Choosing a Paddle
Choosing the right pickleball paddle is an important decision for any player, as it can significantly impact your performance on the court. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a pickleball paddle:
Weight
The weight of a pickleball paddle will affect its generation of power and swing speed. Paddles are typically categorized into one of three weight categories: Lightweight, Midweight or Heavyweight.
Lightweight Paddles - < 7.4oz (210g)
These paddles offer the least power and most control. Additionally, they are super fast and allow for quick reactions. These are generally used by experienced players with very fast arm speeds who need precision and have no issues generating power.
Midweight Paddles – 7.5 - 8.4oz (210-240g)
This is the most common paddle weight range as it offers a nice blend of power and control. This weight category covers a large area of playability, and we recommend starting around 7.8 ounces if you’re unsure which weight to pick.
Heavyweight Paddles – 8.4oz (240g) and over
Paddles in this category offer the most power and depth, but sacrifice control and can be difficult to use for dinks and touch shots. Because of this, heavy paddles are useful in singles when it may be necessary to keep the ball moving quickly side to side, or past the opponent at net. We recommend heavy paddles for players with slower arm speeds that need extra pop.
Paddle Surface
The pickleball paddle surface (aka paddle face or hitting surface) is the visible paddle area that makes contact with the ball. The paddle surface affects feel, power, touch and spin. Common paddle surfaces we will cover include fiberglass (composite), graphite and carbon fiber.
Fiberglass Surface (Composite)
Fiberglass — or composite — surfaces are the most common surfaces. They are precise and are well regarded because they tend to offer the highest texture for spin production. While they offer a great mix of power and control, they are typically less durable than carbon fiber and graphite surfaces. They appeal to new players and veterans alike. If you aren’t sure, we recommend starting with a fiberglass surface.
Graphite Surface
This surface is also popular because it is light, durable and powerful. With a firm feel, the ball quickly rips off the paddle face. Graphite surfaces can also be textured to add spin, but we found fiberglass to be more spin friendly since it allows the ball to dig more into the surface. Overall, this is a choice we recommend for players with developed precision and spin who want additional power.
Carbon Fiber Surface
Carbon Fiber surfaces are the strongest, most durable available and provide a softer feel. It is distinctive with its weave appearance and offers the least amount of power. We found these paddles typically have the least amount of texture but can still generate spin if the player has already developed slice and topspin. Overall, the low power and superb durability make this a great surface for maximum touch and control.
Paddle Thickness
Often overlooked when choosing a paddle, paddle thicknesses affect feel and power, and typically range from 11 to 19 millimeters (mm). Knowing the impact of paddle thickness is important when choosing paddles because some paddles are offered in multiple thickness options.
Thicker Paddles
Contrary to popular opinion, thicker paddles (14 mm or thicker) offer a softer feel and more control while still providing sufficient power. Thicker cores absorb more energy, which in turn provides vibration dampening, touch and stability (bigger sweet spot) on all areas of the paddle – even pesky mis-hits. If unsure, we recommend going with a thicker core around 14-16 millimeters.
Thinner Paddles
Thinner paddles (less than 14 millimeters) offer more power and response because the energy is not dissipated throughout the paddle as much as with a thicker core. This equates to more energy being transferred into the ball for better power. These paddles typically have a smaller sweet spot, firmer feel and are more common among experienced players wanting extra pop.
Grip Size
Grip size is the circumference of the grip. Picking the right size is important for securing the paddle comfortably in your hands. While choosing a grip size is based on personal preference, a grip that is too large may cause discomfort and a "weak" feel at contact due to an unsecured grip. Overall, if unsure, a safe choice is a grip size ranging from 4 inches to 4 1/4 inches. Below is a guideline for choosing the right grip size:
How to measure your grip size
1. Holding an eastern forehand grip (as if you're dribbling a ball on the paddle's edge), you should be able to fit the index finger of your non-hitting hand in the space between your ring finger and palm. If there isn't enough room for your index finger, the grip is too small. If there is space between your finger and palm, the grip is too big.
2. You can also measure your grip size using a ruler. With your hand open and fingers extended close together, align the ruler with the bottom lateral crease of your palm and measure to the tip of your ring finger.
No way to measure? Here are our recommendations:
1. Smaller hands - Grip size 4 1/8 inches or smaller
2. Average hands - Grip size 4 1/8 - 4 3/8 inches.
3. Large hands - Grip size 4 3/8 or larger
What if I'm in between sizes?
It's easier to increase handle size on most paddles. If you're between grip sizes, go with the smaller size and add an overgrip to arrive at the ideal fit. A typical overgrip will increase a grip by 1/16 inch.
We also recommend you replace your grip regularly. A fresh, properly wrapped grip provides you with better paddle control and increased confidence.
Handle Length
Handle length is the measures length from the bottom of the grip to the area the grip meets the paddle face. Overall, longer handles allow for two-handed backhands, but sacrifice hitting surface area, while shorter handles appeal to one-handed backhands and provide larger hitting surfaces. For most players, a handle length 5 inches or longer is suitable for two-handed backhands.
Ultimately, the best pickleball paddle for you will depend on your personal preferences, playing style, and skill level. It's a good idea to try out a few options and gather feedback from fellow players to find the paddle that feels most comfortable and suits your game.