The pickleball paddle is one of the most crucial pieces of equipment to complete your pickleball inventory.
The right paddle affects your game performance, playing style, and your body’s reaction while playing pickleball.
Like any racquet sport, a good paddle is crucial when playing pickleball.
Most paddles in the market are competitive.
As pickleball’s popularity rises, so makes the market’s paddle selection.
The battle for the best paddles continues.
Pickleball paddle manufacturers develop new paddle designs for different players.
There could be an elongated paddle for those who love control or a lighter paddle for those who prefer power.
The most recommended paddles battle between power versus control.
But the best paddle can offer you both.
The more variations there are, the more dilemma you have when choosing the best for your body and game style.
This guide will feature the different kinds of pickleball paddles and recommend the best paddles on the market.
How To Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle?
As a starting point, let’s look at how different paddle qualities impact performance and which is the good paddle for playing styles.
A pickleball paddle looks similar to a ping pong paddle.
However, the ping pong paddle is rounder in shape.
As a newbie, you’ll find yourself searching for a beginner paddle and pickleball equipment that fits your style.
The rich history and technology produced the different pickleball paddles available in the industry.
The paddle weight, correct grip size, material, and price of pickleball paddles are significant factors to consider before buying.
Weight
The usual pickleball paddle weight is around 6 to 14 ounces.
This feature alone has an impact on control and power.
You have more ball control but less power when playing with a lightweight paddle.
Meanwhile, a heavier paddle will give you better power at the expense of control when hitting.
Furthermore, a heavy paddle may leave you with injuries and fatigue in your arms.
For starters, you may need a pickleball paddle that is not heavy. You may need to practice more before you get stronger.
However, you need more drive and power if you play with less arm strength with lightweight paddles.
The ideal paddle weight is 7 to 8.5 ounces. The lighter paddle you choose, the better.
But remember that when you hit with a light paddle, you need to exert more power.
The more power you use, the more energy-draining it is, and the higher your injury risk is.
Grip Size
It’s essential to use a paddle with the correct grip size for your hand size when playing.
You may experience arm problems if your paddle grip is larger or smaller than your hand.
The safest choice is the smaller grip size to avoid slipping from your hand when choosing among the measures.
Allowing for additional wrist movement helps the player create a spin on the ball, which improves control.
Additionally, this wrist movement speeds up hand switches for players who often switch hands throughout a game.
Finding the right grip size for you is critical since a larger grip offers more excellent stability while also being gentler on your arm.
Most professional pickleball players use overgrip to adjust their paddles according to their comfort.
You’ll see that the diameter of most paddle grip sizes is 4 to 4 and a half inches, with 1/8 inches increments.
The pickleball paddle grip size is similar to tennis grip sizes in this feature.
Materials
There are more pickleball paddles made of wood, composite, carbon, and graphite with technology.
Wooden paddles are the cheapest pickleball paddles but the heaviest in terms of weight and cost. The early pickleball paddles are from wood.
If you are a beginner who isn’t sure whether you can afford to invest in more expensive paddles, this one’s for you.
Meanwhile, composite paddles fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.
They’re reasonably priced and come in a wide range of sizes.
They also have a strong reputation for offering the best texture for spinning because of their accuracy and precision.
Another good thing about them is they tend to be more durable.
Composite pickleball paddles appeal to both novice and seasoned gamers.
Next are the graphite pickleball paddles.
It is the strongest and lightest paddle material and the most expensive.
It is more spin-friendly and an excellent recommendation for players with great power and precision.
In terms of sturdiness and softness, carbon fiber is head and shoulders above the competition.
Carbon fiber has a unique woven look and the lowest power output. Despite the lack of roughness, these paddles may still create spin.
It is an excellent hitting surface for optimum touch and ball control because of its low power consumption and exceptional durability.
Price of Pickleball Paddles
Pickleball paddles made of composite materials might cost as little as $50.
Wooden paddles cost between $13 and $46; composite pickleball paddles cost between $45 and $145, and graphite paddles cost $60 and $145.
It is cheaper to buy wooden paddles, but they are pretty heavy and have a strong plywood core.
Usually, players avail composite or graphite paddles after trying wood paddles.
Pickleball newbies should get a cheap composite or graphite paddle as their first paddle.
Core
The paddle’s core plays a considerable role in the player’s feel and power when playing pickleball.
The most common paddle technology is a polymer core.
It is soft yet delivers powerful shots when hitting the surface.
Polymer paddle cores are versatile because you can exert more power shots while being quiet.
It is ideal for any gameplay because of its adaptability. Polymer core is a safe and excellent choice if you are a beginner and unsure what to get.
However, you can opt for Nomex core if you want a more powerful paddle core and a quicker ball.
The Nomex core is more rigid, so you’ll need less power, but you’ll feel less ball control.
Moreover, Nomex cores hit pickleball louder than polymer cores. So it is not ideal for areas with noise restrictions.
These cores are ideal whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete newcomer.
In terms of power, aluminum cores are lightweight but relatively weak.
Compared to polymer, the aluminum cores are not as noisy as Nomex. Players who prefer a quiet hitting surface will find this an ideal paddle.
However, aluminum-cored paddles are less common due to polymer cores in the market.
On a good note, professional players opt for aluminum cores because it is easy to control, touch, and move.
6 Best Pickleball Paddles To Buy
GAMMA Compass Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The first pickleball paddle on our list is the Compass Graphite Paddle.
It is 16-5/8 inches long and weighs 7-3/4 ounces, while the handle is 4 3/4 inches long.
The grip size of this pickleball paddle is small and long, so you can easily transition your hand positions.
The Gamma logo appears in the top right corner over a big picture of a compass on the left side.
The design pops out with the gray backdrop and the paddle’s name.
The Compass Graphite Paddle has a smooth, fluid feel and an adjustable length that will help you improve your game.
AMPED Omni X5 FiberFlex Paddle
AMPED developed this paddle with an extended hitting surface to meet the demands of pickleball players who prefer more ball control.
Players will have more time to react and position their shots because the innovative FiberFlex face retains balls longer than other paddles.
X5’s core includes a soft touch, which reduces noise and vibration for a more consistent and fluid experience.
To control the speed of play, the AMPED Omni X5 FiberFlex Paddle has excellent reach and responsiveness.
Standard and lightweight versions are available, as is a thin or regular grip size for your convenience.
Elite Pro Composite Pickleball Paddles
Only a few paddles can match the rich history of the Elite Pro Composite Paddle.
Nine professional players used the Elite Pro Composite Paddles for the first time in the 2017 US Open.
These players won, which made endorsements for the paddle even more successful.
This Elite Pro Composite Paddle came about after receiving feedback from 5.0 players in the design and play.
Despite being a composite paddle, this model is perfect for those who like graphite.
The chemically-bonded skin on the paddle face is “liquid graphite.” It has a robust composition and responsive feel.
The polymer core in the advanced paddle allows you to have less noise and consistent soft hits to help you win.
The paddle has a standard weight of 7.9-8.3 ounces, but you can also find a light paddle that ranges from 7.5 to 7.8 oz.
The Elite Pro-light paddle version uses a solid color on the surface to distinguish them from other paddles.
Still, these Elite Pro paddles will not automatically make you a flawless player. But it is the best paddle to help you dominate the game.
Kanga Wood Pickleball Paddle
When it comes to a budget-friendly paddle, the Kanga Wood Paddle is one of the best traditional paddles.
This adorable kangaroo-covered paddle will have you bouncing across the courts in no time at all.
The pleasant cushioned grip, strong material, and vibrant colors will make you happy.
The Kanga Wood weighs around 9 to 10.6 ounces, a heavier paddle expected from its material.
Playing with a cushioned grip is a terrific way to keep your hands injury-free and comfortable, as expected in a wooden paddle.
This model used a seven-ply hardwood as the foundation, which can last you a long.
The Kanga Wood Paddles prove that having fun doesn’t mean sacrificing your sense of style.
Swinger Wood Pickleball Paddle
Like the Swinger Wood Pickleball Paddle, pickleball paddles are heavy, but they’re incredibly durable and reasonably priced.
This paddle uses a five-ply hardwood to make it durable and long lasting, ideal for novices.
Several organizations buy this paddle as loaner paddles, including YMCAs, schools, and leisure centers.
Given that it is wood-based, the paddle’s weight is appropriate for adult use only.
A unique grid-like design decorates the paddle’s face with a white wrist strap that players can wear while playing.
Furthermore, the paddle grip is black while a few ridge forms on both sides of the paddle.
The Swinger Wood Pickleball Paddle weighs from 9.7 to 11 ounces. The paddle’s handle measures four and a half inches long.
Additionally, you’ll love the sweet spot with its broad paddle face that measures 8 inches wide.
The Swinger Wood paddle is one of the best and most durable paddles today.
Quantum Pro Pickleball Paddle
The Prince Quantum Pro Pickleball Paddle features a 16 inches overall length and Progressive Core Technology.
Pickleball players can use this technique to generate more force and reach while striking the balls.
For players who prefer playing with more double-handed backhands, the 6-inch paddle handle is ideal.
You’ll get plenty of pop even when you’re playing at the edge of the spot with the Quantum Pro Pickleball Paddle.
As a result, you’ll have more confidence in your swing, thanks to the handle’s length and paddle face.
The paddle’s touch and performance are consistent due to the isometric shape.
The paddle’s touch and performance are consistent due to the isometric shape.
Its design incorporates a colorful gradient in the backdrop with Prince’s “P” emblem in the middle.
The Quantum Pro Pickleball Paddle allows pickleball players to add more power to their swings without sacrificing comfort or position accuracy.
Related Reading: Is Pickleball Easier Than Tennis – Find Out Here
Conclusion
Finding a new pickleball paddle might be challenging, given the abundance of alternatives on the market.
Thanks to the new paddle technology and functionality developments, more paddles are available for different preferences.
First, determine what is most comfortable for you and consider using the “medium” of everything.
Buy a paddle that you are comfortable enough to hold and won’t risk your physical health.
Avoid hardwood paddles and start with composite or graphite pickleball paddles if you can afford them.
Also, make sure you get the proper grip size by determining your suitable size.
If in doubt, go down a size and work on your grip.
Above all the designs and colors, always look into the quality and performance of the paddle.
The most expensive pickleball paddle is not always the best pickleball paddle.
The perfect paddle will always come down to which one suits your playing style, comfort, and budget.