Why do pickleballs crack in cold weather, and which balls resist freezing temperatures?

Pickleballs are rotational-molded or injection-molded from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). At temperatures below 50°F (10°C), polymer chains lose elasticity, transitioning below their glass transition temperature. Hard impact against carbon paddle faces causes brittle fracture along mold seam lines. Cold-weather balls (such as the Core Outdoor or Franklin X-40 cold formula) incorporate elastomeric plasticizers to maintain flex in sub-zero climates.