How to protect your padel racket from the heat and prevent it from losing performance

Caring for your padel racket is just as important as choosing the right model or improving your technique on the court. However, one of the most neglected aspects is protecting the racket from heat. At Keepadel, we see this constantly: players who notice their racket isn't performing as well, the ball doesn't bounce as it used to, or the feel has changed for no apparent reason. In many cases, the problem isn't with the game itself, but with how the racket has been cared for.

It's not uncommon to find padel rackets that have been exposed to more heat than is recommended. Some arrive at the store in a state that's practically suitable for use as a grill. It might sound exaggerated, but excessive heat is one of the main enemies of the materials used to make a padel racket.

Why heat affects the performance of your padel racket

Padel rackets are made with technical materials designed to offer a balance between power, control, and comfort. One of the key elements is the inner rubber, largely responsible for ball speed and feel on impact. When this rubber is exposed to high temperatures for extended periods, it begins to lose its properties.

Heat causes the rubber to lose elasticity and resilience. This directly translates into a loss of ball speed, a "dead" feel from the paddle, and a less efficient response on each shot. The paddle stops providing assistance, forcing the player to strain their arm more to achieve the same result.

Besides the rubber, other components can also be affected. The fibers, internal adhesives, and overall structure of the racket suffer from sudden temperature changes. Even if the racket appears to be in good condition externally, the internal damage can be irreversible.

The problem is that this wear and tear doesn't usually happen all at once. It's gradual. Little by little, you start to notice that something isn't quite right, but it's hard to pinpoint the cause. Often, it's attributed to a bad run of form, a lack of practice, or, of course, the playing partner. However, the reality is that the racket is no longer performing as it should due to the heat.

How to properly protect your padel racket from the heat

The good news is that protecting your padel racket from the heat isn't complicated and doesn't require a big investment. It simply requires adopting a few easy habits that make a big difference in the long run.

The first piece of advice is to always use a thermal cover or a padel bag with thermal protection. Most modern padel bags already include specific compartments designed to insulate the racket from high temperatures. These thermal pockets help maintain a more stable temperature and protect the internal materials from external heat.

If you don't use a racket bag, a single thermal cover is a highly recommended option . It's lightweight, comfortable, and very effective. This small accessory can significantly extend the life of your racket and maintain its performance for much longer.

The second, and most important, piece of advice is to never leave your padel racket in the car in the sun. This is one of the most common mistakes and also one of the most damaging. The inside of a car can reach extremely high temperatures in a matter of minutes, even if the day doesn't seem particularly hot.

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Leaving the shovel inside the car exposed to heat is one of the fastest ways to damage it. The inner rubber is especially affected and loses its properties much faster than normal. Once this damage occurs, there's no way to fix it: the shovel cannot be repaired.

It's also important to avoid leaving the racket exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, even outside the car. When not in use, it's best to keep it protected inside its cover or racket bag.

Protecting your padel racket from the heat is a matter of habit. These are small actions that require no effort but have a huge impact on the racket's performance and durability. A well-cared-for racket maintains its performance better , offers a better feel on the court, and allows you to enjoy the game more.

In short, if you want your racket to perform like new and maintain its power prematurely, protect it from the heat. At Keepadel, we're convinced: a well-cared-for racket not only lasts longer, it also plays better.