When it comes to picking your pickleball paddle, you have a lot of choices. There are plenty of companies that make pickleball paddles and balls, and many of them have unique features that make them appealing options for pickleball players.
However, despite the many options, not every pickleball paddle is made for every type of player. To choose your pickleball paddle wisely, you need to understand the characteristics of different paddles and understand what differentiates the good from the not-so-good.
If you’re ready to learn more, keep reading for more information on how to narrow down on a pickleball paddle you can buy online. But first, let’s look at the types of paddles you can expect to find in the market to make an even more informed decision.
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Types of Pickleball Paddles
There are two main types of paddles for play. One is a wood or composite paddle, and the other is a plastic paddle.
However, wood and composite paddles are much better for playing pickleball because they’re stronger than their plastic counterparts. It’s also easier to have the correct flexibility with these materials because they give when pressure is applied.
Here are three qualities to assess when looking for a pickleball paddle.
The Construction Material
The material of the paddle is one of the essential qualities to look for. This is because it will affect how effective it is on different surfaces. For instance, a paddle made from graphite is excellent on all types of floors but not good on wooden surfaces.
A paddle made from aluminum or steel will do well on any surface and are generally easier to control than other materials.
How Much Does it Weigh?
The weight of a paddle is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a pickleball paddle. The heavier the paddle, the more movement and power it will provide you with.
Another critical factor in choosing a heavy or light paddle is the size of your hand. A more lightweight weight paddle that is smaller in diameter will not offer as much power for those with smaller hands, whereas a heavier weight paddle larger in diameter may be too large for those with smaller hands.
Assess the Length
Pickleball paddles come in all shapes and sizes, so you should factor in the length of your ideal paddle. For example, some paddles are 14-16″ long, 18-20″ long, 22-24″ long, 26-28″ long, 30-32″ long, and 34-36″ long.
If you’re just starting on pickleball, then a paddle that is 18-20 inches would be perfect for you. If you’ve been playing for a while and want to step it up a notch to hardcourt play, then a paddle that is 26-28 inches would be great for you.
The Bottom Line
The pickleball paddle is the essential equipment you will ever buy for your new pickleball game. It’s also the one that takes the longest to figure out as far as what kind of paddle will work for you. There are so many options, and it can be challenging to know what to look for.
However, if you keep these three qualities in mind, you’ll be able to find an excellent paddle that ticks all your boxes.
