A paddle is the first associate of a pickleball player. Ultimately, you can not play the game without your paddle. Besides, without the right paddle, no game is enjoyable.
So as a beginner, you might find all the same paddles. Purchasing them without knowing their distinctive features might be a failed choice.
In this article, we will go through all the ins and outs of your favorite paddles.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
- 1 How To Choose The Best Pickleball Paddles
- 2 Pickleball Paddle Materials
- 3 Different Shapes of Pickleball Paddles
- 4 Paddle Weight
- 5 Grip Size
- 6 Paddle Size
- 7 Color
- 8 Durability
- 9 Deflection
- 10 Sound
- 11 Edge Guard
- 12 Cost
- 13 Pickleball Paddles Measurements
- 14 How Do You Pick a Pickleball Paddle for Beginners
- 15 How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle for Intermediates
- 16 How to Pick Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players
- 17 FAQ
How To Choose The Best Pickleball Paddles
Choosing a pickleball paddle is tricky. It depends on several factors, like the features offered by the paddle. Besides, considering your physical fitness and playing style is also essential; these are crucial determiners of your playability.
You might like to look at the features that you need to check before buying a new paddle:
- Paddle Core Materials
- Paddle Surface Material
- Different shapes of paddle
- Paddle Weight
- Paddle Size
- Grip Size
- Color
- Durability
- Deflection
- Sound
- Edge Guard
- Cost
Let’s check them in detail in the following sections.
Pickleball Paddle Materials
The main factor that determines the performance is the materials. The first paddle used was a wooden ping-pong bat. Nowadays, with technological evolution, pickleball paddles are made from different kinds of improved materials. One amazing fact about the paddle is that its core and surface materials can differ in the same paddle to create further convenience for the user.
The materials are divided into two simple categories:
- Core materials of Paddles
- Surface materials of paddles.
Pickleball Paddle Core Material
In general, three different types of cores are used for pickleball paddles: Nomex, Aluminum, and Polymer/Polypropylene. The wooden paddles are a good place to start, though they are less popular due to their heavy weight. Generally, any rigid and non-compressible material is suitable for core materials.
However, the common core materials are:
- Wood
- Nomex
- Aluminum
- Polypropylene
Let’s see how they influence your playing style and game performance.
Wood Core Paddle: Best for beginners
The very basic core material for your paddle is wood. These are the cheapest, and hence the price helps beginners choose them as the best option. Note that, wooden paddles are heavier than other materials like polymer, Nomex, and aluminum. Though power shots are easy with them, still, the movements still take time, and you have less control.
Nomex Core Paddle: for Power
Nomex core paddle is best for players who like intense power and speed. The core is basically made from calendered paper, a material similar to cardboard. It is plunged into resin to make it hard. The design looks like a honeycomb pattern.
Because of the hard material, it produces a lot of noise and is much louder compared to aluminum and polymer. So people who love to play without much sound might find it a disadvantage of the Nomex core paddle. For the same reason, it’s also not convenient for noise-restricted areas.
Nomex is a lightweight material with high durability and flexibility. Because of its core strength, it absorbs less energy when you return a shot. This helps you to drive the energy at its most. However, at first, you might find it hard to balance your shots as the Nomex core paddle returns the strokes so fast.
Aluminum Core Paddle: for Touch
Aluminum is lightweight in nature. Thus, the paddle will not put extra weight on your wrist and give you a smooth feel. However, the shots are slightly slower than the Nomex paddles due to their smooth rebound. And you get the extra advantage of movability and can take control of the shot.
The aluminum paddle is much stronger and provides an excellent feel to its handler. In addition, its superb touch supports better movability for the players.
It’s actually good for players who like to have control while playing with balanced shots. Hard-hitting players like power shots. They may not find it perfect as it gets dimpled from hard shots, especially when you continue playing with rubbery balls.
Polymer Core: for Balance of Power and Touch
Polymer is the most popular among all four cores. It gives you both power and control. At the same time, it’s lightweight too. The strong formation produces power shots and does not get defective prematurely. Moreover, its honeycomb polymer center is suitable for more diversions on ball placements, while still keeping control.
Surprisingly, it does not sound hard and is absolutely good for undisturbed play.
Pickleball Paddle Surface Material
Common surface materials for pickleball paddles are:
- Wood
- Graphite
- Polycarbonate
- Composite Fiberglass
- Carbon fiber
Wood Surface Paddle
Wooden paddles are inexpensive, easy to find, and suitable for beginners. However, with continuously gaining skills, you will not find it fit for a professional game.
Graphite Surface
The graphite surface is solid and durable. It’s made from pure carbon and has a layered structure. The graphite surface applied over the paddles is thin, like a fingernail. Therefore, they are very light in weight.
Its featherweight gives you more control over your shots and allows you to return the ball fast. However, it still helps you with powerful and responsive strikes.
The price is a little higher than a fiberglass paddle. Note that, graphite paddles generally contain a Nomex, polymer, or aluminum core.
Polycarbonate Surface
Polycarbonate paddles are made of synthetic resin, making them lightweight and durable at the same time. In addition, they are lighter than graphite. So, you can pick them for more control over the ball.
Composite Fiberglass Surface
Fiberglass, or glass fiber, is a reinforced plastic material. It’s blended with resin and produces a solid and lasting substance. Because of its lightweight, the fiberglass composite pickleball paddle gives you better strength and feel. In addition, it’s less expensive than graphite paddles.
Carbon Fiber Surface
Among all the surface materials used for pickleball paddles, the carbon fiber paddle is the best substance in terms of weight, durability, and strength. In addition, it’s amazingly lightweight, even 15% lighter than fiberglass composites. As a result, it’s best suited for controlled shots and movement on the court. However, it’s expensive, and if you are a power shot player, you should better check for other options.
Different Shapes of Pickleball Paddles
Nowadays, different types of paddles are common in shops. At the same time, manufacturers are innovating continuously to bring more effective and lasting paddles, which at the same time should be budget-friendly.
The paddle sizes are also going through significant changes along with the materials. The first paddles were very simple. But now, the different shaped and sized paddles are designed for different needs.
The main shapes are found as:
- Wide-body Pickleball Paddles
- Elongated Pickleball Paddles
- Pickleball Paddles with Longer Handles
- Edgeless Pickleball Paddles
Wide-body Pickleball Paddles
The widespread paddle shape you will see is the standard wide-body paddle. It’s 16 inches long and 8 inches wide. The sum of length and width is 24 inches, which meets pickleball’s official instruction. Plus, it makes the best use of compact measurements. A wide-body paddle shape is excellent for power and control. Beginners will find it suitable as these are less expensive.
Elongated Pickleball Paddles
With an extended 16.5 to 17 inches length, the elongated pickle paddle gives you more reach. However, the face width becomes shorter due to maintaining the official regulations (width plus length can’t exceed 24 inches). As a result, elongated paddles will give the best power and spin. But the shape lacks control.
Moreover, you might find it difficult to strike from the exact middle, the sweet spot. Therefore, these paddles are more suitable for intermediate-level players who have long experience in controlling the game.
Pickleball Paddles with Longer Handles
Pickleball paddles have a typical length of 4″ to 5.5″. However, when it crosses over 5 inches, it can be considered a long handle. Usually, long handles are preferred by tennis players, who are used to driving two-handed backhands.
Edgeless Pickleball Paddles
Edgeless pickleball paddles are less common but unique due to the absence of protective guards along their edges. Players prefer them as they get larger hitting surfaces than other shapes. For the same reason, the sweet spot is also more prominent, which allows you to take more powerful shots with control. However, as these paddles don’t have a protective cover, they are more vulnerable to cracks and scratches across their borders. As a result, edgeless paddles are more popular with advanced players.
Paddle Weight
The pickleball paddle’s weight is an essential determiner of your performance. It influences both power and control. Besides, you can feel a lighter paddle more than a heavier one. The heavier the paddle, the more energy you can apply. But you lose control over your shots. And it works contrarily for a lighter-weight paddle.
So, how to calculate the ideal weight for your paddle?
First, understand that the weight you feel does not depend on the paddle’s actual weight. Why does it happen?
There are several types of grip. You can hold a paddle in different ways for dinking, forehand, or backhand shots, and the same paddle might not fit all the playing styles. Also, as long as the game gets longer, the feel or weight might seem a little heavier for the same paddle.
The paddle’s range of weight varies from 6 to 14 ounces. Though you might find the heavier paddles better for power shots, those drives might cause pain to your wrist and elbow.
Therefore, it is recommended that you go for a well-balanced pick between control and power. In that case, a mid-range weight of 7 to 9 ounces can be the right paddle for you.
When you are a beginner, start with a lighter paddle. This is because you first need the skill of getting control over your shots. Like, lightweight paddles will give you faster hand movement and pace. Eventually, you get familiar with various shots and build up strength. You can pick heavier paddles for power shots after you are getting the control well.
Pickleball Paddle Weight Range:
| Lightweight | Mid Weight | Heavyweight |
| 6 to 7.2 ounces | 7.3 to 8.4 ounces | 8.5 ounces to above |
Grip Size
Your grip size is a significant factor in your playability. The more comfortably you can grip your paddle, the more you can control your shots and speed. On the other hand, an uncomfortable grip might cause you to lose the game and cause pain in your palm and forearms.
The grip is the measurement of the circumference. It differs based on body height and shape. However, the standard paddles are available in sizes between 4″ and 4 ⅜” grips.
It would be best to use the paddle with the right grip size. A larger grip is suitable for power shots. But, if it is bigger than your hold, it can drop during the play and injure others. And smaller grips give you more control and spin.
Everyone has a different-sized grip. Also, the manufacturers produce the paddle with a limited range of grip sizes. So how do you know which grips will suit you best?
The simplest way of choosing the correct grip is to consider your height. Of course, there are other ways, like the index finger test and the palm ruler test. However, the height test will work in most cases. And in cases, you want a better comfortable hold, you can regrip or overgrip your paddle.
An average grip size chart based on your height:
| Height of Player | Grip Size (Inches) |
| under 5’2″ | 4″ |
| 5’2″ to 5’3″ | 4 ⅛” |
| 5’4″ to 5’4″ | 4 ¼” |
| 5’6″ to 5’7″ | 4 ⅜” |
| 5’8″ to 5’9″ | 4 ½” |
| 5’10” to 5’11” | 4 ⅝” |
| 6′ to above | 4 ¾” |
When you are confused about grip sizes, go for the smaller ones. Do not worry if you find it not suitable for power shots. Add an overgrip, and the issue will be fixed.
As different manufacturers are there, the US grip size chart compared to European sizes may help you:
| European Sizes | US size (inches) |
| 0 | 4″ |
| 1 | 4 ⅛” |
| 2 | 4 ¼” |
| 3 | 4 ⅜” |
| 4 | 4 ½” |
| 5 | 4 ⅝” |
| 6 | 4 ¾” |
Paddle Size
The primary paddle size is 16 inches by 8 inches. As per USApickleball.org, a pickleball paddle’s combined length and width, including its edge guard and butt cap, can not exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm). In addition, the length of the paddle cannot be over 17 inches (43.18 cm), while its width can be a max of 8.25 inches (209.6 mm). However, there is no limitation on paddle thickness, which allows you to use a thicker paddle of even 16 mm.
Color
Paddle color is not an essential matter in pickleball. However, the yellow outfit and yellow paddles are not allowed in USAPA-authorized matches.
There are paddles of numerous colors available. The prints on the surface materials are vibrant, stylish, and joyful sometimes. The most popular color is blue. However, pick a paddle color that gives you a professional look. Even if you are a starter, you will have some confidence based on the professionalism of your color choice.
Durability
Almost all the pickleball paddles last between 1 and 5 years. Their lifespan depends on the materials and their use. Also, its stability relies on how well you take care of your paddles.
Generally, the more frequently you play, the more it fades out quickly. Like professional players, they need to replace their paddles once a year.
However, different materials have different durability. If you are a beginner or intermediate-level player, your graphite and composite paddles can last for 2 to 3 years.
Deflection
Pickleball paddles’ cores are hollow, not solid. Therefore, the surface vibrates like a drum when it hits the ball and produces a high-frequency noise. The Deflection Test is applied to ensure that the paddle will not develop a “Trampoline Effect” when the paddle hits the ball. The test measures the inflexibility of a paddle. The right paddles must meet the below requirements:
- 5 thousandths of an inch or less at a test weight of 3 kg.
- 10 thousandths of an inch or less at a test weight of 5 kg.
When exceeding the above specifications, pickleball paddles may produce a trampoline effect. As a result, they will be marked as a fail on the USA Pickleball Approved list.
Sound
Mainly, the paddle cores determine the noise level on the court. Wooden paddles produce the loudest sound. So, if the game area has a sound prohibition, you should avoid the wooden one. Graphite paddles are also noisy. Besides, Nomex core paddles also make louder sounds.
Composite or fiberglass surface material is more peaceful than graphite. The polymer core paddles are the most noiseless in the shops. After poly-core paddles, the aluminum core is slightly more silent than Nomex.
Finally, wooden, Nomex and graphite paddles are noisy. Composite, fiberglass, and polymer paddles fall in the more silent category. And aluminum is in the middle of them.
Edge Guard
Pickleball paddles generally have an edge guard to protect the borders from breaking and scratching. However, many players like the edge-less paddles because of the larger hitting area, and the sweet spot becomes more spacious. Manufacturers have been following the same trend and bringing out more edge-less paddles. So now it’s a separate model.
Note that, an edge guard is crucial for your paddle’s health and safety. You might often drop the paddle accidentally. Then there comes the edge protector that saves the paddle from defecting. Cleaning the edge guard is crucial for its health and durability.
Cost
The price mainly depends on the materials used in pickleball paddles. Both core and surface materials have an influence on the price.
The below chart will provide a comparative price idea:
| Material | Price range |
| Wooden pickleball paddle | $15 to $65 |
| Composite pickleball paddles | $40 to $100 |
| Graphite pickleball paddles | $90 to $200 |
Pickleball Paddles Measurements
First, let’s look at the standard dimensions of a pickleball paddle:
| Feature | Size (Inches) | Size (cm) |
| Length | 15.5″ to 17″ | 39.37 to 43.18 cm |
| Width | 7″ to 8.25″ | 11.8 to 20.9 cm |
| Depth | 1.25″ | 3.18 cm |
| Handle Length | 4″ to 5.5″ | 10.16 to 14.0 cm |
| Grip Circumference | 4″ to 4 ⅜” | 10.16 to 12.01 cm |
| Weight | 6 to 14 ounces | 170 to 397 grams |
How Do You Pick a Pickleball Paddle for Beginners
The newcomers can start the game with a wooden paddle which roughly starts from $10 or $15. However, if they plan to buy a lighter paddle, they can go for a graphite pickleball paddle. Graphite paddles can cost between $40 and $60. Graphites have a medium-range weight of 6 to 9 oz.
How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle for Intermediates
Intermediate players, who have general techniques, need more grabs on different shots and spin. They need control and power too. The 8 to 9-ounce weight paddle is recommended for mid-level players considering their requirements. For example, graphite or aluminum core paddles will be good.
How to Pick Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players
Advanced players who are skilled in different drives and footwork need special paddles. The paddles need to be lighter, but at the same time, they should be able to generate power shots. Plus, the surface should support more spins.
The poly core and composite paddles can be perfect for professional players. And the elongated shaped paddles will be good for them. These paddles provide more reach.
FAQ
Are elongated pickleball paddles better?
Elongated paddles have an increased length than the traditional 16-inch long paddle. But at the same time, its surface width becomes narrower. Plus, hitting from the sweet spot also becomes difficult as it does not situate in the exact middle.
Therefore, you can go for an elongated paddle if you need more reach. Finally, for a beginner, it’s not suitable. The expert players can have the best output of this shape.
Which is better aluminum or wood pickleball paddle?
Wood pickle paddles are best for you if you are a beginner. They are inexpensive, but you will not find much control over the drives. On the contrary, aluminum paddles are softer than wood. Therefore, the softness provides them a touch you can feel and handle with more control. However, you will not find it suitable for power shots for its softness.
