With a wide variety of options available, it's essential to consider relevant factors before making your decision. You should also periodically revisit this decision, because the best thing for you today may be different than a few months ago. I would recommend keeping within the rules of USAPA (USA Pickleball Association). You might not care about playing tournaments or any other kind of "sanctioned" play, but those you are playing against might. And they might get pretty frustrated playing against your "illegal" paddle, especially if they are really competitive and you beat them. The intent of having approved paddles is to keep the ones giving a big advantage off the court. What constitutes a "big" advantage? Who knows. The rules are evolving to prevent any single advantage from decidedly winning matches. In 2023, for example, the "spin" serve became illegal for this reason. You can go to the USAP rule book link here and read the rules starting on page 7, or you can search the USAP approved paddle list here
Paddle Material
Pickleball paddles are made from various materials, most commonly wood and composite. Wood paddles can work for beginners looking for tolerable control. Composite paddles offer a blend of power and control, making them suitable for a wide range of players. If you don't already know, but have heard the word "composite" before and are curious, composite simply means it is made of more than one material. The two relevant components of composite paddles are the core, typically a honeycomb-like structure (great for weight and strength), and the surface. The edge of the paddle can have a guard or not as well. They can be made from polymers like polypropylene, or fiberglass or carbon, and a resin that is basically a glue holding it all together. These components (and the shape, mentioned again below) result in paddles having different abilities to provide control, power, and spin. According to the Selkirk (probably the most well known paddle brand) website, "control" oriented paddles have a thickness of 16mm or more and "power" oriented paddles have a thickness of 13mm or less. In between is... surprise, in between. Who knows, maybe 3mm-16mm is your personal goldilocks zone. I would add that thinner "power" paddles depend on stiffness too. As the paddle gets thinner, there will be a point that thinner is less power because there is less stiffness in the paddle. I would suggest you do as I did (after trying really cheap paddles) and start with a thicker paddle, then as your game and familiarity improve, start looking for thinner, more powerful paddles. They will likely have to be carbon to be stiff enough, which means more expensive. If you want to see it, Selkirk has their own suggestions for paddles. Here they are by topic: Beginners, Spin, Power, and Tennis Players.
Weight Distribution
Pickleball paddles come in a range of weights, and the weight distribution can affect your performance. Players who prefer more power may opt for a paddle with more weight in the head, while those seeking quicker reactions may prefer a lighter paddle with weight towards the handle. One note to keep in mind about getting longer or heavier paddles- it puts more strain on the tendons from your wrist to elbow. If you already have problems in that area, opt for a lighter paddle. The middle range of paddle weight is around 8 ounces. I suggest looking for something near that and then gravitate upward for more power or downward for quickness/comfort. The other thing for weight distribution is some paddle manufacturers are adding an additional gel or other material to dampen the ball impact on the paddle. Theoretically, this should make the sweet spot bigger, which means fewer "mishits" where the ball hits the paddle but doesn't really go anywhere. A cheaper option that's adjustable is adding weighted tape around the rim of the paddle. This can help you customize a paddle's weight distribution to what works best for you for power and control. Here's a thorough discussion on weighted tape for your paddle.
Grip Size
Choosing the right grip size is essential for comfort and control. An incorrect grip size can lead to wrist strain and a lack of control over shots. I recommend players measure their hand size and try different grips to find the one that provides a comfortable, firm hold without feeling too loose or tight. Here's an easy way to measure your grip and get a good starting point. NOTE: as you get more into pickleball, you will quickly, if not immediately, be looking for a way to keep a great grip on your paddle. Overgrip does this for you. It has been around for many years for tennis rackets. You simply take a strip of overgrip, wrap it over the grip already existing on your handle, and boom, you have a much stickier, and replaceable, grip for some sweaty games. Here is some helpful instruction for applying overgrip.
Paddle Shape and Dimensions
Pickleball paddles are available in various shapes and sizes. Beginners may find that a standard or wide-body, as in square, shape offers a larger hitting surface and sweet spot with improved shot accuracy. However, experienced players might prefer an elongated shape for better reach and spin potential. Additionally, the USAPA regulates the maximum dimensions of a pickleball paddle. The max length is 17" and the length plus width must be under 24".
Surface Texture
The surface texture of the paddle can influence spin, control, and power. A rough texture can help generate more spin on the ball, while a smooth surface offers a more consistent and predictable response. Unless you are coming from tennis or table tennis, I would suggest a smoother paddle surface to keep it a bit simpler starting out
Noise Level
Pickleball paddles can produce varying levels of noise upon contact with the ball. Some players prefer a quieter paddle, while others don't mind the audible "pop" sound. It's worth considering the noise your paddle will make, especially if there are other non-pickleball players around. Some neighborhoods are pissed about the noise, so it's possible some rules may be introduced to be more "environment" friendly in this way. If you really care, here are a couple "green" paddles: Selkirk has one and so does Joola.
Brand and Reputation
Reputable brands consistently deliver high-quality paddles that are tested and approved by players worldwide. Opting for well-established brands with a track record of producing durable, high-performing paddles can be a smart choice. The short list of these brands includes Selkirk, Joola, Franklin, Head, Onix, PROKENNEX, Prolite, and Paddletek.
Ultimately, the perfect paddle for you will depend on your personal preferences and requirements. Take the time to try out different paddles, seek advice from experienced players, and analyze your gameplay to make an informed decision. A well-chosen pickleball paddle can significantly elevate your performance and enjoyment on the court, helping you take your game to new heights. Comment below if you would like to see many available options combined in a selector so you can filter for what you want. Until then, you could always do a lesson and try out a few paddles with Foundation Pickleball!
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