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!
Parts of a Pickleball Paddle
There are several parts of a pickleball paddle to be aware of. There are five 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 Face/Surface: The exterior material that makes direct contact with the ball determines how much energy is absorbed or returned
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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.
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Power: Thinner paddles for players who prioritize shorter swings, generated pop and more speed.
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Control: Thicker paddles for players that want a more forgiving sweet spot for defense and energy absorption upon contact.
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Balanced: Perfect starting point for new players who are still developing their playing style. These paddles feature a power-leaning thickness with a control-based polypropylene core.
Key Features of Pickleball Paddle
There are four key features of a pickleball paddle: grip circumference, shape, surface materials, and core materials. Keeping these features in mind will ensure you achieve better overall performance in your next pickleball game!
Grip Circumference
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.
Expert Tip: To measure grip circumference, place a ruler at the bottom lateral crease in your palm and measure to the top of your ring finger. If you fall between two sizes, our Experts recommend choosing the smaller size.
Paddle Shape
There are three different shapes for a pickleball paddle:
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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 Surface Material
Paddle surface material (also known as face material) affects how much energy you can absorb and return during a rally. There are four types of surface materials found in pickleball paddles:
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Fiberglass: 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.
Paddle Core Material
The core material affects the overall thickness of your paddle. There are three most common core materials:
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Polypropylene: Most popular due to its versatility in play styles. The best core material for new players who are trying out different play styles.
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Aluminum: Ideal for players who are positioned near the net and are focused on control and quick movement.
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Nomex: Ideal for single, pro players who prioritize low restriction for speed and power on the court.
Quick Reference: Play Styles & Features
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!
| Play Style | Core Material to Look For | Shape | Face Material to Look For | Handle length |
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| 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!
