Edge guard tape for pickleball paddles is used to boost the efficiency of the pickleball paddles. It protects the paddle from scuffs and cuts. The pickleball paddles are durable and can resist scratches against the ground or crash with other player’s paddles. The material used in the manufacturing is lightweight and enables the paddles to maximize performance, such as in twist and swing.
Actually, the edge guard is used to protect the surface of the paddle from environmental factors.
In low-cost paddles, the edge guard is most important because if it is damaged or detached, then the paddle will fall apart.
The expensive paddles like thermoformed (hot pressed) or regular paddles( cold pressed) that are available with new technology and higher in their performance come with strong enough core and surface. These paddles are less anticipated to edge guard for the strength.
Paddles with Edge Guard:
Usually, a pickleball paddle is furnished with an edge guard that provides a good shield in opposition to scratches, better than a paddle without an edge guard. The edge guard is typically manufactured by thermoplastic polyurethane( TPE), which promises to provide overall protection from scratch and damage. Plus, the tapered design of the edge guard protects the surface edges of the pickleball paddles. It gives a high level of defence against harsh factors in comparison to edgeless pickleball paddles. Yet, the edge guard is also vulnerable to cracks and damage due to different elements. The pickleball paddle’s edge guard can be damaged if the pickleball makes a hit to it.
For a sleek look, athletes prefer to apply tape or tungsten tape to cover the placement of their weights on lead weights.
An edge guard tape gives more shield for edge guard paddles because tape saves from scuffs and reduces the wear on the edge guard itself.
Edge Guard Tape For pickleball paddles:
The edge guard tape is essential to give a defence to the paddle. Although it is an extra expense to spend on the pickleball paddles edge guard, it increases the efficiency of pickleball’s paddles edge guard incredibly.
Types of Edge Guard Tape:
A less expensive electrical edge guard tape also provides protection, but it is less long-lasting than expensive edge guard tape. It is a combination of fabric and thicker tape. I recommend buying an edge guard tape with an appropriate width based on my own experience. A pickleball’s paddle edge guard tape wider than the paddle is better. A pickleball paddle edge guard tape lasts for 3 to 6 weeks or less, but it depends upon how frequently it is used to play.
There are two types of pickleball paddles edge guard tape. I am here trying to describe them briefly.
Sawtooth Shape Edge Guard Tape:
A sawtooth-shaped edge Guard Tape is available in a pre-cut form, and it has a zig-zag edge design that is specially designed to fit around the curvy edges of the pickleball paddles. Its tapered design is functional to give extra protection. A 7mm wider tape is considered best for edgeless guard paddles, while 10mm wider is appropriate for paddles with edge guard.
Standard Edge Guard Tape:
It is available in pre-cut and in rolls also. It gives protection to the edge guard with a smooth and glossy look to the edge guard. If you get a roll of this tape, it can be used only for the required portion, so it will be easy to save the tape from wastage and the most vulnerable area of the edge guard from scratches.
Types of material:
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) edge protection:
A TPU thermoplastic polyurethane is a polymer material that has an elasticity. It has an amazing resistance that acts as weather resistant. So it’s an ideal choice for pickleball paddles edge guard. This material can keep the paddle in the right shape even after frequent use.
Advantages:
It is highly durable, provides exclusive resistance, and is long-lasting. It has a better elasticity that can absorb vibrations. It needs an easy cleaning and maintenance process. You can wipe it with a damp cloth, and it gets cleaned very easily. It is best for different climatic conditions, and environmental factors can’t impact it easily.
Rubber edge protection:
Rubber is a natural and highly elastic synthetic material. It acts as a shock absorber and has anti-slipping properties. Rubber edge guard tape gives a sleek touch with softness and has good wear resistance.
Advantages: It is a highly elastic material and is considered efficient in absorption by giving extra protection from damage to the pickleball paddle edge guard. As I mentioned above, it has good anti-slipping properties, so it is more suitable for players with sweating hand issues. It also works great during the summer season and in prolonged playing sessions. It costs very little because rubber material is cheap and can be used by athletes who are looking for budget-friendly pickleball paddles and edge guard tape.
Rubber edge guard tape is enriched in protective services, such as working as a good absorbent that is specifically designed for new players and experiences. Due to its anti-slippery quality, it works in wet hands by providing more stability. But one thing I have to mention here is that it’s not as durable as TPU. However, as it is less priced, players prefer to buy this rubber edge guard tape.
What is an Edgeless Paddle?
Pickleball paddles without edges have become more popular nowadays. An edge-less paddle is more lightweight, has higher flexibility, and is lower in cost. It is actually the paddle that is without the conventional edge guard, which is common in other paddles. An edgeless paddle has a sleek and continuous surface from the face to the sides, unlike a prominent rim around the edges of traditional paddles. This is a more sleek design without any roughness. It enables the athletes to reach a large hitting area with minimal chances of missed hits.
Use a protective cover. In case of storage or transmission of the pickleball paddles, a protective cover is recommended for safety. That prevents dirt, wetness and crashes.
Selection of the appropriate edge guard tape according to the preference and its characteristics vitally enhances the efficiency and usage during the play. A lengthy protective strip makes sure that the paddle is in the hands.
Check and adjustment:
I recommend that the players check that the protective strip fits tightly on the paddle’s edge. In case you lose a bit of glue, it can be used to stick and fix it.
Replace the old edge protector:
A screwdriver can be used to lift the old edge guard tape and peel off the whole guard tape. If it’s tightly adhesive, then a few drops of warm water can be poured slowly, which will help loosen the stickiness of the glue.
Cleaning the residue:
Once the old edge guard tape is removed, the edges should be cleaned with a damp cloth and some detergent in order to clean all residues of glue and dust particles. Now, ensure the paddle edges are dry and clean.
Why Use Edge Tape?
The purpose of the edge tape is to protect the edge of the paddles from scuffs and keep it safe for long-term use. The use of edge tape increases the life span of paddles with a minimum weight addition.
An edge tape can be used in the place of an electrical tape if a player wants to add some weight by using lead tape.
Athletes can use customized edge tape to add some fun and pleasure to their game. Different colours and designs of the player’s choice are available customization options. You can get a matching colour of edge guard tape with a grip or a different one as well.
Why are Edge Protectors Important?
Improve the durability:
The edge guard tape enhances the longevity of the paddle as the edges of the pickleball paddle can be damaged through hard surfaces like ground, walls and nets. If there is no protection, it can get scraped and cut. These will damage the appearance and strength of the paddle. Edge guard tape can absorb all these effects, lower the chance of harm and boost its durability.
Effects on the performance of the paddle:
As we know, the paddle edges are more vulnerable to damage. A paddle’s balance, stability, and efficiency can be affected if the edge gets damaged. Scuffs on the edge may result in vibration during swings. It also affects the power of accuracy of hitting while playing. The edge coherence gives shelter to ensure high performance.
Improve the confidence:
An edge guard tape can improve the confidence of athletes in competitive or friendly matches. A player can focus on the play without getting worried about the concern of possible damage due to a crash. This aspect automatically builds up confidence during competitive matches.
Comfort level enhancement:
An edge guard tape may be the cause of improving the feel and comfort level of the pickleball paddles player to the next level. Some materials like rubber and TPU provide premium shock absorption and help reduce the vibrations in the wrists and arms caused by the ball. The reduction of the vibrations leads to lessened fatigue and discomfort during prolonged sessions, either in friendly matches or competitions. It also lowers the risk of injury in players. The grip material matters in concern of the player’s comfort.
In pickleball paddles, the edge guard can also play as a decoration for the paddle. An elegant and attractive edge guard tape gives an eye-catching view and gets the attention of the player. It comes in numerous colours and materials. A player can get a personalized paddle to satisfy their aesthetic sense. Different brands provide edge guard tape in different patterns and colour
Aesthetic and Personalization:
A player can select any of them in the available options to show his personality. Customization is also an option for the player who wants a higher personalization in their paddles.
Economical:
Having an edge guard tape is so economical as it plays a vital role in the long life of paddles. If we compare the cost of frequently replacing paddles with the investment in buying an edge guard tape, then buying an edge guard tape is much more Pocket friendly. Maintaining and replacing the edge guard tape on time may avoid the paddle’s damage and save extra expenses.
Edge Tape Application Process:
The application of edge tape to your paddles is an easy process. Some steps should be followed while applying edge tape.
Use a damp cloth to clean the dust on the paddle.
Trim the extra edges of the tape after applying.
Make sure the clean and even application of edge tape.
Limitations of Edge Tape:
An edge guard tape is responsible for protecting pickleball paddles from scrapes. But still, it is vulnerable to major damage. If a paddle gets smashed by the wall, ground or any other hard surface, it can get damaged. So, edge guard tape is specifically made to keep the paddle safe from breakage in the court or case of any minor accident.
Conclusion:
In order to wind up the topic of the best pickleball paddle edge guard tape, I would say edge guard tape is an incredible add-on to your pickleball paddle equipment. And its value increases when using an edge-less paddle. It gives a defensive layer on edge guard and a longer duration, as well as an attractive appearance of the pickleball paddles. I recommend that all pickleball players add the edge guard tape to their pickleball paddles, and it will result in amazing results.
For pickleball players, either new or experienced, the pickleball paddles guard tape is crucial for high-end performance. However, the selection of the right edge guard tape is also important because it impacts the game significantly.
FAQs:
Q: what is an edge guard tape?
Ans: an edge guard tape is basically for the extra protection of the edges of the paddle. It keeps the edges safe from scuffs, wear and tear, and other damages during the play. It also enhances the performance of the paddle due to its material and anti slippery surface.
Q: Is it important to use an edge guard tape for pickleball paddles?
Ans: As I mentioned above, it protects the edges of the paddle from cracks and cuts, so it also increases the life of a pickleball’s paddle. It is more economical to replace a paddle edge guard tape rather than a replacement of the paddle itself.
Q: Does the edge guard tape impact the player’s performance?
Ans: yes! Definitely, it improves the player’s confidence in various aspects, as it gives an anti-slippery surface. Hence, a player is more focused on the play instead of paying attention to the loose grip. It can also be customized to satisfy the player’s aesthetic sense.