How to choose a Pickleball Paddle

Find the perfect pickleball paddle for your needs with Tennisnuts as your guide. Whether you are looking for a paddle with power, spin, control, or an all round paddle, we can guide you into choosing the best pickleball paddle for you.

If you are physically fit, agile and love attacking and volleying as soon as possible, then you should choose a power paddle. If you prefer a more measured approach by placing the ball into awkward corners, or by throwing in some well timed lobs, then you should choose a control paddle. If you prefer to go for an all-round game, then there are loads of choices for all-round paddles as well.

The control and feel paddles are also generally more comfortable if you have any arm or wrist issues. The thinner power paddles can have more vibration.

Power

All-Round

Control

Power Paddles

Weight: 235g or more

Thickness: 13mm or less

Long Length: > 16.5"

Surface Material: Fibreglass

Handle Length: Long (5.25" or more)

Sweetspot: Bigger and higher

SHOP ALL

All-Round Paddles

Weight: 207g - 235g

Thickness: 14mm - 15mm

Standard Length: 16"

Surface Material: Hybrid Materials

Handle Length: Standard (5")

Sweetspot: Standard and in middle

SHOP ALL

Control & Feel Paddles

Weight: Less than 206g

Thickness: 16mm or more

Short Length: 15.5"

Surface Material: Graphite / Carbon Fibre

Handle Length: Short (4.5")

Sweetspot: Standard and in middle

SHOP ALL

Thinner paddles

Thicker Paddles

Larger Sweet Spot

Smaller Sweet Spot

4 Things To Consider When Buying A Pickleball Paddle

Weight

Lighter paddles offer more feel and manoeuvrability, while heavier paddles offer more power, but the user needs strength to wield correctly to gain from it.

Thickness

The thickness of Pickleball Paddles is just as important. A thick core will provide you with more control as with each hit, the core softens with the impact of the ball.

Whereas, a thinner core will allow you to generate more power, by producing more pop.

Overall Length

The longer length of a paddle allows greater leverage and more power.

The shorter Length of a paddle gives more feel and control.

Handle Length

The Handle Length plays a major factor in Pickleball. A longer handle will provide greater power and spin. The sweet spot will also move higher up on the paddle.

A shorter handle will give more control and have increased manoeuvrability.

Surface Material

Fibreglass is a power based material, whilst it being quiet heavy, it is also very flexible. With the elastic effect and the added weight, the construction generates greater power.

Graphite and carbon fibre are both control based materials and provide a nice mixture of power and control.

Most top end paddles are made of graphite or carbon fibre or a hybrid of the two materials.

In general, most beginners or value paddles are made of fibreglass.

Surface Texture

A rough texture on the surface of the paddle will provide players with enhanced spin and improved control over their shots, allowing for more precise gameplay.

In contrast, a smoother texture will facilitate greater speed off the paddle, enabling faster ball movement during play.