A Simple Guide to the Perfect Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball paddles have evolved. Choosing the perfect pickleball paddle is no longer a matter of aesthetics and price. Wooden paddles have given way to aluminium, fiberglass, and graphite. Lighter paddles with larger sweet spots have translated to increased power and control for players. With manufacturers offering choices of materials, weight, thickness, and shape, you can now choose a paddle that best fits your playing style and level of ability.

You just need to know what to look for.

Whether you are a beginner or someone transitioning from another racquet sport, there are some fundamental decisions that you need to make to ensure the paddle you invest in best suits your situation. So, here’s a simple guide to the perfect pickleball paddle.

The ten key factors to consider when picking a pickleball paddle are shown below.

• The dimensions
• The shape
• The surface material
• The texture/grit
• The core
• The thickness
• The weight
• The handle length
• The grip size
• The price

The dimensions

The United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA) has established the following dimensions for approved pickleball paddles:

Length

The length of a pickleball paddle from the top edge guard to the handle’s butt cap must not exceed 17 inches.

Width

There is no specific guideline for the width of a pickleball paddle. However, the USAPA states that the “combined length and width, including any edge guard and butt cap, shall not exceed 24 inches.” Depending on the shape, you will find that the standard width for pickleball paddles falls between 7 inches and 8 inches.

The dimensions of a pickleball paddle can impact your game. A paddle that is too long or too wide can make it difficult for you to maneuver it and make quick, precise shots. On the other hand, a paddle that is too short or narrow can limit your reach and power.

Make sure the paddle you buy complies with USAPA specs.

The shape

The shape of a pickleball paddle can affect several aspects of the game. Remember that the combined length and width cannot exceed 24 inches. So, the longer the paddle, the shorter the width, and vice versa. Below are some of the more common shapes you find in the market.

Standard

Also referred to as the “classic” shape, these paddles are typically around 16 inches long and 8 inches wide.

Elongated

At about 16.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide, elongated paddles are longer and less wide than the standard-shaped modes.

Widebody

As per Onix, widebody paddles are the most popular among the pickleball-playing population. These paddles are shorter at around 15.5 inches and have a wider playing surface at about 8.5 inches.

Teardrop

Teardrop paddles earn their name from their shape. The face of teardrop paddles is wider at the top than the area closer to the handle, potentially shifting the sweet spot up the paddle.

Here are some ways that the shape of a paddle can impact you.

Sweet spot

The sweet spot is the area of the paddle face where the ball makes the best contact, resulting in the most control and power. The paddle’s shape can affect the sweet spot’s size and location. You should choose a paddle with a shape that works best for your playing style and skill level.

Control

The shape of the paddle can also impact your ability to control the ball. A paddle with a larger sweet spot and a more rounded shape can provide more control for players who are less experienced or have trouble controlling the ball.

Power

The paddle’s shape can also affect how much power a player can generate on their shots. Experienced players can consistently hit the ball on the sweet spot allowing them to create more power irrespective of the size of the paddle’s sweet spot.

Reach

The shape of the paddle can also impact a player’s reach and ability to get to overhead shots and balls that land further away from them.

The shape of a paddle is a personal preference. In general, it is recommended that players choose a paddle that feels comfortable and allows them to control the ball effectively.

The surface material

You may hear the terms “surface material” and “core” thrown around in pickleball paddle write-ups and ads. While the surface refers to the two faces of the paddle, the core is the material that is sandwiched between the two hitting surfaces.

The surfaces of modern pickleball paddles are made from carbon fiber, graphite, and fiberglass materials which affects the ball’s trajectory and spin. Different materials offer different levels of power, control, and durability. Unless you have the resources and time to test out various paddles with different surfaces, you will have to take the manufacturers’ word on the benefits of one surface over the other.

It is a good idea to look at a paddle’s surface material in combination with the core of that paddle. For instance, a thinner core with a fiberglass surface may be the way to go if you are looking for power. Alternatively, if you are looking for control, a thicker core with a carbon or graphite face would be the one for you. Many paddles in the market use a combination of materials to create hybrid paddles that give players power and control.

Paddle surface texture/grit

The surface texture of your paddle can have a bearing on your game. If you use spins in your serves and strokes, you may want to look for a paddle with a rougher finish than one with a smooth surface. The USAPA does set a limit on the allowed level of surface roughness to ensure that players cannot generate excessive spin using non-standard paddles.

Core

Polypropylene, a type of plastic, and Nomex, used in aircraft and firefighting equipment, are the two most common cores used in pickleball paddles today. A honeycomb core design allows manufacturers to keep the weight of the paddles down without sacrificing the desired power and control. While most major manufacturers market paddles with polymer and Nomex cores, the former appears to have emerged as the preferred core in some of the high-end pickleball paddles in the market today. Wooden and aluminium core paddles are typically more affordable and are ideal for beginners and budget-conscious players.

Thickness

USAPA does not impose any restrictions on paddle thickness. Most paddles today fall within the 11mm to 16mm thickness range. The thickness of the paddle’s core should ideally suit your style of play. A 16mm core will give you more feel and control, while a thinner paddle will help you generate effortless power and pop. It is worth noting that many professional pickleball players use 16mm paddles and use other features, such as the length and weight of the paddles, to generate power.

Weight

There is no weight restriction on a pickleball paddle. The average weight of typical pickleball paddles generally falls between 7.0 ounces and 9.0 ounces. While the exact definition of a mid-weight paddle varies, paddles that weigh between 7.6 ounces and 8.4 ounces are safe bets for most players. Occasionally, players may add lead tape weights to their paddles to increase power.

Here are some ways that the weight of a paddle can impact a player:

Swing speed

A lighter paddle generally allows for a quicker and more fluid swing, leading to more power and control on shots. However, if the paddle is too light, it can also cause the player to put in more effort to generate power at the cost of stability and control.

Maneuverability

A lighter paddle is generally easier to maneuver, making it easier for players to change the direction of their shots and move the ball around the court.

Fatigue

Heavier paddles can generate more power but may strain a player’s arm and shoulder, causing fatigue, which can become an important factor in longer matches or during tournaments.

Generally, the best weight for a pickleball paddle will depend on your preference, style of play, and physical abilities.

Handle Length

Handle lengths range between 4.5 to 6.0 inches and are factored into the total length of the paddle. The length of a pickleball paddle handle can impact play in several ways. Here are a few:

Control

A longer handle provides more leverage and power but may come at the expense of control and accuracy. Shorter handles can give greater control but may limit the player’s power.

Comfort

The handle length should fit comfortably in the player’s hand. A handle that is too short or too long can cause discomfort during play, affecting the player’s ability to focus on the game.

Stroke mechanics

Different handle lengths can impact a player’s stroke mechanics. For example, players who hit two-handed backhand shots may require a longer handle, while shorter handles may be better suited for volleys that require quick, precise movements. 

Handle size and grip

The handle size and grip will affect a player’s comfort and control of the paddle. The right grip size will depend on the size of your hand and your comfort level when holding the paddle. If needed, it is easy to increase the grip size using replacement grips and over-grips that are readily available in sporting goods stores.

The most common grip size for pickleball paddles is 4 1/4 inches which is suitable for most players. Players with larger hands can pick from 4 3/8-inch or 4 1/2-inch grips as needed.

Price

Depending on the quality and features of the paddle, pickleball paddles can cost from $30 to over $300. There are several different types of paddles available at various price points, including:

Budget paddles typically cost less than $50 and are made from materials such as wood or composite. They are suitable for beginners and budget-conscious players.

Mid-range paddles typically cost between $50 and $100 and are made from higher-quality materials such as composite or graphite. They offer improved performance and durability compared to budget paddles.

High-end paddles often cost over $200 and are made from top-quality materials such as graphite or carbon fiber. They offer the best performance and durability but are typically more expensive.

Ultimately, the best pickleball paddle for you will depend on your skill level, playing style, and budget. The most expensive paddle may not be the right one for you. Hopefully, this simple guide to the perfect pickleball paddle will help narrow down your search for the paddle that is right for you.

Good luck!