Whether you are playing the sport for a long time now and you already own many pickleball paddle or you are new and own none as of yet, you are reading this article because you are planning to buy one. Buying a paddle can make or break your satisfaction when playing pickleball, hence it is only right that you choose wisely and take your time before you finally buy one.

Factors to consider when choosing paddle/s

There are 3 major and critical factors to consider when buying a paddle, and these are:

  • Handle
  • Core
  • Weight

This you have to know, the above factors are easily mislead and causing people to buy a paddle that is not meant for them. Below is to further discuss each of the factor.

Weight

The weight of the paddle is one, if not the most important when choosing a paddle. If you use too heavy or too light paddle, your entire pickleball game is messed up. The biggest challenge though is analyzing whether the paddle is too heavy or light for you.

  • Too light

There are factors that would help you identify that your paddle is too light. First, is failure to miss shots that you regularly do not miss. A paddle that is too light for your strength may tend you to swing faster than the usual. Another noticeable factor to assume you are using a light paddle is when you are hitting less powerful than the usual. Remember, the power can be determined by your paddle’s weight.

One of the major causes of this is using aluminum core paddle/s. Aluminum does not have the strength compared to polymer and nomex, hence if you are still using aluminum, it is best if you switch to polymer.

  • Too heavy

Determining whether the paddle is too heavy for you is not easy. But, there are few consequences you can observe when the paddle you are using is heavy. To cite a few is first, you may notice pain on your wrist and arms after the game. If the pain persists, it is highly recommended that you stop using the paddle and see a doctor immediately. Getting injured from using too heavy paddle is possible.

Another signal that your paddle is too heavy, is if instead of smashing onto the opponent’s feet, you are smashing the ball out of the court. This is because too heavy paddle will not permit you to control and angle your hits properly.

It is true that heavy paddles can give you more smashing power, but this is only positive to a certain extent. If you cannot control your smashes anymore, there is no reason why would you go for powerful paddles, as it does not make sense anymore.

Tips finding the right weight for you

To those who have the right weight of paddle, it is highly recommended that before you buy another one, know the weight of the current paddle you are using, using kitchen scale or anything else of the like.

For newbie on the other hand, it is best if you try as many paddles as you can before finally buying one for yourself. You can either visit shops or you can ask your fellow pickleball players to lend you their paddle and if possible play pickleball using it.

Core

This may not be as critical as the weight but definitely an important factor to consider when buying a paddle. Core can be polymer, aluminum or nomex, but the usual suggestions you can get from pickleball paddle review online are polymer.

Failing to choose the right core may affect your overall performance when playing pickleball. You can ask around your friends, professional players or sales representatives for suggestions.

Handle

Last to consider, but important as well, is the handle or grip. The determining factor to consider when choosing the right handle for you is the size of your hands. The size is from 4” up to 5”. 4” is for those people who have smaller hands, 5” on the other hand is suitable either for tennis players or to men who have bigger hands.

The most typical size players’ use is 4.25” but if your hands are longer you can go for 4.5” or bigger. For ladies, sizes between 4” and 4.25” may be good enough.

You should not worry though as manufacturers of pickleball paddles, most of the time, if not all the time have available paddles in different sizes, hence there is definitely one suitable for your size. Do not worry as much about the grip tape, as it can be replaced easily.

Pickleball paddle can make or break your interest and satisfaction when playing pickleball, hence it is only necessary that you take the above considerations as seriously as possible.