Does a pickleball paddle make a difference?

A lighter paddle gives you more control but less drive. Conversely, a heavier paddle gives you less control but more power and drive. Perhaps most importantly, a heavier paddle can cause elbow strain and fatigue in your arm. You may want to start with a paddle that is not too heavy until you build up more strength.

Are more expensive pickleball paddles worth it?

Just because a paddle is more expensive doesn't mean it's a better paddle for you personally. Most pickleball experts agree that weight should be the overall top priority when choosing a pickleball paddle and we agree. Paddles range in weight from approximately 6 (lightweight paddles) to 14 ounces (heavy paddles).

Are some pickleball paddles better than others?

The first factor to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle is the paddle's weight. Pickleball paddles typically weigh between 4 and 14 ounces. A heavy paddle will drive the ball better than a light paddle. Conversely, a light paddle gives the player more control over the ball.

What shape pickleball paddle is best?

Elongated Shape Pickleball Paddles

The elongated shape allows for a more whippy feel and the sweet spot will be farther down towards the head of the paddle, this can make it difficult for players to hit the ball consistently.

Is a thicker pickleball paddle better?

The thicker core will give you great control while the fiberglass will give you some power so you can put away balls when you need to.

What is the best weight for a pickleball paddle?

Midweight: Midweight paddles weigh between 7.8 - 8.3oz on average. If you're not sure what paddle to get, this is probably your best bet. This middle weight range gives players a good balance of control and power. More mass = more power (but not an overwhelming amount at this weight range).

What is a good weight for a pickleball paddle?

Light Weight pickleball paddles - (under 7.2 ounces) Mid Weight pickleball paddles - (7.3 to 8.4 ounces) Heavy Weight pickleball paddles - (over 8.5 ounces)

Is it better to have a lighter or heavier pickleball paddle?

Pickleball paddles range anywhere from 6 ounces to 14 ounces, and the weight will affect power and control. A lighter paddle gives you more control but less drive. Conversely, a heavier paddle gives you less control but more power and drive.

Is graphite or fiberglass better for pickleball?

Although there are no official studies showing that a graphite paddle is better than a fiberglass paddle most pickleball players think graphite is better. This thought probably comes because graphite paddles are generally lighter than fiberglass paddles and the assumption is that lighter must be better.

Are elongated pickleball paddles better?

Elongated paddles have less face width but an increased paddle length. This type of paddle provides more reach but makes it much more difficult to strike from the sweet spot in the center of the paddle; therefore, elongated paddles can be a great choice for seasoned players but are not great for beginners.

How do you add weight to a pickleball paddle?

Lead is a heavy metal that can be made into a tape - also known as lead tape. Lead tape can be used to add small increments of weight to your pickleball paddle, which will generally result in a heavier paddle swing, a larger “sweet spot” on your paddle, and a bit more power, or pop, when striking the pickleball.

How long does a pickleball paddle last?

How long do pickleball paddles last? A competitive player will replace their paddles about once a year, although any of them switch even earlier if they get new paddles from their sponsors. Average recreational players should get about 2-3 years out of graphic or composite paddles.

How do you increase grip size on a pickleball paddle?

If the maximum grip size a paddle comes in is still too small for your hand you can use a pickleball overgrip to build up the diameter of the grip. 1 layer of an overgrip builds the grip up by about 1/16 of an inch. You would wrap the grip until it was built up to your desired thickness.

Can you paint pickleball paddles?

Design. The shape along with the paint, depiction and reflection on a paddle should meet USAPA standards as well. The paint along the surface has to have an appropriate image on the face.

How do you hold a pickleball paddle?

This is how you grip the paddle:

Are all pickleball paddles the same size?

Grip Size of Pickleball Paddle

Most pickleball paddle grips are between 4 inches and 4.5 inches in circumference. The pickleball grip size that you prefer may come down to your preference (including your preference on the weight, bulk, and comfort of the pickleball grip).

What is the best color for a pickleball?

Many players tell us the red is easiest to see when playing indoors, so give them a try if the standard colors have given you trouble. They have the same gentle feel and high bounce as the popular Jugs Indoor Pickleballs, so you won't be missing out on quality.

What is the difference between a graphite and composite pickleball paddle?

Graphite paddles provide the lightest paddles surface in the game today while Composite paddles are slightly heavier but provide the best textured surface ideal for spin.

What is a lightweight pickleball paddle?

Lightweight pickleball paddles are considered to be roughly 7.5oz and below. Pickleball paddles light in weight are terrific options for increased ball control, are good for dink shots, and better maneuverability.

Why do pickleball paddles have a weight range?

Lightweight ~ Quicker Hand Speed

Lighter paddles also help to maintain more control. With Pickleball being a game of quick, controlled shots close to the net, this weight range will be perfect for you if you find yourself needing to speed up your hand game while still retaining your soft touch.

Do I want a lightweight or midweight pickleball paddle?

Because a Lightweight paddle gives you quicker hand speed and a Midweight paddles give you more power, many players choose to use a Lightweight paddle for doubles and a Midweight paddle for singles. Since doubles are often played up at the net, a quick hand speed is vital...

How thick are Selkirk paddles?

Selkirk took on this challenge and made the Omni paddle with 5/8 inch thick core. While an 1/8” thick seems small, it is a 25% increase in thickness.

How do you prevent tennis elbow in pickleball?

If you loosen your pickleball grip pressure and use more of your fingers to hold the pickleball paddle, you will help avoid pickleball elbow and the pain that comes with it. You will also find that you will have a softer touch with your pickleball paddle and more control over your shots on the pickleball court.

Is a heavier pickleball paddle better for tennis elbow?

If you have arthritis, "tennis elbow" or an injury to your hand, elbow or shoulder, we recommend you select a middle-weight paddle between 7.3 and 8.4 ounces. This will be heavy enough to provide stability and absorb shock, yet light enough not to tax your arm.

What is a composite pickleball paddle?

The term "Composite Pickleball Paddle" is really a term to denote a paddle that has been constructed from a combination of materials, generally an open-celled honeycomb core covered with one or more face materials which are built up into a surface that is what actually comes in contact with the ball.

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