Do more expensive pickleball paddles make a difference?
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. Weight, material, shape, and handle/grip size are the most important factors to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle. These components are generally universal and apply to any paddle, regardless of the brand. The weight of a pickleball paddle impacts player performance significantly.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 Heartland of Pickleball: USA and Canada The United States leads with over 3 million players, while Canada boasts more than 300,000 enthusiasts. Both countries have extensive networks of courts, clubs, and tournaments.Pickleball is continuing its incredible rise after being named the fastest-growing sport in the United States for the fourth consecutive year. We’ve been doing our best to facilitate its growth by helping players find courts, coaches, games, and other players.
How much should I spend on a pickleball paddle?
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. While all pickleball paddles wear out in a few years (or less depending on use) carbon fiber will hold up the longest.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.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.For competitive players who practice or play almost every day, expect to replace your paddle every 6 to 12 months. The constant use and high-intensity games will naturally wear down the surface and core more quickly.
What is the #1 pickleball paddle?
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. 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 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.The Scorpeus 3 is easily the most user-friendly JOOLA Gen 3 paddle. It has all the pop and power that comes with JOOLA’s new tech while keeping the most control and forgiveness. This is the one I’d recommend first—over the Ben Johns Perseus 3—for any intermediate or defensive player.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.Same page link. The JOOLA 3S Perseus 16mm is the official performance-designed paddle for world number 1 Ben Johns. Built with a focus on solidity, 3S paddles were engineered to play the same every time you take the court.
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. Some paddles go as thin as 9mm and as thick as 20mm. I have found through trial and error that thinner paddles usually provide more vibration and worse off-center shot performance.Paddles are typically between 11mm and 16mm thick. 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”.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.The main difference between 14mm and 16mm pickleball paddles is the thickness of their core.
How to tell if a pickleball is good?
Choose the best pickleball balls by considering factors like weight, bounce consistency, color visibility, and specific playing conditions. Choosing the right pickleball balls is crucial for an enjoyable and competitive game on the court. 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.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.The drop shot is one of the most challenging shots in pickleball due to the accuracy and control needed to perform it correctly. In addition to great technique, it requires excellent judgment and court awareness since it changes the pace of a point, this makes it extremely tactical.Pickleball is generally considered easier than tennis, due to its smaller court size, lighter equipment, and simpler rules. The reduced court dimensions make movement less demanding, while the lightweight paddles and plastic balls contribute to a more accessible learning curve.