How to choose your perfect pickleball paddle: 10 key factors

Do you know your pickleball rating? Even if you don’t, you’ll probably know whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced player. 

Now that you’ve assessed your pickleball skill level, take a closer look at your style of play. Which type of shots do you hit the most? What type of game do you usually play? Do you use spin strategically to challenge your opponents return capabilities? Then you should consider the texture of your paddle face, as this is where your spin is generated. Some paddles add grit to the paddle face, for example, for extra grip on the ball. 

Do you like to use your power to hit bangers? A heavier, longer paddle may suit you, as we’ll discuss in the next section. Or are you a control player that values superior touch on your dinks? Then maybe a lighter, wider paddle will give you the touch you’re looking for.

Think about your overall pickleball playing style, including those areas you’d like to improve, before choosing the perfect pickleball paddle. 

If you know your style of play, we've written specific articles for different play styles/levels:

• The Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin
• The Best Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players
• The Best Pickleball Paddles for Power
• The Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

The USAPA regulations state that the combined length and width of your pickleball paddle  (including any edge guard and butt cap) cannot exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm), and that the paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). This means that if a paddle is 16 inches long, it can be a maximum of 8 inches wide, whereas if a paddle is 17 inches long, it can only be 7 inches wide, to stay within the allowable total of 24 inches. 

Paddle size seriously affects performance. The longer the paddle, the harder you can hit the ball. The wider the paddle, the more likely you are to hit it, and the more maneuverability you’ll have. The size of your paddle also affects the size of the ‘sweet spot’—the area in the center of the paddle where the player gets the most accurate response from their shot. 

Are you confident of your aim, but looking for more power in your shots? Then choose a longer paddle. Likewise, if you want to make sure you hit a decent shot, and are looking to get the maximum amount of spin on the ball, then go for a wider paddle with a larger sweet spot. 

Pickleball paddles, like boxers, can be divided into weight divisions. The three classifications are:

• Light-Weight - Under 7.2 ounces
• Mid-Weight - 7.3 to 8.4 ounces
• Heavyweight - 8.5 ounces and over

Different weights of pickleball paddles have different advantages. Light-weight paddles are great for giving you ultimate maneuverability and quick response time. Great for dinks and drop shots, a light-weight option might suit you if you’ve come to pickleball from playing ping-pong. The disadvantages are that you can’t generate as much power in your shots, and that a lighter paddle will cause more vibrations in your arm and elbow, which may cause or exacerbate injuries. 

Mid-weight paddles are a happy medium when it comes to a balance between power and control. Most players in the intermediate range will choose this paddle weight, as they are the best all-round performers. 

Heavyweight paddles can range from 8.5 all the way up to 14 ounces. The heavier the paddle, the more force you can get behind the ball. Also, with a heavier pickleball paddle, you have to put in less effort into your swing to get a solid shot. The downside to a heavier paddle is that it gives you less control and maneuverability.  

If you're not sure which weight is best, we recommend a light or midweight paddle and experimenting with adding lead tape to find the right weight for you!

There are three materials used in the construction of pickleball paddles—wood, graphite and composite. Wood paddles are the heaviest and often the least expensive. They’re fine for a beginner or occasional player. Graphite pickleball paddles are very strong but also light. They’re the most expensive option, but the most popular among serious players, as they offer unrivaled action and durability. 

Composite paddles are a happy medium when it comes to price and performance. They’re becoming more and more popular as their textured surface makes it easier to put spin on the ball. Composite pickleball paddles are made of a mixture of materials but will almost always use a carbon fiber or fiberglass face and a polymer core. And speaking of cores, here’s the next important factor to keep in mind when choosing the perfect pickleball paddle… 

This is where things get a little technical. Unless you choose a wooden paddle, where the core is simply wood, your pickleball paddle core is usually made of either nomex, aluminum or polymer (polypropylene). Pickleball paddle cores are almost always made to resemble a honeycomb structure—a natural shape pattern which has been copied by man due to its incredible strength and lightness. 

What this core structure is made of depends on the paddle you choose. Polymer is the most popular material (it’s essentially plastic) as it’s strong and durable while being soft and flexible. Aluminum cores are for those who want a super light-weight offering. This lightness, though, seriously reduces the power of your shot. So, if you tend to overshoot your shots and go out of bounds a lot, this may be the core material for you. 

Nomex is a neat material that was the staple for pickleball paddle cores for decades. Nomex is hard, and that hardness creates power. Lots of power. Striking the ball with a nomex core feels solid and sturdy (and also loud!). This type of core has fallen in popularity over the years though , as polymer core's provide better consistency, durability, and control. 

When choosing any piece of sports equipment, quality and durability should be a priority. Read the reviews from people who’ve used the paddle in day-to-day pickleball sessions, and find out how the paddles stand up to the use and abuse of court life. 

Secondly, find out if your pickleball paddle comes with a warranty. Some manufacturers (including Selkirk) will even offer a limited lifetime warranty that covers workmanship and manufacturers defects.