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
produce two paddles of identical size,
Aramid/nomex core paddles have a
although there are many great paddles
yet one weighs half an ounce more? The nice combination of power, control and using carbon, kevlar, or some other
answer is the thickness and size of each feel. Nomex is DuPont’s trademark and combinations. Each will intentionally
hexagonal honeycomb. By placing the is an aramid fiber paper coated with offer a different feel to complement
holes closer together, or by using a thicker phenolic resin (think paper honeycomb the characteristics dictated by the core
honeycomb, the paddle will become coated in liquid fiberglass). This was the material and weight.
heavier, and the sweet spot will generally first honeycomb material used to build expand. pickleball paddles. Depending on surface
While polymer is generally a heavier
face material, these paddles can often
Fiberglass surfaces are highly durable
and tend to offer good pop/power.
Graphite surfaces are known for their
material, contributing to its reputation be combined with graphite, creating lightweight and responsive touch. They
for power (pop), it has less “natural” good control paddles, or fiberglass face can be combined with almost any core
pop than aluminum or nomex/aramid materials, creating great pop. material to create paddles with good
cores of the same weight. These cores
They feel nice when you hit the ball;
control/soft touch. Graphite surface
are combined with a number of different however, by the nature of the material, paddles are generally a little more
facing materials, primarily polypropylene, they can eventually break down and expensive and difficult to source.
but also fiberglass (more pop/power) and develop dead spots.
more recently graphite (more control/
touch). Like other core materials, polymer
performance will be mostly dictated
by weight and face material/surface
treatment.
8
NOVEMBER 2019
SURFACE MATERIAL
(SKIN OR FACE)
The surface of the paddle is
most commonly made of a fiberglass
(reinforced plastic polymer) or graphite,
Polypropylene is a common facing
material used with polypropylene cores. It
is highly durable and heavier in weight.
Aluminum and carbon fiber surface
paddles are less common and therefore
less tested.
| To order any of these products, call 888.308.3720 or go to paddlesandmore.com