How to Choose a Right Pickleball Paddle: Best Pickleball Paddle Buying Guide
Are you looking to step up your pickleball game? One of the most important pieces of equipment for playing pickleball is the right pickleball paddle. Choosing the ideal pickleball paddle can make a huge difference in your performance on the court.
With so many pickleball paddles on the market, it can be overwhelming to try to decide which one is right for you. This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect paddle for your game.
How to Select the Ideal Pickleball Paddle Weight
One of the most important factors in choosing a pickleball paddle is its weight. Pickleball paddles typically range in weight from 6 to 14 ounces. Selecting the right weight can enhance your power, control, and maneuverability on the court. Here are some tips on choosing the ideal paddle weight:
- Beginner pickleball or tennis players should start with a midweight paddle around 7.0–8.5 ounces. This allows you to develop proper technique without tiring out your arm.
- Intermediate players looking to add more power and control can move up to a heavier paddle, around 8.5 to 10 ounces. The extra weight provides added force.
- Advanced players who want maximum power often prefer heavy paddles over 10 ounces. But these require strength and stamina to wield effectively.
- Players who rely on finesse shots, dinks and drops favor lightweight paddles under 7.5 ounces. The lighter weight offers better maneuverability.
If you are transitioning from tennis, try starting with a lightweight paddle before moving up in weight.
Experiment with different weights to see what feels best. The ideal pickleball paddle weight comes down to your strength, shot style, and personal preference.
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Factors to Consider in Pickleball Paddle Core Material
The internal core of a paddle influences key performance factors like power, control, touch, and durability. Most pickleball paddle cores are made of:
Graphite paddle cores offer an excellent balance of power, control, and touch. This lightweight material provides good pop on shots with a responsive, precise feel. Graphite cores are durable, yet can lack stability compared to other materials.
Polymer Polymer, such as Polypropylene, is a popular, budget friendly core material. Polymer cores have decent touch and control but less power than graphite. They are durable paddles that are good for beginners.
Aluminum Aluminium core paddles provide lots of pop and touch. But aluminium can flex too much, resulting in a trampoline effect that decreases control.
Nomex honeycomb is a lightweight yet rigid core known for stability and consistency. Nomex provides excellent control and durability. But it lacks the touch of graphite or polymer.
Composites blend different core materials like graphite, polymer, and sometimes Nomex or aluminium. Composites aim to optimize the positive attributes of each material.
Choosing the Right Pickleball Paddle Shape
Pickleball paddle shapes affect the paddle’s sweet spot, power, and comfort. The four main pickleball paddle shapes are:
Tear Drop – The teardrop shape has a wide body that tapers at the top. It has a large sweet spot but can feel bulky. Good for beginners.
Paddle: The classic paddle shape provides an excellent balance of power, control, and sweet spot. Ideal for all around play.
Diamond: The diamond shape has pointed edges for quick maneuvers and spin shots. The smaller face challenges control but offers an agile feel.
Longbody: The longbody paddle is an elongated teardrop, ideal for two handed grips. Provides a large sweet spot and extra reach but may be too wide for one handed players.
Choosing a paddle shape boils down to finding the optimal blend of power, control, sweet spot and comfortable feel for your hand size and grip preference.
Right Pickleball Paddle Materials Guide: Pickleball Paddle Face, Cores and Edges
Here is an overview of the key materials that make up a pickleball paddle:
Paddle face: The paddle face hits the pickleball and affects control, spin, power, and feel. Common face materials are graphite, polymer, and composite, which offer a good touch. Some paddles use aluminum or carbon fibre for extra pop.
Paddle core: The internal core gives the paddle its stiffness, vibration dampening, and “pop” factor. Graphite, Polymer, Nomex and Aluminum are the leading core materials, each with pros and cons.
Paddle edge: The trim around the paddle edge protects it from chips and cracks. Materials like ABS and Polymer edge guards increase durability. Perforated edges reduce weight.
Paddle surface: Textured paddle faces have etched or composite surfaces that enhance spin and control. Smooth paddle faces offer more power and pop.
Paddle handle – Contoured, ergonomic handles maximize comfort and optimal wrist positioning. Cushioned grips reduce vibration and sweat. Longer handles suit two handed grips.
Determining the Best Pickleball Paddle Length
Pickleball paddle length is measured in inches from the end of the handle to the top of the paddle head. Official USAPA rules dictate the pickleball paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches and the paddle width cannot exceed 8.125 inches.
Within those limits, what paddle length is right for you? Here are some guidelines based on your height and grip style:
- For players under 5′ tall, opt for a shorter paddle around 15.5 to 16.5 inches . A shorter length offers better control for players with smaller swings.
- Standard pickleball paddle lengths typically range from 16 to 17 inches. This length suits most average sized players under 6′ tall.
- Tall players over 6′ tend to favor longer paddles around 16.5–17 inches for added reach on shots.
- Players using a two-handed grip may prefer an extra long paddle up to the 17 inch limit for more coverage.
- Novice players often do better starting with a shorter, more maneuverable paddle around 15.5 to 16 inches to develop proper form.
The bottom line is choosing a paddle long enough to execute strokes comfortably but not so long that it feels unwieldy. Test different lengths to find your ideal fit.
How to choose a Right Pickleball Paddle Grip Size
Along with getting the right length, it’s crucial to find a pickleball paddle with the proper grip size for your hand size and comfort. Grip sizes are measured in inches around the circumference of the grip.
Small grip sizes measure 4 1⁄4 inches around, which is optimal for youth players or adults with petite hands
4 1⁄4 – 4 3⁄8 inches is suitable for most women and juniors
4 3⁄8 – 4 1⁄2 inches is the standard grip size that fits most men
and 4 1⁄2 – 4 5⁄8 inches, ideal for players with larger hands
To find your ideal grip size:
- Test grip various paddle grips to find the optimal fit for your hand size
- Consider if you play with one hand or two (two hands may prefer a larger grip)
- Determine if you like a standard or oversized grip
- Add an overgrip if you need a thicker, cushioned grip
Having the right grip size tailored to your hand enhances paddle control, grip comfort and helps prevent tennis elbow by reducing vibration and strain.
Buying Guide for Beginners Pickleball Player: Choosing Your First Paddle
If you’re new to pickleball , here are some tips on selecting the right beginner paddle to start building your skills:
- Go for a midweight paddle around 7.5–8.5 oz, light enough to maneuver yet with enough heft to generate power.
- Look for bigger paddle faces with a large sweet spot that are more forgiving for off centre hits.
- Pick wider bodied, teardrop, or paddle shapes over skinny blades for more stability.
- Test shorter length paddles around 15.5 and 16.5 inches to easily control shots.
- Select a textured paddle face for adding spin and control vs. a slick surface that can misdirect balls.
- Try a polymer or Polypropylene paddle; budget-friendly options are great for beginners learning proper form.
- Start with a cheaper paddle under $50 while determining if you enjoy the sport before investing in a high-end version.
- Ask fellow players for recommendations on which beginner pickleball paddles they recommend.
- Don’t overlook used paddles; you can find quality pre owned paddles in good shape that play like new.
Choosing user friendly paddles designed for novices will help you develop skills and confidence as a new player while avoiding bad habits from using overly advanced paddles too soon.
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Perfect Pickleball Paddle
Asking yourself these key questions will help guide you to your ideal paddle match:
How heavy a paddle weight can I comfortably control? Test different weights to find the right balance of power and maneuverability for your abilities.
What grip size fits my hand size best? Find a grip circumference that allows you to hold the paddle without strain.
What length gives me optimal reach without sacrificing control? Your height and swing style determine the ideal length.
What shape provides the most power and best sweet spot for my game? Different shapes excel in power, control, spin, feel, and sweet spot coverage.
What face material offers the touch, spin, and pop I need? – Know the pros and cons of graphite, polymer, and composite faces.
What core material provides the blend of control, power and feel I want? Each core material, like graphite, polymer, and Nomex, has unique playing characteristics.
What is my budget? Pickleball paddles range from cheap beginner models around $20 up to high end graphite paddles over $150. Set a spending limit before you start shopping.
5 Tips for Pickleball Paddle Maintenance and Care
Investing a little time in paddle care will keep your favourite pickleball paddle playing like new:
- Store paddles safely where they won’t get damaged, preferably in paddle bags or cases.
- Clean paddle faces with a soft cloth after play to remove grit and debris that can scratch the surface.
- Avoid extreme heat like leaving paddles inside hot cars which could damage the glues and materials.
- Check for damage like cracks, chips or peeling grips and re apply edge guard tape or have grips replaced when needed.
- Consider paddle covers to protect the face from nicks and scuffs. But know covers can degrade power and feel so are best for storage vs. play.
Proper maintenance maximizes the lifespan and performance of your quality pickleball paddles.
Conclusion: Finding Your Pickleball Paddle Match
We hope this guide gave you all the key factors to consider when shopping for your ideal pickleball paddle. Finding the right match that complements your abilities and playing style is crucial to upping your pickleball game. Test out different shapes, weights, lengths, face materials and grip sizes. Talk with fellow players to get recommendations.
Investing in a quality, well fitted paddle designed for your skill level and hand size will immediately improve your power, control, consistency and confidence on the court. Don’t settle for battling with a subpar paddle. Treat yourself to your new favorite paddle and watch your pickleball skills soar!
Pickleball Paddle FAQs: Answering Common Questions
Ready to select your new favorite paddle? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about pickleball paddles:
Are expensive paddles worth the extra cost?
Premium graphite paddles around $100+ excel in touch, power, and control. But budget friendly options under $75, like Polymer paddles, can still offer solid performance for recreational play. Skill level and play frequency helps determine if investing in a top-end paddle is justified.
What’s better for indoor vs. outdoor pickleball?
Indoor wood courts can play faster, so players often prefer paddles with more texture and spin to control shots. On rough outdoor courts, smooth faced paddles add extra power for clearing lines and fences.
How do I know when to replace an old, worn out paddle?
Signs of needing a new paddle include face scratches and peeling edge guards affecting shots, worn grip allowing slippage, or cracked cores/frames making paddles feel “dead”. Also replace if your skill improves and you’ve outgrown the play of a lower end paddle.
Are two handed pickleball paddles better?
Two handed paddles allow a versatile two hand grip players feel provides better control and finesse. But they require adapting shot technique from traditional paddles. Two handed paddles work best for already experienced two hand grip players vs. newer players.
Why are pickleball paddles lighter than tennis rackets?
Lighter paddles ranging 5 8 ounces are easier to wield and generate faster swing speeds ideal for pickleball’s smaller court size requiring quicker maneuvers and reactions. Heavier tennis rackets around 11 13 ounces help drive power from the baseline not needed in pickleball.
