You’re in the middle of an intense tiebreaker against your bitter rivals, and you feel that something is off with your pickleball paddle. You look down, and you can’t see anything wrong with it, but your instincts are telling you otherwise. There’s only one (more) problem; you don’t have another paddle in your bag! So what’s your next move? Ask your partner for their backup, or find a random player you know has a spare paddle you can borrow? Both are less-than-ideal options when you’re in the midst of a battle you and your partner have fought hard for!
Whether you feel something off or there’s significant damage to your paddle, having a second paddle in your bag is a "must" for any competitive player. Here’s a list of good reasons and recommendations on why you should always have at least two paddles in your bag.
Top 3 Recommendations for Your Backup Pickleball Paddle
- The same paddle is a sure bet! The best-case scenario is that your backup is the same make, model, and weight as your original paddle. This will ensure the smoothest transition if something goes wrong with your paddle.
- If not the same model, at least the same brand! If you don’t want to use the same paddle as your backup, we recommend at least keeping the brand consistent. With brand consistency, you have a good chance of the grip shape being the same as your original paddle. Grip shape is an underrated characteristic of a paddle that can drastically change the feel of the paddle.
- If your backup isn’t the same model or even the same brand as your original paddle, here are a few consistent characteristics you’ll want to consider to make the transition smooth:
- Grip shape and size
- Paddle thickness
- Paddle weight
- Paddle shape
- Hitting surface and core
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Overall, pickleball paddles are very durable and can last a long time, even when put through months and months of consistent play. But the age-old saying “it’s better to be safe than sorry,” holds true even when it comes to pickleball paddles. Having a secondary paddle in case of a paddle emergency can make the difference between the podium and the parking lot! If you need any further assistance choosing a paddle, we’re here to help. Do you have additional questions? Reach out to our Paddles Experts today. They are standing by and ready to help you find the right gear. Call them at 866-382-3465, email them at experts@justpaddles.com, or click here to live chat. Don't forget, we're JustPaddles, and we're with you from Click To Court.
