How temperature changes can damage your padel racket
The reviewer from Mejora Tu Padel emphasizes that temperature fluctuations are one of the most damaging factors for padel rackets. Leaving your racket exposed to direct sunlight, especially during hot summer days, can cause the materials to expand and contract. This repeated expansion and contraction weakens the internal structure of the racket, particularly the core, and can result in a “belly” or bulge on the surface. The reviewer notes that once the rubber inside the racket expands, it loses its original memory and performance, and this change is irreversible.
Even storing your racket in a car or subjecting it to rapid temperature changes—such as moving from a hot environment to a cold one—can accelerate this wear. The creator highlights the importance of using a padel racket bag with thermal insulation, which helps maintain a more stable temperature and protects the racket’s core and face from damage.
Why humidity and water exposure shorten racket lifespan
Humidity is another silent enemy of padel rackets. The reviewer explains that playing in rainy or highly humid conditions can cause the rubber core to absorb moisture, which degrades its properties over time. While it’s common to play with wet balls or in light drizzle, repeated exposure to moisture will inevitably reduce the performance and durability of the racket.
To mitigate this, the creator suggests using an older racket for wet conditions if possible. After playing in humidity, it’s crucial to let the racket dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Avoid placing it directly on radiators or using hairdryers at high temperatures, as extreme drying methods can further damage the materials. Instead, allow the racket to air dry at room temperature and never store it in a closed bag while still damp.
The overlooked risk of a wet wrist cord
Beyond the core and face, the wrist cord can also introduce moisture into your racket bag. The reviewer points out that after intense play or in humid climates, the cord often becomes soaked with sweat or water. If you store your racket with a wet cord inside a sealed bag, you’re creating a humid microclimate that can accelerate the deterioration of the core and face.
To avoid this, the creator recommends letting the cord dry completely before storing the racket. Some players leave the cord outside the bag with the zipper slightly open, ensuring proper ventilation. This small habit can make a significant difference in preserving the longevity of your padel racket.
How improper handling and impacts reduce racket durability
Physical impacts are a common but avoidable cause of racket damage. The reviewer admits that many players, including himself, sometimes hit the racket against their thigh out of frustration or use it to scoop balls off the ground. While these actions may seem harmless, they exert significant pressure on the structure and can cause microfractures or weaken the frame over time.
Additionally, accidental collisions with posts, walls, or other players’ rackets are inevitable during matches, but the reviewer encourages minimizing these as much as possible. Even though some impacts can’t be avoided, consciously handling your racket with care will help extend its useful life.
Why always hitting with the same racket face can cause uneven wear
The final point raised by the creator is less obvious but equally important: always using the same side of the racket for forehand or backhand shots. Many players develop the habit of consistently hitting with one face of the racket, especially if their grip is shaped or if they have a preferred orientation.
The reviewer speculates that this practice may lead to uneven wear, as the side used for more powerful shots—such as smashes or wall exits—will absorb more impact and stress. Over time, this could result in one side of the racket degrading faster than the other. While the creator hasn’t conducted a formal test, he suggests that alternating the hitting face could help distribute wear more evenly and potentially prolong the racket’s lifespan.
Key recommendations to extend your padel racket’s life
- Avoid exposing your racket to extreme temperature changes by using a thermal bag and not leaving it in direct sunlight or hot environments.
- Minimize play in wet or highly humid conditions. If you must play, use an older racket and ensure your main racket dries thoroughly afterward.
- Let the wrist cord dry completely before storing your racket in a closed bag to prevent internal humidity buildup.
- Handle your racket gently and avoid hitting it against your body, the ground, or other objects.
- Alternate the face you use for hitting to distribute wear and tear more evenly across the racket.
By following these practical tips, players can significantly extend the performance and durability of their padel rackets, avoiding common mistakes that often go unnoticed but have a major impact on equipment longevity.
