As a dedicated pickleball player, I continuously look for ways to extend the life of my gear without breaking the bank. Recently, I decided to try out Franklin Sports’ Pickleball Paddle Edge Guard Tape, eager to protect my paddle from the inevitable nicks and dings that come with regular play. Being someone who frequently plays competitive matches, the wear and tear on my paddle edges have become a concern, and I hoped this product would provide a simple yet effective solution.
The edge guard tape comes in 23mm width, which is ideal for the thickness of my paddle, and includes four edge guards—two black and two white—allowing me to customize the look of my gear. The application process was incredibly straightforward. The peel-and-stick design lived up to its promise. I simply aligned the tape to the edges of my paddle and pressed it down, and to my delight, the serrated edges provided a snug fit without any bubbling or overlap.
One of the significant pros of this product is how effective it is at preventing damage. During a recent match, I noticed a slight slip, and my paddle hit the concrete. In the past, this would have resulted in a noticeable scuff or chip, but thanks to the edge guard tape, my paddle emerged unscathed. I wholeheartedly agree with other users who praised this aspect of the product. The protection it offers is genuinely impressive!
However, there are a couple of drawbacks that I experienced. While the tape does provide excellent initial protection, I did find that after several weeks of heavy use, the edges started to peel slightly. Although it’s easy to reapply, I had hoped for a bit more durability. Additionally, choosing the right width for your paddle can be a bit tricky if you’re unsure about its core thickness, although the guidance provided by Franklin Sports was a helpful touch.
Another point I’ve seen echoed by fellow players is that the aesthetic appeal of the edge guard tape can vary depending on your paddle design. Since I tend to switch paddles, I would love to see more color options in the future to match various styles.
Overall, the Pickleball Paddle Edge Guard Tape from Franklin Sports performed remarkably well. It did what it set out to do—extend the life of my paddle and prevent those pesky nicks and scratches that can degrade performance. The ease of application made it a no-brainer for me, even if a little upkeep is required. In my experience, it saves time and money in the long run.
If you’re looking for a practical solution to keep your paddle looking great and performing its best, I would highly recommend checking out Franklin Sports’ Pickleball Paddle Edge Guard Tape. With its simple application, decent aesthetic flexibility, and solid protection, it’s a great addition to any player’s gear arsenal. Just be prepared for the occasional reapplication, and you’ll be set for many matches to come!
