How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle
When preparing to choose a pickleball paddle, there are a lot of factors to consider. To make this decision easier, our SCHEELS Experts have established a step-by-step guide on what to consider before you purchase your pickleball paddle!
What Our Experts Will Cover:
Parts of a Pickleball Paddle
There are several parts of a pickleball paddle to be aware of. There are six main parts behind a pickleball paddle:
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Handle: Lower portion of the paddle where the hand is placed
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Grip: Circumference and cushioning around the handle itself.
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Core: The interior structure of the paddle is defined by its material thickness.
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Paddle Surface: The exterior material that makes direct contact with the ball determines how much energy is absorbed or returned
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Paddle Weight: The overall heaviness of your paddle.
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Paddle Shape: The outline of the paddle that determines the size and placement of the paddle’s sweet spot.
What Is Your Play Style: Power vs. Control?
Your paddle play style depends on how much power versus control you prefer to have during a match, which is heavily determined by the paddle's core thickness. Understanding these two main play styles in paddles will make it much easier to choose the right weight, shape, and materials for your game!
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Power paddles: Feature thinner cores that generate pop and allow players with shorter swings to effortlessly generate more speed.
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Control paddles: Feature thicker cores that provide excellent stability, increased energy absorption upon contact, and a more forgiving sweet spot for defense.
To easily match a paddle to your game, use this breakdown to see which core thickness provides the power or control you need:
| Play Style | Core Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Thin to Standard (12.1 mm to 14 mm) | Intermediate to advanced frequent players wanting maximum ball velocity, pop, and faster hand speed |
| Control | Thick to Chonk (15mm and more) | Beginner and defensive players needing more control for dinks, maximum forgiveness, and a larger sweet spot |
SCHEELS Expert Tip: If you're unsure of your playing style and are just getting started, a balanced paddle evenly blends both power and control for a more consistent playing experience.
Key Features of Pickleball Paddle
There are four basic key features of a pickleball paddle: grip circumference, shape, weight, and paddle materials. Keeping these features in mind will ensure you achieve better overall performance in your next pickleball game!
Grip Circumference
Pickleball paddles come in three different ranges of grip circumference—thin, standard, and thick. Making sure your pickleball paddle has the right circumference is important to ensure your grip on the paddle is secure.
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Thin (< 4 ⅛ in.): Players with smaller hands typically fit within this range.
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Standard (4 ¼ in. - 4 ⅜ in.): This range of grip is preferred by most players.
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Thick ( > 4 ½ in.): Players with larger hands will most likely fit in this range.
Paddle Shape
The shape of your paddle can greatly influence how often you can hit the ball. Your play style will be the deciding factor for this decision, whether you are a beginner, play singles, or have a balanced play style.
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Elongated: Best for intermediate to advanced singles players who want more reach and power across the court.
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Standard: Best for all skill levels and players who tend to play with balanced power and movement.
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Wide-Body: Best for new players who are unfamiliar with their playing style and want the most forgiveness.
Paddle Weight
Paddle weight is a key feature for figuring out your play style. If you are a beginner or a player with a pre-existing injury, a lightweight or middleweight paddle is perfect. For more experienced players, a heavyweight paddle would likely match your play style and skill level.
Quick Reference: Paddle Weight
| Weight Category | Weight Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | < 7.2 oz. | Players positioned closer to the net because the paddle weight offers less resistance to movement |
| Middleweight | 7.3 - 8.4 oz. | Beginners and players who are trying to figure out or develop their play style |
| Heavyweight | > 8.5 oz. | Players who are positioned near the baseline and want to generate the most power while hitting hard |
Paddle Materials: Surface & Core
The paddle is composed of two types of materials: the surface and the core. Paddle surface material (also known as face material) affects how much energy you can absorb and return during a rally, whereas core material affects the thickness of your paddle. Our Expert outlines the most common types of surface and core materials seen in pickleball paddles.
Types of Surface Materials
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Fiberglass: Fiberglass is an ideal material for players who want more power, spin, and flexibility in their plays.
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Carbon Fiber: Known as the “Ultimate Control” surface, this stiff and durable weave absorbs the ball's energy for better control and massive spin potential
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Graphite: Known for being light and fast, these surfaces offer a thin response for quicker hand speeds. These are primarily used by professional athletes who want a lightweight paddle.
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Composite: Composite material is the most common and popular material used. This material is great for new players and players who want high power and spin.
Types of Core Materials
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Polypropylene: The core is the most popular due to its versatility in play styles. This is the best core material for new players who are trying out different play styles.
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Aluminum: This core can be ideal for players who are positioned near the net and are focused on control and quick movement.
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Nomex: A Nomex core has plenty of benefits, such as high durability and low restriction for speed and power on the court. This core is popular for single players.
After breaking down the anatomy of a paddle—including grip size, shape, weight, and materials—finding your perfect match is easier than ever. To help you tie all of these elements together, our Experts have built a quick reference guide just below. Use this final cheat sheet to quickly match your specific play style to the exact features you need for paddle shopping!
Quick Reference: Play Styles & Features
| Play Style | Core Material to Look For | Shape | Face Material to Look For | Handle length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control | Aluminum (or thicker cores) | Standard & Wide-body | Carbon Fiber & Graphite | Shorter or Standard |
| Power | Nomex (or thinner cores) | Elongated | Fiberglass & Composite | Longer (Extended) |
Choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial to developing a style and feeling confident when starting to play! After considering important factors like grip, paddle shape, and paddle materials, with the help of our Expert's advice, choosing the right paddle should be easy! If you have any additional questions about pickleball paddles, head to your local SCHEELS and speak with a Pickleball Expert!
