Friday Original Pickleball Paddle Review: 10 Paddles Expertly Compared

That moment of deciding if a paddle’s soft touch will match your aggressive hands is a real sweat—I know the feeling. If you’re eyeing the friday original pickleball paddle, you need to know precisely how its polymer core translates feel to power when you’re caught flat-footed at the net. I spent several weeks putting the core lineup and a few key competitors through drills and tournament play to give you a straightforward, no-nonsense assessment of where the friday original pickleball paddle truly stands in the 2025 market. I only care about performance utility and whether the specs deliver on court, so let’s get into the specifics of what I found.

My Review of the Best Friday Original Pickleball Paddle Models

I focused my testing on the specific technologies Friday Pickleball employs—namely thermoforming and carbon fiber surfaces—to see if the performance lived up to the hype, especially when comparing the various thicknesses and raw carbon Challenger models.

Friday Pickleball Paddle, Durable Carbon Fiber, Thermoformed Unibody Design (Sea Salt)

When I tested this paddle, I immediately noticed it combines multiple technologies into a cohesive design, aiming for high performance at a non-premium price point. I found the integration of the 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core with foam-injected walls and a 100% Carbon Fiber surface creates a performance profile addressing the need for both control and drive. The unibody construction felt incredibly solid during aggressive play sessions I conducted.

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb Core (Foam Injected Walls)
– Surface Material: 100% Carbon Fiber (Gritty)
– Thickness: 16mm
– Weight: 8.0–8.3 oz (Midweight)
– Paddle Length: 16.5″
– Grip Circumference: Tennis-Style Grip

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: The 16mm core provided excellent stability for dinks. I found the sweet spot to be highly forgiving, allowing me to maintain control on soft shots even when caught slightly off-center.
– Power & Drive I observed: Since the paddle is thermoformed, I noticed an immediate power boost on serves and third-shot drives compared to non-thermoformed models I’ve tested. The foam-injected walls definitely contribute to energy return.
– Spin Generation I noticed: The gritty carbon surface, combined with the paddle’s responsiveness, allowed me to generate heavy topspin on rolls and slice serves.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: This model offers a large, accessible sweet spot, likely due to the unibody construction stabilizing the perimeter.

Strengths
I loved the blend of control and easy power; it felt like a premium thermoformed paddle without the usual cost. The consistent feel across the face stood out during high-speed volley exchanges I practiced.

Limitations
The tennis-style grip felt slightly too padded for my personal preference and required an overgrip early in my testing phase.

Ideal For: Intermediate to advanced players. Based on my testing, this is ideal for players seeking the benefits of modern thermoformed technology—easy spin and enhanced power—without committing to a high-end price tag. I recommend it for competitive doubles play.

Friday Pickleball Paddle, USA Pickleball Approved, Durable Carbon Fiber (Blue Sky)

Testing this model revealed immediate observations about solid construction and consistent performance across various game situations. I experienced reliable performance during 2v2 drills and singles matches, backed by material selection I found prioritizes consistency—it shares the same excellent 16mm thermoformed unibody build as the Sea Salt model, providing predictable feedback on every shot I took.

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb Core (Foam Injected Walls)
– Surface Material: 100% Carbon Fiber (Gritty)
– Thickness: 16mm
– Weight: 8.0–8.3 oz (Midweight)
– Paddle Length: 16.5″
– Grip Circumference: Standard

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: The paddle offered great feel around the non-volley zone (NVZ). I could execute clean drop shots that landed consistently short, a crucial marker of good control.
– Power & Drive I observed: Power was readily available, especially when attacking overheads. I noticed minimal vibration, which translates to effective energy transfer into the ball.
– Spin Generation I noticed: The gritty texture grips the ball exceptionally well. My cut shots generated significant lateral movement, surprising opponents during my testing matches.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: It feels substantial, matching the size and shape of similar high-performance elongated paddles I frequently use.

Strengths
The paddle is USAPA approved, which verifies its suitability for tournament play. I appreciate the high-quality carbon fiber build, which held up well to repeated impacts and maintained surface grit.

Limitations
While the weight (8.0–8.3 oz) is standard, I found it can feel slightly head-heavy after extended singles play.

Ideal For: Competitive intermediate players. I recommend this for players moving past basic fiberglass paddles who need a certified, reliable, and powerful carbon paddle to compete in local tournaments and gain a spin advantage.

Friday Pickleball Paddle, USA Pickleball Approved, Durable Carbon Fiber (Cotton Candy)

I’ve seen many players struggle to find equipment balancing control with power—I found this particular version of the friday original pickleball paddle solves that balance directly. In my testing, the design philosophy addresses common frustrations through its strategic composition: the 16mm thickness dampens pace effectively, while the thermoformed edge gives back the necessary drive when I needed to accelerate the ball.

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb Core (Foam Injected Walls)
– Surface Material: 100% Carbon Fiber (Gritty)
– Thickness: 16mm
– Weight: 8.0–8.3 oz (Midweight)
– Paddle Length: 16.5″
– Grip Circumference: Standard

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Excellent stability on defense. When faced with hard drives, I felt confident resetting the ball effectively back to the kitchen line, minimizing pop-ups.
– Power & Drive I observed: It requires less effort to generate speed than a raw carbon model, but the built-in power is palpable. I easily transitioned from a soft dink to an aggressive drive mid-rally.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Consistent spin profile identical to the other Original 16mm models I tested—high friction equals high spin potential.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Very generous, especially forgiving on inside-out returns.

Strengths
The balance between the power core and the control face is impressive. I found this to be one of the most confidence-inspiring paddles for players who rely on both technical precision and occasional powerful attacks.

Limitations
The graphic design might not appeal to everyone looking for a traditional, understated aesthetic.

Ideal For: All-court players (Intermediate+). I recommend this model for players who need robust defense and soft touch at the NVZ but still demand potent power when opportunities arise. It’s a reliable workhorse for consistent play.

Lightweight Friday Pickleball Paddle, 14mm Thickness (Blackout)

In my review of today’s market, I noticed this Lightweight friday original pickleball paddle stands out by aggressively targeting hand speed. I observed engineering refinements during my extended play sessions, positioning it as a meaningful option for those who prioritize quick volleys. The key difference I noted immediately was the thinner 14mm core, which inherently provides more pop and a faster swing profile than the 16mm versions.

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb Core (Foam Injected Walls)
– Surface Material: 100% Carbon Fiber
– Thickness: 14mm (Thin Core)
– Weight: 8.0 oz (Targeted Lightweight)
– Paddle Length: 16.5″
– Grip Circumference: Standard

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Control requires a much softer touch than the 16mm models. I found the ball tends to jump off the face quicker, meaning resets and dinks demanded precise hand discipline.
– Power & Drive I observed: Significantly increased power. Due to the thinner core, I experienced a noticeably stiffer feel, leading to increased ball speed on drives and faster put-aways.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Spin generation remains high, thanks to the carbon surface, but the faster ball exit means the duration the paddle grips the ball is shorter.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: While still large, I felt the perimeter protection was slightly less pronounced than the thicker models, demanding more central contact for optimal control.

Strengths
Hand speed is the primary benefit. I was able to flick quick counter-attacks at the net much more easily, making it fantastic for aggressive doubles play where reflexes matter most.

Limitations
The trade-off for speed is control; I found it was easy to overhit soft shots if I wasn’t careful with my grip pressure.

Ideal For: Aggressive Intermediate/Advanced players. I recommend this specifically for players who generate their own spin and prefer maximum pop and responsiveness, particularly those who play high-intensity doubles and focus on volley exchanges.

Challenger Friday Paddle, T700 Carbon Fiber, Thermoformed Flat Top Design (Haze)

During my inspection, the build quality of the Challenger model was immediately apparent. I specifically handled the T700 Raw Carbon Fiber surface and the thermoformed flat top design, which shows a clear intentionality to maximize surface area and durability. I found the integration of the double-layer fortified carbon surface suggests this paddle is built for sustained, high-level performance, feeling incredibly robust in my hands.

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb (Foam Injected Walls)
– Surface Material: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber (Double Layer Fortified)
– Thickness: 16mm
– Weight: 8.0–8.1 oz (Lighter than Original 16mm)
– Paddle Shape: Flat Top (Slightly wider sweet spot)
– Grip: EVA foam injected grip

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Exceptional touch compared to the standard carbon models. The Raw Carbon allowed me to really cradle the ball, providing superior feel on third-shot drops and delicate dinks.
– Power & Drive I observed: Excellent power generation, consistent with high-end thermoformed paddles I test. I found the added stability of the double-layer carbon minimized twisting on heavy impacts.
– Spin Generation I noticed: This is where the raw carbon excels. I recorded significantly higher spin rates, particularly on drive serves and topspin volleys, which is a massive advantage in competitive play.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: The flat top shape provided a slightly wider usable area near the top edge compared to the rounded Original shape.

Strengths
The T700 raw carbon surface is the standout feature. I experienced a noticeable upgrade in both the raw spin potential and the overall “feel” of the ball coming off the paddle face. The foam-injected grip also provided welcomed vibration dampening.

Limitations
As a premium version of the friday original pickleball paddle concept, the price point is higher, reflecting the raw carbon material and advanced construction I observed.

Ideal For: Advanced players and serious competitors. I recommend this paddle for those prioritizing maximum spin and feedback, using the raw carbon texture to manipulate the ball aggressively in high-stakes matches.

Challenger Friday Paddle, Two Layer T700 Raw Carbon Fiber (Ghostly)

When I look at the specification story of this paddle, the emphasis on material composition—specifically the Two Layer T700 Raw Carbon Fiber and Foam Injected Walls—tells me this is engineered purely for competitive advantage. I felt the stiffness and responsive nature immediately upon gripping the paddle, confirming its design intent as a top-tier option in the category derived from the foundational success of the friday original pickleball paddle design.

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb (Foam Injected Walls)
– Surface Material: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber (Double Layer)
– Thickness: 16mm
– Weight: 8.0–8.1 oz
– USAPA Approved: Yes

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: I found the control was precise, allowing me to place my returns exactly where I intended, even on fast incoming shots. The 16mm core ensures I never accidentally drove a dink long.
– Power & Drive I observed: Power is abundant and controllable. The raw carbon provides a consistent launch angle, which I found crucial for maintaining depth on groundstrokes and ensuring effective third-shot attacks.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Identical outstanding spin properties to the Haze model due to the shared T700 raw carbon composition. My opponents consistently complained about the dip and fade I generated on my serves.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Excellent forgiveness due to the unibody thermoforming and perimeter weighting.

Strengths
Durability and consistency are key here. I observed that the double-layer carbon held up exceptionally well to competitive play, maintaining its grit and power throughout my testing period.

Limitations
If you prefer a softer, more traditional feel (non-thermoformed), I found this paddle can feel a little too stiff initially.

Ideal For: Advanced power/spin players. I recommend this Challenger model for serious tournament players who have their soft game established and need equipment that maximizes spin and drives consistent power.

Lightweight Friday Pickleball Paddle, 14mm Thickness (Lavender Haze)

I view this 14mm Lightweight model as the ideal bridge for intermediate players looking to transition into a faster, more aggressive paddle without immediately jumping to the extreme power of raw carbon. I found that while it shares the 14mm thickness of the Blackout model, the distinctive aesthetic and slightly friendlier non-raw carbon surface made the transition smoother during my court time.

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb Core (Foam Injected Walls)
– Surface Material: 100% Carbon Fiber (Gritty)
– Thickness: 14mm
– Weight: 8.0 oz
– Focus: Hand speed and Pop

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: It’s snappy. I needed to choke up on the grip slightly to reduce the pop for effective dinking. For quick resets, it performed well, but the margin for error is smaller than the 16mm Original.
– Power & Drive I observed: Noticeable increase in speed and energy return compared to the 16mm models. I found it easy to put away balls near the net with minimal swing effort.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Very effective carbon fiber surface. I was generating excellent spin, though the faster exit velocity required quicker manipulation of the paddle face angle.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Solid, but unforgiving if contact is near the edge, characteristic of thinner core paddles I’ve tested.

Strengths
The speed and maneuverability are its greatest assets. I felt much quicker during sustained volley exchanges, which is a critical factor for players who rely on hand speed to win points.

Limitations
The louder contact sound compared to the 16mm models is a factor I noticed and should be considered if playing in sound-sensitive areas.

Ideal For: Intermediate players seeking speed. I recommend this for players who value rapid volley exchanges and need equipment that delivers higher pop, shifting their game toward aggressive offense from the NVZ.

JOJOLEMON Pickleball Paddles, Raw Carbon Fiber Rackets (Competitor)

When I evaluate equipment, I always look at the value proposition, and this JOJOLEMON paddle immediately presented an interesting alternative to the standard friday original pickleball paddle design. I found that for its price point, acquiring a T700SC raw carbon fiber surface and a 16mm polymer honeycomb core is difficult to beat. My initial testing confirmed it attempts to deliver high-end specs at a mid-range cost.

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: 16mm Polymer Honeycomb Core
– Surface Material: T700SC Raw Carbon Fiber (with Teflon Coating)
– Thickness: 16mm
– Weight: 8.0 oz (Ultra-Light)
– Paddle Length: Hybrid Racquet Design
– Grip Circumference: 4.25″

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Excellent control. I found the Teflon coating seemed to aid in dwell time, providing a soft, controlled launch for dinks and resets.
– Power & Drive I observed: Power was solid, slightly less explosive than the thermoformed Friday Challengers, but highly manageable. I attribute this to the non-thermoformed core, which makes it slightly more control-oriented.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Exceptional spin. The raw carbon surface gripped the ball strongly, giving me massive potential for heavy topspin on serves and drives.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Consistent across the face, benefiting from the standard 16mm thickness, offering good forgiveness.

Strengths
The raw carbon spin at this aggressive price point is its major strength. I particularly liked the slightly lighter 8.0 oz weight, which minimized arm fatigue during marathon testing sessions.

Limitations
The non-thermoformed construction means I observed less perimeter stability compared to the unibody Friday models, especially on high-power volleys.

Ideal For: Spin-focused Intermediate players or advanced budget buyers. I recommend this for players who prioritize maximizing spin and control and prefer a lighter weight paddle without the explosive “pop” sometimes associated with thermoformed paddles.

MTEN Pickleball Paddles Set of 2, Fiberglass Surface (Beginner Set)

When I approached this set, I assessed it honestly based on its intended purpose: a starter kit. I found the intentional tradeoffs centered around budget and durability, utilizing a fiberglass surface and standard polypropylene core. This set, while far simpler than the high-tech construction of the friday original pickleball paddle, serves a critical role for beginners and casual recreational players.

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
– Surface Material: Fiberglass
– Thickness: Standard (not specified, likely 13-14mm)
– Weight: 7.78–7.8 oz (Lightweight)
– Includes: 2 Paddles, 4 Balls, Bag

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Basic but functional. I found the fiberglass surface delivered adequate control for entry-level play, though it lacks the sophisticated feel of carbon fiber on delicate shots.
– Power & Drive I observed: Good inherent pop due to the lightweight structure. I found it easy for new players to generate pace, though control over that pace diminishes at higher speeds.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Minimal, as expected from a smooth fiberglass surface. I had difficulty generating meaningful spin compared to the gritty carbon paddles I tested.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: A wide paddle shape helps maximize the forgiving area, which is great for new players who are inconsistent with contact.

Strengths
Exceptional value for a complete starter set. I found the lightweight nature (sub 7.8 oz) makes it very easy for beginners and casual players to swing quickly and learn basic technique.

Limitations
The fiberglass surface lacks the durability and spin capabilities necessary for intermediate and advanced competitive play. I would need to upgrade quickly if I started playing competitively.

Ideal For: Absolute beginners and casual recreational play. I recommend this as an excellent, budget-friendly option for families, casual court time, or players testing the sport for the first time.

JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball Set (Competitor Set)

During a mixed doubles session with friends who are still learning, I found this JOOLA set offered a surprisingly high level of practical performance for a package deal. The paddles utilize reinforced fiberglass over a honeycomb core, which I found provided a large, predictable sweet spot ideal for players still developing consistent contact, a noticeable step up in quality compared to generic beginner sets.

Key Specifications:
– Core Material: Honeycomb Polypropylene
– Surface Material: Reinforced Fiberglass
– Thickness: Not specified (appears mid-range)
– Includes: 2 Paddles, 4 Balls (2 indoor, 2 outdoor), Gear Bag

Performance & Features (What I Found):
– Control & Touch I experienced: Adequate control for developing players. The fiberglass offers enough dampening to prevent constant pop-ups, allowing players to focus on stroke mechanics.
– Power & Drive I observed: Good power that feels manageable. I found the design emphasizes hitting consistency over explosive speed, making it friendly for novice swings.
– Spin Generation I noticed: Minimal spin, similar to other fiberglass paddles. I could generate some light topspin, but nothing compared to the gritty carbon fiber surfaces found on the friday original pickleball paddle models.
– Sweet Spot Size I measured: Very large and forgiving. I appreciated the reduced vibration, which makes the paddle more comfortable for prolonged play.

Strengths
The package provides everything needed, including both indoor and outdoor balls, which I found to be a thoughtful and practical inclusion. The paddle quality is robust enough to last through the beginner and early intermediate phases.

Limitations
If a player progresses quickly to an intermediate level, they will outgrow the need for better spin and touch and require a carbon paddle.

Ideal For: High-quality beginner bundles and recreational play. I recommend this for players who want a reliable, recognized brand starter set that offers better performance and longevity than basic composite kits.

What I Look for When Buying Friday Original Pickleball Paddle

When I evaluate any paddle, especially one focused on high-performance technology like the Friday lineup, I look past the marketing to the specifics of the build and how it directly affects playability.

I assess core functionality based on three factors:
* Twist Weight and Perimeter Stability: I check how well the paddle resists twisting upon off-center impact, which is crucial for consistency. The thermoformed, foam-injected unibody construction found in the friday original pickleball paddle models should result in a higher twist weight, which I found translated into better stability and a more consistent launch angle across the paddle face.
* Surface Friction (Grit Rating): I manually test the surface grit to gauge the potential for spin. I prefer T700 raw carbon (as seen on the Challenger models) because it consistently delivers superior friction compared to standard painted carbon fiber, directly impacting my ability to generate heavy topspin.
* Core Thickness vs. Player Need: I determine if the player needs control or power. A 16mm core is the standard for control and stability (which I found best for dinking), whereas the 14mm core (seen in the Lightweight models) is stiffer and delivers explosive power but requires better hand skills.

Types Explained

The Friday family of paddles essentially breaks down into three types, and I recommend different profiles depending on your primary goal on the court.

1. The Friday Original (16mm Carbon Fiber): This is the baseline, high-value thermoformed carbon paddle. I found it offers a superb balance of dampened control and solid pop, making it the perfect entry into advanced equipment.
2. The Friday Lightweight (14mm Carbon Fiber): This type is built for speed. I recommend this for players who are already quick at the net and want a thinner, stiffer paddle that provides immediate feedback and faster reaction time, trading control margin for aggressive power.
3. The Friday Challenger (16mm T700 Raw Carbon Fiber): This is the premium, high-spin option. I recommend this for competitive players ready to invest in raw carbon technology. In my testing, this delivered the highest spin rate and the most nuanced feel around the NVZ.

In terms of skill level and budget, I advise beginners to start with a durable set like the MTEN or JOOLA (budget-friendly entry). Intermediate players should transition directly to the Friday Original 16mm (best value performance). Advanced players must consider the Friday Challenger (best spin/feel).

Final Verdict

After extensive testing across the Friday lineup and key competitors, I can confidently say that the Friday brand effectively delivers high-performance thermoformed technology—a feature traditionally reserved for paddles costing 50% more. The core models provide exceptional power and spin capabilities for their cost, making them disruptive options in the mid-range market.

My Key Findings:
* The 16mm Original models (like Sea Salt and Blue Sky) are the safest, most versatile choices, delivering high stability and easy control due to the combination of the thick core and thermoformed edges.
* For players who prioritize maximum spin and refined touch, the upgrade to the Challenger model with T700 Raw Carbon is absolutely worthwhile based on the spin data I collected.
* The 14mm Lightweight versions sacrifice some control margin for a significant gain in power and hand speed, best suited for aggressive attackers.

Recommendations by Budget Level:

• Budget Entry (Under $70): If you are a beginner just starting and need a set, I recommend the MTEN Pickleball Paddles Set.
• Value Performance (Mid-Range): For the best performance per dollar, the Friday Pickleball Paddle, Durable Carbon Fiber (Sea Salt) is my top pick. You get elite technology without the elite price tag.
• Premium Performance (High-End Spin): If budget allows and you need tournament-level spin and feel, I highly recommend the Challenger Friday Paddle, T700 Carbon Fiber (Haze).

Recommendations by Skill Level:

• Beginner/Casual: The JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball Set provides a high-quality start with everything needed.
• Intermediate (All-Court): The standard Friday Pickleball Paddle, USA Pickleball Approved (Blue Sky) is the ideal platform for balancing offense and defense.
• Intermediate (Aggressive/Fast Hands): Opt for the Lightweight Friday Pickleball Paddle, 14mm Thickness (Lavender Haze) to maximize speed at the NVZ.
• Advanced/Competitive: Go directly for the Challenger Friday Paddle, Two Layer T700 Raw Carbon Fiber (Ghostly) for maximum spin manipulation and consistent power.

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Your Friday Original Pickleball Paddle Questions Answered

What Makes the Friday Original Pickleball Paddle Design Different From Standard Composite Paddles?

The defining difference I noted during my testing is the use of thermoformed unibody construction combined with foam-injected walls. Standard composite paddles are often two pieces bonded together. The thermoforming process fuses the entire paddle (core, surface, and edges) into one piece, creating a stronger, stiffer, and more responsive perimeter that I found significantly expands the sweet spot and provides better energy return, resulting in more power on drives.

Does Thermoforming Improve Spin Generation, Or Is It Just About Power?

In my experience, thermoforming enhances both power and spin, but indirectly. The increased stiffness and stability allow the paddle face—especially the gritty carbon fiber surface—to hold its shape better during high-velocity impacts. This rigidity ensures the carbon fiber grit maintains maximum contact with the ball, which, when combined with the surface texture, significantly increases the spin potential I can generate.

Which Core Thickness Do I Recommend (14mm vs. 16mm) for Control Play?

I consistently recommend the 16mm core (like the Original and Challenger models) for players prioritizing control, dinking, and soft game consistency. The additional material dampens incoming pace, giving me better feel and control over resets and drops. The 14mm cores, while fast and powerful, are inherently stiffer and provide more “pop,” making soft touch shots considerably more challenging to execute precisely.

How Does Raw Carbon Fiber (T700) Compare to Standard Carbon Fiber on Friday Paddles?

The T700 Raw Carbon Fiber used on the Challenger models feels significantly rougher and more abrasive to the touch than the standard 100% Carbon Fiber on the Original models. During play, I found the raw carbon provided far superior dwell time and allowed me to generate dramatically higher spin rates. Standard carbon fiber is great, but raw carbon is a necessity for competitive players who rely heavily on topspin and slice to manipulate the ball flight.

How Should I Maintain the Surface Grit on My Friday Original Pickleball Paddle?

To maintain the grit I rely on, I avoid excessive friction from court surfaces or abrasive cleaners. I recommend simply cleaning the surface periodically with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove residue and dust. Crucially, I store my paddle in a temperature-regulated bag away from extreme heat, as excessive heat can potentially compromise the integrity of the thermoformed edge and the foam injection over time.