Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. As more players take up this fun game, it’s important to understand common issues like a delaminated pickleball paddle. Nothing can ruin a match faster than suddenly having your favorite paddle fail on you!
So what exactly causes a pickleball paddle to become delaminated? Let’s break it down in this beginner’s guide.
How Are Pickleball Paddles Constructed?
To understand delamination, we first need to know how paddles are built. Most quality pickleball paddles consist of multiple layers glued together under heat and pressure.
The faces are made from various materials like polymer, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or aluminum. The core is often Nomex or polypropylene honeycomb. The layers are bonded using adhesives that can deteriorate over time.
What Does “Delaminated” Mean?
When a pickleball paddle is delaminated, it means the layers have begun to separate or detach from each other. This is usually caused by the glue breaking down after prolonged use.
Delamination can occur slowly over many games and practices. But it can also happen suddenly if the paddle takes a hard impact, like an awkward shot off the edge.
What Are Some Causes of Delamination?
There are several potential causes of pickleball paddle delamination:
- Adhesive breakdown – The glues bonding the layers of the paddle together can deteriorate over time, especially with heavy use. Lower quality fixatives are more prone to breaking down.
- Low-quality materials – Lower grade carbon fiber, aluminum, or low-density foam can make the paddle more susceptible to delamination. Pickleball paddles made with inferior materials often delaminate faster.
Impacts – Hard impacts on the paddle edge or face can cause sudden delamination by weakening the bonds between layers. - Manufacturing flaws – Issues in the production process, such as inadequate adhesive application, can lead to premature delamination.
- Environmental factors – Humidity, temperature changes/ extreme temperatures, and UV exposure can accelerate glue breakdown over time.
- New technologies – Some newer paddle materials and construction methods may be more prone to delamination issues.
Regular inspection and care can help minimize pickleball paddle delamination, but it will eventually occur in any frequently used paddle. Using quality materials, high-quality paddles, and manufacturing is key to maximizing a paddle’s pop-free lifespan.
Signs Your Paddle Is Delaminating
How do you know if your favorite paddle may be starting to delaminate? Here are some key signs of wear and tear to watch for:
- Visible separation between the face and core layers. You may see gaps or air bubbles forming on the surface.
- Dead spots during play where the ball doesn’t rebound well. These are often caused by air pockets between detached layers.
- Changes in sound when you tap the paddle face. Delaminated paddles sound dull instead of having a crisp “pop”.
- Poor ball control and feel. The paddle will seem less responsive due to the layers flexing independently.
Regularly inspecting your paddle face and edges can help detect early signs of delamination. Don’t wait until it fails during a match!
Recent Delamination Controversy
Delaminated paddles have caused controversy recently on professional pickleball tours. Top pickleball players like Tyson McGuffin have had paddles fail deflection tests and been forced to forfeit matches.
The deflection test uses a mechanical arm to bend the paddle face. Paddles must flex a certain amount without permanently deforming. Delaminated paddles often fail because the layers move independently.
However, the paddle testing policies around delamination have been unclear. This has led to confusion and debate within the pro community.
Governing bodies like the APP are still working to refine the rules. Expect continuing discussions as pickleball grows into a major sport.
How to Prevent Delamination
While delamination is often unavoidable over time, there are steps you can take to prolong your paddle’s life:
- Buy quality paddles from reputable brands using advanced materials and construction. These are less prone to delamination issues.
- Avoid paddles with aluminum faces. Aluminum tends to detach more easily from the inner core.
- Inspect often. Check for visible separation or dead spots during routine cleaning.
- Tap test. Listen for changes in sound by gently tapping the paddle face before games.
- Limit impacts. Be careful not to bang paddles on the court or hit edge shots.
- Replace older paddles. Consider a new paddle after 1-2 years of frequent use.
A delaminated pickleball paddle can significantly impact your paddle performance and power and control in a negative way. However, with extra care and precautions, you can hopefully avoid the dreaded delamination!
The Future of Pickleball Paddles
As the sport continues expanding, expect more debate around paddle regulations and testing methods. New polymer materials and construction techniques will aim to improve durability and reduce delamination issues over time.
Brands are investing in research to better understand paddle degradation and failure modes. For now, keep inspecting those paddle faces! And don’t forget to check out our pickleball paddle recommendation guide when you’re ready for an upgrade.
In Closing
A delaminated paddle can quickly ruin your fun on the pickleball courts. But with knowledge of what causes it and how to prevent it, you can keep those paddles popping for longer. Share this article if you found it helpful and happy pickling!
FAQs
What is a delaminated pickleball paddle?
A delaminated pickleball paddle is one where the layers of the paddle have started to separate or detach from each other. This is usually caused by the glue between layers breaking down over time. It results in dead spots and poor performance.
What causes paddle delamination?
The main causes of delamination are:
- Adhesive breakdown from frequent use
- Poor quality materials more prone to separating
- Impacts or drops damaging the paddle bonds
- Manufacturing flaws in glue application
- Environmental factors like humidity and UV exposure
How can I tell if my paddle is delaminated?
Signs your paddle may be delaminated include:
- Visible separation between layers on the paddle face
- Dead spots during play where the ball doesn’t rebound well
- Changes in sound when tapping the paddle face
- Poor feel and ball control compared to a new paddle
Should I keep playing with a delaminated paddle?
It’s not recommended. A paddle that is delaminated can feel dead and be prone to further damage. The separated layers also create illegal hotspots. Consider replacing your paddle if you notice signs of delamination.
How can I prevent paddle delamination?
Steps to help avoid delamination:
- Use quality paddles from top brands
- Inspect paddle face regularly for signs of separation
- Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture
- Prevent impacts by not banging paddle on court
- Consider replacing paddles after 1-2 years of frequent use
Why has delamination been controversial in pro pickleball?
Delaminated paddles failing deflection tests has caused issues on pro tours. Unclear testing policies have led to confusion too. Governing bodies are still refining regulations around paddle testing and delamination.
