Are you a pickleball fanatic? Do you love playing outside, even when the temperatures drop? Don't let the cold (or hot!) weather stop you from playing your favorite sport with your favorite pickleball paddles. The question is, can you use your pickleball paddle in cold weather? The answer is yes, you sure can! But there are certain things you can do to make sure you’re protecting your paddle from harsh weather and ensuring its longevity.
Can I Use My Pickleball Paddle When It’s Cold?
Yes and no. Playing with your paddle in cold weather doesn’t threaten your paddle, since paddles are made from high-quality materials like carbon fiber, graphite, and fiberglass that you find in cars, airplanes, and other products that need to withstand extreme conditions. But, how you handle your paddle after you play is the key to its longevity. After you’re done battling your opponent and the elements, be sure to take your paddle to a dry, cool place, and avoid leaving it in your car or cold garage all day or night. Keeping your paddle inside the house while not playing can save it hundreds of hours in the cold weather, which over time, can contribute to your paddle breaking down. So, feel free to battle it out when the temps drop, just make sure to bring your paddle inside when you’re done!
What Are the Best Paddles for Cold Weather?
Almost any of the paddles we carry at JustPaddles will perform well in cold weather. Whether it’s graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or a composite material, all of these paddles should be able to withstand temperatures that drop below 40 degrees. For those rare wood pickleball paddle players out there, you might want to steer away from wood during the cold weather months.
At What Temperature Is It Too Cold To Use My Paddle?
We haven’t experienced a specific temperature where there is a drop-off in performance due to the paddle itself, and not just the player being freezing cold! With that said, once the paddle materials start to deal with freezing weather, they will stiffen up and feel less playable. When you’ve gotten to that point, it’s usually time to go indoors anyway!
Recommended Pickleball Paddle Face Materials
To understand whether or not you can use your pickleball paddle in cold weather, it's essential to first consider the materials the paddle is made of. Most of the pickleball paddles today are made of composite, carbon fiber, or graphite. These materials are suitable for all seasons, including the cold winter months since they are durable, lightweight, and strong:
- Carbon fiber pickleball paddles are one of the most popular face materials in the game today.
- Composite pickleball paddles are designed to provide additional power while still delivering touch and durability.
- Graphite pickleball paddles are light and strong, which provide a player with power and control.
Recommended Pickleball Paddle Core Materials
Pickleball paddle cores can be made of Polypropylene, Nomex, or aluminum material. Polypropylene is the most commonly used core material in paddles, and it works well in extreme weather, including the winter months. On the other hand, Nomex is more temperature-sensitive and can be affected by low temperatures, making the paddle lose its bounce and performance. So, if you plan to play in cold weather, be sure to choose a paddle with a Polypropylene core.
Avoid Wooden Paddles
Wooden pickleball paddles should be avoided in the cold weather. The wood can quickly expand and contract in the cold temperatures leading to splitting, warping, and cracking of the paddle. So, if you have to play in cold weather, opt for paddles made from composite or other, more stable materials.
Avoid Moisture Trapping
Cold weather comes with moisture, and if you aren't careful, moisture can become trapped inside your paddle, leading to damage and decreased performance. Therefore, don't leave your paddle outside in the cold, damp weather, and avoid using a cover on a damp paddle or carrying that cold, wet paddle in your pickleball bag.
Choose the Right Accessories
It's important to choose the right accessories to supplement your paddle performance during cold weather. For instance, pickleball paddle covers can be used to insulate your paddle during colder months. You can also choose to add an overgrip to your paddle to enhance your grip and minimize slippage. Need a grip recommendation? Check out our friends at Pickleskins!
Cold weather should not stand in the way of playing your favorite sport. As you can see, you can use your pickleball paddle in cold weather as long as you choose the right materials and take the right precautions. Make sure to also get accessories like gloves to keep your hands warm since cold hands can affect your game. Just remember to keep your paddle warm and dry to maintain its performance and prolong its lifespan.
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Need help finding the best pickleball paddle? Our Paddle Experts are standing by to help you find the best pickleball paddle for you. You can call or text, email experts@justpaddles.com, or you can click here to live chat. We’re JustPaddles and we’ll be here for you from Click To Court!
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