doesn ’ t feel “ sluggish ” or too “ whippy ” during play . You want to be able to react to shots without feeling like the weight of the paddle is slowing you down . You also don ’ t want to feel tired from the paddle ’ s weight after playing for a while .
Intermediates : You can experiment more with paddle shapes and materials , depending on your play style . Weight range can go higher than 8 oz ., but anything near 8 oz . should suit most players in this group . More control is needed at this level , so avoid overly powerful paddles . Experiment with longer , more narrow paddles for more reach and leverage . Finding the right balance between control and power is crucial , so don ’ t be afraid to demo a bunch and discover what works best for your game .
Advanced : These players put a premium on control and spin , so look for paddles with those as the top attributes . Weight can be a personal preference , but usually more advanced players choose heavier paddles or use lead tape to customize the weight and balance of their paddles . They also don ’ t need huge sweet spots , which can lead to launching shots unpredictably . Carbon fiber faces provide the delicate touch and control that these players need , but again , finding the right mix of control and power is also key . This will depend on your style of play .
Style of Play
Your style of play has a huge role in choosing the optimal paddle for your game . This is the reason why a paddle that works well for your partner may not do well in your hands . What type of shots do you like to hit the most ? Spinny or flat ? Powerful put-aways , or can you dink for hours waiting for your opponents to make an error ? Are you an “ all court ” type player needing a little of everything ? Players who put a premium on spin should choose a paddle with a heavily textured surface . “ Touch and feel ” players should look for carbon fiber face paddles that aren ’ t too heavy , with a traditional shape . Power players should look for heavier paddles with composite surfaces . Also , longer paddles with longer handles will add power and leverage to your shots .
Paddle Shape / Size
This choice can depend on several factors — your height / reach , foot speed , whether you play mostly doubles or singles , and most importantly , your skill level . Beginners should stick with a traditional shape , although shorter players or those with limited flexibility to get low might benefit from longer paddles . But there is a tradeoff since long , narrow paddles have a smaller sweet spot and are sometimes head-heavy . Intermediate and advanced players should experiment to see if different shapes work better for their style of play . Sometimes the tried-and-true traditional shape is still the best , even at the highest levels . Also consider whether you like to use two hands for your backhand shots . If that ’ s the case , make sure you get a longer handle that gives you enough room for your upper hand to fit .
Paddle Playability / Sweet Spot
“ Playability ” simply means how easy a paddle is to pick up and play well with for most levels and styles . Beginners need very playable paddles that have large sweet spots and are evenly balanced . The trade-off is that these highly playable , large-sweet-spot paddles won ’ t allow advanced players to use all their specialized skills to the fullest . A big , heavy hammer will drive a nail in with one bang but will mangle a thumbtack . Same concept here . Get the amount of help you need from the paddle without it holding you back from progressing . Remember , paddle choice isn ’ t forever . It will change as your game changes .
Paddle Weight / Balance / Swing Weight
Paddle weight is important , since this is something that will be held in your hand for hours on end , but what ’ s more important is how heavy it feels while you swing it . That ’ s the meaning of swing weight . The more the balance is toward the head , the heavier it will feel to you . This also might take some experimenting to find what feels right . But be careful with choosing something too heavy or too light . Something in the middle ( 7.5-8 oz .) should suit a lot of players . Heavier paddles can generate more power , but they sacrifice control and the ability to maneuver them quickly for fast reaction shots .
Paddle Materials ( Core and Surface )
Paddles are made up of many different materials , but they will usually involve some type of carbon , graphite or composite surface and a polymer ( plastic ) core . There are some exceptions , but these make up the majority . Recently , a new technology that reinforces the outer edges of the paddle is also included . Generally speaking , a paddle with a carbon fiber or graphite surface will have better touch and feel than a composite paddle . Composites , like fiberglass , offer more power for harder and faster shots . Composite paddles are great for beginners and intermediates , while those seeking more spin and control should look into carbon fiber and graphite paddles .
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SPRING 2024 | MAGAZINE 17