Hot Press vs Cold Cut in Pickleball Paddle Manufacturing – What’s the Difference?

Hot Press vs Cold Cut in Pickleball Paddle Manufacturing – What’s the Difference?

Hot Press vs Cold Cut: How Pickleball Paddles are Made

Introduction:
When it comes to manufacturing pickleball paddles, the method used to bond the paddle face and core affects performance, durability, and feel. Two common techniques are hot pressing and cold cutting. Understanding the difference can help players and brands make informed choices.

1️⃣ Hot Pressing
Hot pressing involves applying heat and pressure to bond the paddle face with the core.

Benefits:

  • Stronger adhesion: Heat melts the adhesive slightly, creating a solid bond.

  • Durable paddle: Less likely to delaminate during intense play.

  • Consistent feel: Produces a uniform paddle response across the surface.

Common Use: Most high-quality factory-made paddles, including KBS GEN4 and PP honeycomb paddles.

2️⃣ Cold Cutting
Cold cutting (or cold press) relies on pressure alone, without heat, to assemble the paddle.

Benefits:

  • Lower production cost: Simpler equipment and less energy needed.

  • Faster production: Can be quicker for small batches.

Drawbacks:

  • Bonding may be weaker than hot pressing.

  • Paddle surface might separate or have inconsistent feel over time.

3️⃣ Which One is Better?

  • Hot press paddles are generally more durable and consistent, ideal for competitive and long-term use.

  • Cold cut paddles can be suitable for casual or recreational players but may not last as long under heavy play.

Conclusion:
At KBS, we use hot pressing for most of our high-performance paddles to ensure strength, durability, and excellent playability. For custom paddles, we can recommend the best method depending on your design and usage.

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