Pickleballs Roasting on an Open Fire

Plus: Simply Pickleball Podcast with Mike Gottfried, CEO of PCKL

Nov 15, 2023

Hi Pickleballers -

What’s your favorite brand of pickleball? How does it do when it’s 89 degrees out? How about 55 degrees? If you’ve played in various extreme temperatures, you may agree that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to pickleballs.

Like most pickleball players, I defaulted early on to the Franklin X-40. It’s by no means perfect, but it’s a decent all-around ball. However, a few months ago, a situation popped up where the X-40 was unplayable.

In August, we took a trip to the Big Island (click here for the blog post). It was supposed to be a relaxing beach vacation - until we found some amazing pickleball courts. Then, it turned into an all-day, every-day pickleball extravaganza.

The first day we played was about 88 degrees and I pulled out a brand new Franklin X-40 and began to warm up. The ball started to get soft quickly and became unplayable. Once other players showed up, they all pulled out Dura Fast 40s. It was clear that the Dura Fast pickleballs played much better in the heat.

What about playing pickleball in the cold? If you out your Franklin X-40, you’ll run into another problem: cracking. Rumor is they’re prone to cracking once you get under 45 degrees or so. A much better option is the PCKL Elite 40, built for cold.

We played with a PCKL Elite 40 tonight with a temperature of 59 degrees. The ball played well and held its shape, which is not always true in warmer temperatures.

I could be wrong, but I don’t think you can play a single pickleball in all climates. With colder weather on the way, try different pickleballs and see what you think.

Click here to check out our recent blog on PCKL Pickleballs.

Click here to check our blog on the top outdoor pickleballs.

Welcome to the world of PCKL Pickleballs and Paddles! Mike Gottfried, CEO of PCKL, shares how he's revolutionizing the pickleball industry with one-of-a-kind products that are taking the pickleball world by storm. This isn't his first "rodeo" - he has built successful companies around games before - and he is doing it again! Listen in and find out what makes PCKL pickleball paddles and pickleballs top sellers in the market.

Listen on Apple: Click here

Listen on Spotify: Click here

Interview with PCKL CEO, Mike Gottfried

Latest Blog: Ideas for Holiday Gifts (Updated!)

Did you get your Christmas tree pickleball ornaments yet? How about pickleball holiday cards? Or the latest thermoformed carbon fiber paddle from Bread & Butter?

Click here for some ideas to get you started. We’ll be adding additional items to make sure to check back.