More people have started playing pickleball, and it is quickly gaining as much popularity as tennis. Pickleball started as a children’s game several years back, but it is now one of the top sports choices in numerous countries.
Pickleball is a sport that can get very intense, and it is easy to get absorbed into the game. Having the right equipment is one of the requirements to fully enjoy the sport and keep up with the intensity.
The pickleball paddle is one of the most important tools needed to enjoy the game. Professional pickleball players invest a lot of time and resources into getting the best pickleball paddles, and so should you.
Understanding Pickleball Paddles
Before we discuss any other thing, let’s first break down the structure or parts of pickleball rackets. There are different types, brands, and models of pickleball paddles, but they all have the same basic structure.
Basic Structure of A Pickleball Paddle
Every pickleball paddle is made up of four common parts: the core, surface, edge guard, and grip.
The Core
The core can also be referred to as the foundation of the paddle. It is the very center of the paddle to which the surfaces are attached. The core of the pickleball paddle goes a long way in determining several properties such as the weight, sweet spot, power generated, and other little details.
The materials used to make the core vary depending on the type of paddle; it could be aluminum, Nomex, or polymer. Each of these materials has its unique property, and they are used for making different paddles.
The aluminum core has a lot of weight, and it is suitable for generating power on pickleball balls. However, this type of paddle is heavy and harsh for elongated games. The polymer cores are much lighter and easier on the hand, but they generate less power.
Nomex cores are becoming more popular because they are lightweight and can generate power. These paddles produce the effect of aluminum and polymer, making up for their disadvantages.
The Surface
The surface is another important component that greatly determines the effectiveness of pickleball rackets. The two surfaces come directly after the core, and they are attached using glue or other suitable adhesives.
There are different materials used in the construction of the surface, such as graphite, carbon fiber, and composite. Each of these materials has its unique effect on the ball, such as the spin, power, speed, and more.
The material used in constructing the surface of the paddle is one of the major factors that professional pickleball players consider when getting a paddle.
The graphite surface is rigid and suitable for generating power. It is also thin and contributes less to the weight of the paddle. Graphite paddles are suitable for power players, that is, players who are more into driven shots.
The composite or fiberglass paddle blends the features of the graphite and carbon fiber pickleball paddles. This class of paddles allows for soft touches and spins while also generating a reasonable amount of power.
The carbon fiber surface is quite soft, and it is more suitable for making tricky plays like dips, spins, chops, and other technical, less power-driven plays.
These classes of paddles are all used by professional players depending on the style they wish to adopt, and you can pick one that matches your gameplay.
The Grip/ Handle
The grip will determine how well you can handle the paddle; it is the part of the paddle that fits into your palm. The handle comes at the end of the paddle as the elongated part. Every paddle has a handle, but it can vary in size based on the palm of the player.
There is no perfect measurement for the grip size; however, you should get one that fits snugly into your palm. The larger your palm, the larger the grip size you’ll need. It will be uncomfortable if your paddle handle is too small or too large, and it can cause you to lose your paddle mid-game.
The handle is often made from wood, aluminum, and other materials, and covered with a rubber grip for better handling.
Edge Guard
The edge guard may or may not be present in a pickleball paddle set. As the name suggests, the edge guard is a barrier that goes around the perimeter of the paddle edge. It could be a rubber strip or any other protective material.
Some paddles don’t have an edge guard to create more hitting surfaces.
Difference Between Amateur and Professional Paddles
In all honesty, there is no particular model or brand of pickleball paddle that is specifically for amateurs or professionals. What really makes the difference is the experience and the knowledge to properly use the paddles.
If you’re looking for the best pickleball paddles for beginners, then you’re in the right place. Beginners will be focusing more on returning the ball effectively before learning how to do technical shots and tricks.
In this case, beginners are advised to go for the graphite paddle with aluminum core because they are cheaper and are best for producing power. Note that the pickleball ball is lighter than a tennis ball because it has holes; therefore, it will require more power to send it over the net.
Professionals on the other hand, are more into the fiberglass or carbon fiber paddles because they can both generate power and also allow soft touches on the ball.
Popular Brands Among Professional Pickleball Players
If you’re a pickleball enthusiast, you’ll notice some top brands that are becoming household names among professional pickleball players. These brands have been spotted being used by different players, and their quality has been tested.
Above are some of the popular brands that are commonly used by professionals, now, we want to see some specific models that are used at professional levels.
- Pakle Rapidstrike Power
- Paddletek Bantam TS-5.
- JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus CFS 16.
- JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16.
- Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta.
These models have been specifically used by top players all over, and they will greatly improve your gameplay. Pakle paddles and the others listed are a great choice of pickleball gifts for you and other lovers of the game.
Paddle Technology and Gameplay
Over the years, pickleball has evolved to keep up with the trends and demands of the players. One of the major focus of this evolution is the paddle. The technology of pickleball paddles have evolved greatly from the types of materials used in the construction to the shape of the paddles.
Every paddle detail contributes greatly to the efficiency of the paddle and how the game is played.
Materials
A major area of evolution is the materials used in making the paddles. Over the years, newer materials like graphite, fiberglass, and carbon fiber have taken over the pickleball paddle market.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber paddles are one of the commonly used options among professionals. These paddles are lightweight, and they can absorb force to a reasonable degree. Carbon fiber paddles are great for soft touches, spins, and controlled touches on the ball.
These types of paddles are costly and are aimed at less aggressive players.
Graphite
Graphite paddles have a slightly more rigid surface compared to carbon fiber. This type of paddle can generate more power without compromising on the weight. Graphite paddles are suitable for players who want to attack the ball aggressively without worrying about weight.
Composite / Fiberglass
Fiberglass is great for both shots and soft touches. It can achieve a cushioning effect on the ball and also generate a reasonable amount of explosive power. This type of paddle is not as popular as graphite or carbon fiber due to the evolving times, but it is still a top choice among pro players.
Design
Over the years, we’ve observed a change in the shape of the pickleball paddles; it is now common to see up to three different shapes of paddles. These different shapes are products of technological evolution, and they contribute to different playing styles.
Elongated Paddle Shapes
The elongated paddles are designed to have more vertical height. This paddle type is focused on reach and power. The elongated paddle has a smaller surface area or sweet spot, but it can return difficult balls with more power.
Wide Paddle Shapes
Wide paddles were designed to increase surface area and provide a wider sweet spot. This type of paddle is suitable for making tricky returns like chops, spins, dips, and more. However, they have less power generation.
Hybrid Paddle Shapes
This type of paddle shows a balance between the elongated and widebody-shaped paddles.
Choosing Your Pro-Level Paddle
From the little we’ve discussed, you can see some of the factors to keep in mind when picking a pro-level method. Let’s do a quick recap for you.
- The material used in making the paddle.
- The shape of the paddle.
- The weight of the paddle.
- The handle and grip.
- The core of the paddle.
You can visit us here to pick some of the best pickleball paddles for beginners and professionals.
Conclusion
You will need the right equipment to properly enjoy your pickleball games, and these include the pickleball balls, paddle set, and other accessories. The most important of them is the pickleball paddle.
There is no one perfect type of paddle out there. Instead, you must find one that matches your style of play. Play constantly and try different paddles till you see one that fits perfectly with your game.
