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Writer's pictureDoylestown Pickleball

🏓 How to Pick a Pickleball Paddle.

Updated: Jan 30

1. PICKLEBALL PADDLE WEIGHT


Pickleball paddles range in weight from 6 oz. – 14 oz. Paddles are typically divided into three weight categories:

  • Lightweight pickleball paddles (>7.3 oz.)

  • Midweight pickleball paddles (7.3 oz – 8.3 oz.)

  • Heavyweight pickleball paddles (8.5+ oz.)

LIGHTER

PROS VS. CONS:
  • Better control and maneuverability

  • More effort is needed to put power on shots.

  • Less power – harder to hit deep shots

  • Need a stronger swing

HEAVIER

PROS VS. CONS:
  • More power

  • Less effort to hit hard

  • Better for depth

  • Stress on injuries and increased arm fatigue

  • Less control

 


2. COMPOSITION

Pickleball paddles comprise two areas with distinct material properties: the paddle face and the paddle core. There are several different types of face and core materials.


FACE MATERIALS

  • Fiberglass – heavy and powerful but not as strong as other face materials

  • Graphite– thin and light for quick action and reasonable control

  • Carbon Fiber – Similar to graphite but more durable

2 Types of Carbon Fiber

1. Raw Carbon Fiber Face Examples

2. Finished Carbon Face Examples


CORE MATERIALS

  • Polymer – soft with large honeycomb cells; great power but sacrifices control

  • Nomex – harder and denser for long-lasting performance; louder with less power but great control

  • Aluminum – The most outstanding feature is superior control (Can Dent) - Not many paddles are made with this material anymore.

 


3. PICKLEBALL PADDLE SHAPE


The shape of pickleball paddles varies based on the manufacturer. Some have distinct features, like the diamond-shaped paddles by HEAD. The length and width of the paddles vary, as well. The USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) approves paddles not exceeding 17 inches long. There are no restrictions on paddle thickness.


Selkirk Shapes

1. Invikta - Long Paddle with Long Face and Standard Handle
2. Epic - Standard Length with Square Face and Standard Handle

3. S2 - Standard/Shorter Length with Rectangular Face and Smaller Handle


Edgeless vs. Edge-Guarded

– Edgeless pickleball paddles have more surface space, but edge-guarded paddles have a guard that protects the integrity of the paddle. The question is, do you sacrifice durability for greater surface area?


Edgeless - No Edge Guard

Edge-Guarded - has a Boardered Edge Guard.

 

4. PICKLEBALL PADDLE THICKNESS

Thick Paddles (Control Paddles)

  • 15-17mm Wide

  • More Control

  • Softer Feel

  • Feels like larger sweet spot

  • Absorbs power.


Thin Paddles (Power Paddles)

  • 12-15mm

  • More Power

  • More Feel/Vibrations

  • Sweet Spot Feels Smaller


5. PICKLEBALL PADDLE GRIP SIZE


Pickleball paddle grip sizes range from 4 - 4.5. Small (4 – 4.125), medium (4.25), and large (4.5). Too big a grip size may cause slippage or turning in your hand, leading to elbow problems. It’s always better to start small and build a larger grip size. Smaller grip sizes also allow for more wrist action and added spin.

 

For 10% off Fromuth Pickleball, use our code "10Doylestown"

 

Doylestown Pickleball Store

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