Here's What a Busted Paddle Actually Sounds Like

Pro Vivian Glozman shares the difference in sound between a new paddle and a failed one.

Current APP pro (and recent mixed doubles gold medalist) Vivian Glozman just took to social media to offer a little insight into just how much paddles can change after repeated use.

"The Li-Ning I've been playing with finally failed," she said in a new TikTok video.

The model in question looks to be a Li-Ning Hyperpower. First, Viv bounces a ball against two brand new models. The sound is muted and higher-pitched. Nothing crazy.

Then she flips to the model that just failed. The pitch is noticeably deeper and far more hollow. It sounds kinda scary, to be honest. Almost ominous.

For what it's worth, this is totally normal in pro pickleball. Pros are very hard on paddles, often playing for hours a day, every day. They hit far harder than most rec players. And all paddles, as we all know – especially Gen-3, polypropylene core paddles – will degrade over time.

All paddles sounds and degrade differently, too. There's no one-sound-fits-all model here.

The good news is that paddle testing caught Viv's before it entered into a competitive match.

You might not be so lucky in your next open play. But there is a lesson here.

"I just want you to listen to the difference between the one I've been playing with and the new one," says Viv.

When's the last time you sound-checked your own paddle? It could be busted just like hers and you don't even know it.

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It takes just 30 seconds and a bit of pressure to avoid playing with a potentially illegal paddle

The Dink PickleballThe Dink Media Team