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The Pickleball Experts Guide to Choosing a Pickleball Paddle

The Pickleball Experts Guide to Choosing A Pickleball Paddle

Choosing a pickleball paddle can be an intimidating process. With all the options of size, shape, face and core material, grip size, etc., it can be hard to figure out what the differences are and which paddle is right for you. That’s why we created this interactive paddle guide that helps narrow down your choices based on your answers to a few questions. In a few easy steps, we’ll find the paddle that’s right for you. Let’s get started!

Weight

The biggest factor in finding the right paddle is undoubtedly weight. The weight of your paddle affects everything from the amount of power and control in your game to your comfort and stamina while playing. There are 3 options for weight in the paddles we sell: light (<7.3 oz), medium (7.3-8.4 oz) and heavy (8.5-9.5 oz). Read the descriptions below to decide which is best for you.

Light Paddles

  • Best choice for those who play a pure control/touch/feel game, spending most of their time at the net and preferring “dinks” to hard shots or slams
  • Provides more control, which comes at the expense of some power and pop
  • Requires less arm strength
  • Generates more head speed - good for hard hitters
  • Requires more energy and momentum to swing, so not a good choice for those with shoulder/elbow/hand injuries or arthritis
  • More popular for doubles players
I want a light paddle

Medium Paddles

  • A good choice if you’re unsure about what weight is right for you
  • Best choice for those who play with both power and finesse
  • Best choice for most beginners who haven’t figured out all of their preferences and play style
  • Best choice for those with shoulder/elbow/hand injuries or arthritis
I want a medium weight paddle

Heavy Paddles

  • Best choice for those who play a pure power game, spending most of their time at the baseline and preferring big shots to “dinks” and finesse shots
  • Provides more power and pop, which comes at the expense of some control
  • Requires more arm strength
  • Generates less head speed - good for light hitters
  • Fatigues your arm faster and can aggravate your elbow, so not a good choice for those with shoulder/elbow/hand injuries or arthritis
  • More popular for singles players
I want a heavy paddle