Hi Everyone my name is Joe.
Played my first games and am addicted.
I would like to know the best first paddle, am athletically inclined but have never played tennis or ping pong ect. Am willing to go with the latest raw carbon fiber but don’t want to spend a ton.
Hey Joe! Welcome to the addictive world of pickleball! It’s fantastic to hear about your enthusiasm for the game.
Choosing your first paddle is a big step, especially since you’re athletically inclined but new to racket sports like tennis or ping pong. Here are a few pointers to help you find the right paddle without breaking the bank:
- Weight: Since you’re athletic but new to racket sports, a mid-weight paddle (around 7.3 to 8.4 ounces) might be a good choice. It offers a balance of power and control.
- Material: While raw carbon fiber paddles are top-notch, they can be pricey. You can find high-quality paddles made from composite materials that are more budget-friendly. These often offer a good blend of power, control, and feel.
- Grip Size: Make sure the grip size is comfortable for your hand. A standard grip size for pickleball paddles is around 4 to 4 ½ inches.
- Paddle Shape: Standard shape paddles are a safe bet for beginners. They offer a good balance between hitting surface and control.
- Price Range: You can find a really good paddle in the range of $50 to $100. This price bracket offers a variety of options that are high-quality without being overly expensive.
- Brands to Consider: Look at brands like Selkirk, Paddletek, and Onix. They offer great beginner to intermediate paddles that won’t empty your wallet.
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, try out a few paddles before making a purchase. Some clubs or stores offer demo programs where you can test different paddles.
Remember, the best paddle for you is the one that feels right in your hands and suits your play style. As you play more, you’ll get a better feel for what you like in a paddle. Enjoy your pickleball journey!
Hey Joe! Starting with a beginner-friendly paddle is a great idea. Look for something like the Killerspin Jet 200, which offers good control and spin without breaking the bank. It’s also made with composite materials, which should suit your athletic background. Happy playing!
Friday paddles are a steal for the quality! 2 for $98!
Website is fridaypickle
Use code RYAN40851
1 Like
How to Choose Pickleball Paddle
Picking the right pickleball paddle is critical to enjoying the game. Focus on yourself first, considering your skill level and playing style.
Beginners should prioritizee control with a more prominent sweet spot, while advanced players can explore power options.
Then, match those needs to features like paddle weight, material, and grip size. Feel free to try different paddles before you buy!
We start discussing the first paddle features!
Choosing the Right Pickleball Paddle: A Guide for All Levels
To find out why paddles are the right choice for you, let’s examine the following features:
Paddle Material
Modern pickleball paddles are built for performance. Let’s explore the key components:
Core Material
The heart of the paddle is typically made from honeycomb-shaped polypropylene chambers. These offer a good balance of weight and power. The gearbox is a unique exception, using long, carbon fiber tubes for the entire paddle.
Manufacturers may add a surrounding ring of carbon fiber, foam, or more polymer to adjust shock absorption and playing style.
Surface Material
The playing surface is where most innovation happens. Carbon fiber reigns supreme, with variations like T700 Toray and 3K carbon fiber offering different qualities. While a few brands still use fiberglass and graphite, the vast majority of new paddles utilize carbon fiber for its superior performance.
Paddle Control And Power
Pickleball paddles cater to different playing styles. The critical difference lies in the balance between control and power. Let’s explore each type to help you choose your perfect match.
Control Paddles
Prioritize precision. These paddles have a more prominent sweet spot, making it easier to place shots accurately. They excel at absorbing opponents’ power, but this can limit your offensive firepower. Think of them as “touch” paddles, ideal for strategic players who want to slow down the game.
Power Paddles
Pack a punch. Designed for players with shorter swings or those who naturally hit hard, power paddles help generate extra speed. However, this added power requires finesse to stay within the court boundaries. Beginners might find a more forgiving paddle easier to handle.
Paddle Thickness
Pickleball paddle thickness varies from 11MM to 16MM, and most pro players use 13mm to 16mm because the paddle weight, control, and power differ from one thickness level.
Paddle thickness also affects the sweet spot, and we can divide it into thinner paddles and thicker paddles.
Thinner paddle
A paddle with a thinner core is lighter in the hand and allows you to swing faster, generating plenty of crisp power:
- Focus on benefit: A thin core makes the paddle lightweight and maneuverable, letting you unleash explosive power with faster swings.”
- More descriptive: “The lighter feel of a thin core translates to quicker swings, ideal for generating sharp, powerful shots.
- Emphasize control trade-off: “Thinner cores offer a lightning-fast swing and crisp power but may sacrifice some control for off-center hits.
Manufacturers often label them “power paddles” due to their increased trampoline effect, resulting in more powerful shots. However, the trade-off is a smaller sweet spot. Since these paddles require more precise contact for control, they tend to be favored by advanced players.
Thicker paddle
Thicker cores allow for a better ‘feel’ of the ball, providing more absorption of power as the ball can sink deeper into the paddle face. This allows for more control and makes for a more prominent sweet spot.:
- More impactful: Thicker cores offer a luxurious feel when in contact. They absorb power as the ball digs in more deeply, granting you greater control and a more forgiving sweet spot.
- Focus on benefit: For players prioritizing precision, a thicker core provides a softer feel and exceptional control. The deeper ball contact creates a more prominent sweet spot, allowing for more forgiveness on off-center hits.
They excel at distributing force evenly across the face, creating a more prominent sweet spot. This translates to more forgiveness on off-center hits and a predictable feel on every shot. These features make thicker paddles popular choices for beginners and players looking to refine their control.
Paddle Shape
USA Pickleball regulations dictate a maximum combined length and width of 24 inches for paddles. This creates a balancing act for manufacturers - a longer paddle sacrifices some width, and vice versa.
Paddle Shape Breakdown:
- Standard (15 ¾” - 16 ¾” length): The classic choice for beginners and control-oriented players. These paddles offer a comfortable size for maneuverability and a more prominent sweet spot for more forgiving shots.
- Hybrid (variable length): A blend of standard and elongated shapes, hybrids provide a middle ground. They offer some extra reach compared to standard paddles while maintaining a decent sweet spot size.
- Elongated (16.5” and up): The weapon of choice for advanced players, elongated paddles offer maximum reach and potential power. However, their narrow profile and smaller sweet spot make them less forgiving and require more precise control.
Choosing the Right Shape:
Beginners and players prioritizing control will find comfort and success with standard or hybrid paddles. As your skills progress, you can explore elongated paddles for increased reach and power, but be prepared for a steeper learning curve due to the smaller sweet spot.
Paddle Grip
The perfect paddle fit goes beyond just the face. Handle length and grip circumference play a key role in comfort, control, and power generation.
Handle Length:
- Standard (most common): Offers a balance of power and maneuverability, ideal for most players. It provides enough space for a two-handed backhand if needed.
- Shorter: Prioritizes maneuverability and control. Perfect for one-handed backhands and players with smaller hands. It lets you maximize the paddle face for fewer off-center hits.
- Extended: Maximizes leverage for powerful swings. It is ideal for two-handed backhands and players seeking extra power. The higher balance point can take some getting used to.