Pickleball Paddles: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
Pickleball paddles may all look similar, but there is a huge variety out there and it’s sometimes difficult to know which one will help you get started and which one is best for your needs. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best pickleball paddles for beginners and some of the best pickleball paddles overall. Let’s get the pickleball moving!
What Type of Pickleball Paddles Are There?
From beginner to advanced players, there are almost too many choices in pickleball paddles and choosing the right one can be intimidating.
The main difference in pickleball paddles is the material used in their construction. The different materials affect what type of shot can be taken. This may possibly assist beginners or advanced players in different ways. The kind of material will also determine the price range for that type of paddle. Most pickleball paddles around the world will be made of these five types of materials:
Choosing the right paddle can influence your enjoyment of the game. You don’t need to spring for high-end equipment if you’re just going to dabble in pickleball; and there are some great mid-range materials that are hugely popular for a reason.
Wood: More than anything, wood pickleball paddles are heavy. However, they are also the least expensive. If you’re not sure whether pickleball is for you, an inexpensive wood paddle could be the right choice.
Plastic: Plastic pickleball paddles are cheap and tend to be flimsy. Again, if you’re not sure whether you want to invest in high quality equipment, a plastic paddle could be just fine in the short term.
Aluminum: Plenty of pickleball players have made good use with aluminum pickleball paddles. The lightweight and fairly inexpensive metal makes for quite a strong piece of sports equipment. These paddles are usually heavier than graphite or fiberglass paddles, allowing for a stronger swing if necessary. However, beginners may have a hard time learning the nuances of a softer swing with a heavy paddle like this.
Graphite and Carbon Fiber: A pickleball paddle made from either graphite or carbon fiber will be an effective piece of equipment for casual pickleball play. These are strong paddles that can be a great learning tool. They will last for a very long time and are an excellent stepping stone to becoming a better player. However, these paddles are stiff. Their rigid construction doesn’t offer a lot of flex when swinging and striking a ball. This will lead those with a harder swing to spend more energy and can lead to a fatigued arm over the course of a game. While this won’t make a difference for beginners, advanced players will often opt for a more flexible option.
Fiberglass and Composite: Definitely the best and most popular style of pickleball paddle out there, the fiberglass and composite category is the best option for both serious beginners and advanced players. These paddles are very popular because they are less expensive than graphite and carbon fiber pickleball paddles.
The best way to choose a paddle is to try a few different materials and see what feels right for you. If you have some experience with pickleball, choose a paddle that will help you improve your game. If you can’t try before you buy, consider a mid-weight paddle. But make sure you’re choosing a paddle in the right grip size.
What Type of Paddles Are Best For Pickleball?
Choosing the best option out of a mixture of different paddleball materials will be determined by your level of skill as well as seriousness as a player. You may find that over your time growing as a pickleball player, your taste in paddles changes. When choosing pickleball paddles, it’s important to stay open minded and try lots of different movements before settling into a style of paddle for multiple years. The thought process based on skill level should go a little like this:
Beginner pickleball players will be looking to develop their style and find out how they can best enjoy the game. This means that they will be trying out multiple different styles and intensities while learning the ropes. For beginners, the paddle should be somewhat in the middle: not too flexible and not too firm.
Intermediate pickleball players are more focused on either fine tuning their performance or simply having a good time. At this point, each player will likely have a solid opinion about which kind of paddle they like to use. Their style is more developed and they have likely started a routine of playing the game. It’s a good idea for intermediate players to keep an eye out for a better pickleball paddle, carefully analyzing what characteristics they like about each one and potentially asking for advice from more experienced players.
Advanced pickleball players have likely used the same type of paddle for years, highlighting it as their weapon of choice in both competitive and casual environments. They may even use different paddles for different styles or conditions of play, knowing the intricacies between different materials as well as the cores inside the paddle’s handle. It’s a good idea for advanced players to continue to make improvements using a consistent set of paddles, so spending a little extra on quality is definitely encouraged.
Another two factors about pickleball paddle types are usually codependent, but not always. Indoor and outdoor pickleball games typically use the corresponding indoor and outdoor pickleballs to various advantages. It is possible to use outdoor pickleballs in an indoor setting, but using indoor pickleballs in an outdoor setting is not advisable. Here’s how the setting and type of pickleball can affect your decision on which type of pickleball paddle to use:
Indoor pickleballs are designed for the slower speeds and lack of wind in an indoor setting. This type of pickleball is made with a lighter plastic thickness that has a smaller mass than its outdoor counterpart. Indoor pickleballs usually have 26 medium-sized holes which catch more air, thereby decreasing aerodynamics. An indoor pickleball may be affected by the slightest wind, which is why it’s not a good idea to use in outdoor pickleball games. This means that indoor pickleballs travel slower through the air, but also require less force to volley across the net. In an indoor setting, a firmer pickleball paddle is advantageous.
Outdoor pickleballs are designed for faster speeds and slight weather variables in an outdoor setting. This type of pickleball is made with a heavier plastic thickness that is noticeably heavier than its indoor counterpart. Outdoor pickleballs usually have 40 small holes which reduce the amount of air flowing inside the ball, thereby increasing aerodynamics. An outdoor pickleball has a much better chance of staying on course if a sudden gust of wind appears. This means that outdoor pickleballs travel faster through the air and also require more force to volley across the net. Instead of swinging harder, this is better achieved with a more flexible pickleball paddle that better transfers the energy to the pickleball. Outdoor pickleballs may be used in indoor settings, but it requires a softer touch with the lack of wind interference.
How Do You Pick A Pickleball Paddle?
The pickleball paddle is a key piece of equipment that can influence your enjoyment of the game including how you feel after a game, and how you play. With the growing popularity of pickleball, the more paddles there are to choose from.
Which paddle is right for you? The three main things to consider are grip size, material, and weight.
Making a decision on which pickleball paddle to buy can be rather confusing, especially when you’re staring at a wall full of different makes and models. You’ll want to know roughly which kind of paddle you want to buy before you enter the store or start browsing the website. At the very least, you should know which questions to ask.
What is your skill level? If you are a beginner looking to start slowly, we would recommend a cheaper, more basic paddle to practice with such as one made from wood. If you want to learn quickly, you should invest in a more effective paddle such as one made from fiberglass or even graphite. If you’re intermediate or advanced, investing in a decent paddle will help you improve your game with each swing.
How often will you play? A casual player that picks up the paddle once a month or so doesn’t need to spend the big bucks to get a decent paddle. A more dedicated player that plays once a week or more is going to need a similarly dedicated paddle that holds up to stresses and improves technique.
Which weight feels good in your hand? Weight is arguably the most important factor in choosing a pickleball paddle. It’s important to take a few test swings with any pickleball paddle before you buy it. Wood is the heaviest material and fiberglass is much lighter, with graphite being somewhere in the middle. If you feel good swinging a heavy paddle for the duration of a game, you may be looking to improve power in your swing. If you prefer a lighter weight, then you may be looking to improve precision. It’s all about which paddle makes your swing feel the best. Pickleball paddles can range from 6-14 punches. A lighter paddle gives you more control, but with less power. A heavier paddle has the drive, but less precision. But even more importantly, a paddle that’s too heavy for you can lead to arm fatigue and even tendonitis in the elbow. Conversely, a too-light paddle means you have to expend more energy to hit the ball. We recommend starting with a mid-weight paddle until you build up arm strength and discover the nuances of the game.
Which length feels good in your hand? Some experienced players prefer a longer handle so they can extend their reach for each swing. Novice players prefer a larger surface area in their paddle to have a better chance of hitting the pickleball. Remember that under USAPA regulations, the combined length and width of a pickleball paddle can be no more than 24 inches and the width can be no less than 7 inches.
What’s your hand size? Using a grip that’s too large or too small will directly translate into a strong, confident swing or a sore hand. A paddle grip that’s too large can cause you to lose your grip. A too-small grip can cause cramping in the hand. A grip that’s just right will give you the wrist action needed for precision shots, as well as game-long comfort. How do you determine which size grip is right for you? You can start with your height: If you are under 5'2" you will need a 4" grip; if you are 5'3" to 5'8" you will need a 4 ¼" grip; if you are 5' 9" or taller you will need a 4 ½" grip. Of course, this is a very rough starting point because there are plenty of women over 5’9” whose hands still smaller than a 5’6” man.
If possible, try a variety of paddles. If you’re undecided about two sizes, it’s always safer to go with the smaller one. Adding an overgrip is one way to make a too-small grip feel better, but you can’t go down a size if you buy a paddle with a too-large grip.
Those are the basics. Next, let’s go into the nuances of pickleball paddles to fine-tune your choices.
Are Pickleball Paddles The Same Size?
Not at all! There is an industry standard in pickleballs, however. In order to enter a USAPA or IFA tournament, the paddle used needs to be in line with certain specifications. The size and weight requirements for a standard pickleball paddle are as follows:
The combined length and width of the paddle cannot exceed 24 inches, except for the edge guard or handle butt cap. This means that a paddle and handle that is 15 inches long combined may not be wider than 9 inches. If the paddle and handle length is shortened to 14 inches, then the paddle may be up to 10 inches wide. However, the paddle and handle length cannot exceed 17 inches, meaning that the width of the paddle can be no less than 7 inches.
Pickleball paddle weight has no restrictions under the guidelines of the USAPA. Of course, a paddle shouldn’t be too heavy where it becomes cumbersome and tiring to move around. These guidelines are fairly flexible because paddle weight does little to affect normal play.
Are Pickleball Paddles The Same Shape?
No, but there are slight differences that depend on the preferences of the player. The majority of pickleball paddles are 15 ¾ inches long and 8 inches wide. This shape of paddle has become the most popular because it is the preferred ratio of a large surface area and the length of the handle. Remember that USAPA regulates pickleball paddles to a combined length and width of no more than 24 inches.
Experienced players have decided on their own preferences when it comes to the shape of a pickleball paddle. The larger the surface area, the more surface which can make contact with the pickleball. The longer the handle, the more reach a player can get with each swing. When you’re choosing your own pickleball paddle, see how different shapes feel in your hand. Keep in mind that more experienced players will probably prefer an elongated handle to extend their reach while beginners may want a bigger surface area.
Are Longer Pickleball Paddles Better?
It depends on your preferences and sometimes ability. The USAPA stipulates that a pickleball’s length and width can be no longer than 24 inches combined. This is further restricted in that a paddle can be a minimum of 7 inches wide, which by proxy sets the maximum length of the combined paddle and handle at 17 inches. What this does allow, however, is that the surface area of the paddle itself can change depending on preference.
More experienced players have improved upon their accuracy to the point where they require less surface area to make contact with the pickleball. An elongated handle necessitates that the paddle surface area is smaller, but it can provide a better reach for the player. It can also slightly improve aerodynamics of the paddle, requiring less energy for each serve and volley.
Is It Better To Have A Lighter Or Heavier Pickleball Paddle?
Again, it comes down to your preferences and abilities. The USAPA does not have any weight restrictions on a pickleball paddle. Of course, a heavier paddle will require more energy to get it moving through the air. However, this energy will then be transferred into the pickleball, which will soar through the air faster and further. This may make a pickleball game more tiring. A lighter paddle may be slightly easier to handle, but less kinetic energy will be transferred into the ball.
Lightweight paddles typically fall between 6.5 to 7 ounces, which will allow for better control of the paddle. The player will use less energy to move the paddle through the air, which both saves energy and puts less stress on the elbow and shoulder. To make a longer or faster shot, however, the player will need to hit much harder.
The most popular pickleball paddles generally have a medium weight. Midweight pickleball paddles are between 7 and 8 ounces and end up being a good ratio between power and control. Midweight pickleball paddles allow for the greatest range of player strengths and abilities.
Heavyweight paddles are going to weigh more than 8 ounces. A paddle that is much heavier than that can quickly become cumbersome to an inexperienced player. A heavyweight paddle takes more effort to move through the air with each swing. This increases the amount of stress on the elbow and shoulder. However, a heavyweight paddle can effectively transfer this energy to the pickleball, resulting in a powerful shot.
Which Is Better: Aluminum Or Wood Pickleball Paddles?
Comparing and contrasting materials is key in deciding which pickleball paddle to buy. As you may already know, the majority of pickleball players have shied away from using wood. This is simply because technology has improved and become more affordable, causing fiberglass and graphite pickleball paddles to become the most popular. When a novice pickleball player goes shopping for a paddle, they may be tempted to buy the cheapest option. More often than not, a wood paddle will be the cheapest item on the rack. This isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but as their skills improve, they’ll want to get a better paddle.
A pickleball paddle with an aluminum core will definitely be more expensive and definitely more long-lasting. However, they are typically much better for growing as a player. Aluminum paddles also offer a lighter core than wood paddles that not only decreases the weight of the paddle. Aluminum is a much stronger and longer-lasting material than wood. The more rigid metal will better transfer energy into the pickleball, making each swing count more.
For these reasons, we generally recommend that a beginner who is looking to learn slowly should start with a wood pickleball paddle. Someone who is serious and looking to improve their skills quickly should invest in an aluminum pickleball paddle instead.
Is Graphite Or Fiberglass Better For Pickleball?
Graphite is a fairly heavy material. When applied to a pickleball paddle however, the layer is actually quite thin. A graphite pickleball paddle is definitely not as heavy as you may think. This layer of graphite is quite hard and can provide a great deal of momentum for a pickleball to soar across a court. This lighter paddle can offer the same power in a swing as a much heavier paddle, which is the main reason why professional pickleball players often choose this material for their form.
Fiberglass is a fairly lightweight material that has become the most popular pickleball paddle material with players across the world. There is a small amount of flexibility in fiberglass which allows an incredible amount of precision and accuracy when playing the game. Both professionals and amateurs love the range that a fiberglass paddle can offer regardless of skill level.
Both novices and advanced players can benefit from either a graphite or a fiberglass pickleball paddle. Graphite paddles allow a greater amount of power for a player while fiberglass paddles enable a greater precision. Whichever way you choose to learn, we recommend investing in one of these paddle types.
How Long Should A Pickleball Paddle Last?
There are many variables in determining how long a pickleball paddle is going to last. When purchasing a new paddle, it’s normal to expect a pickleball paddle to help you play for several years. While there is no easy answer to this question, you may consider a few of these factors when purchasing your next pickleball paddle:
Cost: By and large, the cost of the pickleball paddle will be a direct reflection of the quality within. The cheapest paddles are around $15 and some excellent professional grade paddles are typically around $200. A professional grade paddle will last for three or four years of consistent use, but don’t expect a cheap paddle to reach the same level of quality.
Material: A pickleball paddle made from wood is not going to have anywhere near the staying power as one made of graphite. There is a reason that most serious pickleball players have left wooden paddles behind. When you want longer lasting paddles, you should go for fiberglass or graphite, the most modern materials.
Thickness: It’s common sense to think that a thicket paddle will be much more durable. While this is mostly true, sometimes the repeated stresses of play can actually cause a hardened material to weaken over time. While the USAPA has no thickness or weight regulations for paddles in their handbook, thickness is still a success factor for paddles. A thin plastic paddle, for instance, may only last a few sessions.
Planned Frequency of Use: A serious pickleball player is going to play at least once per week, if not more. This, of course, will cause a paddle and other equipment to wear down faster. A high-quality composite paddle that’s used frequently should last several years before needing replacement.
Skill Level: With a higher skill level comes a better sense of control during play. Beginner players will often accidentally drop or throw a pickleball paddle or swing too hard to hit the pickleball. More experienced players know better how to control and take care of their paddles, which translates to opting for more durable materials if you’re a beginning player.
Are Textured Pickleball Paddles Legal?
By and large, yes. Various additional textures can add an unfair advantage for an individual, either by reducing friction for the ball or causing the ball to spin. The USAPA will disqualify any player that uses a pickleball paddle with the following added textures:
“Anti-skid paint or any paint textured with sand, rubber, or vinyl compounds or any material that causes additional spin.” When the pickleball collides with the paddle, the smooth surface of the paddle causes it to shoot backwards at a certain angle. A material that adds friction such as the ones specified will cause the pickleball to stop more abruptly. This may cause the ball to spin in a way that the other player cannot reproduce themselves.
“Rubber and synthetic rubber.” Much like textured paint, rubber is also not legal in USAPA pickleball events. Rubber not only reduces friction on the surface, but it can also add some extra bounce to the pickleball. The combination of both puts other players at a disadvantage.
“Sandpaper characteristics.” Sandpaper will have the same effect as textured paint and is also banned by the USAPA.
While buying a modified pickleball paddle or modifying one isn’t technically “illegal,” it will cause an unfair advantage against other players both during practice and league play. Simply practicing with a modified pickleball paddle can cause a player to get used to the abnormal results. This may prove to be a disadvantage when the player needs to use a USAPA standard pickleball paddle, so we advise against it.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s talk about our recommendations.
What Is A Good Starter Pickleball Paddle?
For novices looking to improve their pickleball skills or just have a good time, it’s not about going too crazy with your equipment purchase. We recommend an excellent mid-range pickleball paddle set: the Pickleball Paddle and Pickleball Set from Franklin Sports. This set comes with two aluminum pickleball paddles - one blue and one green - as well as two pickleballs. The paddles are of a heavyweight variety and have a 6 inch handle. The two pickleballs are outdoor rated so you can be ready to play practically anywhere and have some fun! Once you get a good feel of how these pickleball paddles work, you’ll have a much better idea of which paddle characteristics could improve your skills and enjoyment of the game moving forward.
What Is A Good Intermediate Pickleball Paddle?
For intermediate players that are looking to really improve their technique, the Diadem Warrior Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle from Diadem Sports will provide what you need to take your game to the next level. With a hollow polymer honeycomb core that keeps the paddle strong for years, this paddle is designed for efficiency in every swing. The core ensures that the paddle flexes just enough to transfer the most amount of power into the pickleball, giving you the confidence necessary to get where you need to be as a player.