Is it better to have a heavier or lighter pickleball paddle?
Your style of play should significantly influence your choice of paddle weight. Heavier paddles, which can impart more pace to shots, might be suitable for players who prefer a powerful game. However, a heavier paddle can also slow a player’s speed at the net and make precision shots more challenging. 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.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.Beginning July 1, 2025, USA Pickleball will not allow the Joola Perseus Mod TA-15 (14mm and 16mm), Gearbox Pro Power Elongated, and ProKennex Black Ace paddles to be used in their sanctioned tournaments. Why? USA Pickleball has determined these paddles are too powerful and give players an unfair advantage.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.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.
What’s the lifespan of a pickleball paddle?
From the impact of materials like carbon fiber and graphite to the influence of playing style and maintenance habits, every factor shapes your paddle’s lifespan. While weekend warriors might enjoy their paddles for 1 to 5 years, more intense players may need to replace them every 3-6 months for peak performance. Midweight pickleball paddles (between 7. Lightweight paddles (7.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.Pickleball paddles wear out over time due to use, affecting performance and appearance. Factors like storage, type, level and style of play, and treatment impact longevity. Generally, paddles last 6-12 months based on usage frequency. Replace worn paddles to maintain game quality.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.
How to pick the best pickleball paddle?
Select a light-weight or middle-weight paddle with a thicker core and construction of graphite or carbon fiber. Maneuverability, forgiveness, and shock absorbtion all work together to make it easier to place the ball where you need it to go. 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.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.A thinner paddle will offer more power since the material is generally more compact. A thicker paddle will offer more control. If you’re trying to slow the ball down and want to play a softer game, look for something thicker as it will absorb the pressure of your opponent’s shot.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.
Is a thin or thick pickleball paddle better?
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 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.Playstyle: Aggressive players might prefer heavy paddles for power, while strategic players might opt for light paddles for finesse, agility, and control. Physical Health: Players with pre-existing joint issues or concerns about injury may benefit from lighter paddles.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.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.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.
Do pickleball pros use 14mm or 16mm paddles?
Additionally, Klein found that 70% of men’s players are currently using a 16mm paddle, while 90% of women use a paddle that is less than 16mm thick. What does this tell us? Well, it’s a little complicated. For starters, 16mm paddles generally have slightly higher swingweights than 14mm or thinner paddles. 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.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.Additionally, Klein found that 70% of men’s players are currently using a 16mm paddle, while 90% of women use a paddle that is less than 16mm thick. What does this tell us? Well, it’s a little complicated. For starters, 16mm paddles generally have slightly higher swingweights than 14mm or thinner paddles.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.For players who want more control, opt for a 16mm paddle whereas if you are looking for something with more power, choose a 13mm pickleball paddle.