How to choose a pickleball paddle: the ultimate player guide

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve either fallen in love with pickleball... or you’re about to! This wonderfully fun racket sport is taking the world by storm, and for good reason! It’s easy to pick up, great for all ages and fitness levels and incredibly sociable.

Here at pdhsports.com, we’re obsessed with pickleball! This guide draws on the experience of our team of players who’ve tried and tested countless paddles on the court. We’re here to share our firsthand experience and help you find the perfect pickleball paddle

Pickleball paddle thickness

Paddle thickness is measured in millimetres (mm), typically ranging from 10 to 19 mm. Thicker paddles generally provide greater control, as they absorb more of the ball’s impact. This dampening effect allows for more precise shot placement, especially for softer shots like dinks and resets.

On the flip side, thinner paddles offer more power since the ball stays on the paddle face for a shorter time. While this can lead to stronger, faster shots, it often comes at the expense of control and finesse, making shot accuracy more challenging.

Side on image of 2 Wilson Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball paddle weight

Paddle weight plays a key role in a player’s performance. Heavier paddles generate more power behind each shot, while lighter paddles offer greater control and quicker manoeuvrability. Most pickleball paddles weigh between 7 and 9 ounces (200-255 grams).

When choosing a paddle, aim for a weight that feels comfortable to swing and doesn’t put strain on your shoulder, elbow, or arm during play.

Two Diadem Pickleball paddles on a court

Pickleball paddle construction

The head of a pickleball paddle is typically made up of three main components fitted inside the frame:

Core: This is the inner structure that gives the paddle its rigidity and feel.
Face: This is the hitting surface on either side of the core.
Edge guard: A protective strip that runs around the perimeter to prevent damage.

The materials used for the core and the face are the most significant factors in how a paddle plays and how much it costs. The core is built in a honeycomb pattern to provide a lightweight but strong base. Usually it will be made from polymer, a type of plastic that's soft, flexible and durable. The quality and refinement of the polymer will be reflected in the paddle's price and technical design.

The paddle's face is usually made from carbon fibre (graphite) or fibreglass composites, which are strong and light. Carbon fibre is a premium material that provides excellent feel and control, making it ideal for precision play, while fibreglass adds power to each swing, because it's a little more flexible.

Construction of a Wilson Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball paddle shapes

Pickleball paddles come in three main shapes: wide, classic, and long.

Wide-body paddles are shorter in length but offer a larger, more forgiving sweet spot—great for consistency and control.

Long paddles extend your reach and deliver more power, though they typically have a smaller, more focused sweet spot. Some pickleball paddles have extended handles, which are ideal for double-handed backhand players as there's more room to grip the paddle.

Classic paddles are somewhere between the two, in a balanced design with neither the length nor width exaggerated.

To keep things fair, the pickleball rules say that the paddle's dimensions must not exceed a combined length and width of 24 inches.

Diagram of different head shapes for pickleball paddles

Other key pickleball paddle features

When picking your paddle, there are a couple of other features worth thinking about:

Grip size: Just like with other racket sports, the right grip size is crucial for comfort and control. Too small, and you might squeeze too hard. Too large, and you’ll struggle with manoeuvrability. Most pickleball paddles come with a standard grip, but some brands offer different sizes. Using overgrip tape can build up the size of the grip and improve the comfort of the paddle in your hand.
Surface texture: Some pickleball paddles have textured surfaces designed to increase spin on the ball. If you love putting topspin or slice on your shots, this could be a great feature to prioritise.

Choosing the right pickleball paddle for your level of play

As you improve as a player, you'll likely look to spend a bit more on your pickleball paddle to access greater quality and refinement.

Starter: beginner paddles are often made with a basic polymer core and a fibreglass face. They are great value and fantastic for getting started, with all-round play features and durable construction.

View all starter pickleball paddles

Intermediate: Look for a more refined polymer core and a graphite or a higher-grade composite face. You'll benefit from more technical features, like a textured surface, as your game improves and you can handle spin and a wider range of shots.

View all intermediate pickleball paddles

Advanced: You'll want a more powerful and durable paddle and highly controllable performance. With high-grade polymer cores and carbon fibre faces, advanced paddles can have raw textured surfaces for maximum spin. Choose a model that's built to a high spec and features advanced materials and technologies, such as a thermoformed head, where the face and core are fused together.

View all expert pickleball paddles

Leading pickleball paddle brands

There are some fantastic racket sports brands and specialist pickleball brands out there. We stock market leaders and player favourites including:

Adidas: Known for their sporty design and quality, Adidas often offer a good balance of power and control, appealing to a broad range of players.
Diadem: Diadem paddles feature innovative technologies aimed at enhancing feel and control, often with unique core constructions.
Franklin: Franklin offers a range of durable and affordable pickleball paddles that are popular with beginners and casual players.
Gamma: Known for their comfortable grips and a focus on both power and touch, Gamma paddles often incorporate advanced face technologies.
HEAD: A powerhouse in racket sports, HEAD offers a variety of models known for cutting-edge design and performance features.
Joola: Joola has quickly become a prominent name, endorsed by top professionals and recognised for their blend of power, control and spin.
Karakal: Known for their lightweight designs and comfortable grips, Karakal paddles prioritise manoeuvrability and a responsive feel.
MAXE: Robust construction and a solid feel provide consistent performance for developing players.
Wilson: A staple in racket sports, Wilson’s paddles deliver on quality and performance, with models catering to various play styles and skill levels.

Need more help choosing your perfect pickleball paddle?

View all pickleball paddles

It can feel like a big decision, but our expert team is here to give friendly advice if you're not sure which pickleball paddle is right for you. We're all players and we've tried most of the paddles we stock personally, so we can give you the lowdown from our experience.

Just give us a call or drop us a message via email or our social channels – we’d love to help you find your ideal match!