Delamination
When the face separates from the core. The paddle turns hot, hollow-sounding, and illegal.
Delamination is the face debonding from the core, leaving an air gap that works like a trampoline. The paddle gets noticeably hotter and develops a hollow rattle. And because that trampoline effect breaks performance rules, a delaminated paddle is effectively illegal for sanctioned play.
The 2023–2024 wave of delaminating thermoformed paddles is what forced the testing crackdown. Usual causes: adhesive failure or heat damage. If yours separates, file the warranty claim. Do not try to fix it.
See also:Core crush ·Paddle certification