What is the best pickleball paddle for seniors?
The pickleball paddle material also matters as fiberglass and carbon fiber paddles are lightweight and durable, making them excellent choices for seniors. These materials typically provide better control, which is helpful for players who rely on precision rather than power. 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. The key is finding a paddle that matches your current level of play and style.Polymer core paddles tend to be the softest paddles and most flexible where the core compresses on when the ball impacts the paddle. A polymer core paddle does dampen the shot because of the flexibility, but you can still put power behind a shot.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.It’s once you increase your price range to the $200+ paddles that you’ll find greater performance variety, and an ability to hone in on your desired spec, and paddle response. After playing the game for a while, you may find yourself wanting to experiment with some of the more expensive paddles out there.
How do I choose my 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. 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.Choose 13mm if you’re looking for fast reactions, maneuverability, and precision. Choose 16mm if you want a balanced paddle that offers both power and control, perfect for mixed offensive and defensive play.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 much should I pay for a pickleball paddle?
Key takeaways: Pickleball paddles can cost anywhere from $25 to over $200, so it’s important to find one that matches your game and your budget. Paddle materials and how they’re built play a big role in pricing, with choices ranging from basic wood to advanced carbon fiber designed for different levels and styles. The lifespan of a pickleball paddle typically ranges from one to five years, depending on usage and the level of care it receives. While Selkirk Sport offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, natural wear and tear are to be expected.Knowing when to change your pickleball paddle is important for maintaining peak performance on the court, even during friendly matches or casual play. Over time, paddles can experience wear and tear that diminishes their effectiveness, impacting power and control, spin, and durability.The cost of pickleball paddles often hinges on the high-quality materials used, such as Kevlar and carbon fiber, which enhance durability and performance.The general wisdom in the pickleball community is that paddles normally last for 6-12 months with regular time on the court. That’s the general guideline for how often you should replace your pickleball paddle.
Should I get a thicker or thinner pickleball paddle?
It really depends on your playing style and personal preferences. If you’re more of a finesse player, a paddle with a thicker core may be better suited for you. If you’re looking for more power, a paddle with a thin core may be the way to go. 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.The best pickleball paddle in 2025 is the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV pickleball paddle, thanks to its unmatched balance of power, spin, and control. But the right paddle depends on your playstyle – so we’ve selected the top options for power hitters, control players, and value seekers alike.If your swing has major flaws, expensive clubs won’t help you at all, but if your swing is fundamentally sound, cheap clubs will hold you back. Pickleball is similar in my opinion. Paddles matter just like a bat or a proper football or cleats or shoes or a racquet. It can elevate your game a bit.Weight: Lightweight paddles (around 7–8. They reduce arm and shoulder fatigue, allowing for quicker reactions and longer playing time. Grip Size: A smaller grip (around 4-4 1/4 inches) provides better control and helps prevent tennis elbow.
Is there a difference between cheap and expensive pickleball paddles?
The difference is materials, and construction. The cheap paddles have older facing materials like graphite and fiberglass. The are made in a cold mold. They have small sweet spots and lower power and less control from the harsher facing surface. 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 thinner the paddle, the more “pop” you’ll get off the surface. The thicker a paddle, the more it will absorb the ball’s energy. If a paddle comes in 13mm and 16mm thicknesses, 13mm will be the “power” and 16mm will be “control”. Some brands like Gearbox, Prokennex, and Diadem only have one thickness per paddle.Elongated paddles are longer than most paddles, allowing them to have greater reach, power and spin. Since they are longer, they have a smaller and higher sweet spot (where players experience optimal contact) than other paddles. With a smaller sweet spot, Elongated paddles are less forgiving.Consider Your Play Style: If your play style is aggressive and you often rely on smashes and volleys to dominate opponents, a thinner paddle might suit you better. However, if you favor strategic gameplay and want to maintain control in dinking battles, a thicker paddle will offer more finesse.
Should I get a 14 or 16 pickleball paddle?
Playing Style: If you prefer a power-oriented game, a 14mm paddle might suit you better. If you prioritize control and precision, a 16mm paddle could be the better choice. Skill Level: Beginners might benefit from the extra pop and power of the 14mm paddle. The banning of high-performance paddles like the JOOLA Perseus , Gearbox Pro Power Elongated , and ProKennex Black Ace series in 2025 highlights the delicate balance between innovation and regulation in pickleball.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.Choose a paddle with a hole in the throat if you want a lighter, more maneuverable paddle with better control and a faster swing speed. It’s a great option for players who prioritize agility, finesse, and comfort during play. Choose a paddle without a hole in the throat if you value stability, power, and durability.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.Paying $200 for a pickleball paddle will not make you a better pickleball player. It only makes them poorer. The truth is, good players are just as good on $20. Marketing has driven up the price of pickleball paddles over the past few years.