KOBO Paddle Care & Maintenance Guide

Protect Your Investment

Your KOBO paddle is precision engineered to deliver exceptional performance and durability. Proper care helps maintain its appearance, preserve its performance and maximize its service life. Whether you own the Thunder AXE Infinity or another KOBO paddle, following these care recommendations will help ensure years of reliable play.

Before Every Match

Before stepping onto the court, take a few moments to inspect your paddle:

• Check the paddle face for cracks, chips or unusual damage.
• Ensure the edge protection tape is securely attached.
• Confirm the grip is clean, dry and firmly attached.
• If you notice unusual rattling, loose components or structural damage, discontinue use and contact KOBO Customer Support.

A quick inspection before every match helps identify potential issues early and keeps your paddle performing at its best.

Daily Care

After every playing session:

• Wipe the paddle face with a clean microfiber cloth to remove ball residue, dust and dirt.
• If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with clean water.
• Dry the paddle completely before storing.
• Store the paddle inside the supplied KOBO paddle cover whenever it is not in use.

A few seconds of routine care after each game helps keep your paddle performing at its best.

Cleaning Your Paddle

The carbon fiber face requires very little maintenance.

For normal cleaning:

• Use a soft microfiber cloth.
• Use clean water or a paddle cleaner specifically designed for carbon fiber pickleball paddles.
• Dry the paddle completely before storing.

Never use:

• Magic Erasers
• Abrasive pads
• Steel wool
• Acetone
• Paint thinner
• Bleach
• Alcohol-based solvents
• Household cleaners containing harsh chemicals

These products can permanently damage the textured playing surface and decorative finish.

Carbon Fiber Face Care

The raw carbon fiber face is engineered to provide consistent spin and ball control. After normal play you may notice:

• Ball marks
• Light discoloration
• Surface polishing in high-contact areas

These are normal cosmetic signs of use and do not affect paddle performance.

Never sand, polish or refinish the hitting surface.

Protecting the Textured Surface

The textured carbon fiber surface is one of the most important performance features of your paddle. To preserve maximum spin:

• Never use abrasive cleaners.
• Never scrape the paddle face with hard objects.
• Never attempt to polish the hitting surface.

Proper cleaning is all that is required.

Edge Protection Tape

Every Thunder AXE includes two complimentary KOBO Edge Protection Tapes. The tape is designed to:

• Protect the paddle edge from cosmetic wear.
• Reduce damage caused by normal court contact.
• Help maintain the paddle's appearance.

Replace the tape whenever it becomes worn or damaged.

Important: Edge protection tape helps reduce cosmetic wear only. It cannot prevent damage caused by severe impacts, dropping the paddle or striking hard objects.

Edge protection tape is considered a consumable accessory and is not covered under warranty.

Paddle Cover

Every Thunder AXE includes a custom KOBO paddle cover. Always use the cover during storage and transportation. The cover helps protect against:

• Scratches
• Dust
• UV exposure
• Minor impacts during transport

Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the covered paddle.

Grip Care

Grip performance naturally decreases with regular use. To maximize grip life:

• Keep the grip clean and dry.
• Allow the grip to air dry after playing in humid conditions.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.
• Replace the grip when it becomes smooth, slippery or excessively worn.

Replacing a worn grip restores comfort and control.

Temperature Protection

Extreme temperatures are one of the leading causes of paddle damage. Never leave your paddle:

• Inside a parked vehicle.
• In direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Near heaters or fireplaces.
• Inside freezing vehicles overnight.

Excessive heat may weaken the bonding materials used during manufacturing. Extreme cold may reduce impact resistance. For best performance, store your paddle between 10°C and 30°C (50°F–86°F).

Water & Moisture

KOBO paddles are designed for outdoor play but should never be submerged in water. If your paddle becomes wet:

• Dry it immediately.
• Allow it to air dry completely before placing it inside the paddle cover.

Avoid prolonged exposure to heavy rain or standing water.

Transportation

When transporting your paddle:

• Always use the supplied paddle cover.
• Avoid placing heavy equipment on top of the paddle.
• Protect it from sharp impacts during travel.
• Avoid dropping the paddle onto hard surfaces.

Although KOBO paddles are built for durability, unnecessary impacts can shorten the life of any performance paddle.

Court Contact

Occasional light contact with the court during play is normal. Repeated scraping or striking concrete, asphalt, fences, benches or walls may cause cosmetic or structural damage.

Edge protection tape helps reduce cosmetic wear but cannot prevent damage from significant impacts.

Long-Term Storage

If storing your paddle for several weeks or longer:

• Clean the paddle thoroughly.
• Store it inside the paddle cover.
• Keep it in a cool, dry location.
• Avoid damp basements or hot garages.
• Do not place heavy objects on top of the paddle.

Proper storage helps maintain long-term performance.

Normal Wear

The following are considered normal wear and are not manufacturing defects:

• Ball marks
• Minor scratches
• Small paint chips
• Cosmetic edge wear
• Grip wear
• Worn edge protection tape
• Minor surface polishing from repeated ball contact

These cosmetic changes are expected with regular play.

What Is Not Covered Under Warranty

The KOBO Limited Warranty does not cover damage caused by:

• Abuse or misuse.
• Intentional impacts.
• Striking fences, walls or hard objects.
• Excessive heat.
• Improper storage.
• Unauthorized modifications.
• Normal cosmetic wear.
• Worn grips.
• Worn edge protection tape.
• Damage caused by accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my paddle inside my car?

No. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become extremely high and may damage the internal bonding materials.

Can I use a Magic Eraser?

No. Magic Erasers are abrasive and may remove the engineered textured carbon fiber surface.

Can I wash my paddle?

Yes. Wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth and dry it completely before storing.

Should I replace the edge protection tape?

Yes. Replace the tape whenever it becomes worn to help protect the paddle edge from cosmetic damage.

Should I replace my grip?

Yes. Replace the grip whenever it becomes slippery, compressed or excessively worn.

Are ball marks normal?

Yes. Ball marks and light cosmetic wear are completely normal and do not affect paddle performance.

KOBO Care Tips

Treat your KOBO paddle like any premium piece of sports equipment.

• ✓ Keep it clean.
• ✓ Keep it dry.
• ✓ Store it in the paddle cover.
• ✓ Avoid extreme temperatures.
• ✓ Replace worn edge protection tape.
• ✓ Replace worn grips.
• ✓ Inspect your paddle before every match.

With proper care, your KOBO paddle is built to deliver outstanding performance for many games to come.

Thank you for choosing KOBO.

Engineered for players who demand more.

KOBO Return & Refund Policy

30-Day Return Policy for New, Unused Products

At KOBO, we are committed to delivering premium products backed by fair, transparent, and consistent customer service. We understand that choosing the right paddle or equipment is an important decision, and we strive to ensure every customer has confidence in their purchase.

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may request a return within 30 days of the delivery date, subject to the terms and conditions of this policy.

To maintain the quality and integrity of KOBO products, only new, unused products that meet the eligibility requirements below may be returned for a refund.

By placing an order with KOBO, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Return & Refund Policy.

1. Return Eligibility

Return requests must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the delivery date.

To qualify for a return, the product must:
• Be new and unused.
• Be returned in its original product packaging.
• Include all accessories, documentation, promotional inserts, and components originally supplied.
• Be in resalable condition as determined by KOBO after inspection.
• Have a valid Return Authorization (RA) issued by KOBO before being returned.

Products that show signs of use, modification, damage, abuse, missing components, or unauthorized repairs are not eligible for return unless otherwise required by applicable law.

2. Used Products

Once a paddle has been used on court or shows evidence of use, it is considered a used product.

Used paddles are not eligible for refunds.

In limited circumstances, and solely at KOBO's discretion following inspection of the returned product, KOBO may elect to offer store credit as a goodwill resolution. Store credit is not guaranteed, is determined on a case-by-case basis, and should not be considered an alternative return option or an entitlement under this policy.

3. Return Authorization (RA)

All returns require a Return Authorization (RA) issued by KOBO before the product is shipped back.

Returns received without an approved RA may be refused or returned to the sender at the customer's expense.

The RA does not guarantee approval of a refund. All returned products remain subject to inspection.

4. Product Inspection & Final Determination

Every returned product is inspected upon arrival.

KOBO reserves the right to:
• Determine whether the product is new or used.
• Verify the completeness of the returned product.
• Assess whether the product is eligible for refund.
• Approve or deny the return in accordance with this policy.

KOBO's inspection findings and final determination shall govern the outcome of the return request.

5. Refund Requirements

Refunds are issued only after:
• KOBO receives the returned product.
• The product passes inspection.
• The return is approved.

Refunds will not be issued for products that are not physically returned unless otherwise required by law.

KOBO does not provide courtesy refunds or partial refunds in place of a product return.

6. Refund Processing

Approved refunds will be issued to the original payment method.

Please allow 5–10 business days after approval for the refund to be processed. Processing times may vary depending on your financial institution.

Original shipping charges, expedited shipping fees, duties, taxes, insurance, and similar service charges are non-refundable unless required by applicable law.

7. Return Shipping

Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless:
• KOBO shipped the incorrect product; or
• KOBO confirms a manufacturing defect covered under warranty.

Customers are responsible for ensuring returned products are properly packaged.

KOBO recommends using a trackable and insured shipping service.

KOBO is not responsible for returns lost or damaged during transit.

8. Product Packaging Condition

KOBO products are packaged using protective materials appropriate for each product and shipment.

Minor cosmetic dents, creases, scuffs, or other cosmetic damage to product packaging resulting from normal transportation do not qualify for a return, refund, replacement, or exchange, provided the product itself remains new and undamaged.

If the product itself is damaged, customers must notify KOBO within 48 hours of delivery and provide photographs of the product, packaging, and shipping materials.

9. Shipping Damage

If a shipment arrives with product damage believed to have occurred during transportation, customers must contact KOBO within 48 hours of delivery.

Photographs of the damaged product, packaging, and shipping materials may be required before a claim can be processed.

Failure to report shipping damage within this period may affect claim eligibility.

10. Incorrect or Missing Items

If you receive an incorrect product or your order is missing an item, please notify KOBO within 7 days of delivery.

If KOBO confirms the error, we will provide the appropriate resolution at no additional cost to the customer.

11. Promotional Items & Free Gifts

Promotional items, free gifts, bonus products, complimentary accessories, and gift-with-purchase items are final sale and are not eligible for return, refund, exchange, or store credit.

KOBO does not accept promotional items for return under any circumstances.

If an order that qualified for promotional items is approved for a refund, the full retail value of any promotional item that is not returned will be deducted from the customer's refund.

Retail value will be determined using KOBO's current published selling price.

12. Bundle Offers & Promotional Discounts

If a returned order originally qualified for a bundle discount, promotional pricing, or purchase incentive, KOBO reserves the right to recalculate the order based on the products ultimately retained by the customer.

Any resulting adjustment may be deducted from the refund.

13. Non-Returnable Items

The following items are not eligible for return or refund:
• Used paddles are not eligible for refunds. Any store credit offered is solely at KOBO's discretion following inspection.
• Products damaged through misuse, abuse, accident, modification, or improper care.
• Products with normal cosmetic wear or performance changes resulting from regular use.
• Promotional items and free gifts.
• Clearance, final sale, or specially marked non-returnable items.
• Gift cards.

14. 12-Month Limited Warranty

KOBO paddles include a 12-month limited warranty against manufacturing defects under normal recreational use.

The warranty does not cover:
• Normal wear and tear.
• Cosmetic scratches or surface wear.
• Edge guard wear.
• Damage caused by abuse, misuse, accidents, modifications, or improper storage.
• Damage from striking fences, courts, or other paddles.
• Performance changes resulting from normal use.
• Customer preference regarding feel, weight, balance, sound, or performance.

Warranty claims are subject to inspection and approval by KOBO.

15. Exchanges

KOBO does not process direct product exchanges.

Customers with approved returns may receive a refund in accordance with this policy and may place a new order for the product of their choice.

16. Chargebacks & Payment Disputes

By completing your purchase, you agree to follow KOBO's Return & Refund Policy before initiating a payment dispute or chargeback.

If a chargeback is initiated, KOBO may provide order records, shipment tracking, delivery confirmation, customer communications, photographs, and this policy to the payment processor or financial institution.

Initiating a chargeback before completing KOBO's return process may delay or invalidate refund eligibility where permitted by applicable law.

KOBO reserves the right to decline future orders from customers who abuse the chargeback process.

17. Policy Abuse & Fraud Prevention

KOBO reserves the right to refuse returns, refunds, exchanges, warranty claims, or future purchases where abuse of this policy, excessive returns, fraudulent activity, false claims, attempts to circumvent this policy, or inspection determines that a product represented as unused shows evidence of use.

18. How to Start a Return

To request a Return Authorization, please contact:

customer.support@kobopickleball.com

Please include:
• Order number.
• Full name.
• Email address used for the purchase.
• Reason for the return.
• Photographs if the return involves shipping damage, incorrect items, or warranty concerns.

Do not return products until you have received your Return Authorization and return instructions.

19. Return Address

Returns must be shipped only to the address provided by KOBO in the approved Return Authorization.

Returns sent to any other address may be refused or delayed.

20. Policy Acknowledgment

By placing an order with KOBO, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Return & Refund Policy.

KOBO reserves the right to update or modify this policy at any time without prior notice. The version published on the KOBO website at the time of purchase shall govern that transaction.