Pickleball Paddle Purchase

When buying a pickleball paddle, consider these key factors to ensure you get the right fit for your playing style and skill level:

1. Weight (Most Important Factor)

Lightweight (6.5–7.4 oz) → More control & maneuverability, but less power.

Midweight (7.5–8.4 oz) → Good balance of power & control

Heavyweight (8.5+ oz) → More power, but can cause arm fatigue.

2. Core Material

Polymer (Most Common) → Soft feel, quiet, and great control.

Nomex → Harder, louder, and offers more power.

Aluminum → Lightweight, good control, but less power.

3. Surface Material

Graphite → Lightweight, quick response, and precise shots.

Carbon Fiber → Even stronger than graphite, excellent durability, and best control.

Fiberglass (Composite) → More power, but less control than graphite.

4. Grip Size

Small (4"–4.25") → More wrist action & spin, better for smaller hands.

Medium (4.5") → Most common, balanced feel.

Large (4.75") → More stability, but less wrist movement.

5. Paddle Shape

Standard (16” x 8”) → Balanced control & power.

Elongated (16.5”+ x 7.5”) → More reach & power, less control.

Widebody (8.5”+ width) → Larger sweet spot, more forgiveness.

6. Edge Guard vs. Edgeless

Edge Guard → More durability, slightly reduces hitting area.

Edgeless → Larger hitting surface, but more prone to damage.

7. USAPA Approval (If Competing)

Make sure it meets official regulations if you plan to play in tournaments.


The core material of a pickleball paddle plays a crucial role in how the paddle feels, its power, control, and overall performance. Here’s a breakdown of the most common core materials:

1. Polymer Core (Most Common & Versatile)

Features: Soft, quiet, and provides a good balance of power and control.

Best For: Players who want consistency and a large sweet spot.

Thicker Polymer Core (14mm–16mm+) → More control & touch.

Thinner Polymer Core (10mm–13mm) → More power & pop.

Popular Paddles: Selkirk Amped, JOOLA Hyperion, Paddletek Bantam EX-L.

2. Nomex Core (Hard & Powerful)

Features: Honeycomb structure with a harder feel, loud sound, and high power.

Best For: Power players who like an aggressive, fast-paced game.

Downside: Noisy and less control compared to polymer.

Popular Paddles: Onix Graphite Z5, ProKennex Black Ace.

3. Aluminum Core (Lightweight & Control-Oriented)

Features: Lightweight, offers excellent control, but less power.

Best For: Players who value precision and touch over power

Downside: Can dent more easily and lacks the pop of Nomex or Polymer.

Popular Paddles: Less common in newer high-end models.

4. Carbon Honeycomb Core (Premium & High-Performance)

Features: Durable, lightweight, and provides a good mix of power, control, and spin.

Best For: Advanced players looking for max performance.

Popular Paddles: CRBN 1X, JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus.