The Silent Killer: Humidity and Heat
In the UAE, the environment is the greatest enemy of your equipment. A 1,500 AED carbon fiber racket can lose its performance in a single summer if not handled correctly.
In the UAE, the environment is the greatest enemy of your equipment. A 1,500 AED carbon fiber racket can lose its performance in a single summer if not handled correctly.
1. The "Softening" of EVA Foam
The core of your racket is Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). In temperatures exceeding 40°C (common in Dubai/Abu Dhabi), this foam expands and softens. This leads to a "dead" feeling where the ball no longer bounces off the face with speed.
The core of your racket is Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). In temperatures exceeding 40°C (common in Dubai/Abu Dhabi), this foam expands and softens. This leads to a "dead" feeling where the ball no longer bounces off the face with speed.
- The Solution: Always invest in a Thermal-lined bag. These "silver-lined" compartments are not for show—they act as a climate-controlled vault for your rackets.
2. Overgrip Hygiene & Performance
In high humidity, your hands sweat more, causing the grip to lose its "tackiness." A slippery grip leads to a "Death Grip"—you squeeze harder to compensate, which is the #1 cause of Padel Elbow. Change your overgrip every 3–4 matches in the summer to maintain a relaxed, high-performance stroke.
In high humidity, your hands sweat more, causing the grip to lose its "tackiness." A slippery grip leads to a "Death Grip"—you squeeze harder to compensate, which is the #1 cause of Padel Elbow. Change your overgrip every 3–4 matches in the summer to maintain a relaxed, high-performance stroke.
3. Frame Integrity
The heat can also affect the adhesives holding your frame together. Never leave your bag in a hot car. If your racket feels "hollow" or vibrates excessively, the internal layers may have begun to delaminate due to heat stress.
The heat can also affect the adhesives holding your frame together. Never leave your bag in a hot car. If your racket feels "hollow" or vibrates excessively, the internal layers may have begun to delaminate due to heat stress.
