Pickleball Paddle Buying Guide
If you're looking to buy a new pickleball paddle, you've come to the right place! Let's break down how to choose the perfect paddle for your needs.
Grip Size: Ensure it fits well in your hand for maximum comfort and control.
Paddle Weight: Influences the power and speed of your shots.
Paddle Shape: Dictates the surface area and sweet spot of your paddle.
Pickleball grip sizes range from the smallest (3 ⅝”) to the largest (4 ½”+). A smaller grip provides a greater range of wrist motion which can generate more spin and power. The right grip size allows a finger's width gap between the fingertips and the palm.
Grip Size Categories:
Thin Grip: 3 5/8" - 4 1/8"
Standard Grip: 4 1/4" - 4 3/8"
Thick Grip: 4 1/2"+
Lightweight (7.0-7.4oz): Best for maneuverability and paddle speed.
Middleweight (7.5-8.4oz): Offers a balance of power, control, and stability.
Heavyweight (8.5oz+): Provides maximum power and stability.
Types of Cores:
Nomex: Powerful and durable but loud.
Aluminum: Lightweight and offers good touch.
Polymer: Soft, quiet, durable, and widely popular.
Carbon Fiber: Lightweight with power due to its stiffness.
Composite: Balance of power, control, and durability.
Graphite: Lightweight with a soft touch, offering maximum control.
Hybrid: Mix of materials to optimize power, spin, touch, or control.
Play Style: If you're a power player, heavier paddles might be best. If you prioritize control, go lightweight.
Noise Level: If you play in quiet neighborhoods, polymer cores are less disruptive.
Budget: Always factor in how much you're willing to spend.
Don't forget to always try a paddle before committing to a purchase. Ensure it feels right and aligns with your playstyle. Enjoy the game!
Have a weight you can play best with.
Have a shape and build that matches your playing style.
And of course, the price should be within your budget since paddles range in price from $10 for a cheap wooden paddle to over $150 for the best pro paddles.
Below we explain how to determine your correct grip size, ideal weight and style (maybe in too much detail for some of you that are in a hurry)…so please continue reading to find out all the things to consider.
Here are a few of our most popular lists to check out if you’re looking for recommended paddles:
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US and along with the surge of new pickleball players many new pickleball equipment manufacturers, retail shops and online stores selling pickleball paddles have also popped up. With the growth of the sport, many major sporting goods stores are also carrying a selection of paddles.
Those of you that have been playing pickleball for some time know the history of the game and how simple the first paddles were, it was just a single piece of plywood cut in a garage with a bandsaw.
This opens up a new set of questions to answer which can be very confusing to a new player: weight, grip size, core material (wood, polymer, Nomex, aluminum) and paddle face material (carbon fiber, fiberglass, graphite)?
Without boring you with all the details of each and every pickleball paddle on the market, this article is designed to give you a good overview of how different paddles are made, how the paddle face material and texture will affect the way the ball plays off the paddle.
We also help narrow down your options given your personal style of play and budget. Hopefully, this buying guide will help you select a pickleball paddle that works best for you and is in your price range.
Whether you are just getting started with your first pickleball paddle or perhaps you’re replacing or upgrading your current paddle to a more expensive one, we hope the following guide is helpful.
Wood is still a viable option for beginners pickleball players looking to invest a minimum amount on their first paddle and are fine with a heavy pickleball paddle.
It is important to remember that the original pickleball paddles were made out of wood so they are definitely usable and these newer wood versions have been improved over the original paddles with the addition of grips and safety straps to prevent the paddle from flying out of your hand.
If you are purchasing a large quantity of pickleball equipment (for schools, YMCA, community center, summer camps, etc) wood paddles can be a decent option. These type of sports programs were paddles are heavily used, the wood can take quite a beating so can be a good option due to durability and low cost.
Also, kids playing for pickleball for 45 mins in P.E. will probably be less sensitive to the paddle weight compared to a senior player playing pickleball frequently.
Wood paddles can also be a good solution when you have visitors coming to visit (i.e. grandkids flying down to FL for visit). It’s an easy way to have a few extra paddles around for rookies or friends that want to try their hand at pickleball.
For everyone else not mentioned: we would recommend you skip the wood paddles and look for a mid-range composite or graphite pickleball paddle. The prices have come down in recent years and you can find very affordable paddles.
We got our hands on the orange variant of the four Vulcan V910 16mm pickleball paddles, but after plenty of time on the court, we recommend high-level players check out all four options to see which version best suits their play style. In general, though, the ultra-rugged carbon fiber surface feels extremely sturdy despite its lightweight design, it sports a rather generous sweet spot, and a premium shock-adsorbing core that lets us play harder for longer without feeling it later. The orange variant we played with excelled at power shots due to its aerodynamic oval shape, allowing for swift, yet consistently forceful shots, with a surprisingly precise level of control and spin for what feels like a power-focused design. Experienced players will definitely appreciate the variety of specialized pickleball paddles in the V900 series.
Not only is this kit an excellent deal, since it includes two pickleball paddles, a carrying bag, two rolls of grip tape, and four balls, these USAPA (USA Pickleball) approved paddles are comfortable, optimized for a bit of extra power in each shot, and are available in a large range of vibrant and fun designs. Great for beginners and intermediate players, Niupipo paddles are sturdy, on the lighter side, and function well as a generalist paddle that provides reliable spin and control due to its textured fiberglass face. You may be skeptical of these paddles because of their low price point, but the durability and performance makes them well-worth a try for newcomers.
Pickleball paddles also comes in all shapes and sizes. The pickleball paddle size – the length and the width – is regulated by the rules of pickleball, as the combined length and width of the pickleball paddle (including the edge guard and cap on the handle) may not exceed 24 inches, while the length of a pickleball paddle may not exceed 17 inches. With that said, three common shapes to consider include:
The standard pickleball paddle shape is 16 inches long by 8 inches wide (which, in each case, meets the total 24 inches permitted by the rules of pickleball). This shape offers a great balance of reach, power, and control for pickleball paddles.
An elongated shape is a pickleball paddle that is longer than 16 inches (typically 16.5 to 17 inches). As a result, the width of the pickleball paddle is smaller than the standard shape, too. The elongated shape generally provides more reach, power, and spin (but, on the flip side, possibly less control). The elongated shape is popular amongst singles pickleball players due to this extended reach.
Some pickleball paddles have longer handles than others (to note, pickleball paddle handles longer than 5 inches are considered long). The longer handle is preferred for pickleball players that have two-handed backhands (which are often current or former tennis players). If you have a two-handed backhand that you tend to favor, consider whether you need a pickleball paddle with a longer handle. If so, the pickleball paddle will be elongated in the paddle shape, but will generally have “less paddle” and “more handle.”
Mid-Level pickleball players who enjoy having fun, yet are still learning what their signature style is, should pick up one of these all-around great paddles. Featuring a comfortable textured standard grip, a rugged velvety face texture that provides plenty of spin, and a reliable balance of power and ball control, the maneuverable Paddletek Bantam EX-L is a versatile pick to play with until you feel the need for a more specialized paddle. In addition, the EX-L features a large sweet spot, a durable design made to last, and is available in several vibrant colors.
The weight of a pickleball paddle may also be a deciding factor in how to choose the right pickleball paddle for you. There is no rule that regulates the weight of a pickleball paddle. As a result, a pickleball paddle may be as heavy or as a light as a player decides and, like varying prices for pickleball paddles, pickleball paddles come in varying weights. Pickleball paddles less than 7.3 ounces would be considered lightweight, while pickleball paddles heavier than 8.3 ounces would be considered heavyweight. This leaves the midweight pickleball paddles ranging from 7.3 to 8.3 ounces.
Lightweight pickleball paddles help generate paddle speed, which can help with fast reflexes at the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen line. However, lightweight paddles generally do not generate as much power. On the flip side, heavyweight pickleball paddles can slow down your hands and reflexes due to the additional weight, but the heavier pickleball paddles generate much more power.
If you’re a longtime pickleball player searching for a paddle to provide the most reliable spin you can get, the Vulcan V570FRP is a must-try. This snow white pickleball paddle stands apart from other spin-focused designs due to its unique raw fiberglass face, a highly textured surface that translates to consistent spin when you need it the most. In addition to its superior traction, it has a longer handle for extra reach, a particularly large sweet spot, and a solid balance of power and control for creating the curves, drop, and angles you want to serve up.
There are many reasons why fresh-faced pickleball players should consider a Joola Journey as their first paddle: There’s the cozy, tactile feel of its standard grip, the way it sports a balanced design for reliable power plays and ball control, its reinforced edges to ensure that despite accidental taps, their first paddle will last a while, as well as how its lightweight feel makes it easier to practice for longer. The Journey is available in a rainbow of eye-catching colors, has a cozy smaller grip that big kids and beginners will feel comfortable with, and a wide sweet spot that comes in handy when you’re learning how to reliably return basic shots. The Journey is a rock-solid pick for anyone lacing their tennis shoes and hitting the court for the first time, and it’s versatile enough to last long after they become comfortable with the game.
Wood pickleball paddles are by far the cheapest pickleball paddles available on the market. Normally made of 7 ply maple or Baltic birch wood, these paddles are the most affordably priced. You can currently find the lowest priced wooden paddles for around $10 up to about $25 for the most expensive wood options.
You can also find pickleball paddle sets that come in a bundle along with balls, like this one with two paddles and four pickleballs. This format is the most affordable for a couple or family looking to buy multiple paddles and also need balls.
The Selkirk Sport Club Paddle is a good example of this type of paddle.
A question I occasionally get from readers is…
Although heated gameplay and time will naturally wear down your pickleball paddles, there are a few key tips to keep them on the court in tip-top shape for as long as possible:
Only play pickleball with your paddles. It may be tempting to play with tennis balls, but your favorite paddle was explicitly designed for use with pickleballs, and playing with anything else will do more damage than you may expect.
Care for your grip. Your grip will naturally get sticky and grimy from your sweat over time, so take a few moments to wipe down a paddle’s handle with a towel after you play to keep its handle feeling fresh and comfortable for longer. If the grip becomes uncomfortable or too gross to fix, a fresh application of grip tape may solve the problem.
No taps. Avoid accidentally tapping your paddles against the ground, the net, and your equipment, as this will shorten its lifespan and worsen its performance over time.
Store your pickleball paddles properly. Always place your paddles in a cover when you’re done playing, and place them in a temperature-controlled area of your home. Keeping a paddle in your car or in a shed will expose it to extreme heat and cold, which will deteriorate and warp its surface and core.
Graphite: These paddles sport a slim layer of graphite lining their paddle surfaces, and are some of the lightest options available. Graphite pickleball paddles are best known for speedy play and a higher level of control, at the cost of power and spin.
Composite: These paddles are composed of multiple materials, but most often carbon fiber, a polymer, or fiberglass. Composite paddles tend to provide more spin and power, but a bit less control and speed than their graphite counterparts.
Wood: Although wooden pickleball paddles tend to be affordable, rugged, and are usually optimized for power shots, these thick and heavy models aren’t known for their comfort, speed, and overall control.
At the end of the day, we’ll always recommend fiberglass, graphite or carbon fiber paddles over wood whether you’re playing for the first time or taking your game to the next level. Generally speaking, wooden paddles are heavy, difficult to control and lacking in surface texture that’s required for solid spin. But if you want to play casually or really like the look and feel of a classic wooden paddle, this set of four paddles from Amazin’ Aces will do the trick. The seven-ply maple wood looks good on the court, and because this package comes in a set of four (with accompanying balls), you can easily play pickup games with friends and family all summer long. It doesn’t hurt that the set costs less than a tank of gas these days, so even if you pick up these paddles and find yourself neglecting them, you won’t have to feel bad about your purchase.
What players say: “They are very sturdy, consistent, and have a good balance between maneuverability and power. Edges are still going strong because they're lined with impressively durable plastic. The grip is decent and absorbs some sweat as well.”
The last method to test what pickleball grip size is correct for you requires a pickleball paddle. Grab the pickleball paddle using the Eastern pickleball paddle grip. As a reminder, to find this Eastern pickleball grip, hold your pickleball paddle directly out in front of you with your opposite hand, such that the paddle face is looking evenly to the left of your body and to the right of your body. Take your hand that you are holding the pickleball paddle with and place it on the face of the pickleball paddle.
Slide your hand down the paddle face and shake hands with the pickleball paddle grip.
Now, place the index finger of your free hand in the gap between your finger tips and thumb of your hand holding the pickleball paddle. If your index finger fits snug in the gap, then you likely have the best pickleball grip size for you. If your index finger cannot fit in the space, then the pickleball grip size may be too small. If your index finder fits in the space with plenty of room on either side, then the pickleball grip may be too large.
Please note, however, that this index finger test for grip size is more common in tennis, as tennis generally features larger grip sizes for larger racquets. As a result, this test may not produce the most accurate results for pickleball grip size. We suggest using this index finger test in conjunction with the height test and finger length test for pickleball grip size.
Pickleball paddles range in price points—from under $20 to more than $200. As a result, price may be a deciding factor when choosing a pickleball paddle. A low-price pickleball paddle would likely be under $50, and a high-price pickleball paddle would be $150 and above. This leaves the $50 to $150 range for the mid-price pickleball paddles.
Your price range may depend on how much pickleball you are expecting to play. In other words, if you plan on playing pickleball one or two times (*good luck just playing once or twice, as pickleball is like Pringles – once you start, the fun doesn’t stop!), you may be looking for a pickleball paddle in the $20 to $50 range and do not want to make a significant investment. However, if you plan to play pickleball more frequently (for instance, once or twice a week), then consider making an investment in your pickleball paddle, as the quality of the pickleball paddle may, or most likely will, affect the quality of your play on the pickleball court.
These paddles are constructed with a composite core and of a fiberglass or carbon fiber hitting surface. The core of the paddle is made of either Nomex™ (rigid nylon), polymer or aluminum. There are pros and cons to each paddle core type, which we go into below.
Composite pickleball paddles are also becoming more popular because the textured surface makes it easier to put spin on the ball. If you are looking for a good composite pickleball paddle take a look at our recommended paddles for spin here.
The majority weigh from 6 to 9 ounces. Graphite paddles are also built with a core (Nomex, aluminum or polymer) similar to composite paddles. The graphite face on both sides of the paddle is what differentiates this type of pickleball paddle.
Competitive players like the quick action off the graphite face. If you are sold on the idea that this is the right kind of paddle for you, see our top picks for graphite pickleball paddles here.
When the time comes to invest in a pickleball paddle, you’ll quickly notice that options abound. Some paddles feature lightweight materials, others promote durability, and every paddle claims to be the best option when the time comes to up your game. With that in mind, we pored over expert opinions, online reviews and the latest in paddle technology to assemble a list of noteworthy options. From there, we considered each paddle’s weight, shape, length and construction to determine which paddles are worthy of the court, and which ones you can leave behind. This list represents the best paddles for players both casual and competitive, and it’s updated often for accuracy and integrity. It was last updated January 2023.
When you have doubts as to what pickleball grip size is best for you, it is, generally speaking, better to go with the smaller pickleball grip size. This is because a small pickleball grip size will provide for more wrist action on your shots, which may lead to more power on your shots, as well as more spin and control of the pickleball. Further, if your pickleball grip size is too big, your pickleball paddle may slip in your hand.
Lastly, if you decide that you are not happy with your pickleball grip size, you can always change it. You can do this by re-gripping your pickleball paddle or adding additional pickleball grips or overgrips.
A relatively new focus on pickleball paddles is the grit on the paddle surface, which can impart spin when striking the pickleball. Grit is all about the texture of the paddle surface and can be identified when using your fingers to touch the paddle surface. Paddle manufacturers may use material with gritty properties to make the paddle itself (for instance, carbon fiber - which is stronger than steel!), or paddle manufacturers may apply grit after the fact to materials that typically do not have gritty properties.
Fiberglass typically weighs more than graphite, but the added weight allows you to generate more power when smashing. Graphite, on the other hand, provides more control or finesse so you can place shots with accuracy. While pickleball paddles were once primarily made of wood, these modern materials deliver greater comfort, control and long-term durability, and both make for great options whether you’re new to the sport or looking to level up your game.
As temping as it may be to strike the ball with all your might as soon as it’s lofted over the net, you’ll still want a paddle that prioritizes control to ensure technical shots land where you expect them to, and the Encore EX 6.0 is a standout performer in that regard. Rated highly among former tennis players that are used to playing with larger rackets, the paddle features a rough-textured skin that allows you to put more spin on the ball, and a larger sweet spot makes up for potential mistakes.
Weighing over eight ounces with a 15.8-millimeter thick polymer core, this paddle is technically on the heavier side, but the design is strategically engineered to ensure the core material doesn’t detract from the control. This paddle, like all Engage paddles, complies with USAPA guidelines, and it’s endorsed for sanctioned tournament play at US and international pickleball events. So while it may be a bit pricey up front, you can grow with this paddle and take it to tournaments once you’re ready to level up your game.
What players say: “I need more control than power out of a paddle, and it allows me to play a game more similar to my tennis game, which has given me extra confidence to hit the shots I want to hit. Buy this one first if you're a tennis player looking for a paddle that will complement your tennis skills on the pickleball court.”
Unfortunately, many sports can be quite the investment to get into, but if you’d like to try pickleball for the first time or lure a friend to play with you, these inexpensive, yet solid pickleball paddles are worth the price of admission. Paddles are rarely made of aluminum, but despite the fairly weighty design, these metal paddles are remarkably sturdy and are well-suited for players to enjoy smashing power shots over the net. We were particularly impressed at how comfortable its padded EVA plastic grip was for the low price, which helps to offset the feel of swinging a heavier paddle. Sure, these are a far cry from professional-grade paddles, but this bulkier model is a rock-solid way to see if pickleball is for you, without putting too large of an investment into the sport.
The grip size of the pickleball paddle is another consideration when choosing a pickleball paddle. Most pickleball paddle grips are between 4 inches and 4.5 inches in circumference. The pickleball grip size that you prefer may come down to your preference (including your preference on the weight, bulk, and comfort of the pickleball grip). With that said, there are a few tests that you can do to determine what is the best pickleball grip size for you. Determining the best pickleball grip size for you can also be helpful in getting rid of pickleball elbow or tennis elbow, as the wrong pickleball grip size may be a factor to pickleball or tennis elbow pain.
Many people would say the price is the top priority when buying a pickleball paddle. Although we understand that everyone has their own personal budget and limit to how much they are willing to spend on particular items, one thing to keep in mind is that if you take good care of your it, a pickleball paddle should last you years. If you are budgeting how much to spend on pickleball gear, I would definitely prioritize a good pair of pickleball shoes before spending a ton on a paddle.
If you plan to play even just once a week, over a year the difference between the cheapest wood paddle and a decent mid-range graphite rod may work out to pennies per game.
Although you can drop well over $100 on a good quality paddle there are plenty of affordable options and compared to sports like golf, the total investment in pickleball equipment is pretty low.
Pickleball paddles range from under $15 for the least expensive wood paddles to $150+ for the top of the line graphite and composite paddles.
Mid-priced paddle on the price scale (from around $50-$120): you’ll find many good composite and graphite pickleball paddle options in this price range.
The top end of the scale is for high-end graphite paddles used by expert and competitive pickleball players and the Pro level (yes, there are professional pickleball players and national tournaments) or people that really like investing in quality sports equipment.
If you are a beginner buying your first pickleball paddle and can afford to, we recommend you skip wood options and going at least one rung up the ladder to a decent composite or graphite paddle.
The most popular pickleball paddle size is 8 inches wide and 15-3/4 inches long, with a grip circumference between 4 and 4.5 inches. This size is officially sanctioned by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) and is the standard size used in most official pickleball tournaments.
While there are other sizes available on the market, the 8 x 15-3/4 inch paddle size has become the norm for most players—it offers a balance of power, control, and maneuverability. It's worth noting that players of different ages and skill levels may have different preferences when it comes to paddle size, so some players may find that a larger or smaller paddle better suits their playing style.
Since there aren’t many pickleball paddles made for kids that are both rugged and affordable, this cool, shark-themed model easily stood out from the pack. The megalodon paddle features a lightweight design with a shorter grip that makes it far easier to hold and swing than adult-sized paddles, with the added benefits of an extra-large sweet spot that makes learning how to serve and return the ball more engaging and fun for newcomers. Joola’s kid-sized pickleball paddle features a balanced design that is equally suited to power shots and ball control, but we got a surprising amount of spin on our shots via its fiberglass textured face. Bigger kids may feel more comfortable playing with a featherweight adult-sized paddle, but this is an excellent paddle to introduce younger players to the sport.