Pickleball Paddles: Guide To Selecting Your Next Paddle

How to Choose Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball is a fast-paced, competitive game that can be played indoors and outdoors. Pickleball rackets are the most important piece of equipment for the game. The Pickleball paddles allow the players hit the ball over the net, as well as control it on their side of the court.

The best pickleball paddles should be light enough to handle with one hand while still providing enough power to return the shots. Pickleball paddles actually come in different shapes and sizes - depending on the player’s preference. A good pickleball racket should also be durable, lightweight, and has an appropriate grip size for your hand.

Since there are many different types of pickleball paddles to choose from, it's important to know what you’re looking when selecting the right paddle.

Read more in this article as we provide you tips on how to navigate the options of paddle length and the paddle's weight in order to choose the right pickleball paddle.

How to Choose Pickleball Rackets

Pickleball is a game that can be played by anyone who has a tennis racket and a ball. It is often played in the backyards, on beaches, and on parks. Pickleball rackets come in different shapes, sizes, and weight to suit different player’s needs. The right pickleball paddles can make the difference between winning or losing the game.

It is important to know what you are looking for before buying one so you don’t end up with expensive paddles that doesn’t make you comfortable. The way the paddle feels is much more than using the correct grip size.

Here are some tips on what to look for when buying a pickleball paddle:

Consider what kind of Player you are

The first thing to consider when you are buying your pickleball paddle is what kind of player you are. There are three different types of players:

• Those who like to play aggressively,

• Those who prefer defense, and;

• Those who like to play it safe in the middle ground

If you want to be an aggressive player, then you should buy a more powerful racket with less control. A defensive player should buy something that has more control but less power while someone who likes playing it safe should buy something in between these two options. 

Consider the Grip Size

Pickleball is a sport that requires players to use a racket and a perforated plastic ball. A good grip size for pickleball paddles is important for the player to have a good control over the hitting surface. The size of the paddle should be considered before purchasing it. A player should choose the grip size based on their hand size, not the length of their fingers. 

If you have small hands, you should buy a paddle with a smaller grip. A grip that is too big will cause fatigue and will not allow for optimal control over the ball. A larger grip provides more flexibility for players with longer fingers and allows for more power during swings. If you have long fingers, it would be best to buy a racket with an extra-large grip size that can accommodate your fingers. 

Consider the Materials Used

Materials used in the pickleball paddle make a huge difference in the quality of the racket. The materials used in pickleball paddles also have an impact on how much they cost. Pickleball paddles are available in a variety of types and materials. Some are made from wood, graphite, composite, and carbon fiber. Paddle weight is another important factor to consider. Pickleball paddles range in weight, depending on the materials used. Core material can range from aluminum cores to poly cores. Materials used to make the racket should be considered when choosing one for purchase as this will have an effect on the performance of the racket.

Wood Pickleball Paddles

Wooden pickleball rackets are an ideal choice for a first pickleball paddle or for those looking for a heavier paddle. Wooden paddles were the original tools used by players when the sport was founded. With the use of higher-quality plywood, better grips, and safety straps, the design of the wooden paddle has evolved over times.

For pickleball beginners, wood racket cores are usually the best options. Additionally, the cheapest choice is a wood racket, but it is also quite heavy and has the least playability. 

Graphite Paddles

Graphite is a popular material because it provides a lighter paddle design that is easy to use for beginners. A honeycomb inside and graphite skin on both the front and rear of the racket face distinguish graphite rackets. It has a layer that is exceedingly thin, roughly as thick as a fingernail, and are the most preferred rackets for adult pickleball players since they are light and sturdy.

Since it has a strong material, even a very thin covering of it may provide plenty of power. The graphite paddle also is considered to be more finesse and has more control. It also requires more wrist action compared to other racket materials.

Composite Pickleball Paddle

Composite paddles are heavier than those made of graphite. This is a crucial factor to consider. The heavier the racket is, the better it is for creating power, which is important in many different types of games. An experienced pickleball player and those in excellent physical shape may frequently prefer a heavier racket. Competitive pickleball players typically choose composite pickleball paddles.

Composite pickleball paddles feature a more rough surface, which allows the ball to spin more easily. For those advanced players, a composite paddle is much more significant. 

Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball paddles with a carbon fiber paddle face are a good choice for those who want to reduce mis-hits and get a more accurate shot. Pickleball rackets made of carbon fiber can take a hard hit stroke and return the ball with a hard shot, or return a gentle shot and slow down.

Carbon fiber rackets are lighter than wood paddles and have large surface area on the face of the racket. This large paddle face surface area provides more control over shots as well as increased ability to generate power in your swings. 

Consider the Price

Price is one of the most important considerations when buying pickleball paddles. There are many different factors that affect the price of a paddle, such as the type and materials used to make it.

Some people may be tempted to buy a cheap racket, but this could be a bad idea. Cheap rackets are often made with low-quality materials that will wear out quickly and need to be replaced regularly. Unlike with quite expensive paddles, you are ensured to receive high-quality, durable, and strong materials that will last for a long-time. If you want to be more practical when buying a pickleball paddle, choose one that will surely last for a longer period.

Final Words 

Choosing the right pickleball paddle is not an easy task since there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration before you can make a decision. There is an ideal paddle for you out there. We hope this article gets you closer to the best paddle for you!