What’s the difference between a cheap and expensive pickleball paddle?
The more expensive paddles are using a higher quality polymer that doesn’t breakdown as easily and gives you a more consistent feel across the face. Other than the quality of the polymer, other things you’ll see when the core material is described is core density. Typically when you purchase a 16mm or thicker paddle, it’s because you want more control. A thicker core gives you less power but usually improves your blocks, resets, and drop shots. Also, since the paddle is thicker, it helps absorb more of the pace from the ball.Thinner paddles generate more power. Because the paddle core is more compact, the ball rebounds faster to give you more explosive shots. On the other hand, thicker paddles offer better touch and precision. They help you place your shots exactly where you want.The quality of materials has a direct impact on price, durability and feel. Cheap, low-grade materials are weaker, more brittle, and much more likely to break down upon consistent impact than high-grade materials. They also require more resin, which leads to heavier paddles.The thickness of your paddle is a sliding scale of power and control. Thinner paddles offer more pop and power and are typically lighter than their thicker counterparts, which helps with paddle agility. Thicker paddles, on the other hand, provide more control and consistency on each shot.Tip #1: Less IS More An important concept for pickleball is consistency: the less motion you have, the more consistent you will be when hitting your shots. Be efficient in how you move to the ball and take the paddle back to hit.
How much should a decent pickleball paddle cost?
Pickleball paddles range in price from under $20 to over $200. Therefore, the price can be the deciding factor when choosing a pickleball racket. Low cost pickleball paddles are under $50 and high cost pickleball paddles are $150 and up. This puts mid-priced pickleball paddles in the $50 to $150 range. The best pickleball brands on the market today are Joola, Selkirk, CRBN, and Gearbox. All offer a premium paddles a wide variety of shapes, paddle lengths, and grip lengths.As I mentioned above, I personally would recommend anyone looking to try pickleball to just spend the extra $30-40 and get a paddle that’s near a pro level paddle from one of the brands like Vatic Pro, Ronbus or Hudef – but I know some people are looking to get their feet wet with a bit less money.Find the perfect pickleball paddle based on your player type. Beginner paddles should be comfortable to hold and easy to swing. Key features include light to medium weight, comfortable grip, large sweet spot and balance of power and control. Power paddles tend to have tighter sweet spots and provide greater feedback.Widebody pickleball paddles are the most common shape for a pickleball paddle. A wide body paddle typically measures 8” or greater in width. If you’re new to the game of pickleball, a widebody paddle is a great option due to its generous sweet spot and extra width.Pickleball Paddle Weight One of the largest indicators of whether or not a paddle is right for you is weight. If a paddle is too light for you, you will not be unlocking your full power potential or benefiting from the added stability more weight brings.
Is it better to have a heavier or lighter pickleball paddle?
The heavier a paddle is, the more power you will get. For those long shots from deep on the court, you need power keep your opponents at their back line. The Midweight paddles are also better at blocking. The ball comes off of the face with just the right touch instead of dropping dead just short of the net. The 14mm paddles are oftentimes lighter and not as cumbersome as the 16mm paddles. Therefore, these paddles are generally easier to maneuver and can be beneficial for those who are just starting to play pickleball.
Should I buy a 14mm or 16mm pickleball paddle?
The best paddle comes down to your playing style, skill level, and what you want from your game. More power & pop. Best for advanced or experienced players who want speed, spin, and a more aggressive game. More control & stability. Key differences: 16mm vs 14mm pickleball paddles 16mm: the thicker core absorbs more impact and keeps the ball on the face a touch longer, which makes it easier to dial back pace and hit precise dinks, drops, and resets. The thinner core returns energy faster, adding “pop” off the face for drives and put-aways.Types of Pickleball Paddles: Wooden paddles are more for entry level, they are heavier and less expensive. Composite paddles are lighter and tend to have more control.
Is there really a difference in pickleball paddles?
The more expensive paddles are using raw carbon fiber and Kevlar, which are softer, more plush, have more dwell time, so more control, more spin. They are also made in a hot mold which makes them more powerful. They have perimeter edge foam which increases the sweet spot and the stability. Weight: While both materials are lightweight, carbon fiber paddles often feel more solid in hand. Cost: Carbon fiber is a premium material, so it can be pricier. Performance: Both materials offer excellent performance, but carbon fiber might have a slight edge when it comes to power shots.The quality of materials has a direct impact on price, durability and feel. Cheap, low-grade materials are weaker, more brittle, and much more likely to break down upon consistent impact than high-grade materials. They also require more resin, which leads to heavier paddles.As a general rule of thumb, a more premium paddleboard will be lighter and no corners will be cut to get it to that weight. It will be lighter because of the technology used to get it to that weight as we have discussed above. It will have denser drop stitching, less layers of pvc, be heat bonded rather than glued.