How To Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle for You
November 16, 2022
Understanding the pros and cons of pickleball paddles allows you to choose the right one to take your game to a place you didn’t think was possible.
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Even if you are a pickleball enthusiast, you might often browse the paddle options that offer varying benefits. Settling on one paddle without the research could keep you from reaching your maximum potential on the court. Learning how to choose the right pickleball paddle for you illustrates how a slight change can impact your game.
Selecting the Shape of the Paddle
The first thing you’ll notice about pickleball paddles is that they come in various shapes and sizes. While other sports do the same, the variations aren’t nearly as apparent as with pickleball paddles. There are five shapes to mull over, so let’s give you a little information about each type and what they offer.
Widebody Paddles
When beginning a new sport, it’s helpful to use equipment that makes up for a lack of skill. A widebody pickleball paddle is perfect for newbies, considering it has the most prominent sweet spot of the paddle options. The downside of a widebody paddle is that its size reduces your power. That said, power isn’t a necessity when you’re still developing your skills. It’s common for new players to hit the ball with too much force, so it makes sense to tone it down a notch using a widebody paddle.
Teardrop Paddles
Teardrop paddles have several things in common with a widebody version regarding their benefits, such as an extended sweet spot. However, they are more rounded than widebody paddles.
Standard Paddles
These paddles are the standard because this option features the size and shape of the first pickleball paddle. It’s slightly smaller than a widebody paddle, making it a more well-rounded choice. Balanced players prefer these paddles because they don’t compromise any elements of their game. Someone who wants to incorporate power, touch, and control will likely opt for a standard paddle.
Blade Paddles
Blade paddles are perfect for the tennis aficionado crossing over to the pickleball court, as it’s the one paddle that resembles a tennis racquet in shape. Blade paddles are thinner and longer, reducing the sweet spot on the paddle. Beginners should steer clear of blade paddles because they can be challenging to use from the get-go.
Elongated Paddles
This option is the paddle that’s gaining the most steam amongst experienced picklers. At 16 inches or longer, elongated paddles give players additional power, spin, and reach to elevate their game. Since it could take time to acclimate yourself to the elongated paddle, you might want to attend a few practice sessions before adding it to your arsenal. If you consistently play singles instead of doubles, an elongated paddle can make a lot of sense.
Finding the perfect paddle will require trial and error. And what might work for someone else that recommends a specific shape may not work for you. There is no concrete answer to which paddle is best.
Light or Heavy?
After deciding on the shape of your paddle, it’s time to focus on other specifications, such as the weight. Again, this factor depends on how you play and what you’re trying to accomplish on the court. For a player who enjoys heated exchanges near the net, you’ll want to go with the lightest paddle (7-7.6 oz). The detractor of using a lighter paddle is that you must swing with more velocity to achieve a power shot. On the contrary, a heavier paddle gives you that power without forcing you to swing aggressively. A dink-shot specialist prefers a heavy paddle (8.2 oz or more) to hit a precise shot with less effort. Anything that falls between 7.7-8.1 ounces gives you a mixture of both benefits, and you can always add tape to your paddle to add some extra heft.
Tweaking the Handle
The handle length of a pickleball paddle ranges from 4.5 and 6 inches. A paddle’s combined length and width cannot exceed 24 inches—a regulation that limits the total allowable surface area across all paddle types. Since novices are better off with a larger surface area, they tend to benefit from a smaller handle. A highly accomplished pickler can sacrifice the surface area with a longer handle because it gives them more control of their shots. A lengthier handle produces greater spin and power, which will baffle your opponent.
Understanding the Materials
The core and surface materials are a pickleball paddle’s last two components. The core material in a vast majority of paddles is the same, while the surface grants more options.
Core Materials
The most prevalent core material adopted by manufacturers is a polymer. Some companies may use different terms to describe their core material, such as poly or polypropylene. Regardless of the branding, they are essentially the same thing: robust plastic. Polymer is the material of choice because it remains resilient and quiet while providing a nice mixture of power and feel. The price of poly cores ranges drastically, with some being around $30 and others over $200. Typically, spending more extends the lifespan of the core.
In addition to the quality of the polymer, the thickness also plays an integral role. The density of a core’s honeycomb cells of a core makes them finer, packing more in the paddle. Larger-celled cores provide the paddle with a firmer, harsher feel and a greater power source. Unless a brand specifies that it employs a core with a greater density, you may presume it utilizes the conventional, larger honeycomb cells. The exception to the polymer cores is those consisting of aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum dents easily, so you should avoid any paddle that touts that material as its core. Carbon fiber is similar to polymer, but only a select few utilize it.
The core’s thickness also plays a part in your performance on the court. Thicker cores give players more control, while thinner cores provide more power in your swings. As you start out, stick with a thicker core because control is the name of the game. As you progress, you can opt for a thinner core if you want to add more oomph to your shots.
Surface Materials
The surface material affects a paddle’s control, power, and sweet spot, so it’s a key part of your decision-making process. Fiberglass material is the most popular option. Manufacturers use fiberglass and composite interchangeably, so if you see either description, know it’s the same. People affiliate fiberglass with power; thus, paddles that incorporate it often have a smaller sweet spot.
Carbon fiber gives players a better feel, as the stiff material gives you more control but reduces power. Graphite is a version of carbon fiber that doesn’t cost as much. The differences between carbon fiber and graphite are so minimal that it might be worth going with graphite to save a few bucks. On a rare occasion, you’ll see companies mix all three materials to form a bionic surface material that tries to accomplish everything in one fell swoop.
Hopefully, this detailed breakdown helps you choose the right pickleball paddle for you. Picking a paddle can be a tough decision, as you need to strike a balance between your preferences and the advantages each style provides. Fromuth Pickleball has several pickleball rackets that are in tune with your style, so find yours today!