Pickleball is the lovechild of tennis and ping pong and has been gaining significant traction in recent years. In fact, the number of global pickleball paddle manufacturers is growing enough that new companies are doing everything they can to innovate.
They need to stand above the rest of the competition, and sometimes it shows in the smallest details. If you need to know how to choose the best pickleball paddle, then you need to know what to look for and verify.
Today, we’ll take a look at what those little details are and how they make a difference in your game.
Choosing the Best Pickleball Paddle
Pickleball was invented in the 1960s and was primarily meant for children, but that has changed in recent decades. As with most things, the sport has grown, expanded, evolved, and become more of a competitive sport.
It can still be something for casual fun – much like backyard volleyball – but for those who need an edge, the paddle can make a difference. The best pickleball paddle for spin, for example, might just give you the curve on your serve that helps you win.
The main components that you should look at when browsing paddles are:
- Grip
- Weight
- Build and material
- Price
Price is a personal choice, obviously. You need to choose a paddle that works for your budget and range, but the others are worth paying attention to.
Grip
Just as with a tennis or badminton racket or a ping pong paddle, you need to be able to have a firm grip.
The handle of the best pickleball paddle can be naturally larger, smaller, wider, thinner, etc. And that can even further be changed by padding material, such as leather.
You want the circumference of the handle to be something that you can comfortably grip with your fingertips and your thumb just touching. If the handle is too small or too large, it can lead to wrist sprains and joint discomfort.
In the end, the smaller the handle, the more control you’ll have over the spin. The larger the handle, the more stable your shots will be. You need to find the balance that works best for your own grip.
Weight
Basically, a heavier pickleball paddle will allow for more powerful and easier strikes. The lighter the pickleball paddle, the more control you have for curving the ball and the less stress on your joints.
Just as with paddle grip, you need to find one that works best for you by testing it out first.
Build and Material
For this, you need to pay attention to what your paddle is made out of and general what shape and style it takes. Pickleball paddle reviews usually point out whether it’s made of wood, polymer, aluminum, composite materials, or others.
Wood is traditional and cheaper, but it’s often heavier, which could be a good or bad thing depending on your play style.
Recently, many pickleball rackets are made with composite materials, such as polymers. These are great choices because they are a good balance between weight, rigidity, and price point.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Pickleball Paddles
Pickleball is a fun sport that mixes the best of both tennis and ping pong. But whether you’re playing casually with friends and family or competing in a tournament, you need to choose the best pickleball paddle.
For that, it’s always best to test them out in person if you’re able to, so you can choose one with the right weight, grip, and build material.
If you’re trying to have the most fun while excelling at this great game, check out mobile-friendly reservation system for your local club!
