How to choose a pickleball paddle: weight, thickness, surface and grip
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Choosing a pickleball paddle is hard for one reason: every manufacturer calls everything by a different name. But almost everything comes down to five specs you can understand in five minutes.
A clarification: we sell a recreational LED light-up paddle (fiberglass, about 238 g / 8.4 oz, with a free bag and balls), but this guide is information: it works for choosing any paddle, wherever you buy it.
1. Weight
It's the most important spec for comfort.
- Light (under about 7.3 oz / 207 g): more maneuverable, with less power.
- Mid (between about 7.3 and 8.4 oz / 207 and 238 g): the most common and the starting point for almost everyone.
- Heavy (over about 8.5 oz / 240 g): more power and stability, and more load on the arm.
If you have elbow or shoulder aches, start with a mid and observe how you feel the next day.
2. Core thickness
The core is the inside of the paddle. The most common are two thicknesses:
- 13 mm (0.5 in): faster and with more power, with less margin for control.
- 16 mm (0.63 in): more control and a softer feel, with less power. It's the most common for starting out.
3. Surface
- Fiberglass: more power and rebound. It's usually cheaper.
- Carbon or graphite: more control and more spin, and they usually cost more.
Many paddles have a textured surface to give spin to the ball. To start with, it isn't what matters.
4. Shape
- Standard: a bigger sweet spot, which forgives off-center hits.
- Elongated: more reach, with a slightly smaller sweet spot.
There's a size limit for competition paddles: length and width together can't add up to more than about 24 inches (61 cm), and the length can't exceed about 17 inches (43 cm).
5. Grip
Handle thickness is measured in inches, almost always between 4 and 4.5 (about 10 to 11.4 cm of circumference). A grip that's too thin makes you squeeze harder and one that's too thick takes away wrist mobility. If in doubt, a thinner grip can be built up with an overgrip; a thick one can't be slimmed down.
How much to spend
A beginner paddle costs a fraction of a premium one. Prices go up from there for materials and brand, and in the first year what you'll notice most is the weight and the grip, not the material.
If you're going to compete, check that it's on the approved paddle list of USA Pickleball or whichever body the tournament requires.
Mistakes when choosing
- Buying the most expensive one without having played. It's the one most regretted.
- Choosing for power when you're starting out. Control wins more points.
- Not trying first. In many groups they lend you one the first few times.
Once you have a paddle
Take care of it. Car heat and rubbing against keys damage it more than playing: seven habits to make it last, and how to carry it to the court, with a cover or a backpack.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best pickleball paddle to start with?
One of mid weight, 16 mm core and standard shape is usually a good starting point.
Is an expensive paddle worth it?
Not the first few months. It's better to play with a beginner one and know what you're missing before spending more.
What grip should I choose?
Between 4 and 4.5 inches. When in doubt, the thinner one, because it can be built up.
