Pickleball is booming in popularity, and finding the right paddle is essential for maximizing your game. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when choosing the perfect pickleball paddle. Don’t worry, we’ll leave the sales pitch out of this guide and focus strictly on helping you understand a few key elements of buying a pickleball paddle.

How Do You Pick the Best Pickleball Paddle?

Selecting the optimal pickleball paddle involves matching its key components with the player’s skill level and playing style. The crucial factor lies in achieving the right balance among core material and thickness, surface material, paddle weight, and grip size and length tailored to each player’s needs.

Although it might be simpler to claim that there’s a single best paddle suitable for all players, reality dictates otherwise. Players seeking increased power and less control will prioritize different paddle materials and construction compared to those prioritizing control over power.

BOOMA pickleball paddle by a net on the court.

5 Elements of Purchasing the Best Pickleball Paddle

1- Pickleball Paddle Core Materials

What is a Pickleball Paddle Core?

The core serves as the foundational structure within every pickleball paddle, often constructed in the shape of a honeycomb sheet and inserted between the paddle faces. Pickleball paddle cores come in various materials, employing diverse techniques and structural configurations.

Which Materials Excel as Pickleball Paddle Cores?

There are quite a few options for core materials – but Nomex and polymer materials are the most frequently used today.

Nomex Core Pickleball Paddles – Power: Nomex, a remarkably strong, dense, and lightweight polyamide, finds its application in various fields, from military attire to aircraft flooring. Its structure comprises smaller yet more abundant honeycombs compared to other composite core materials, resulting in increased core surface area and a sturdier build. These characteristics contribute to Nomex cores generating more power upon impact. However, due to its harder nature relative to Polymer, Nomex cores tend to be louder.

Polymer Core Pickleball Paddles – Power and Control: “Polymer” or “Poly” or “Polypropylene” stands out as the predominant core material in contemporary pickleball paddles. These cores provide you with everything you require, regardless of your skill level. They feature a soft, flexible plastic blend, characterized by large honeycomb cells, which offer a soft touch, maximum control, and importantly, a quiet playing experience. Polymer core paddles dominate the market, visible on both local courts and professional events.

Tip: If you are unsure of what core to get, try a poly core paddle.

Why Paddle Core Materials Matter?

The core material emerges as the essential component, serving as the covert powerhouse of your gear. Each material presents unique advantages and limitations, tailored to diverse playing styles and desired outcomes.

Selecting the optimal core material holds the key to unlocking enhanced power, precision, and control, all while minimizing shock and absorbing vibrations. It’s crucial to align the core material with your individual playing style to elevate your performance on the court.

Why Pickleball Paddle Core Thickness Matters?

The core and its thickness play a significant role in paddle performance, often more so than the facing material. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider these aspects when researching paddles.

A thick core enhances control with each stroke by cushioning the impact of the ball against the paddle surface. In contrast, a thin core generates more power.

Should I Pick a Thinner or Thicker Core?

Choosing between a thin or thick paddle core largely relies on experience. For novice players, it’s generally advisable to opt for a medium or thick core to aid in control (16mm). Experienced players have more flexibility and may opt for a thinner core to enhance power if needed. For those seeking a balance between the two, polymer core paddles around 14mm thick are recommended.

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2- Pickleball Paddle Surface Materials

The facing or surface material of a pickleball paddle directly impacts its durability, spin potential, and ball control. Common facing materials include graphite, fiberglass (composite), and carbon fiber.

Graphite Pickleball Paddles – Finesse Material: Graphite paddles provide excellent touch and control, creating a larger sweet spot. However, this also entails a trade-off in terms of relative power.

Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles – Power Material: Among the three surface materials mentioned, fiberglass stands out as the heaviest yet most flexible option. Upon impact with a fiberglass face, the ball slightly depresses before rebounding off the paddle, akin to a spring releasing its energy. This combination of weight and elasticity allows for increased power generation.

Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles – A Blend of Finesse and Power: Pickleball paddles crafted from carbon fiber, like certain BOOMA paddles, offer a harmonious blend of finesse and power. Being both lighter and stronger than graphite, carbon fiber, a subtype of graphite, strikes a balance, capturing the desirable characteristics of both fiberglass and graphite paddles.

This makes carbon a preferred surface material for versatile paddles, providing an optimal compromise between finesse and power.

While it may seem obvious, the surface material significantly influences your control and power in pickleball. Therefore, selecting the paddle face material that aligns best with your individual requirements is crucial.

3- Pickleball Paddle Shape

Pickleball paddles come in various shapes, including traditional, elongated, and widebody.

Traditional-shaped paddles offer a balanced mix of power, spin, forgiveness, and maneuverability. They are suitable for most players.

Elongated paddles provide extended reach and are favored by players looking for power and spin. However, they have a smaller sweet spot and are less maneuverable compared to other shapes.

Widebody paddles have a wider face and a shorter length. This design offers the largest sweet spot, making them forgiving for off-center shots but sacrifice reach and power.

How Does the Shape Influence My Paddle Selection?

Paddle shapes vary greatly, but as long as the shape harmonizes with the core and facing, you’re on the right track.

For instance, if you prefer an elongated paddle for extended reach and power, opt for one with a carbon fiber facing to enhance the size of the sweet spot. Conversely, an elongated shape paired with a fiberglass face could decrease the sweet spot, which might not be the most favorable combination.

4- Pickleball Paddle Weight

The weight of a pickleball paddle significantly impacts your ability to maneuver it on the court. Paddles typically range from lightweight (7-8 ounces) to heavyweight (8.5 ounces and up).

Lighter paddles assist with increased maneuverability and control, which can be a big advantage at the net when you get into fast exchanges. The downside is that you need to swing harder to get more power out of it.

Heavier paddles boost power and stability and require less forceful swings to generate power due to their increased weight. This is advantageous during dinking as shorter swings minimize margin for error and allow for quicker return to a ready position.

And tennis players making the switch to pickleball will appreciate the feeling a heavy paddle has compared to a tennis racquet.

In general, the best pickleball paddles for beginners will be the lightweight, whereas the best pickleball paddles for experienced players could be any weight, as they more likely know the right weight to support their game.

5- Pickleball Paddle Handle Length and Grip Size

Grips and handles are often used interchangeably, but when you add length and circumference to the equation, they mean entirely different things. A paddle’s handle length measures the grip from the jewel to the neck of the paddle, while its grip circumference measures the distance to wrap around the handle.

Actually holding a pickleball paddle and playing with it, are the best ways to know which size suits your needs.

How Does the Handle Length Impact What Paddle I Choose?

Some players prefer to maintain a two-handed grip on the paddle consistently, while others opt for a one-handed approach. Then there are those, who utilize two hands for backhand drives but switch to one hand when positioned at the net.

For those who employ a two-handed grip exclusively, a handle length of at least 5.25 inches is recommended, although some may prefer even more length. Conversely, if you solely use a one-handed grip, a standard 5-inch handle length should suffice.

If you prefer having your finger on the paddle face akin to a ping pong paddle, a shorter handle would be more suitable.

In a nut shell, short handles provide greater control and maneuverability, while long handles offer added reach and leverage.

A Red BOOMA Lightspeed Carbon Series Pickleball Paddle.

Finding the Right Grip

If you’re in the market for the right grip size, it’s essential to try out different paddles with varying grip sizes.

Actually holding and playing with a pickleball paddle is the best way to determine which size suits your needs. If you’re unsure, opting for a slightly smaller grip size is advisable.

This allows you the flexibility to add tape if needed to build up the grip for better comfort. However, if you choose a grip that’s too large, you might find yourself needing to trim it down. Make it easy on yourself, choose small!

In Conclusion

Choosing the right pickleball paddle is a personal decision that depends on your playing style, preferences, and skill level. By considering factors such as core type, facing material, shape, weight, and handle length and size, you can find the perfect paddle to elevate your game and enhance your enjoyment on the court. So, go ahead, explore your options, and get ready to dominate the pickleball court with confidence!

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