What is the best paddle shape for a beginner pickleball player?
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. This paddle is great for pickleball beginners who are just starting to develop their strokes. Perforated, anti-slip ridge grip creates an optimum hold performance and increased shock absorption.It’s true that not all pickleball paddles are created equal. Higher-end paddles often feature advanced materials like carbon fiber, raw carbon, and fiberglass, which can provide more control, power, or spin. However, you don’t necessarily need the priciest paddle to perform well on the court.Elongated paddle shapes, generally, are for a more experienced player. Due to their longer length and slimmer width, a player just getting into the sport of pickleball may have more mishits. On the other hand, an experienced player is going to love the performance and reach on an elongated paddle shape.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.Part 2: Best Budget Pickleball Paddles in the $100–$150 Range. Welcome to the sweet spot of the entire pickleball market. In this price range, you are no longer making any significant compromises on technology. You are getting paddles that, just a year ago, would have cost over $200.
Is it better to have a thicker or thinner pickleball paddle?
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 increased mass of 16mm paddles gives them more power on big swings, however, this extra mass also absorbs more pace off the ball during resets and dinks when you’re not swinging as hard which gives them less pop. Compared to their 16mm counterparts, 14mm paddles have lower power and higher pop profiles.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.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.Expensive paddles often feature higher quality materials, advanced technology, and superior craftsmanship, resulting in better performance, durability, and control compared to cheaper alternatives. However, the right paddle depends on individual preferences and skill levels.
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.Paddles can vary from $30 to a hefty $100. You’re likely to find beginner-friendly paddles closer to the low end, while the ones geared for the seasoned players will lean towards the higher end. It’s crucial to find a paddle that fits within your budget and meets your pickleball needs.But on average thicker means more control, and thinner means more power. Other things that can contribute to how soft or powerful a paddle plays is the face material which you can read more about here.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.
How to pick a beginner pickleball paddle?
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. The majority of players use 16mm paddles because they are more forgiving and have a softer feel, making them more player-friendly and easier to play with overall. This makes them ideal for newer players who need extra forgiveness and help with soft shots, as those are the hardest shots to learn.Longer paddles generate more leverage, which means more power and spin. This is why elongated paddles are preferred by pros. However, power isn’t everything — if you can’t control it, you’ll struggle with consistency.Thicker Cores (Around 16 mm): Thicker paddles provide a softer feel and more control. They are often the choice for players who focus on strategic ball placement, dinking, and maintaining steady control over their shots.
Do more expensive pickleball paddles make a difference?
Not all pickleball paddles are created equal. When you buy a premium paddle, you’re getting significantly better quality, durability, and innovation – like going from a handsaw to a power tool. 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.Coming in at number one among our best pickleball paddles for beginners is the Vatic Pro Prism Flash. The Vatic Pro Prism Flash is a paddle that you’re going to see topping lists of all different types. The best paddle under $100, the best paddle for beginners, the best control paddle, and more. This one does it all.Not all pickleball paddles are created equal. When you buy a premium paddle, you’re getting significantly better quality, durability, and innovation – like going from a handsaw to a power tool.
How do I find the right pickleball paddle for me?
Picking the best pickleball paddle requires pairing the most important elements of a paddle with a player’s skill and style. The key to finding the best pickleball paddle is to find the proper balance of core material and thickness, surface material, paddle weights, and grip size for an individual player. Not all pickleballs last forever! If your ball feels soft, cracked, or doesn’t bounce like it used to, it’s time for a fresh one. You might also notice it sounds dull off the paddle — another clear sign it’s worn out. Fresh pickleballs give you better bounce, truer flight, and a more consistent game.
What is the difference between T300 and T700 pickleball paddles?
T300 offers a balanced feel, ideal for players who prefer control over sheer force. Its moderate stiffness can absorb more impact, slightly reducing ball speed on power shots. T700 is built for speed. With higher stiffness and strength, it minimises energy loss and transfers more power directly to the ball. This material has a slightly higher tensile strength than T700. Tensile strength is the load that a mast experiences as it elongates. It is better than T700 in this area, so T800 has better stiffness. The T700 is 39% more rigid than T800.In short, T800 carbon is stronger and lighter and 11% stronger than T700 in terms of tensile strength – the load a mast is under when elongated/flexing. It also delivers a swifter return response reaction. T800 is also slightly stronger than T700 in terms of compressive strength too.