What is a good beginner pickleball set?
Still tried and true, the SLK NEO 2. With this, you and a friend can hit the courts ready to play a competitive game. It will give you plenty of forgiveness, good power, control, and spin, and a feel for what premium paddles are like. Some come with extras like balls, bags, and even backyard nets. The best pickleball set for most players is the SLK Neo 2. Selkirk.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.
How much should I spend on a pickleball set?
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. 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.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.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.Every player is different, and to accommodate different playstyles, paddles come in different types. The biggest differentiation between paddles lies in how much power and control a paddle has. Below you can learn about each type to decide which will best suit you on your pickleball journey.
What’s the difference between a cheap and expensive pickleball paddle?
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. While the average lifespan of a well-made paddle ranges from 1 to 5 years, various factors can influence this duration: Type of Material: A paddle made from premium composite materials is generally more durable than a wooden one.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.
Why is pickleball so expensive?
Materials alone can explain a jump from a $20 paddle to a $150 paddle. The cost of carbon fiber sheets, polymer cores, and adhesives significantly raises the baseline price. 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.