Pickleball Paddle Guide for Beginners

and Intermediate Players

When I first took up pickleball, I opted for the most budget-friendly option available – a wooden paddle that, in retrospect, was akin to a chopping board. It wasn’t until I discovered the transformative power of a superior paddle that I decided to upgrade to the Onix Z5, a purchase I made through Amazon. The contrast in gameplay was stark, and the Z5 became my trusted companion on the court for a solid month. Around that time, my son acquired a Joola Hyperion, and after a single game with it, I had an epiphany. The right paddle doesn’t just enhance the game; it revolutionizes it, providing a level of power and control I hadn’t thought possible. Hence the reason that I constructed this Pickleball Paddle Guide.

There are plenty of websites online that give pickleball paddle reviews, and many more that recommend pickleball paddles for beginners, and pickleball paddles for intermediate players. Most of these online websites are trying to sell you paddles. This pickleball paddle guide has one goal, to assist you in learning how to choose a pickleball paddle. We want you to find the right paddle for you, no matter where you buy it from. Our aim is to educate and inform you about the various options available, so you can make an informed decision that suits your playing style and skill level.

Pickleball Paddle Guide: How to Choose the Right Paddle

When selecting a pickleball paddle, consider the following factors:

Paddle Weight

• Light paddles (6-7.9 oz) offer more control but less power.
• Medium paddles (8-8.9 oz) provide a balance of power and control.
• Heavy paddles (9+ oz) deliver more power but can be harder to control.

Shape of the Paddle

• Standard shape: A balanced option suitable for most players.
• Elongated shape: Offers more reach but a smaller sweet spot.
• Widebody shape: Provides a larger sweet spot but less reach.

Paddle Core

• Polymer core: Offers a soft feel and good control.
• Nomex core: Provides a harder feel and more power.
• Aluminum core: Delivers a mix of power and control.
• Carbon fiber: Carbon fiber is a strong and lightweight material that offers more power than polymer or Nomex cores.

Paddle Face

• Graphite face: Offers a responsive feel and good control.
• Composite face: Provides a mix of power and control.
• Fiberglass face: Delivers more power but less control.
• Carbon fiber: Carbon fiber is a stronger and more lightweight material than graphite, offering more power and spin potential.

Grip Size

• Small grip (4 inches): Suitable for players with smaller hands.
• Medium grip (4 1/4 inches): Ideal for most players.
• Large grip (4 1/2 inches): Best for players with larger hands.

Price

Budget-friendly options are available, but investing in a quality paddle can enhance your game.

The average cost of a pickleball paddle as of today varies depending on the brand, materials, and features. However, most pickleball paddles fall within the following price ranges:

• Budget: $30-$50
• Mid-range: $50-$100
• High-end: $100-$200
• Professional: $200+

Budget paddles are typically made from less expensive materials, such as aluminum and fiberglass. They may also have fewer features, such as a textured surface for spin. Mid-range paddles are typically made from higher quality materials, such as graphite and carbon fiber. They may also have more features, such as a textured surface for spin and a cushioned grip. High-end paddles are typically made from the highest quality materials and have all of the latest features. Professional paddles are typically used by competitive players and are the most expensive type of pickleball paddle.

Pickleball Paddle Guide: Recommendations for Different Player Types

What is the Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners?

A medium-weight paddle with a polymer core and composite face is ideal for beginners. Update – Try the Dynamic Dink Edgeless Pickleball Paddle (previously my recommendation was the Onix Graphite Z5)

Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

Look for a medium-weight paddle with a polymer core and composite face for a balance of power and control. For beginners, a control paddle is recommended. Control paddles are typically made from graphite or fiberglass, and they have a larger sweet spot than power paddles. This makes them more forgiving for beginners, who are still learning to hit the ball consistently.

A paddle with a polymer core is best for beginners. Polymer cores are the most common type of core material in pickleball paddles, and they offer a good balance of power and control.

For the shape, I recommend a traditional tear-drop shape for beginners. This shape is the most common type of shape in pickleball paddles, and it offers a good balance of power and control.

Tips for Beginners

Beginners should generally start with a control paddle. Control paddles are more forgiving of mistakes and can help you to develop your shot accuracy. Once you have developed your skills, you can then upgrade to a power paddle if you desire.

If possible, try out different paddles before you buy one. I always have demo paddles that you can test in the New Orleans area. This will help you to find a paddle that is comfortable for you to hold and swing. You can also ask other pickleball players for their recommendations.

Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players

Consider a medium to heavy paddle with a Nomex or aluminum core and graphite face for improved power and control.

For intermediate players, I recommend a control paddle with some pop. This means a paddle that has a balance of power and control, with a slight emphasis on power. This will allow you to hit your shots with more authority while still maintaining good control.

As for materials, I recommend a carbon fiber face with a polymer core. Carbon fiber faces are lightweight and durable, and they provide good power and spin potential. Polymer cores are also lightweight and durable, and they offer a good balance of power and control.

For the shape, I recommend a traditional tear-drop shape or a widebody paddle. Traditional tear-drop paddles offer a good balance of power and control, while widebody paddles offer a larger sweet spot for more forgiving shots.

Pickleball Paddle Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

How to Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle?

Consider your skill level, playing style, and the factors listed in Section 1.

What are Good Pickleball Paddles?

Good pickleball paddles are those that meet your specific needs and preferences. There isn’t one best pickleball paddle that meets everyone’s needs.

What to Look for When Buying Pickleball Paddles?

Look for a paddle that suits your skill level, playing style, and budget.

What is the Best Pickleball Paddle for Power?

A heavy paddle with a Nomex or aluminum core and carbon fiber face will provide more power.

The Latest Trends in Pickleball Paddle Technology

Pickleball paddle technology is constantly evolving, with manufacturers looking for ways to make paddles lighter, more durable, and more powerful. Some of the latest trends include:

• Lighter paddles: Lighter paddles are easier to maneuver and can help players generate more power on their shots.
• More durable paddles: Pickleball paddles can take a lot of abuse during play, so manufacturers are looking for ways to make them more durable.
• New core materials: New core materials, such as polymer honeycomb, graphene, and carbon fiber, are stronger and lighter than traditional core materials, such as wood and aluminum. These new core material are being used to create paddles that are lighter, stronger, and more durable. These new materials also help to reduce vibration, which can lead to more comfortable and accurate shots.
• Textured surfaces: New surface textures, such as roughened and textured finishes, are being used to create paddles that generate more spin. This can give players an advantage in matches, as it can make it more difficult for opponents to return their shots. Textured surfaces on pickleball paddles can help players generate more spin on their shots. Spin can be very useful for pickleball players, as it can help them to control the ball and to hit different types of shots.
• Oversized sweet spots: Oversized sweet spots on pickleball paddles give players a larger area of the paddle where they can hit the ball cleanly. This can help players to hit more shots cleanly, even if they don’t hit the ball perfectly in the center of the paddle.
• New edge guards: New edge guards are being used to create paddles that are more durable and less likely to chip or crack. This is important for players who hit the ball hard or who frequently play in outdoor courts.

Pickleball Paddle Guide: Hot New Pickleball Paddles in 2023

Pickleball paddle technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, and 2023 is no exception.

Power Paddles

A power paddle is a pickleball paddle that is designed to help players hit the ball with more power. Power paddles typically have a thinner core and a heavier head, which helps to transfer more energy to the ball. This can result in faster and more powerful shots.

• CRBN Power 16MM
  • Honeycomb core for durability and vibration reduction.
  • Unique carbon fiber core that reduces vibration and arm fatigue.
• Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 (Use code: 20parfait for 20% Off)
  • Large sweet spot, players can hit powerful shots even if they don’t hit the ball perfectly in the center of the paddle.
  • Unique core design that helps to reduce vibration and arm fatigue.
• Diadem 18K EDGE Power Pro
  • HyperTextured 18K carbon fiber core for more spin.
  • Textured face for more spin.
• Gearbox Pro Power
  • Super Soft EVA Foam core for balance of power and control.
  • Lightweight design for easy swinging.
• Selkirk Amped S2 X5 FiberFlex
  • Flexible FiberFlex face for more feel and control.
• Vatic Pro Flash X
  • High-density EVA foam core for good power and control.

Control Paddles

A control paddle is a pickleball paddle that is designed to help players hit the ball with more precision and accuracy. Control paddles typically have a thicker core, which helps to absorb the impact of the ball and reduce vibration. This makes it easier for players to control the direction and spin of their shots.

• Gearbox Pro Control
  • Soft EVA foam core for control and feel.
  • Larger sweet spot for forgiveness.
• Joola Hyperion
  • Soft EVA foam core for control and feel.
  • Textured face for more spin.
• Joola Perseus
  • Thicker soft EVA foam core for more power and feel.
• Paddletek Bantam Air
  • Lightweight design for easy swinging.
• Paddletek Tempest Wave
  • Wider face for more surface area to hit the ball.
• Selkirk LUXX Invikta
  • Textured face for more spin and control.
• SixZero Double Black Diamond
  • Smaller sweet spot for maximum control.

Pickleball Paddle Guide

Choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial to enhancing your game. By considering the factors outlined in this Pickleball Paddle Guide and selecting a paddle that suits your needs, you’ll be well on your way to success on the court. A paddle with an elongated shape will have a smaller sweet spot, but can give players more power. A thicker core in a paddle will provide more control, but it will also take away some of the power. A paddle with a textured face can help players generate more spin, which can also increase power. Remember, the best paddle is the one that feels right for you, regardless of where you purchase it. Happy playing!