Lifespan of a blade?

[FrenchFrog33]

Since blades are made of mainly wood (some w/carbon or other synthetic fibers), I would imagine that the materials would act differently or break down after years.
Does the same blade, say 5 or 10 years apart, play the same?

 

[joshmak10]

Since blades are made of mainly wood (some w/carbon or other synthetic fibers), I would imagine that the materials would act differently or break down after years.
Does the same blade, say 5 or 10 years apart, play the same?

Look at some of those really old tag viscarias. They are still going strong

 

[riemsesy]

if there is press around then the lifespan can be very short.. they tend to step on blades

 

[Lazer]

Since blades are made of mainly wood (some w/carbon or other synthetic fibers), I would imagine that the materials would act differently or break down after years.
Does the same blade, say 5 or 10 years apart, play the same?

Blades tend to play slower as they age and loose their sponginess…

Cheers
L-zr

 

[Reaper]

i play with allwood blades, the do get more flexible an slower over the years. probably because of constant hitting and absorbed sweat.

 

[ander999]

Your blade composition will also include your sweat which will make it feel softer and slower.

 

[Dr Evil]

Water-based glue shortens the lifespan of a blade. Wood absorbs water and expands, then dries out and contracts. Repeated cycles of expansion and contraction weaken the structure; it gets softer and more prone to warping, cracking, splitting, etc. A never used (and safely stored) five or even ten year old blade would probably play almost the same as new. But a typical five year old blade can feel like a different model if you compare it to a new one.

 

[UpHill_Battle]

this maybe dumb question but ~ best way to keep blades that you may or may not use..anymore



as my first reaction is sealing it, some silica gel in the box, in a container box and somewhat away from direct heat/sunlight

 

[ThePongCommenter]

As everyone has said, especially due to water based glues and general moisture absorption, it absolutely gets slower and softer. Many top players change their blades fairly frequently once they feel it has softened too much.

 

[Tyce]

Constant is the keyword. Constant temperature, constant humidity, constant pressure would lead to the least degradation of the wood.
Overly drying the wood might be just as bad as overly moisturizing it.

 

[davidsyd828]

I have a blade from 1989 still ok.
But when new I stop playing with it after 5years. It is still good all wood blade. Haven't fallen apart.