Is a short or long handle pickleball paddle better?
Long handles provide more power and spin but reduce sweet spot size, ideal for experienced players. Short handles offer better control and a larger hitting surface, suitable for finesse players and beginners. Main Points: Long handles: More power and spin, better for two-handed backhand. Each model is typically between 15 ¾” – 16 ” long, and roughly 8” wide. You will also most commonly see grip lengths between 4 ½” and 5 ¼” on standard paddles. These are great for players looking to get into the sport of pickleball or players looking for a balance between sweet spot and reach.Longer handles are typically ideal for players who prefer a two-handed backhand or who want to generate more power. A shorter pickleball handle — typically 4 inches to 4.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.Long-handle pickleball paddles help players generate more power and spin for each shot. The longer handle offers more leverage, making it easier to hit the ball harder and put more spin on it. If you have a power-playing style, that often makes a long-handle paddle the best choice.Most pickleball paddles have a sweet spot around eight to nine inches wide, which is nearly the center diameter of the paddle. The goal for every hit is to strike the ball with this sweet spot because it gives your shot the best combination of power and precision.
Are thicker pickleball paddles better for 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. Superior Performance: Advanced materials and engineering can enhance both your control and power on the court, giving you an edge in competitive play. Durability: High-quality paddles are built to last, making them a wise investment for regular players.So we all know that Ben Johns famously uses the 16mm for his Perseus paddle historically… but early reviews of the Pro 4 are showing that maybe the 14mm is slightly better?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 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.
What type of paddle is better for pickleball?
Fiberglass is a popular face material because it provides the most power and consists of a textured surface, which can help any athlete with more spin and flexibility. Carbon fiber is the most current face material for paddles and provides massive power control on the ball for a large sweet spot. Thinner – Thinner paddles typically have more pop or rebound which is why many manufacturers will call their thinner options power paddles. They often have a smaller sweet spot and can be difficult to control if players are unable to find it regularly making them more common choices for advanced players.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.The material on the face of the paddle also contributes to the weight and play of the paddle. Some paddles have a rough textured surface (to produce spin) while smoother surfaces produce better touch and consistency. Wooden paddles are for more entry-level players and are heavier and less experience.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.
What is the best grip length for a pickleball paddle?
To find your grip size, measure the distance from the bottom lateral crease (the middle of the three), up to the tip of your ring finger. This measurement will be somewhere between 4 and 5 inches, and should be the perfect circumference for your pickleball grip. Like the other attributes of choosing the best pickleball paddle, the thickness of the paddle does play a role in the feel of the paddle in your hand. For instance, the CRBN 13mm pickleball paddles provide more power and spin, whereas the CRBN 16mm pickleball paddles provide more control and feel.Pickleball paddles with thinner cores are typically lighter, faster to swing, and provide more power but are usually considered to have less control. They’re great for players who are more aggressive, like to attack, and counter.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.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.
Are wide or long pickleball paddles better?
Reach. Longer paddles (hybrid & elongated) give you extra reach, which is key for singles players and power hitters. If you play mostly doubles, a shorter paddle (Widebody or Standard) may be better for faster hands at the net. Elongated paddles are preferred by advanced and professional players, who are less concerned about the size of the sweet spot, but more focused on power and spin. The added power also makes them ideal for offensive players who are further from the net and looking to hit the ball farther.It’s important to remember, though, that 12mm paddles could lose out on some power when compared to thicker alternatives. These paddles are adaptable and appealing to a wide spectrum of players, from novices to seasoned athletes.The heavier a paddle is, the more power you’ll gain but at the price of less control and agility. And the inverse is true for a light paddle, meaning you’ll have increased control by comparison but less power. And a paddle with a weight somewhere in between finds a balance.Soft game players gravitate towards thicker paddles, while bangers usually use thinner paddles. The best recommendation I can give is that if you are a new player up to about 3. I would usually tell you to opt for a thicker paddle.
How to choose a pickleball paddle for intermediate?
Intermediate players usually have a feel for their game style, allowing them to start experimenting with power and spin. They often prefer paddles that deliver a balanced mix of control and power, offering flexibility for both defensive and offensive shots. Choosing the Right Paddle 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. Advanced players may enjoy the enhanced control and touch of a 16mm paddle.With the 12mm paddle, you will experience the most pop. It’s the lightest weight paddle giving players the most speed and power. The 14mm is a happy medium when it comes to size/weight of a pickleball paddle. It combines power, strength, and durability to your game.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.What Thickness is Best for You? 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.Whether you want the 14mm or 16mm comes down to what you value most — a plush feel and the ability to shape the ball more from the baseline (16mm), or more pop and maneuverability for hands battles at the kitchen line (14mm).
Do I want a 13mm or 16mm pickleball paddle?
Players who enjoy “banging” and power will gravitate to the 13mm. On the other hand, players who play more of a feel and reset strategy have a hard time controlling the 13mm shots. Those shots tend to “pop” off the paddle differently than when the same player uses the 16mm paddle. 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.Graphite Face Pickleball Paddles These designs have a light weight but are stiff which helps spread the energy of a ball strike consistently over a larger area of the paddle. The energy transfer on a graphite face pickleball paddle is great for “dinks” and for driving the ball down the court without too much effort.For players seeking stability and comfort, a 20mm pickleball paddle is the go-to option. The thicker core is excellent at absorbing shock, reducing vibrations during intense rallies, and providing a consistent hit.Thicker cores: 16mm is considered a thick core paddle and is the most common paddle core thickness. It offers better stability, a larger sweet spot, and absorbs pace better than 14mm paddles, resulting in a more user-friendly experience.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.