Why did you choose your paddle ?
45 % Play / Demo Test
15 % Manufacturer Brand Name
11 % Grip 11 % Weight 6 % Shape 4 % Referral 3 % Surface Material 3 % Grip Size 2 % Player Endorsement
When we started Pickleball Magazine seven years ago , nearly every new manufacturer produced the same plastic honeycomb core paddle with a fiberglass surface face . Today , the majority of manufacturers have made their way through this cloud of cloned paddles through innovation and amplified qualities based on tour player needs . Here are some things for you to consider when choosing a paddle .
WEIGHT IS GOOD
So let ’ s start this off with discussing paddle weight . The sport ’ s governing body , USA Pickleball , has not set any limitations on paddle weight . While the average paddle is around 7.7 ounces ( oz .), weight can vary substantially among paddles and players . Over the past couple of years , touring players have learned that heavier paddles provide significantly more power and control than lighter models .
Paddles coming from the factory have a general weight range of 7.6 to 8.0 oz .; however , weight can be customized using lead tape to increase whip / power ( top of the paddle ), enlarge the sweet spot ( side of the paddle ), or provide better blocking ability ( bottom of the paddle head ). The addition of lead tape is universal across the sexes . You ’ ll find many female pros playing with paddles weighted well above 9 oz .
If you ’ re afraid to add head weight to your paddle because it might slow your reflexes , you ’ ve probably got this all wrong . Manufacturers and virtually all touring pros agree that the added weight allows for less effort to hit stronger , more accurate shots . They also agree that heavier paddles have larger sweet spots and are better for blocking , driving and serving . To the contrary , lighter paddles have to be gripped tighter and swung harder . For many people , these two factors can contribute to arm problems . So , unless you have an extremely debilitating arm injury , side with a heavier paddle .
DIMENSIONS
USA Pickleball has set the approved dimensions by a calculation of the combined length and width of a paddle , which is not to exceed 24 inches . For example , a narrow paddle might be 7.25 " wide by 16.75 " long . Likewise , a wider paddle might be 8 " wide by 16 " long . Speaking in generalities , pros often choose paddles that are a little longer and less wide , whereas beginners and intermediate players should side with a shorter paddle with