Choosing The Right Pickleball Paddle

Looking for a fantastic way to get a cardio workout, improve your balance and hand-eye coordination, then head to the pickleball courts. You will need a paddle that best meets your needs (do not forget a good pair of court shoes). With new pickleball paddles being released, what seems daily, it becomes challenging to determine which paddle to select.

Determine Your Needs

When choosing a paddle, select one that best meets those things within your personal wheelhouse such as:

Playing style – Are you a tennis player getting ready to make the switch to pickleball. Do you prefer power over control, or control over power?
Skill level – Are you a beginner or have you been playing for a while and ready to upgrade.
Budget – How much are you willing to spend.

Beginners should choose a lightweight paddle with a large, sweet spot for control. Advanced players may prefer a medium-weight, textured paddle for power and spin. Youth players aged 5 to 12 should use lighter, smaller paddles. Regardless of where you are at in your pickleball journey, ensure your paddle has a secure grip, durable face, and sturdy design.

Paddle Requirements

USA Pickleball is the governing body that determines the rules associated with all things Pickleball, including paddles. Those can be found in the USA Pickleball Rule book section 2.E.

Here ae the basics. A pickleball paddle’s combined length and width must not exceed twenty-four inches. Additionally, the paddle length cannot exceed seventeen inches.

There are no rules that restrict the thickness and weight of a paddle. Paddles are available in various thicknesses, including 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, and 16mm. Their average weight ranges from 7.5 to 8.5 ounces

There are some basic rules that determine the material type. There are Wood, fiberglass, Carbon Fiber and yes Kevlar faced paddles. While all those material types are acceptable, Carbon Fiber is what is recommended. For the serious player, choose a paddle that is made with Toray T700 Carbon Fiber, for the beginner any Carbon Fiber is acceptable.

Paddle Cost

The cost of Pickleball paddles varies due to the use of advanced materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, polymer cores, research and development, and branding efforts contribute to higher production costs.

We have recently seen a nice carbon fiber paddle at a big box store, one with a big red circle, for less than $30. Paddles, however, can go as high as $350. For the average player you can purchase a Toray T700 Carbon Fiber, Thermoformed Paddle for less than $200.

Bottom-line, buy a paddle that fits your budget and get out and play. It is ok if it does not have a universally recognized name. Consider the way it was made and the materials it is made of. There are many quality paddles on the market that will perform as well as the name brand ones for a lot less money.

Pickleball Paddle Basics

Here is a breakdown of paddles shapes and sizes to choose from. We will look at each and provide some insight to help you determine which is the best fit for you.

The Standard or Wide Body Paddle – This paddle is typically 16 inches long and 8 inches wide. They have a thickness range from 13mm to 16mm. These paddles are recommended for the beginner and those who play two to four times a month. These provide a stable and larger sweet spot and there are many different options on the market.
The Elongated Paddle – This paddle is typically 16.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide. They have a longer reach and typically are approximately 15mm thick, which provides more power and less control. They are great for a player who likes to use a two-handed shot and those who choose to play singles. This paddle is better suited for the advanced player.
The Hybrid Paddle – This paddle is typically 16.25 inches long and 7.75 inches wide. They tend to be faster than the elongated paddle yet have a similar reach. They are more stable that the elongated and easier to customize. They have better control than the elongated and less power.
The Youth Paddle – This paddle is specifically designed for those 5 to 12 years of age. These paddles are lighter and smaller in size to accommodate the child’s growth and development. Children using adult paddles may develop muscle and joint pain, so it is highly recommended they use a paddle specifically designed for them.

Pickleball Paddle Recommendations

Here are our paddle recommendations. *All Six Zero Prices reflect a 12% discount. To claim your discount, Click Here, for the discount code and enter that at checkout.

The Wide Body Recommendation
Six Zero Quartz
*$79.20