How much do nice pickleball paddles cost?
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. 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.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.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.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.
How do I choose a good pickleball paddle?
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. 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.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.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.Strength and Stiffness: Carbon fiber has exceptional strength and stiffness, making it suitable for structural applications, while graphite’s properties focus more on electrical and thermal conductivity.
Should I buy an expensive pickleball paddle?
If you’re incredibly talented or just playing for fun, a cheap paddle will work just fine. But if you’re like most of us, you’ll enjoy the game more with a higher-quality paddle designed to meet your needs as a player. If you’re an aggressive player who likes to attack the ball, then you’ll like thinnest polymer core paddles. If you prefer control over power, then you’ll like thicker 16mm polymer core paddles. If you want something in the middle, then you’ll like polymer core paddles at or around 14mm thick.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.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.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 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.
Which pickleball paddle size is best?
The 16mm is going to be your best option. Having control especially when you are powerful is worth it. Feels like the ball is sinking into the paddle. Typically speaking, the longer the handle, the more reach a player has. However, a longer handle — typically 5. Longer handles are typically ideal for players who prefer a two-handed backhand or who want to generate more power.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.
What is the best pro pickleball paddle for 2025?
The JOOLA Ben Johns Pro IV and Perseus Pro IV represent the pinnacle of pro-level paddle design for 2025, offering the exceptional control and spin that define elite-level play. Just received from USAP The following paddles have exceeded testing standards and will be sunset on July 1, 2025 for sanctioned tournament play only: Joola Perseus 14mm Mod TA-15 Joola Perseus 16mm Mod TA-15 Gearbox Pro Power Elongated ProKennex Black Ace Ovation ProKennex Black Ace Pro ProKennex Black Ace LG ProKennex .
How much should I spend on a pickleball paddle?
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. 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.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.The majority of pickleball players use a paddle with a traditional face, with the width ranging from 7. However, if a player prefers to increase his or her reach slightly, they may opt for an elongated pickleball paddle.Standard pickleball paddles have a width of approximately 8 inches and a length of about 15 inches. However, you can also find longer, narrower paddles that offer an extended reach and are great for serving. Shorter, broader paddles provide a larger hitting area, which can be beneficial for beginners.
What’s the lifespan of a pickleball paddle?
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. Although the lifespan of the average pickleball paddle is 1-3 years, the specific lifespan of a particular paddle will depend on many variables, including the materials it is made of, the frequency and intensity of play, and how well it is maintained and cared for.Pickleball paddles can be pricey due to their high-quality materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber, sophisticated construction methods, specialized features, and the significant investments in research and development.