It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a new pair of pickleball paddles or replacing your existing ones. There are a few factors that you just can’t neglect. A good pickleball paddle depends on a few factors, such as the material, weight, grip, and construction.
Good equipment makes for a better pickleball game no matter if you are talking paddles, balls, pickleball shoes, or other equipment. So, let’s talk about some aspects of choosing the best pickleball paddle. We will also give some good suggestions as well in terms of purchasing the right one for you.
Choosing the Best Pickleball Paddle
These factors play a key role in determining your position in the game. Whether you win or lose the game depends on the type of equipment you use. The process of buying a pickleball paddle requires you to consider the following key factors:
- Weight of the Paddle
The weight of the paddle is the most important thing to consider. The weight directly impacts the throw and grip of your game. Basically, your ability to play efficiently depends on the quality of the paddle, and quality depends on the weight. There are three weight guidelines for the paddles:
- Light Paddles (<7.2 oz)
- Average weight paddles (7.3-8.4 oz)
- Heavy paddles (>8.5 oz)
Lightweight Pickleball Paddles
Lightweight paddles are ideal for new players because they are easier to swing and allow for greater wrist action. A very heavy paddle will get you tired faster because of its weight. Lightweight paddles offer you much more control and are ideal for touch players who prefer hard shots, drop shots, and slams.
However, be careful not to buy a paddle that is too light. If you use a paddle that is too light, you will miss shots because you swing faster than you usually do.
Average Weight Pickleball Paddles
This weight is ideal for people who are unsure which size is best for them. The average weight paddles can also work well for all kinds of players. These paddles offer the right balance between control and power due to their average weight.
Players who seek power and finesse should choose paddles that are not too light and not too heavy. These paddles, however, don’t provide as much comfort and support as lightweight and heavy paddles. However, they’re a great option for all play situations.
Heavy Weight Pickleball Paddles
Players who are looking for power over control should opt for heavy-weight paddles as they provide more pop on the ball. A heavy paddle allows you to swing the ball faster, but it requires a bit of effort to get the paddle to reach that speed. The power to use this paddle correctly comes from practicing control. However, a paddle that is too heavy can even lead to injury or severe pain in your wrist and arm.
You need to consider a few things to determine the ideal paddle weight that you require. The first thing to consider is your strength, which means choosing a paddle that you’re comfortable holding. The second thing is to decide what you want in your game. Do you want more power or control? Light paddles offer you control, and heavier paddles offer you more power.
- Pickleball Paddle Grip Size
One more important aspect is the pickleball paddle grip size. Paddle grips for pickleball typically range between 4 and 4.5 inches in circumference. A wrong pickleball paddle grip size can lead to injury and elbow pain. Here are a few tests which can help you determine your required grip size.
Index Finger Test
For this test, use an eastern pickleball paddle grip and place the palm of your hand at the same level as the string face on the racquet. Put your index finger in the gap between your fingers and the palm of your hand.
The grip is too small if you have no space in between. Similarly, the grip is too large if there is too much space between your palm and fingers.
Hand Measurement Test
You can determine the size of your hand by measuring from the ring finger’s tip of your paddle hand and the middle crease of the same hand. Whatever you measure is the size of your paddle grip. We recommend always going for a smaller grip size if you haven’t measured it.
Materials in Paddles
There are different materials of pickleball paddles, and each material has its advantages and disadvantages.
Wood
Wood pickleball paddles are the most durable and even the cheapest paddles on the market. However, they are the heaviest as well and do not offer any particular advantages. You can purchase wooden paddles at a low price, and many would recommend them if you play occasionally and not on a regular basis.
Composite
Composite material paddles are becoming very popular. They feature a carbon fiber surface and a composite core. Some cores might be of aluminum or polymer. These paddles are lighter and offer more spin when playing a shot.
Graphite
Graphite paddles are the most expensive ones. They are lightweight and easy to control. Graphite paddles are an ideal choice if you like making precise shots and have more control while playing.
Construction of Pickleball Paddles
The material a paddle is made up of also influences your throw game. There are three main materials used to make pickleball paddles.
Nomex
Nomex honeycomb paddles are quite popular and durable. They’re made from a cardboard-like material and are dipped in special resin to make them more durable. They are the loudest and hardest paddles available on the market.
Aluminum
Aluminum paddles are stronger paddles and more lightweight. These paddles are a good choice if you want more control. They, however, lack power as compared to other paddles.
Polymer
Polymer paddles are a special blend of plastic that makes them very quiet. These paddles also lack power but are a good choice if you do not like loud noises during your game.
Shapes of Pickleball Paddles
Pickleball paddles come in various shapes and sizes. According to the rule, however, the width and length of the pickleball paddle should not exceed 24 inches. Three common shapes of paddles include:
Standard Shape
The standard shape is 8 inches wide and 16 inches long. These paddles offer a great balance between control and power, and most people know them as wide-body paddles.
Longer Handles
The hands of these pickleball paddles are longer than others. These paddles have a larger shape with more handles and smaller paddle faces. Two-handed players prefer a paddle with longer handles.
Elongated Shape
This long paddle is between 16 and 17 inches. These paddles have a narrow thin body compared to standard paddles. The elongated paddles provide more spin, reach, and power but less control. Single-handed players prefer these paddles.
Best Pickleball Paddles
Keeping in mind all the above-mentioned factors, you will be able to choose the best pickleball paddle for your game. Here is a list for you of some of the best pickleball paddles to choose from.
Rally Tyro 2 Pro – Great for Beginners
If you are a beginner, Rally Tyro 2 is the best choice. This is a wallet-friendly composite paddle that also has a polymer core. The best thing about this paddle is the weight, which is 6.9-7.2 ounces. For people just starting out, this is a good pickleball paddle. The length of this paddle is 15.67 inches, with a width of 7.8 inches. The grip circumference is 4.25 inches, and it is the most cost-effective paddle for people to buy.
ONIX Graphite Z5
This is another nice choice for a beginning player. This paddle has a solid, but nice responsive feel. The ONIX Graphite Z5 has quite a good sweet spot that is relatively large. For good control and better spin and control, it has a graphite surface that is well textured. However, the core is rigid enough that allows for plenty of “pop” and a great feel for new players and those who may be in an intermediate range of skill.
Wilson Echo Pickleball Paddle – Best Overall
The Wilson Echo Paddles stand tall above the rest because of the tech that goes into them. These paddles have PO3 fiberglass composite material, which makes them lightweight and durable. Inside is a Polydor-X honeycomb core that offers variations and hits controlled shots on every stroke.
These paddles possess a classic shaped design, and the surface allows the player to spin the ball.
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 – Great for Competition
The Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS Paddles are popular among professionals in pickleball competitions. These paddles have a large surface area with a special foam edge for added stability.
The Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) allows the player to have the winning edge when it comes to putting more spin on the ball. This surface is more durable, more advanced in technology, and gives amazing power with the maximum amount of spin.
The sweet spot is edge to edge plus this paddle has an elongated handle.
These paddles have a hybrid ply technology. JOOLA’s teachnology provides strategic layering that combines multiple materials that give the player better control and feel. The top layer is advantageous for blocking and improved dinking ability. The layers on the bottom contribute to more powerful drive strokes.
These paddles can be more costly but you don’t want to compromise on the price if you have to win a competition.
