What’s the difference between a cheap and expensive pickleball paddle?
The more expensive paddles are using a higher quality polymer that doesn’t breakdown as easily and gives you a more consistent feel across the face. Other than the quality of the polymer, other things you’ll see when the core material is described is core density. 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 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.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.Start with the Right Weight Weight dramatically affects how a paddle plays: Lightweight paddles (7. Midweight to heavy paddles (8.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.
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. 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’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.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.
Is it better to have a heavier or lighter pickleball paddle?
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. 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.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.Not all pickleballs last forever! 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.
How much should a decent pickleball paddle cost?
Pickleball paddles range in price from under $20 to over $200. Therefore, the price can be the deciding factor when choosing a pickleball racket. 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. 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.Types of Pickleball Paddles: Wooden paddles are more for entry level, they are heavier and less expensive. Composite paddles are lighter and tend to have more control.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.Your next option for pickleball paddle face materials is carbon fiber. Like graphite, carbon fiber is quite stiff and light, but it’s even more durable than graphite.
Should I buy a 14mm or 16mm pickleball paddle?
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. Expensive paddles often feature higher quality materials, advanced technology, and superior craftsmanship, resulting in better performance, durability, and control compared to cheaper alternatives. However, the right paddle depends on individual preferences and skill levels.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 quality of materials has a direct impact on price, durability and feel. Cheap, low-grade materials are weaker, more brittle, and much more likely to break down upon consistent impact than high-grade materials. They also require more resin, which leads to heavier paddles.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.
What is 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. The quality of materials has a direct impact on price, durability and feel. Cheap, low-grade materials are weaker, more brittle, and much more likely to break down upon consistent impact than high-grade materials. They also require more resin, which leads to heavier paddles.As a general rule of thumb, a more premium paddleboard will be lighter and no corners will be cut to get it to that weight. It will be lighter because of the technology used to get it to that weight as we have discussed above. It will have denser drop stitching, less layers of pvc, be heat bonded rather than glued.