How Do I Know What Pickleball Paddle to Buy?
Understanding the Basics: Materials Matter:
Composition is one of the first things people think about when looking for a pickleball paddle. It can be carbon fibre or graphite, and while those compositions could conceivably share things in common, carbon fibre and graphite are worlds apart. Either one one of them might just influence your decision on which pickleball paddle to getCarbon Fiber Paddles:
Carbon fibre is extremely durable and very lightweight which a vital feature for players who value fast hands at the net. Control is a pivotal feature for players who value precise strokes (precision control). Carbon fiber paddles are great for spin. Having spin in pickleball is crucial for setting yourself up or your partner. You want to get a paddle that augments and enhances that skill. Flared edges and textures helps spin potential and makes it harder for opponents to return your shot.
If you gravitate toward placement and finesse over raw power, that begs for a paddle that gives you a bit more control. Suppose you decide to buy a carbon-fibre paddle, you want one that’s a little lighter weight, because it’s easier to manipulate on fast reactions, and a little softer, which gives you a better feel. If you’re a dinking expert who can dial it in like no one else, you build your paddle around touch.
Graphite Paddles:
Graphite paddles are a little bit stiffer than carbon fiber paddles, and that little bit of extra stiffness is often what’s needed to get a little more juice on your shots. Players that hit hard often like to play with a paddle that tells the ball exactly where to go and backs it up with that little extra punch. Graphite paddles also tend to provide good control, so almost all picklers feel comfortable with one.
Power players who like to blast the ball past the opponent at blazing speed, or thump it with extra oomph, look for a paddle that will put the ball where they want it to go in the fastest, most forceful way possible. For some a heavy paddle might also be what they want. If there is nothing more important to you than the ability to hit as hard as you can without putting a lot of extra effort into it. Large sweet spots could also be more essential to other power players.
As technology starts evolve, and you may see this on the courts already, players are gravitating towards carbon fiber paddles. There are more benefits then draw backs and they are becoming increasingly more powerful. Pickleball requires strategic shot making and not just blasting the ball, so spin and control are extremely important.
Weight: Finding the Sweet Spot
The weight of the pickleball paddle plays a very big part in how the paddle swings and feels. Paddles weigh anywhere between 6 to 14 ounce. More weight is going to aid in power but less weight is going to help with control and movement.Lightweight Paddles (6-7.5 oz):
The lighter the paddle, the easier it is to have have split second reactions at the net. If control and placement matter more than power, this is a good choice. A lighter paddle will also help with counters and hand battles. Unfortunately, you will be sacrificing power.Midweight Paddles (7.5-9 oz):
A midweight will give you more power than a lightweight making them a good compromise for players who want to add some zip to their shots but still be able to be quick and controlled. Midweights are a nice in-between that works for most player styles and are easier to adapt to different forms of play than the heavier alternatives.Heavyweight Paddles (9-14 oz):
Power without effort: heavier paddles pack more force with less energy because of their weight. They are a great option for players who tend to be simply more powerful and want to hit the ball harder.Grip Size: Comfort is Key
Another important thing to consider when picking a pickleball paddle is the grip size.Small Grip (4-4.25 inches):
You can get more wrist action with a smaller grip, which is important in spinning the ball and shot manipulation.Medium Grip (4.25-4.5 inches):
The medium is the most common size and is the most versatile; it is comfortable and controlled without most of the drawbacks of the larger grip while still providing wrist control for spin.Large Grip (4.5+ inches):
A larger grip will be steadier but with decreased wrist action. If you come from tennis or just have larger hands in general, then having a bigger grip might be best for you.
The most important thing to consider when looking for the proper grip is the comfort. If the paddle doesn't feel natural in your hand, then change it up until it does. The last thing you want is trying to hit certain shots while your hand isn't feeling natural.
Here are Our Top Picks for Choosing your Pickleball Paddle:
Conclusion:
One last thing to consider is its better to go with a lighter paddle because you can customize it to your liking by adding more overgrips for a thicker handle or adding lead tape to certain areas to increase the weight, create more control, spin or power.
At the end of the day, picking out the proper pickleball paddle is a subjective process. It largely depends on your perceptions of what you want, coupled with how you like to play. When it comes down to it, here are some factors to think about when it comes to pickleball paddles: the material (carbon fibre or graphite), the weight (heavy, medium or light), the size of the grip (large to small) and whether you like to play (control or power).