Hi Steve. Sorry for any confusion regarding the replacement of the paddle. As indicated during our phone conversation and email correspondence... "if you have any concerns about the paddles surface, please return the paddle to us, and a replacement will be sent". We have been selling paddles online for 5 years... and have NEVER not accepted a paddle back from a customer that had a concern about a paddle. What I find odd is that you did not indicate you were concerned with the surface of the paddle until after we informed you that "after the paddle has been played with, we are unable to accept it back and exchange for a different model". But again, if you're concerned about the surface, please return the paddle to us for an exchange of the same paddle. What I'm gathering is, you simply don't like the way the paddle plays for you and because we will only exchange the paddle for the same model, you're saying and doing your best to discredit our business. Again, you're not stuck with a paddle that you have concerns about, you simply choose to do so (for whatever reason). Please feel free to call anytime - should you change your mind about returning the paddle. 866-733-6542