PICKLEBACKCLUB

Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨

Choosing the right pickleball paddle isn’t just about brand or looks—it’s about finding the perfect match for your game. The weight, face material, core, grip, and shape all work together to determine how your shots feel and perform.

Whether you’re a soft-game specialist, a power hitter, or an all-court player, understanding paddle design will help you unlock your best pickleball.

1. Paddle Weight: The Foundation of Feel

Weight is the single biggest factor in how your paddle performs.

• Lightweight (7.0–7.5 oz)

  • Strengths: Quick hands at the net, easier to block fast volleys, great for control/dinking.

  • Weaknesses: Less power on drives and smashes; you’ll need more swing effort to generate pace.

  • Best For: Doubles players who live at the kitchen line, players with past elbow issues, or anyone who values maneuverability over power.

• Midweight (7.6–8.4 oz)

  • Strengths: Balanced blend—enough weight to put pace on the ball, but still light enough for fast hands.

  • Weaknesses: Doesn’t specialize—neither the softest nor the most powerful.

  • Best For: 80% of players, especially if you’re improving your all-court game.

• Heavy (8.5+ oz)

  • Strengths: Packs natural power, great for drives, overheads, and serves. The paddle does a lot of the work.

  • Weaknesses: Can slow down hand speed and add stress to your elbow/shoulder.

  • Best For: Singles players (where power and reach matter more), or strong players who want to dominate with offense.

2. Paddle Face Material: How the Ball Interacts

This determines how much feel and spin you get.

• Carbon Fiber / Graphite

  • Light, stiff, and responsive.

  • Excellent for soft game—precise dinks, resets, controlled volleys.

  • Favored by advanced players who want placement more than brute force.

• Fiberglass (Composite)

  • Softer and more flexible.

  • The ball sinks into the paddle slightly, creating “pop” and spin.

  • Good for aggressive players who want extra juice on drives.

• Hybrid faces (carbon/fiberglass blends)

  • Designed to give both touch and pop.

  • Becoming the go-to for versatile players.

3. Core Materials: The Engine Inside

The paddle’s “core” (the honeycomb interior) dictates power vs control.

• Polymer Core (most common)

  • Quiet, soft, and durable.

  • Great for touch shots and balanced play.

  • Perfect for doubles specialists and control-focused players.

• Nomex Core

  • Hard, loud, and powerful.

  • Produces faster shots but with less forgiveness.

  • Popular with aggressive singles players.

• Aluminum Core

  • Very light, excellent for control.

  • Lacks power and durability compared to others.

  • Less common today but useful for finesse players.

4. Grip Size: Comfort and Injury Prevention

If the grip doesn’t fit, you’ll feel it in your wrist or elbow.

• Too Small: You’ll overuse your wrist, risking strain but gaining spin.

• Too Big: You’ll restrict wrist movement, losing feel and risking elbow pain.

👉 Quick test: Hold the paddle—if you can fit your non-dominant index finger snugly between your fingertips and palm, the grip is about right.

5. Paddle Shape: Reach vs Forgiveness

• Standard (Wide Body): Big sweet spot, most forgiving. Best for beginners and doubles players.

• Elongated: Extra reach, stronger leverage on serves and groundstrokes. Smaller sweet spot. Best for singles players or advanced doubles players.

• Hybrid: Middle ground—slightly longer but keeps forgiveness. Great for versatile players.

6. Matching Paddle to Playing Style

• Control Players (“Soft Game” Specialists):

  • Midweight or lightweight paddle.

  • Carbon fiber face + polymer core.

  • Focuses on dinks, resets, 3rd shot drops.

• Power Players (“Bangers”):

  • Mid-heavy paddle.

  • Fiberglass or Nomex core.

  • Excels at drives, overheads, attacking pace.

• All-Around Players (Balanced Game):

  • Midweight, hybrid face.

  • Polymer core.

  • Good for players who mix aggression with patience.

• Singles Specialists:

  • Heavier, elongated paddle for reach and power.

  • Graphite or composite face.

  • Helps in covering more court and finishing points.

@tanner.pickleball

Which paddle should you buy? 😤 16 mm = Lots of control, less power 14 mm = Lots of power, less control The thicker the paddle.. the more c... See more

7. Practical Tips Before Buying

• Demo Programs: Many brands (Selkirk, Engage, Paddletek) let you try paddles before you commit. Huge advantage.

• Budget:

  • Entry-level: $50–$80 → good for casual play.

  • Mid-tier: $100–$150 → best value, serious performance.

  • Premium: $180–$250 → pro-level paddles with specialized materials.

• Test in Real Play: A paddle can feel amazing in your hand but play differently during fast hands battles.

⚡Bottom line:

• If you’re still improving and want versatility, go midweight, polymer core, carbon or composite face, standard shape.

• If you’re serious about advancing, match the paddle to your style (touch vs power).

Your paddle is more than equipment—it’s an extension of your playing style. Take the time to test different options, pay attention to how they feel in real games, and don’t be afraid to adjust as your skills evolve. The right paddle won’t just add power or control—it will make the game more fun, more natural, and more you.

See you on the courts!

Dill-lighfully yours,
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾

_{Check out our previous posts…}