If youre new to pickleball, you may be wondering what kind of paddle you should buy. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a paddle.
Key Takeaways
- Pickleball paddles come in different sizes, so youll want to choose one thats comfortable for you to hold.
- Consider the weight of the paddle. Heavier paddles are typically more durable, but they may be more difficult to swing. Lighter paddles are easier to swing, but they may not be as durable.
- All pickleball paddles are required to be approved by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) before they can be used in tournament play.
Keep reading to know more about the paddle, which will help you to shop wisely in the future.
Table of Contents
Tips to Choose Right Pickleball Paddle
With so many different pickleball paddles on the market, it can be hard to know which one is the right fit for you. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect pickleball paddle for your playing style.
1. Weight of the Paddle
The weight of the paddle is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle. A heavier paddle will give you more power, while a lighter paddle will provide more control. If youre just starting out, a lighter paddle may be the best option for you. As you become more experienced, you may want to switch to a heavier paddle to add more power to your game.
2. Shape of the Pickleball Paddle
The shape of the paddle will also affect your power and control. A paddle with a smaller head will give you more control, while a paddle with a larger head will provide more power. If youre just starting out, a paddle with a smaller head may be the best option for you. As you become more experienced, you may want to switch to a paddle with a larger head to add more power to your game.
3. Check Out the Grip Size
The grip size is important to consider as well, as a grip thats too small or too large can be uncomfortable and affect your game. If youre just starting out, a grip thats comfortable for you is the best option. As you become more experienced, you may want to switch to a smaller grip to add more control to your game.
4. Pickleball Paddle Material
There are two main types of pickleball paddle materials: graphite and fiberglass. Graphite paddles are typically more expensive but offer more power and control. Fiberglass paddles are less expensive but dont provide as much power and control. If youre just starting out, a fiberglass paddle may be the best option for you. As you become more experienced, you may want to switch to a graphite paddle to add more power and control to your game.
5. USA Pickleball Approved
All pickleball paddles are required to be approved by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) before they can be used in tournament play. When youre shopping for a pickleball paddle, look for the USAPA approval logo to be sure youre getting a paddle thats legal for tournament play
6. Look for Edge Guard
Most pickleball paddles come with an edge guard, which is a strip of rubber or plastic that runs along the edge of the paddle to protect it from impact. When youre shopping for a pickleball paddle, look for an edge guard thats made of durable material that wont wear down quickly.
FAQs
It depends on your playing style. A lighter paddle will provide more control, while a heavier paddle will give you more power. If youre just starting out, a lighter paddle may be the best option for you. As you become more experienced, you may want to switch to a heavier paddle to add more power to your game.
It depends on your playing style. Graphite paddles are typically more expensive but offer more power and control. Fiberglass paddles are less expensive but dont provide as much power and control. If youre just starting out, a fiberglass paddle may be the best option for you. As you become more experienced, you may want to switch to a graphite paddle to add more power and control to your game.
You should replace your pickleball paddle when it starts to show signs of wear, such as cracks, chips, or dents. You should also replace your paddle if it no longer feels comfortable to use.
A pickleball paddle is considered worn out when it starts to show signs of wear, such as cracks, chips, or dents. You should also replace your paddle if it no longer feels comfortable to use.
I am the founder of BallSportsPro, a popular pickleball resource for players of all levels. I am a former professional tennis player, started playing pickleball in 2009 and quickly fell in love with the game. I launched BallSportsPro in 2018 to share my passion for the sport and to provide pickleball players with the latest news, tips, and gear reviews. Today, BallSportsPro is one of the most popular pickleball resources on the web, reaching hundreds of thousands of players each month. In addition to running the website, I also a regular contributor to Pickleball Magazine and a member of the USAPA Pickleball Ambassadors program.
