by Kelly Campbell
From overhyped marketing to endless gear reviews, conflicting advice about pickleball paddles dominates the market, making it hard to know what truly impacts your performance.
Paddle grit is one paddle factor that can really work to your advantage on the court. For casual players, it might not make a huge difference, but for more advanced dinkers, it could really improve overall performance. With so many more expensive paddles on the market, knowing what actually matters in a good paddle is crucial. Intentionally-chosen paddle grit could be the key to leveling up, just by knowing what works best for you.
Paddle grit: What is it? Does paddle grit really make a difference? How long does paddle grit last? Read on for answers to these questions and more.
What is Paddle Grit?
Simply put, paddle grit is the roughness on your paddle’s surface. Different textures and coarseness can impact your power, accuracy, speed, and control for your hits.
Some players and paddle manufacturers claim grit has more of an impact on performance than others, but it’s safe to say that grit has the potential to make a noticeable impact. The USAP even has regulations on paddle grit to ensure that play remains fair, which only supports claims about high-grit paddle advantages.
No matter what paddle you choose, the grit will wear down over time. There are some proposed DIY solutions to preserve paddle grit (with mixed opinions), and we’ll touch on some tips you should follow to prolong your paddle’s grit lifespan.
Does it Really Make a Difference?
Yes! While you’re not likely to see drastic disparities in your performance between paddle grit types if you’re a beginner still building your skill foundation, finding and maintaining the right paddle grit can take your game from good to great. But it’s important to know your stuff.
As paddle technology continues to evolve, it helps to have a solid understanding of the basics of how a paddle actually performs. Not every new feature or material is necessary to be a good player, but paddle grit is one marketing point that’s worth paying attention to.
A paddle’s grit is the overall texture of its hitting surface, and it directly affects how the ball interacts with the paddle at contact. Surface roughness can increase friction between the ball and the paddle. More friction means a greater ability to impart spin, especially on serves, drives, and controlled dinks. That added spin can improve shot placement, create sharper angles, and make the ball dip faster over the net. While a coarser texture creates more potential for skilled players who know how to take advantage of it, it doesn’t automatically make it better than smoother surfaces; they’re just different.
Keep your expectations in check. Investing in paddle grit won’t suddenly turn you into a pro. Spin still comes from technique, paddle speed, and contact point. But the right surface texture can complement your strengths instead of working against you.
Paddle Grit Types: What Paddle Grit is Right for You?
If you’re a beginner, don’t get caught up in the paddle grit hype. You might actually benefit from a smoother paddle while you’re learning to master the basics. A smoother surface will encourage more power and better direct contact between the ball and paddle. Since you’re just starting out, you don’t need to worry about controlling or spinning the ball.
For intermediate or advanced players, consider increasing grit depending on your skill level and personal style. Strategize based on your strengths and weaknesses, keeping in mind that coarser textures can increase your control over accuracy, but can inhibit power and speed, if that’s something you need to work on.
Course-textured or “gritty” surfaces are favored by pros because they slightly increase the time the ball stays on the paddle, which helps players shape their shots and control spins. Fine grit typically offers a more balanced feel, providing some spin without sacrificing as much power. Keep in mind that coarser textures might feel less lively on hard drives and can wear down more quickly over time. While pickleball professionals have the budgets and sponsorships to replace their paddle at every sign of wear, the average player probably doesn’t.
Paddle material dictates grit as each interacts with the ball differently. Fiberglass faces tend to be more elastic, helping generate easy power and a lively feel off the paddle. Raw carbon fiber is typically stiffer and more control-oriented, offering a naturally textured surface that grips the ball longer for increased spin and precision. Peel-ply carbon surfaces are engineered to maximize friction, giving players added bite for heavier topspin and sharper cut shots.
How Long Will Paddle Grit Last?
While paddle grit condition is completely dependent on your own play schedule and maintenance, there are a few notes to consider when choosing a long-lasting paddle.
On average, with a new paddle, you can expect to experience a difference in paddle grit after about 30-50 hours of play. Depending on your schedule, maintenance habits, and how much you’re on the court, this can vary significantly from player to player.
You might notice that your paddle grit is past its prime when it starts to feel like your game is “off” all of a sudden, despite having no changes to your practice schedule or intensity, or if you borrow or try out a new paddle and immediately feel an improvement. If there’s visible wear on your paddle face, it’s also a safe bet that it’s lost some grit.
Many players argue that carbon fiber faces are among the longest-lasting, often maintaining consistent performance for 8-18 months depending on the play frequency. As spin becomes a bigger priority, manufacturers are racing to improve grit longevity. Selkirk, for example, promotes its InfiniGrit surface as a longer-lasting textured technology. Meanwhile, PIKKL offers replaceable grit sheets, allowing players to refresh surface texture without buying a new paddle.
Recreational players sometimes experiment with DIY methods like adding sandpaper or textured sprays, but modifying a paddle’s surface is not allowed in sanctioned tournament play.
No matter which type of paddle grit you choose, taking proper care of your paddle can really preserve your grit and prolong its lifespan.
How to Maintain Paddle Grit?
All paddles will wear over time, but good paddle hygiene can maintain your gear for significantly longer, saving you time, energy and money in the long run.
Here are some of our top tips to take care of your paddles to prevent grit deterioration, so you can enjoy all of the benefits:
- Clean your paddle well and regularly. Wipe down your paddle with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any debris or sweat after each match or practice session. Periodically deep clean with soap, avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.
- Store your paddle properly. When not in use, keep your paddle, particularly the surface, covered and in a case and bag.
- Avoid extreme conditions. Keep your paddle away from extreme heat and moisture, which can wear down materials.
- Invest in a paddle eraser. Paddle erasers are small cleaning tools that remove microscopic debris and ball residue from paddle surfaces, preserving grit. Try adding it to your cleaning routine once a week. Despite some online misconceptions, paddle erasers are gentle, chemical-free, safe, and effective for your paddle surface.
- Consider a practice paddle. Keep one paddle for use while practicing, and another for matches or higher-stakes events. This lessens the overall load on one paddle surface but keeps you ready for gametime.
- Switch sides. We all have a favorite paddle side, but making a conscious effort to switch it up will make the grit last longer.
If you’re still in need of a grit replacement but you’re not in the market to invest in a new paddle, consider using paddle skins and grit sheets. These are adhesive stickers that cover your paddle’s entire face surface or sweet spot to restore or enhance your paddle’s grit. They go for about $20-$50 per sheet and claim to restore the”bite” on the ball, have an easy peel-and-stick application, and can drastically increase the longevity of your paddle. The results might not be quite as impactful as getting a new paddle, but they offer a more budget-friendly option, and you can keep replacing them. Just keep in mind before buying that any paddle modifications could be restricted from tournaments and events. Check out PIKKL Pro Skins, Picklegrit, and Reload Paddle Sheets.
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