The Pickleball Paddle
You can’t play pickleball without a paddle. When it is time to get your own paddle, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the selection.
Options include simple paddle sets that include balls and a carry case to top brand paddles. Paddles can be customized with weights, name tags and regrip options.
Click on the image for product selections and read below for more information, suggestions and accessories.
We started with a simple set from Amazon. Sets come in two or four paddles, some indoor and outdoor balls and usually a handy bag to carry them in.
TIP: Utilizing practice equipment at home can help you develop a feel for your paddle and how it connects with the ball. Click here for more information on practice equipment.
These sets make it easy to get started without the need to worry about getting balls as well. These sets run form about $50.00 to around $90.00, making it very economical to get started.
Click on the image to see some options.
About 6 months into our journey we began to think about getting new paddles. Talking to other players to see what they use offered some input. Middle of the road paddles usually cost around $150.00 to $200.00 for a very decent paddle. This is when you start to get into the options that different paddles offer. Thickness, construction, size and handle length selection can make the selection choice seem daunting.
My second paddle was a Selkirk, similar to the one in the picture. Models are always changing but a 16mm with a smaller handle tends to be a bit on the light side, while offering more control. It comes in a variety of colors if you want to match your outfit. It is recommended for beginner to intermediate players.
Click on the image for one of my suggestions.
Top names in paddles include Selkirk, Joola and Franklin. Here are a couple more options to consider:
The Popular JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle features Raw Carbon Surface or Carbon Abrasion Surface for Increased Power and Spin – Elongated Grip Handle – Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle – USAP Approved.
Click on the image to purchase or for more information.
Paddle Accessories
There are upgrades to paddles available. They include custom name tags, regrips for your paddle – usually after 3-4 months the handle may need regripping, and weight options.
TIP: Get a customized name tag to match your paddle. That way your paddle doesn’t get confused with others and people know who to call when it is your turn. Click on the image to order. There are a variety of colors and you can have names on both sides. Make sure the color used for the name is very different from the tag color.
Click on the image to purchase name tags and for more information.
CRBN Extra Strength Lead Tape for Pickleball Paddles. 3M Adhesive to customize your paddle’s weight.
Click on the image to purchase lead tape and for more information.
Pickleball Overgrip Tape improves paddle handling.
This tape features Ridges for Better Grip Control – Precut, Dry Feel, Non-Slip Pickleball Grip Tape for High Performance. Color options are available.
Click on the image to purchase grip replacement tape and for more information.
Paddles don’t last forever and it all depends on how much you play, how hard you hit and which type of ball you are playing with. Playing at a low intermediate level, I chose a thickness of 16mm to start learning how to play with more control.
There is a lot of information on the internet, including reviews and suggestions, that can help you choose the paddle that suits you best. The more you play and watch others play, the more you may develop a bit of an opinion as to what you need or want in your paddle.
Along my pickleball journey, I found that my paddle was not performing the way I wanted. The contact with the ball, control and pop were failing to meet my expectations. Paddles do wear out. The sweet spot can deteriorate.
Ways that can indicate your paddle needs replacing are:
- Damage and wear.
- . Declining performance.
- Failing edge guard.
- Chipped edges.
- Smooth or worn paddle face.
- Cracked frame or face.
- Delamination and core crushing.
Researching the new techology available in paddles, I recently decided to look for a new paddle. My research led me to choose one that had the features I wanted. Of course the paddle I choose was not yet available in Canada. When it did become available, I had our local club order it in for me.
My new paddle is a Franklin Anna Leigh Waters Signature C45 Degrees Aurelius 16mm. It is a lightweight paddle.
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