Pickleball Paddle Buying Guide

If you’re in the market for a new pickleball paddle you’ve come to the right place. Our comprehensive pickleball paddle guide covers everything you need to know to make an informed purchase, including information on paddle dimensions, weights, materials and grips.

Whether you are a complete beginner looking for your first pickleball paddle, or you’re a seasoned veteran of the game, you’re sure to learn something new and useful about pickleball paddles with our guide!

PICKLEBALL PADDLE WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS

How much do pickleball paddles weigh?

Whilst the official USAPA rules and regulations don't impose any restrictions on the weight of a pickleball paddle, the vast majority of paddles used by amateur & professional players weigh between 7.2oz (204g) and 8.5oz (241g).

What weight pickleball paddle should you use?

The answer to this question will largely depend on your style of play and level of experience. Heavier paddles tend to offer more power and are usually best suited to players who like to play groundstrokes, whilst lighter paddles are often favored by players who like to play a lot of volleys, as they tend to offer greater control and precision.

For beginners, it is usually best to opt for a mid-weight pickleball paddle, which offers a balance of both control and power. Once a beginner has established his/her favored style of play, they can then choose a pickleball paddle weight accordingly.

What are the dimensions of a pickleball paddle?

The official USAPA rulebook states the combined length and width, including any edge guard and end cap on the paddle, cannot exceed 24 inches (60.96cm). The rulebook also states that the length of the paddle cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18cm). The USAPA does not place any restrictions on the thickness of pickleball paddles, but the majority of pickleball paddles are 0.4 to 0.6 inches (1.0-1.5cm) thick.

As USAPA rules allow for a range of widths and lengths (as long as the total length + width does not exceed 24 inches or 60.96cm paddles are USAPA legal) you’ll find that pickleball paddle shapes can vary quite significantly). If you chose to use a pickleball paddle with an elongated, longer face, then the paddle will be narrower than traditional, non-elongated designs to meet regulations. As shown in the images below, traditional pickleball paddles are usually 7-8.25 inches (17.78-20.96cm) wide and 15-16 inches (38.10-40.64cm) long, whilst elongated paddles are typically 6-8 inches wide and 16-17 inches (40.64-43.18cm long).

How do pickleball paddles compare to rackets & paddles used in other sports?

Pickleball paddles are very distinctive. They are larger than ping pong paddles, but smaller than tennis rackets. Interestingly, ping pong paddles are allowed to be any size, shape or weight, as long as the blade is flat or rigid. In theory, you could play with a giant paddle, or a tiny one, if you really wanted to! Although the rules allow for an unlimited range of sizes, most ping pong paddles are around 10 inches (25.4cm) long and 5.9 inches (15.0cm) wide and have a weight of around 3oz (85.0g), making them significantly lighter than pickleball paddles.

Tennis racket sizes can also vary, but with a maximum length of 29 inches (73.7cm). Most top professionals use rackets that are 27-27.5 inches (68.6-69.9cm) long and 10.63 inches (27cm) wide.

Badminton rackets have a similar length to tennis rackets, with a maximum length of 26.77 inches (68.0cm) and a maximum width of 9.06 inches (23.0cm), whilst racquet ball rackets are significantly shorter than tennis and badminton rackets, with an overall length between 19-22 inches (48.3-55.9 cm) and a width of 9.5-11.5 inches (24.13-29.21cm).

Unlike tennis and squash rackets which have strings, pickleball paddles and ping pong paddles have a solid face. Whilst pickleball paddles can be any color, ping pong paddles must be bright red on one side and black on the other.

PICKLEBALL PADDLE GRIP SIZES

Making sure that you choose a pickleball paddle with the correct grip size is important for both performance and comfort. If you use a pickleball paddle with a grip that is too large, it can quickly lead to grip-fatigue and longer term may cause issues related to inflammation and tendonitis in the elbow or wrist.

How do you measure grip size for a pickleball paddle?

Grab a ruler and, use the following steps and the diagram below to find your ideal pickleball paddle grip size:

• Hold your dominant hand out in front of you, with your palm open and fingers pointing straight up
• Gently place your fingers together so they are touching - your thumb can point out to the side and remain separate
• Align the bottom of the ruler with the bottom lateral crease in the palm of your hand
• Use the ruler to measure to the top of your ring finger

The image above, shows a grip measuring 4.5 inches, which would equate to a US Size of 4 ½ inches or a size 4 if you were looking to buy a European model.

What are the different parts of a pickleball paddle called?

Below we’ve outlined what each part of a pickleball paddle is called, providing information on the materials used for the part and explaining what each is used for.

Pickleball Paddle Parts

Face - The face is the flat surface near the top of the paddle, where you make contact with the ball. The face can be constructed from a range of materials including graphite, wood or a carbon polymer

Edge Guard - The edge guard is fixed to the perimeter of the paddle’s face. The edge guard shields the face from damage and helps to maintain its shape

Throat - The throat connects the face of the paddle to the handle. The throat is usually made of the same material as the face

Handle - As you might expect, the handle is the part of the pickleball paddle that players hold during a game. It is commonly made using wood, graphite or a carbon polymer.

Grip Tape - Sometimes just referred to as “the grip”, the grip tape covers the handle, providing the surface that a player's hand makes contact with. The grip tape is usually made from rubber or a synthetic material such as polyurethane (PU).

End Cap - Located at the very bottom of the handle, the end cap is sometimes referred to as the “butt cap”. The end cap protects the handle’s bottom from damage

CHOOSING A PICKLEBALL PADDLE

How do you choose a pickleball paddle?

With the abundance of choice and options available when it comes to choosing a pickleball paddle, buying a paddle can be a little overwhelming. If you’re wondering what to look for in a pickleball paddle, we’ve made things a little easier by explaining what paddle shape, weight and material will best suit your experience level and playing style.

Shape

The majority of pickleball players use a paddle with a traditional face, with the width ranging from 7.0 to 8.25 inches. However, if a player prefers to increase his or her reach slightly, they may opt for an elongated pickleball paddle. The downside of using an elongated paddle, is that it will generally offer less power and control than a traditionally shaped paddle.

The table below outlines the benefits and drawbacks of the different pickleball paddle shapes:

Weight

The weight of a pickleball paddle is also quite an important consideration, as it can have a significant impact on your game. The heavier pickleball paddles (those which weigh over 8.5oz or 241g) offer a high level of power, whilst light paddles (those that weigh under 7.3oz or(207g) provide a greater level of precision and control. Most players, especially beginners and intermediate level players who are still finding their playing style, find a balance by choosing a medium-weight paddle, offering a combination of both power and precision.

Face Material

Pickleball paddle faces are made from various materials including fiberglass, wood and graphite. Graphite is a type of carbon fiber that is renowned within the pickleball community for offering a superior level of precision compared to fiberglass paddles and more power than other carbon fiber options. Graphite is also relatively lightweight, which can reduce the strain on a player's grip and arm during a game.

Wooden-faced paddles are a great option for beginners or those looking to buy a budget-friendly design. Solid wood pickleball paddles tend to be substantially cheaper than those made from composite materials and deliver a comparable level of power. Wooden paddles are also extremely tough and durable, often outlasing composite alternatives.

Core

Many of the early pickleball paddles had cores which were made from a material called Nomex. Originally developed for industrial applications, Nomex offered a high level of strength and durability, without making the paddles too heavy. In recent years however, polymer cores have gained popularity as they provide a superior combination of power and control. Often utilizing a honeycomb design, polymer cores create a lightweight paddle, with a high level of precision and a better overall feel, with less vibration when striking the ball. In addition, polymer core paddles produce significantly less noise than wooden or Nomex cores, which can be a key consideration for people playing in the backyard!

OTHER PICKLEBALL PADDLE FAQS

How long do pickleball paddles last?

The lifespan of a pickleball paddle, will depend largely on the frequency and intensity of use. If you are a professional pickleball player, training and playing games on a daily basis, then a paddle will usually last between 6 months and a year. If you are a recreational player however, who only partakes in the sport once a week, a graphite paddle can last for 2 to 3 years. Wooden paddles, despite their lower cost, tend to have the longest lifespan and can last for 3 to 5 years.

How do you clean pickleball paddle?

Before cleaning your pickleball paddle, you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions or contact the manufacturer to ensure that you won’t damage your paddle or invalidate any type of warranty.

Many pickleball players recommend using a damp, lint free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris from the face of the paddle. Don’t use any harsh cleaning solutions or chemicals to clean the paddle, as they could damage the material.

A good habit to get into, to help maintain your paddle’s grip, is to wipe the grip down with a towel after each game or practice session. Ensuring the grip is clean and free of sweat, should prolong the life of the grip. In between games, you can also wipe the grip down with a damp cloth and then pat it dry with a towel.

What is a good pickleball paddle for beginners?

It can be difficult to pick your first pickleball paddle. If you are just going to play for fun with family, then you may want to test the waters with a wooden pickleball paddle. Wooden paddles are extremely robust and durable, and extremely cost effective.

If you have ambitions of playing at a club, or you’d like to start off with a paddle that resembles something that the professionals would use, then a mid-weight, USAPA-approved pickleball paddle, such as the Vermont Venom Paddle, would make an excellent choice. With the mid-weight, traditional design, the paddle is excellent for those who have yet to establish a preferred playing style, and with a honeycomb core and graphite face, it is the choice of many serious & advanced standard pickleball players.

At Net World Sports we carry a wide selection of pickleball equipment, including wooden and graphite polymer pickleball paddles. The Vermont Venom Pickleball Paddle is USAPA approved for regulation games and has a balanced weight that suits a range of playing styles, and a perforated PU grip that ensures both control and comfort.

Ideal for beginners and recreational players, we have the Vermont Wooden Pickleball Paddles. Available to buy in a set of 2, the premium cottonwood paddles have a durable PU grip, and are relatively lightweight at 8.5oz (240g); making them comfortable to handle. Excellent value for money, they’re perfect for anyone looking to play at home or in their backyard.

In addition to pickleball paddles, we also offer a wide range of pickleball nets & posts, pickleball balls and pickleball training equipment, ideal for anyone looking to play pickleball for fun, or those looking to take their game to the next level.