Guide to Choosing the Best Pickleball Paddle
Whether you are brand new to playing pickleball or a veteran player, you’ve likely wondered how to choose the pickleball paddle (or “racket” as some people mistakenly refer to it) that best fits your needs.
As you read through the descriptions of various pickleball paddles available on the market, you might feel like you’re shopping for some futuristic gadget designed for a journey to Mars! You’ll see phrases like “Nomex™ honeycomb,” “liquid graphite paddle face,” and “polymer paddle core.” All the different types of pickleball paddles available make the buying process confusing.
While some of that new technology does make a difference during gameplay, I think this trend of pushing paddles made from cutting-edge materials is partly marketing hype. With more people than ever playing pickleball, brands are fiercely competing to make their paddles stand out from the rest.
However, amidst all the marketing noise, there are a few factors that really do matter when looking for the best pickleball paddles. Here we delve into everything you need to look for in a paddle, including grip, weight, paddle material, play style and more.
What To Look for in a Pickleball Paddle
We wrote this guide to clear up the confusion and provide some clear direction on how to choose a pickleball paddle for your unique preferences. Choosing the best pickleball paddle involves several key factors:
- Weight: Select a weight that feels right for your playing style.
- Grip Size: Find a grip size that comfortably fits your hand.
- Shape, Build, and Color: Match the paddle’s design with your playing style.
- Noise Level: Opt for quieter models in noise-sensitive areas.
- Budget: Balance quality with affordability.
Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle Weight
Many shoppers tend to base their purchasing decisions primarily on price. While we completely understand the importance of sticking to your budget, the price tag alone won’t tell you everything you need to know about a pickleball paddle. In other words, just because some paddles are more expensive doesn’t mean they will be the best pickleball paddles for you.
Most pickleball experts agree that weight should be the top priority when choosing a paddle.
Pickleball paddles come in a range of weights, starting from approximately 6 ounces for the lightweight paddles and going up to 14 ounces for the heavy ones.
| Pickleball Paddle Weight Ranges | |
| Lightweight Paddles | Under 7.3 oz |
| Mid-Weight Paddles | 7.3 to 8.4 oz |
| Heavy Paddles | 8.5 oz and over |
Paddle weight will determine the feel of the paddle in your hand and the kind of performance you can expect on the court. In general, the paddle’s weight is a personal preference that mostly depends on your fitness level and style of play.
| Lightweight vs. Heavy Pickleball Paddles | |
| Lighter Paddles | Heavier Paddles |
| PROS | PROS |
| Increased ball control. | More power |
| Better maneuverability | Less effort to hit the ball harder |
| Less stress on elbow/shoulder | Easier to hit the ball deep. |
| CONS | CONS |
| Reduced Power/Drive | Stress on injuries, especially elbows. |
| Stronger swing needed | Less control, slower swing. |
| Harder to hit long/hard shots | Increases fatigue if playing for a long time. |
Paddle Weight Determines Power vs. Paddle Control
So, how do you choose a pickleball paddle based on weight? First, ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses as a pickleball player are and what kind of player you are. In other words, is power or control more important to you when playing?
Heavy paddles are an easy way to increase the power of your shots, so if you’ve been playing pickleball and want to increase the force of your drives, go for a slightly heavier paddle.
On the other hand, if you are looking to improve ball control and touch (precise aim and carefully placed dink shots), choose a lighter paddle.
But what if you have no idea what kind of player you are? If you are a beginner buying your first paddle, it will be hard to predict what particular style of pickleball you’ll play.
You really need to play for quite a few sets before you establish a style of play. For this reason, the best beginner pickleball paddles are often mid-weight paddles (7.3 oz – 8.4 oz).
Here are the key takeaways for what makes a good pickleball paddle weight:
- Pick a heavy paddle if you want extra power.
- If you are a control player, choose a lighter paddle. (Check out our top picks for good paddles for control to learn more.)
- Use a mid-weight paddle if you have elbow injuries or recurring tennis elbow.
- When in doubt, go for a mid-weight paddle.
Tip for tennis players playing pickleball:
If you are a former tennis player transitioning to pickleball, you’ll be used to the heavier weight of a tennis racket. Therefore, you should be able to handle a paddle on the heavy side of the spectrum without being injured.
However, if you put a lot of wrist action into your shots, you’d probably be better off with a light to medium-weight paddle, which allows for more finesse and control.
When choosing a pickleball paddle, also look for “tennis style” grips, which are shaped to mimic a tennis racquet handle. There are several new elongated grips that make some of the best pickleball paddles for tennis players as they have a feel similar to a traditional tennis racket.
A Heavy Paddle Can Cause Injury
Picking the perfect pickleball paddle will help you reduce injuries. You might think that a few ounces won’t make much of a difference, but try holding a can of soup in your hand and swinging it around for a couple of hours.
While this might seem like an unusual example, the point is simple: Something that’s relatively lightweight may not feel heavy initially, but when you’re out on the court and repeatedly swinging the paddle, you’ll begin to notice the weight difference in your wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
In other words, those extra ounces on a heavier paddle will start to wear on you, especially if you have existing injuries or arthritis.
However, simply going for the lightest paddle is also NOT the best choice either since players will have to swing a light paddle harder to add power to their shot. Players using a light paddle from the back of the pickleball court are at increased risk of developing or aggravating their existing tennis elbow.
A heavier paddle will get the shot across the net with less force. But if you have any wrist, elbow or shoulder injuries, and especially if you suffer from “pickleball tennis elbow,” skip the heavy paddles because the extra weight will cause strain.
We recommend a mid-weight (roughly 7.3 oz – 8.4 oz) graphite pickleball paddle or composite paddle for pickleball players suffering from tennis elbow.
Choose the Perfect Pickleball Paddle Grip Size
One of the most overlooked pickleball accessories is the grip. Proper grip size is key to choosing the best pickleball paddle. That’s because playing with a paddle that has the wrong grip size for your hand is like running in shoes that don’t fit.
Most paddles come with standard grips from 4 to 4 ½ inches. While you can always increase the size by adding an overgrip, there is no way to decrease the grip size. When in doubt, buy a size that is one step down (⅛ to ¼ inch smaller) and then add overgrip or tape to match your grip size as needed.
A smaller grip allows for more wrist action, making it easier to put spin on the ball and improve control. Increased wrist movement can also add extra power to your serve.
A larger grip will help increase your stroke stability while reducing strain on the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints. However, playing for an extended time with a paddle handle that is too large for your hand can lead to elbow strain, potentially causing tennis elbow or joint pain.
Overgrip
If you’ve played or watched tennis or other racket sports, you are most likely familiar with wrapping the grip with “overgrip” or tape to customize the circumference to better match your hand size and personal preference.
High-end paddles usually come with a premium grip (from makers such as Gamma or Pro-lite), which adds a level of comfort and absorbs sweat. However, if your paddle came with an inferior grip or has worn out over time, you could consider replacing the stock grip with a new premium grip.
How To Measure Your Paddle Grip Size
There are a few ways a pickleball player can measure their grip size.
Use the Ring Finger Measurement Method
Use a ruler to determine the correct paddle grip size.
Measure the distance from the tip of your ring finger down to the middle crease of your palm. (Your palm has three creases, so make sure to pick the middle one.)
The measurement you get will determine your grip size. For example, if the tip of your ring finger to your middle crease measures 4.5 inches, you need a 4.5-inch grip.
Measure By Height
You can also use your height to determine the correct grip size, but this method is less exact than the hand measurement method.
Use the following chart:
| Easy Way To Measure Grip Size By Height | |
| Your Height | Grip Size |
| Under 5’2″ | 4″ Grip |
| 5’3″ to 5’8″ | 4 1/8″ to 4 1/4″ Grip |
| 5’9″ & taller | 4 1/2″ Grip |
Check for a Natural Grip
To check if the grip size is correct, grab the paddle with your natural grip. Now slide your index finger from the opposite hand between your fingers and the heel of your grip hand. You should be able to snugly fit your finger without moving the fingers wrapped around the grip.
If you have extra space between the heel of your palm and your fingers, and your index finger isn’t touching, the grip is too big. The grip might be too small if you have to move your fingers to get your index finger to fit in the gap. If you are choosing between two sizes, choose the smaller size.
Understand Pickleball Paddle Composition
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US, and along with the surge of new pickleball players, many new pickleball equipment manufacturers, retail shops and online stores selling pickleball paddles have also popped up. This is part of what makes knowing how to choose a pickleball paddle so complicated.
The recent pickleball craze has been great for the players since there are many new options for pickleball gear. But having so many types of pickleball paddles available, especially with how quickly they change, can make it really hard to know what the best pickleball paddles really are.
The first pickleball paddles were just a single piece of plywood cut in a garage with a bandsaw. With updated technology and materials, a new pickleball player must now consider whether to pick a wood, polymer, Nomex or aluminum core. They also have to research whether their paddle face material should be carbon fiber, fiberglass or graphite.
To answer the question, “What are the best pickleball paddles made out of?” we first need to understand how different paddles are made and how the paddle face material and texture will affect how the ball plays off the paddle.
Types of Pickleball Paddle Material
- Wood: Heaviest and cheapest.
- Graphite: Often the most expensive option but also a light and powerful performance on the court.
- Composite: A compromise between a wood and graphite paddle. Variety of prices and weights. Gaining popularity since paddle face texture helps impart spin on shots and there are higher-priced composites.
Wood Pickleball Paddles
Wooden pickleball paddles are still some of the best beginner pickleball paddles for those who are looking for an affordable entry-level paddle and are fine with a heavy paddle because they don’t spend a long time playing.
Plus, the newer wood paddles have been improved with the addition of grips and safety straps to prevent the paddle from flying out of your hand.
If you’re stocking up on a large quantity of pickleball equipment for sports programs in schools, the YMCA, community centers, or summer camps, wooden paddles are a smart choice. The wood can take quite a beating without breaking the bank.
Wood paddles can also be a good option when you have visitors who want to try their hand at pickleball. Say your grandkids are visiting and want to give pickleball a try – these paddles are an easy way to make sure everyone can play.
For everyone else not mentioned, we recommend skipping the wood paddles and looking for a mid-range graphite or composite pickleball paddle. The prices have come down in recent years, and you can find very affordable paddles that better suit your needs.
Graphite Pickleball Paddles
Graphite pickleball paddles typically weigh between 6 and 9 ounces. Graphite paddles are also built with a core (Nomex, aluminum or polymer) similar to composite paddles. The graphite face on both sides of the paddle is what differentiates this type of pickleball paddle.
The layer of graphite is thin, usually only a few millimeters thick, which is about the thickness of a fingernail. Light and strong, graphite paddles are some of the best-selling paddles.
Some of the best pickleball paddles are graphite. Competitive players like the quick action off the graphite face. If you are sold on the idea that this is the right type of paddle for you.
Composite Pickleball Paddles
Composite pickleball paddles are constructed with a composite core and a fiberglass or carbon fiber-hitting surface. The core is made of either Nomex™ (rigid nylon), polymer or aluminum.
Composite paddles are becoming more popular because their textured surface makes it easier to put a spin on the ball. If you are looking for a good composite pickleball paddle.
Aluminum Core
The internal honeycomb core of aluminum paddles makes them strong while still being light. The aluminum core can be a great option for the “control” player willing to sacrifice some drive and power for more finesse and maneuverability.
Aluminum is softer, which gives aluminum paddles the “touch” some players refer to, but it’s also why they lack some power. Aluminum is also quieter than Nomex but not as quiet as polymer.
Nomex Honeycomb Core
Nomex™ was the first material used to create durable composite pickleball paddles. The process starts by dipping a material resembling cardboard in resin to create a very durable material that is arranged in a honeycomb pattern and used to construct paddles.
Nomex paddles are the hardest and loudest paddles and give that well-known “popping” sound you hear on the pickleball court. If you are looking for speed and power on your shots, Nomex is probably the ideal choice, which is why it’s in some of the best pickleball paddles in the industry and why many serious players still prefer a Nomex core pickleball paddle.
Plus, if you’re into singles play where power and a quick game are key, choosing a Nomex core can really give you that extra edge.
Polymer (Poly) Core
Polymer core paddles are made of a plastic blend. While considered the newest core technology on the pickleball market today, they’re also one of the most popular.
Apart from being the quietest of the three cores, polymer paddles are softer. While you can still put power behind your shots with a good polymer core, the core does dampen the shot, so these are a better pick for a control player.
Polymer pickleball paddles are considered the quietest paddles on the market. This fact could be an important part of the buying decision if you live in a gated community, shared gym space, or recreation center where the noise produced by pickleball can be a negative factor.
Pick the Right Shape of Pickleball Paddle
Pickleball paddles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Finding the right shape is another important component of how to choose a pickleball paddle.
Edgeless Pickleball Paddles
When a pickleball paddle is described as “edgeless,” it means it lacks a protective guard that normally protrudes slightly around the edge of the pickleball paddle. If the paddle is dropped or banged against hard surfaces, the guard protects the edge from chipping.
Some serious players prefer an edgeless pickleball paddle as it maximizes the playing surface of the paddle face. Although these paddles do normally have a thin tape around the edge of the paddle to protect it without interfering with the face of the paddle, it may not be enough to protect it from impact, so these kinds of paddles are more susceptible to chips or nicks along the paddle edge.
Wide Body Paddles
According to the official pickleball regulation regarding the dimensions of an approved pickleball paddle, the combined length and width of the paddle, including any edge guard and butt cap, shall not exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm). The paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). There is no restriction on paddle thickness.
The most common classic-shaped pickleball paddle is a “wide-body,” which measures approximately 8 inches wide by 15 ¾ inches long (20.32 cm x 40 cm).
Oversized Paddles
Many pickleball paddle manufacturers now design oversized paddles by adding length to the face and shortening the length of the handle, therefore keeping the total length of the pickleball paddle the same and within regulation.
Elongated Pickleball Paddles
A new pickleball paddle category is on the market that includes paddles such as the “Encore Blade” that sacrifice face width to allow for an increased paddle length of up to 17 inches, which is the maximum pickleball paddle length allowed by the USAPA.
Part of the challenge with this category of pickleball paddle for newbies is the small “sweet spot.” Think of the sweet spot as the perfect part of the face where you get the best percentage shot. The longer, thin paddle shape gives these a narrow sweet spot, which makes it harder for novice players to hit consistently. That’s why this type of paddle is considered a specialty paddle for a more experienced player looking for added reach.
Since we originally published this guide, the elongated paddle has become more popular, and it seems almost every major brand is now competing in this space. Most pickleball brands have come out with their own elongated pickleball paddle.
For most players, we recommend sticking to the classic or wide-body-shaped paddle. Also, if you are planning to play singles, then these would be a good match. If you are planning on participating in tournament play, make sure your new pickleball paddle falls within USAPA guidelines.
