Pickleball paddle: fiberglass or carbon, which to choose?
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The face of the paddle is what hits the ball, and it's usually fiberglass or carbon. It's not that one is good and the other bad: they serve different players.
Fiberglass
- More flexible: forgives off-center hits a little more and gives the ball a bit more pop.
- Cheaper, and that's why it's the usual in beginner paddles and sets.
- Slightly less precise and with less spin than carbon, according to many players.
Carbon
- Stiffer: gives more control and more spin to someone who already masters the stroke.
- More expensive.
- Less forgiving of off-center hits.
The core counts too
Under the face there's a core, almost always polypropylene honeycomb. A thicker core gives more power; a thinner one, more feel. The usual thickness goes from 13 to 16 mm (0.5 to 0.63 in).
Which to choose
| If... | It suits you |
|---|---|
| You're starting or playing for fun | Fiberglass, light |
| You play often and want more control | Carbon |
| You're going to compete in tournaments | A paddle approved by the organizers (check the model) |
An example of a fiberglass paddle
If you want to see a concrete example: the ACE LED light-up paddle: translucent fiberglass face with a honeycomb core, 39.6 × 20 cm (15.6 × 7.9 in), 11 mm thick and about 238 g (8.4 oz), with an LED light strip all around the edge (20 modes, USB-C charging). The bag and balls are free: 1-paddle and 2-paddle versions. It's a recreational paddle: it's not on the USA Pickleball list, so it's not for official tournaments.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, fiberglass or carbon?
It depends on you. Fiberglass is cheaper and more forgiving; carbon gives more control and spin to someone who already plays well.
How much should a pickleball paddle weigh?
Most weigh between 7 and 9 ounces (200 and 250 grams). Light ones are easier to handle; heavy ones give more power.
How long does a pickleball paddle last?
It depends on use and care. Don't leave it in the sun in a closed car and keep it in its bag.
