I owned an original one back around 2010. I only got rid of it because the surface started to peel off of the pad at the corner. I owned it for a few years. I got a newer one where the edges are stitched so no more fraying. That newer one is ~5 years old and still fine...I use it as a glass coaster now
Due to a new desk I bought, I got the extended one. Unless the stitching is poorly done (it isn't), I expect it to last for a very long time. They are solid albeit pricey.
One thing about Razer pads, they not so great to clean.. Stuff somehow gets stucked into it rather easily and surface might get some scratches, if your mouse feets are not perfect. Its sorta delicate material, so to speak..
I can't say I've shared the same experience. Actually the opposite in fact. Never gotten anything sticky to become so stuck to it to give me trouble. Then again, I clean things up like that immediately. With the material, I can often rub something out.
Mine came out good as new out of the gentle cycle (no softener). Feels the same, works the same.
This is a huge letdown for me, and is something I have associated with cheap pads. Is it true for many higher end pads?
I dunno about others, but Razer rolls them up into the box for distribution. Frankly, even right out of the box I didn't have any difficulties.