Don't Buy A Paddle Until You Read This Guide - Pickleball Paddles

Part 1 - Pro Tips and Quick Paddle Recommendations

Power vs. Control: A Key Decision

Hey guys, this is James Ignatowich. When it comes to choosing a paddle, the first question I always get is: Should I go for power or control? Honestly, this answer has changed for me over time because the game is evolving. A year ago, a lot of pro players favored control paddles, but now most have switched to power paddles. My advice is to choose the most powerful paddle you can somewhat comfortably control. Sure, you might miss a few shots at first, but that’s okay—it’s all part of the learning process.

The reason power is so important, especially as you're developing, is that it helps in a few key areas.

Shorter Volley Swings 👌🏻

With a powerful paddle, you don’t need to swing as much when hitting volleys (shots you hit in the air without letting the ball bounce). At higher levels, you’ll see pros keeping their swings compact and controlled at the net.

Learning this early is key because taking big, wild swings at the net can make it harder to react quickly and control the ball. By using smaller, quicker movements, you can improve your reaction time, which actually makes it easier to hit the ball with speed and accuracy.

A Powerful Paddle Reveals Technical Flaws

Another benefit is that a powerful paddle reveals technical flaws, especially in your soft game. When I started, I used a control-oriented paddle, and it allowed me to get away with bad habits, like using too much wrist on dinks. But once I switched to a paddle with more pop, those issues became really obvious, and I had to fix them. It actually improved my technique, and over time, I became better at my soft game.

When Control Paddles Make Sense

There’s still a place for control paddles, especially for players who already have plenty of power in their game. But for most players, especially those just starting out, I think using a powerful paddle will benefit you more in the long run.

Quick Power Paddle Recommendations

How to Play Pickleball: Easy-to-Follow Guide

Part 2 - Comprehensive Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Quick Links
Weight Grip SizeShapesThickness Surface Material Core Material Test and Try Out PaddlesBudget Considerations

Paddle Weight

Besides power, the paddle weight is a fundamental characteristic that you must consider when purchasing a paddle. 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. If you are a beginner and are still developing the mechanics of your swing, you might select a paddle with an average weight to provide a good blend of power, maneuverability, and stability.

Weight Ranges
Shop Lightweight Paddles	Under 7.3 oz
Shop Mid-Weight Paddles	7.3 to 8.4 oz
Shop Heavy Paddles	8.5 oz and over

Explaining Static Weight, Swing Weight, and More

Paddle companies now provide various weight characteristics that can be confusing to players, such as static weight (often just called 'weight'), swing weight, twist weight, and balance point. Each of these factors determines a player's perception of how the paddle feels in their hand.

Static Weight: The actual, unchanging weight of the paddle when it’s stationary.

Swing Weight: How heavy the paddle feels during a swing.

Twist Weight: How stable the paddle feels when the ball doesn’t hit the sweet spot.

Balance Weight: Whether a paddle feels heavier near the handle, the head, or spread evenly.

If you rely on hard drives from the baseline to score points, you might select a heavier paddle with a high swing and twist weight. If you rely on fast volleys at the kitchen line, you might select a lighter paddle with a low static weight and swing weight to improve your maneuverability.

Keep in mind, while a paddle with more weight can generate more power and feel more stable in your hand, the added weight will also reduce your swing speed (and thereby reduce ball velocity), make the paddle less maneuverable, and may even cause arm fatigue or injury, such as “tennis elbow” or carpal tunnel syndrome. To avoid these issues, be careful not to choose a paddle that’s too heavy.

Feature	Lightweight Paddles (Under 7.3 oz)	Heavyweight Paddles (8.5 oz and over)
PROS
Maneuverability	Faster at the net, quick reactions.	More stable, less twisting on impact.
Swing Speed	Easier to swing quickly for volleys and dinking.	Generates more power for baseline drives.
Arm Comfort	Reduces strain on arm and wrist.	Feels stable, reducing vibration.
CONS
Power	Less natural power, more effort needed.	Slower for fast, dynamic shots.
Stability	Less stable on off-center hits.	Heavier, tiring for long play.
Target Players	Beginners, finesse players, or those with arm issues.	Power players or those needing stability and control.

Grip Size

Grip Circumference

Most paddles come with grip sizes (circumferences) ranging from 4 to 4 ½+ inches, with 4 ¼ inches being the standard. You can measure your grip size below, but if you’re unsure of your size, opt for a slightly smaller grip (⅛ to ¼ inch smaller), as you can add an overgrip to increase size but cannot reduce it.

Smaller grips allow for more wrist action, aiding spin and control, while larger grips provide stability and reduce strain on wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints. Larger grips may also help players recovering from or avoiding tennis elbow injuries.

Common Grip Sizes
Shop Thin Paddles	3 5/8" to 4 1/8"
Shop Standard Paddles	4 1/4" to 4 3/8"
Shop Thick Paddles	4 1/2"+

Grip Length

Grip length typically ranges from 5 to 6 inches, with the standard being 5.5 inches. Longer grips (up to 6 inches) are ideal for two-handed players, while shorter grips suit players using the index-finger-up method.

Customizing Your Grip

Overgrip wraps are thin, removable tapes applied over the existing grip to adjust the handle's size and feel. They’re great for slightly increasing circumference, improving sweat absorption, and adding extra tackiness without permanently altering the paddle.

On the other hand, replacing the grip involves removing the stock grip entirely and installing a new one. High-end paddles often come with premium grips from brands like Gamma or Pro-lite, but if you don't like the stock grip on your paddle, you can easily swap it out for something more comfortable.

How to Measure Grip Size

There are a few ways a pickleball player can measure their grip size.

1. Ring Finger Method

Use a ruler to measure the distance from the tip of your ring finger to the middle crease of your palm. This measurement corresponds to your ideal grip size. For example, 4.5 inches equals a 4.5-inch grip.

2. Height-Based Sizing (Less Exact)

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:

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

How to Play Pickleball: Easy-to-Follow Guide

3. Natural Grip Check

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.

Paddle Shapes

Standard

The preferred shape of world #1 Female Anna Leigh Waters. The Standard shape is usually 16” long by 8” wide. This wider body allows for a bigger sweet spot and is usually more forgiving. It typically has a lower swing weight, making it more maneuverable. This is beneficial for quick hand speed and sharp reaction time.

Elongated

Typically the longest of the three shapes, elongated paddles are 16.5”+. These paddles are usually the shortest in width at around 7.5”. The sweet spot is usually smaller and is higher up on the face. This shape is beneficial for adding reach as well as increasing power potential. Elongated is the preferred shape of most tennis or other racket sport players entering the sport of pickleball because of the range and power.

Hybrid

This shape is quickly becoming the favorite in all skill levels due to its overall well rounded playing style. Sitting right between the standard and elongated paddles, hybrid paddles are usually 16.25”L x 7.5-7.7”W. This paddle option offers a bit more reach without sacrificing too much control. While it combines some advantages of both ends, the difference is fairly subtle, and limiting yourself to this shape alone can cut down on options if you need something more specialized.

Shop Standard Shop Hybrid Shop Elongated

Video Explanation

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Paddle Thickness

Paddle thickness is what makes the edge wider, or thinner on certain models. In general, the thicker the paddle, the more control, and the thinner the paddle, the less control, but more power. For the most part, paddles will be in 12mm, 14mm, and 16mm, with 16 being the most thick and controlled. Some paddles even go above 16mm, but as you increase that thickness, you sacrifice some pop from the paddle’s sweet spot, and power.

Players can sometimes achieve similar control with thinner paddles, but in my experience, thicker paddles offer more stability and control on volleys, dinks, and resets.

Shop Thin Cores Shop Standard Cores Shop Thick Cores

When testing new paddles, focus on how easily you can redirect pace—for example, during a volley, dink, or drop. Compare this to your current paddle to see if it gives you enough control to “push” the pace back while maintaining directional accuracy. Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference, so experiment to find what works best for you.

Surface Material

Graphite

Known for precision and control. The graphite face on both sides of the paddle is what differentiates this type of pickleball paddle.

This thin layer of graphite, typically only a few millimeters thick—about the thickness of a fingernail—offers a unique combination of lightweight durability and strength. Competitive players like the quick action off the graphite face.

Carbon Fiber

Provides similar benefits to graphite but with a firmer, more durable feel.

T-700 Carbon Fiber has become the industry standard surface. Durable and flexible, carbon fiber provides plenty of grip for spin, softness for extended dwell time and power. Furthermore, it can be layered to provide additional performance.

Fiberglass (Composite)

Offers more power but has a smaller sweet spot, best for aggressive players.

Before carbon fiber, fiberglass surfaces were the gold standard on the majority of paddles from entry level on to upper levels. Fiberglass provides power, but lacked a large sweet spot. Still, fiberglass has stood the test of time and is the choice of many power players. Fiberglass has recently been used as an additional layer along with carbon fiber to make the best of both worlds.

​Hybrid

Many companies are trying assorted combinations and weaves using kevlar, PET electroplated fiber (aka titanium) and carbon fiber in an attempt to find a magic formula for performance, forgiveness and spin.

Shop Graphite Shop Fiberglass Shop CarbonFiber Shop Hybrids

Core Material

Polypropylene Core

Polypropylene honeycomb cores have become the standard among pickleball paddle companies due to their playability, durability and soft feel. They are inexpensive and easily cut into any length, width or shape. Polypropylene honeycomb sheets also come in a variety of thicknesses and have different size cells, or openings. Thicknesses vary from a thin 10 mm to a thick 22mm, while most pickleball cores use the readily available 8 mm cells, but some are experimenting with 10 mm cells for added playability.

Nomex Core

Less common, Nomex honeycomb cores have a higher rigidity than polypropylene producing stiffness, durability and power. Nomex, like polypropylene, comes in a variety of thicknesses and cell sizes and is just as adaptable. However, the playability of Nomex is somewhat less than its polypropylene counterpart. Nomex is stiff, causing more vibration, an intense feel along with the power.

Aluminum Core

Aluminum is light weight and can be easily cut to size. Control and accuracy are the major playability attributes when it comes to aluminum cores. Both are outstanding without a loss of power. The major concern with aluminum cores is durability. Once the aluminum is dented or damaged, which is relatively easy, it cannot be repaired.

Thermoformed

Thermoformed paddles not a core type but rather an advanced way of constructing paddles, often paired with polymer cores for balance and performance. Here is a chart that can help clarify things.

Feature	Polymer/Nomex Core	Thermoformed
Definition	Describes the core material	Describes the manufacturing process
Performance	Polymer: Balanced; quieter. Nomex: Powerful, loud.	Thermoformed: More power, spin, durability
Durability	Traditional cores may delaminate over time.	Thermoforming improves structural durability
Construction	Separate face, core, edge guard	Heat-fused into a seamless solid structure
Common Face Material	Varies: fiberglass, carbon fiber	Often uses raw carbon fiber for performance

Shop Poly Cores Shop Nomex Cores Shop Thermoformed

Testing & Trying Out Paddles

When testing out a pickleball paddle, I focus on three primary categories: feel, performance, and durability. Each category has specific questions and factors to consider. Everyone has different preferences and these questions should help you organize your test to pick the perfect paddle for you.

Feel

The “feel” of a paddle is one of the most subjective but essential factors. Before diving into specifications like swing weight, static weight, or grip size, focus on how the paddle feels in your hand. Ask yourself:

• How does the paddle’s weight feel when holding it?

• Does the paddle feel balanced and comfortable as I swing it?

• Is the grip size too large, too small, or just right?

Taking note of these elements will give you a solid foundation to evaluate the paddle’s suitability before moving on to performance metrics.

Performance

Consider these questions during testing:

• Do you prefer a paddle that offers quick ball pop off the surface or one with longer dwell time?

• Does the paddle generate power with minimal effort, or does it require a larger swing?

• How big is the sweet spot, and where is it located on the paddle face?

• How easily can I execute key shots like drops, dinks, drives, and serves?

Remember, more power usually equates to less control so it is important to find that happy medium for both your skill level and play style.

Durability

Ask these questions:

• Does the paddle feel well-constructed and sturdy?

• Are there known issues with edge guard defects or cracked paddle faces?

• Is the paddle made with a thermoformed unibody design, or is it a non-thermoformed paddle (common in paddles released before 2024)?

Investing in a durable paddle can save you money in the long run and ensure consistent performance over time. Look for reviews or feedback from other players about the paddle’s longevity and whether the grit on the surface wears out too quickly.

Where to Test & Try Out Paddles

1. JustPaddles

For online options where you can try out paddles before you commit, check out JustPaddles.com. They have a 365-day return window for unused paddles. So, if you buy one and don’t end up using it, you’ve got a whole year to send it back, and they cover shipping both ways.

Now, if you actually want to try it out on the court, they offer the Paddle Assurance Program for $14.99. This gives you 30 days to play with the paddle. If it’s not right for you, you can return it for a full refund, even after use. And if you keep it, they give you a $14.99 credit toward your next purchase within a year.

It’s a solid setup to help you find the right paddle.

2. PickleballCentral

Another trusted retailer you can check out is PickleballCentral.com.

They have a 30-Day Paddle Test Drive program. Basically, you get a full 30 days to try out any paddle. If it’s not working for you, just send it back. You can get a full refund, but heads up—you’ll cover the return shipping for that option.

But if you go for store credit instead, they’ll actually cover the return shipping cost for you, which is pretty nice. Just a side note: this doesn’t apply to Gearbox paddles or used ones, so keep that in mind.

Budget Considerations

Entry-Level Paddles ($50–$100):

Who It’s For: Beginners, casual players, or anyone looking to try out pickleball without a big investment.

Entry-level paddles in this price range are often made of composite or basic graphite materials with polymer cores. While these paddles lack the advanced materials and precision of higher-end paddles, they are a significant upgrade over wooden paddles and will perform well for occasional or weekly play.

Mid-Range Paddles ($100–$150):

Who It’s For: Regular players or those who want better performance, control, and durability without spending a fortune.

Made from higher-quality composite materials, these paddles often have better shot consistency and reduced vibration. Players in this range will notice improved touch, power, and maneuverability, making them a great choice for frequent players looking to improve their game.

Premium Paddles ($150 and Above):

Who It’s For: Competitive, advanced, or serious players who want the best of the best.

Premium paddles are made with materials such as raw carbon fiber, advanced composites, or proprietary materials for responsiveness and high-level play.

Shop Entry-Level Shop Mid-Range Shop Premium

Here are a few of our most popular lists to check out if you’re looking for recommended paddles:

• Best Beginner Pickleball Paddles
• Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin
• Best Pickleball Paddles in 2025

On the last list, we track newly launched pickleball paddles and update the list every time we see new types of paddles hit the market. If you like to buy the latest and greatest, that’s a good place to start your search. If you still aren’t sure and want more options, check out our other top paddle recommendations.

We hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to choose a pickleball paddle. If you are just getting started and want to learn more, don’t forget to check out our Tips & Strategy or How to Play Pickleball: Easy-to-Follow Guide. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below and we’ll get back to you!

Contributing Authors

• James Ignatowich

  James Ignatowich is a top 10 professional pickleball player originally from Connecticut, now residing in Delray Beach, Florida. A former Division 1 tennis player at Vanderbilt University, James made a transition to pickleball, quickly rising to prominence in the sport and often playing doubles with Tyson McGuffin and Anna Bright. In addition to his athletic achievements, he runs his own podcast, where he shares insights into the game and interviews other professionals. jamesignatowichnewsletter | PPA | MLP | My paddle

• Phil Hipol

  Phil Hipol is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with over 30 years of experience across industries such as aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and biomedical. He is the founder of Pickleball Science, a platform focused on providing scientifically grounded insights into pickleball, including equipment performance and game dynamics. Phil connects technical knowledge with sports science to help players improve their understanding and performance in the game. Simply put, Phil knows more about how paddles work than just about anyone else, full stop.

• Dennis Rodriguez

  Hey guys, my name’s Dennis. I’m a full-time Firefighter and “part-time” Pickleball Instructor who honestly loves coaching, teaching, and competing in sports. I played baseball & tennis throughout highschool and college and fell in love with pickleball. My goal with Pickleball Portal is to give you the most honest and reliable info on everything related to pickleball gear and equipment! I will be writing thorough reviews and comparisons through my hands on testing so that you can make an informed purchase decision. [email protected]

• Kip Lacey

  Kip, founder of Famous by Friday Pickleball, is an ex-college tennis player with a background in baseball and golf. His pickleball journey began in 2018, leading to his certification as a Professional Pickleball Registry Coach by 2020. An avid player and tournament organizer, Kip has evolved from a beginner to a skilled coach. His interactions with pickleball professionals have greatly influenced his coaching style. With deep knowledge of pickleball equipment, Kip expertly assists website readers with insightful product reviews. [email protected]

• Destin Perry

  Destin Perry is a certified pickleball coach based in Tallahassee, Florida. He has earned multiple certifications, including from the USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) and the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball), qualifying him to teach players of all levels. Perry is recognized for his skill and experience, playing at a 4.0 to 4.5 level, and has a coaching style that emphasizes a "drive and drop" strategy, focusing on powerful strokes and spin. In addition to coaching, Perry has a background in tennis and has been involved in pickleball for several years. His gear expertise adds to his instruction, helping players not only improve their technique but also understand the impact of equipment on performance​.