,

What you should know about buying a pickleball paddle. How to find the right paddle for YOU!

What you should know about buying a pickleball paddle. How to find the right paddle for YOU!

Pickleball continues to attract fans worldwide, and as we approach 2024, selecting the proper equipment is increasingly important. A key component in pickleball is the paddle, which can greatly influence both your performance and your enjoyment of the sport.

As a former owner of a highly successful tennis and pickleball store in Bend, Oregon, I have extensive knowledge about selecting the appropriate paddle for each player. As pickleball’s popularity soars, more companies are introducing new paddles. With a vast array of options now available, how do you find the right one for yourself?

Understand the Basics of Pickleball Paddles

Before diving into the specifics of each paddle type, it’s essential to understand the fundamental aspects that make up a pickleball paddle:

Material: Paddles are constructed from a variety of materials, including wood, composite, carbon fiber, and graphite. Each material has its advantages in terms of weight, durability, and cost. Additionally, paddles may feature different materials in their cores and faces, which influences how they perform. To quickly assess how various materials impact playability, you can tap on the face of your paddle. A louder knocking sound generally indicates that the paddle offers more “POP” or power. Conversely, a softer sound suggests that the paddle provides greater touch and better shock absorption.
Weight: Paddles vary in weight from 6 to 14 ounces, but most recreational players (2.0-4.5 level) are best suited to paddles weighing between 7 and 9 ounces. Lighter paddles are easier to maneuver, making them ideal for children who find heavier paddles challenging, or for adults who do not require additional power. However, adult players should note that lighter paddles offer less inherent power, requiring more effort from the player to generate force. In contrast, heavier paddles deliver more power but can be less agile at the net, complicating quick reactions and finesse shots. A common myth is that you should use a lighter paddle if you have arm pain or tennis elbow. However, the opposite is true. Light paddles do not absorb shock effectively, potentially exacerbating arm strain by transmitting the force and shock of vigorous shots. For those dealing with tennis elbow, paddles in the 7.75 to 8.5-ounce range are recommended.
Size: The size of the paddle affects the hitting surface and the handle length. Larger paddles provide more surface area but can be more cumbersome. If you are an advanced player that uses a two handed backhand you should look for a paddle with an elongated grip. An elongated face on the paddle helps give more reach but typically has a shorter handle.
Grip Size: Grip sizes are important and should fit your hand comfortably to avoid strain and improve control. Ensure that the grip size is not so large that it becomes difficult to hold, or so small that your fingers wrap completely around it, touching your palm. Using an improperly sized grip or an incorrectly weighted paddle are common causes of tennis elbow. Typically, your pickleball paddle grip will be smaller than your tennis racket grip, which is measured from the middle of your palm to the tip of your index finger. The grip on a pickleball paddle should be about ¼ to ½ inch smaller than this measurement. Most players find a grip size of either 4 ¼ or 4 3/8 inches to be comfortable.

Choosing the Right Material

Wood: Wood paddles are the most affordable and are quite durable but are generally heavier and offer less precision than their modern counterparts. These are ideal for schools and community centers. Anyone looking to play pickleball more than a few times should avoid purchasing a wood paddle.
Composite: These paddles are made from a blend of materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber. They are lighter than wood, offer good power and stiffness, and come in a variety of surface textures to enhance ball spin.
Graphite: Graphite paddles provide excellent stiffness and power. They are typically the most expensive but are favored by advanced players for their responsiveness and light weight options.
Carbon Fiber: Paddles with Carbon Fiber offer excellent control, responsiveness and feel. They often come in lighter weights but still offer lots of power. These will come with the largest price tag but are truly worth the price.

Weight Matters

Choosing the right weight is crucial in a pickleball paddle:

  • Lightweight (6-7.5 ounces): These paddles are a good choice for players who prefer a quick, finesse game or those with joint issues.
  • Medium weight (7.6-8.5 ounces): A good balance between power and control, these paddles are suitable for players of all levels.
  • Heavyweight (8.6-14 ounces): These paddles maximize power on your shots, ideal for players who can handle the additional weight without fatigue.

Grip Size​

Choosing the correct grip size is essential for comfort and injury prevention:

  • Small (4 inches): Best for younger players or adults with smaller hands.
  • Medium (4 1/4 inches): Works well for most adults.
  • Large (4 1/2 inches or more): Suitable for players with large hands or those who prefer a larger grip.

Edge Guard​

Most paddles come with an edge guard that protects the paddle’s perimeter. A larger edge guard offers more protection but can slightly reduce the hitting surface. Consider how much you value durability versus hitting area. Edgeless paddles often offer more “POP” however these paddles are typically thinner which doesn’t absorb shock as well and surfaces can tend to be a little slick.

Price and Durability​

Set a budget before shopping and consider how often you plan to play:

  • Beginners: Might opt for a less expensive, durable paddle to start.
  • Regular players: Investing in a mid-range or high-end paddle can improve your game and enjoyment.
  • Competitive players: Should consider high-performance paddles that offer the best precision and power.

Testing the Paddle​

Whenever possible, test different paddles before making a purchase. Many clubs and sports stores offer demo programs where you can try various paddles on the court to see which feels best in terms of weight, grip size, and material. Some of the larger online retailers will also mail out demo paddles.

Used Paddles

Used paddles obtained from a friend or purchased second-hand can be a good option, but it’s important to remember that paddles typically have a lifespan of 1 to 5 years, depending on usage. To quickly check if a paddle is still within its useful life, knock on it as if you’re knocking on a door. The sound should be consistent regardless of where you knock. If you notice a dull or muted sound in certain areas, the paddle may have developed dead spots and might not perform well.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pickleball paddle, involves understanding your play style, physical needs, and the various features of paddles available on the market. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to select a paddle that not only enhances your game but also adds enjoyment to every match. Whether you’re just starting out or gearing up for competitive play, the perfect pickleball paddle is out there waiting for you.

Share this post
Lisa Palcic

IPTPA Master level pickleball pro, aiming to enhance the skills of players globally by making the game more enjoyable, effective, and fun.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe today!

Subscribe now and be the first to access our
master pro level pickleball coaching tips and instructional video content
delivered straight to your inbox!