The standard pickleball paddle shape is 16 inches long by 8 inches wide (which, in each case, meets the total 24 inches permitted by the rules of pickleball). This shape offers a great balance of reach, power, and control for pickleball paddles.
What is the difference between a 13mm and 16mm pickleball paddle?
The difference in thickness (16 mm vs 13 mm) made a big difference in how the paddles played. The 16 mm was softer, easier to control and stable. The 13 mm was more powerful, had a harder feeling and was less stable.
How do I know what pickleball paddle to buy?
You want to pay attention to the type of facing used in combination with the thickness of the core. If you want a true power paddle, then you’ll look for a thinner poly core with a fiberglass face. If you want a true control paddle, then you’ll look for a thicker poly core with a carbon fiber or graphite face.
Are all pickleball paddles the same length?
The Differences Between Elongated and Standard Pickleball Paddles. The most obvious difference is the size. Elongated paddles are larger than standard paddles. Elongated paddles are generally 6-7 inches wide and 17-24 inches long, while standard paddles are generally 7-8 inches wide and around 16 inches long.
What is the difference between a cheap and expensive pickleball paddle?
Typically, the cheapest paddles are wooden, and the most expensive are graphite. The effect and experience of overall performance are affected. If your budget allows for it, try to avoid purchasing a wooden pickleball paddle as they are clumsy and offer less benefit than the graphite and composite types.
Is it better to have a lighter or heavier pickleball paddle?
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.
Is graphite or wood better for pickleball paddles?
A paddle surface that is made from graphite is durable and powerful, so you will have an easier time hitting the ball. Graphite paddles are ultra-light and ultra-stiff. Players looking for control and more energy to get the ball across the net prefer graphite pickleball paddles.
What does a thicker pickleball paddle do?
The thicker a paddle, the more it will absorb the ball’s energy. If a paddle comes in 13mm and 16mm thicknesses, 13mm will be the “power” and 16mm will be “control”. Some brands like Gearbox, Prokennex, and Diadem only have one thickness per paddle.
How do you size a paddle?
The best way to choose paddle length: On the water: Sit inside the canoe and measure the vertical distance from your nose to the waterline. This measurement should match the distance from a paddle’s grip to the throat, where the paddle shaft meets the blade.
Is graphite or fiberglass better for pickleball?
The light flex of the material offers pinpoint accuracy in your pickleball play. So we recommend fiberglass for players looking to elevate their game by improving their accuracy. At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with graphite or fiberglass paddles. Just ask yourself how you want to elevate your game.