When is a Pad Considered Worn-out?

[expdetailing]

I use a Flex 3401 w/ Lake Country 4" Hybrid pads, orange for cutting & white for polishing, and have been using them awhile now. I detail on the side for family and friends, and have about twenty, or so pads, but am wondering when a pad is considered worn-out. My pads are well-worn, even discolored a bit, but they keep producing good results. The thing is, a brand new set of pads could produce an even better set of results? Maybe; Maybe not?

Other than missing chunks of pad material, or separated hook & loop, when do you guys consider your pads worn-out? Yes, I am probably overthinking this and could just buy new pads, but I would like to hear what some of your practices are in determining is a pad stays, or goes.

[Calendyr]

Since I started using long throw machines, all my pads die the same way: The velco tears from the foam. So as soon as they start flapping I throw them out.

If the face of the pad itself starts to degrade, I don't think it would be much of an issue. I have 2 pads (orange heavy polishing) that have a much rougher texture than when they were new and it shows they have been used. But I see no reason to throw them out. For microfiber pads, if the fiber no longer stood up I would throw them out cause if the fibers are flat on the pad, you pretty much have lost it's ability to cut. I don't use wool so I can't comment on those.

[dlc95]

Foam pads I throw away if the backing becomes out of round, if the backing is concaved, and of the foam loses it's original resiliency. On open cell cutting pads, when the foam loops start to bind and twist together (a fabric shaver can help this), or the foam starts to shred.

Microfiber, I throw away if the face starts to go bad, the interface foam starts to degrade, or the nap starts to get really ratty, and the fibers start to twist together.

Wool (rotary) when the fibers start to wear down, thin out, and get really brittle.

[expdetailing]

These are all excellent comments and was the type of feedback I was looking for.
With my original set of pads I described above, I started to wonder if I could see a noticeable difference in paint clarity and reflection if I purchased new pads and compared two test spots side by side against the old pads. The pads are about 5 cars in, and I think several detailers would have switched out by now, but I also think many others would still continue to use them.
The foam is less dense feeling, meaning they feel softer.

[PaulMys]

If you take very good care of your pads, they should last for WAY more than 5 cars.

Foam pads will feel a little softer after a few uses, but they will still work well.

[dlc95]

These are all excellent comments and was the type of feedback I was looking for.
With my original set of pads I described above, I started to wonder if I could see a noticeable difference in paint clarity and reflection if I purchased new pads and compared two test spots side by side against the old pads. The pads are about 5 cars in, and I think several detailers would have switched out by now, but I also think many others would still continue to use them.
The foam is less dense feeling, meaning they feel softer.

My default cutting foam pads that I use on the Porter Cable are sort of soft to begin with, but they always retain their texture.

My first set lasted me three years, and a number of jobs.

Someone even bought them from me off eBay! So I got my moneys worth out of those green hex logics.

[BillE]

If you take very good care of your pads, they should last for WAY more than 5 cars.

Foam pads will feel a little softer after a few uses, but they will still work well.

Agree!

Clean well after use (and during use) and try not to overheat 'em.

Bill