Pickleball paddles are like snowflakes—no two are exactly alike. But with so many unique options on the market, choosing the best pickleball paddle can be tricky business!
You could spend hours reading through pickleball paddle reviews, but with so many new brands popping up all the time, it’s hard to know who to trust.
To make things easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to choosing the best pickleball paddle based on factors like grip, weight and materials used in manufacturing, then you can order here.
What Is Pickleball?
While you may not have heard of it, pickleball is quickly growing in popularity. In fact, one out of every five paddle court owners report that they’ve started offering pickleball to their customers. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active and meet some new people, then it’s worth checking out—pickleball is particularly popular among older adults who are looking for a way to stay active and social. Despite its recent rise in popularity, though, there are still plenty of things about pickleball that remain shrouded in mystery—like exactly what kind of paddle do you need?
How To Choose A Pickleball Paddle
Two things you’ll want to consider before purchasing a pickleball paddle are length and size. Length can be confusing because it’s often measured in terms of weight, with longer paddles weighing more than shorter ones. An important thing to remember is that a lighter paddle can still be long, but if you’re buying your first paddle or one as a gift for someone else, there isn’t much need to overcomplicate things by looking at length in terms of weight. If you do decide to look at lengths based on weight, pay attention to the minimum weights for various lengths.
What Are The Characteristics Of A Good Pickleball Paddle?
Not everyone will like one paddle over another, but there are some characteristics that most people agree on when picking out their perfect paddle. In general, a pickleball paddle should be lightweight, have a large sweet spot and feel good in your hand. This is what makes for an effective pickleball game.
Lightweight
The lighter your paddle is, the better your stroke will be because you won’t fatigue as quickly after long matches and drills or during other intense activities where you have to work hard for long periods of time.
Grip Size
Ensure that you select a pickleball paddle that fits your hand. A larger grip might be more comfortable for you than a smaller grip, but it could lead to slower swings if not adjusted correctly. A grip size can vary depending on the brand of the paddle. If you know how to adjust your grip size then it might not matter which grip size you choose as long as it feels comfortable in your hand. A couple grips sizes that may feel different from each other would be: small, medium and large handles. You want a handle that doesn’t hurt your hands from gripping too tightly while at the same time being easy enough so that swinging comfortably feels natural with little effort put into it. Remember that you can increase grip size using an overgrip.
Shape & Build
Your paddle’s shape and build should match your playing style. You want a feeling of balance and control. It should feel right in your hand without being uncomfortable or uncomfortably heavy. There are plenty of shapes, colors and designs to choose from these days when looking for a new paddle. It’s worth taking the time to find something that matches your style of play. If you’re someone who enjoys using spin in their game plan a lot, then it would be best to consider qualities like higher friction when looking for the best paddles for spin style pickleball. The same goes for any other kind of playstyle, it’s important to understand what build will benefit your play and invest accordingly!
How Do I Hold My Paddle?
It’s important to understand your grip on your paddle and how it will affect your game. When picking up a new sport like pickleball, you want to pay attention to details. Some of these details include hand placement as well as grip size. This can determine whether or not you have an edge over your competition in competition play. Each player has a way they prefer to hold their paddle. Experiment with them to see which one is the most comfortable for you!
Which Parts Of My Body Should I Use When Playing Pickleball?
Although there are no strict rules about how to play pickleball, many players follow a loose set of guidelines to help them play more effectively. To get started, you should use whichever arm feels most comfortable when serving. Once you have established which hand you will use, you need to decide whether or not you will be a right-handed or left-handed player.
Regardless of your actual handedness, playing with your dominant hand on top is recommended. In general, right-handed players usually stand on their right side and hold their paddle in their left hand while left-handed players stand on their left side and hold their paddle in their right hand—although there are always exceptions!
Do I Need To Buy A New Paddle, Or Can I Buy An Upgrade?
If you’re a beginner, your original paddle will be just fine. If you have an old paddle lying around, use that until you decide it’s time to invest in a new one. However, if you’re looking for professional-level paddles or want to take your game to another level—an upgrade might be in order. Most players agree that high-quality paddles are comfortable and durable and can help improve your game by reducing fatigue and providing better control of your shots.
Final Thoughts On How To Choose Your Next Pickleball Paddle
When looking to buy a pickleball paddle, you need to make sure that you get one that has high quality features. You should go for those made of solid wood, for example. This way, you can be sure that it is strong and durable. You should also keep in mind its weight. As a general rule of thumb, heavier paddles tend to perform better when it comes to shooting and serving. Then again, since pickleball is mainly about mobility and hand-eye coordination, light paddles are good too. That’s why you should go for a medium-weight one instead of either extreme. And finally: make sure that your paddle suits your playing style!
Looking to buy or upgrade your pickleball paddles? Order here for the best deals that suit your demands today!
