). It sounds dramatic. It happens more often than you'd think.
• Never leave your racket in a hot car or direct sunlight
• Don't store it near a radiator or heating vent in winter
• After playing in cold conditions, let it warm up gradually at room temperature
Enemy #2: Moisture
Padel balls pick up moisture from the court, transferring it to your racket face over time. EVA foam cores are sensitive to prolonged moisture. It can soften the core and reduce responsiveness.
• Dry your racket face with a towel after play, especially on humid days
• Store it in a racket bag or cover, not loose in a sports bag
• If you play outdoors in the rain (brave), dry it thoroughly before storing
The Frame: Handle With Care
The most common way to damage a padel racket is hitting the frame against the metal mesh walls, called a 'frame shot.' It happens to everyone. Over time, repeated frame contact can cause micro-cracks that aren't always visible but weaken the structure.
A Kevlar-reinforced frame (like the Clima) handles this significantly better than pure carbon - the Kevlar absorbs impact and prevents crack propagation. According to Envista's Kevlar guide, Kevlar's exceptional impact resistance is precisely why it's used in high-end frames. Even so, try not to use the wall as a substitute for footwork.
Grip and Handle
Most padel rackets come with a grip wrap that wears down over time, becoming slippery and unreliable. Replace your grip every 10–20 hours of play. Overgrip tape is cheap, takes two minutes to apply, and makes a noticeable difference.
• Replacement overgrips cost $3–8 at any sports store
• Apply from the butt cap upward, overlapping each wrap by about a third
• A worn grip affects control and wrist safety
Storage
• In a protective cover or padded bag
• At room temperature, away from direct sunlight
• Horizontally or hanging — not balanced on the frame edge
When to Replace It
A well-maintained carbon + Kevlar racket should last 2–4 years of regular play. Signs it's time to replace:
• Visible cracks in the frame you can feel with your fingernail
• A hollow or dead sound on impact (core delamination)
• Noticeably reduced power despite good technique
• A soft spot on the face that compresses differently from the rest
(If it still feels good and plays well, it's fine. Don't let anyone talk you into replacing a functioning racket.)
Thinking about your next upgrade? Read how to choose your first padel racket or racket materials explained to know what to look for.
The Clima Clasico and Wave are built with 12K Carbon + Kevlar for exactly this kind of longevity. Shop at climapadel.com.
