Pickleball has become more popular over the years, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most played sports worldwide. This sport is very similar to tennis but with noticeable differences in the rules and equipment.
Pickleball rackets/paddles and balls are the major equipment needed to play this sport. Like any other sport, well-made equipment significantly improves performance and helps the players showcase their ability even better.
So, why are pickleball paddles so expensive? The average price of a pickleball paddle falls on the costly side, but not without good reason. We’re here to show you why the best pickleball paddles are so expensive.
Here are some reasons we’ll be discussing:
- The cost of production.
- The type of material.
- The design and technology.
- The degree of research.
- The demand.
Insight Into The High Cost of Pickleball Paddles
From the little introduction above, we can see the major factors that influence the cost of pickleball paddle. Now, let’s break them down for a deeper understanding.
Manufacturing and Production Costs
The final price of a pickleball set starts with the manufacturing process and the cost of production. Many processes are involved in the production of pickleball paddles, and these processes require a certain amount of capital.
In the long run, the cost of these processes adds up to affect the total cost of the paddle. These processes include:
Labor
A typical manufacturer makes use of machines to create consistent paddle designs. However, these machines still need a degree of human control to function properly, referred to as labor.
The cost used in paying for labor is part of what manufacturers consider when setting a paddle’s price.
Equipment
As mentioned above, machines are a key part of making pickleball sets. The cost that goes into acquiring and maintaining these equipment is also factored into the final cost of the paddle.
The cost of equipment might vary with each manufacturer, but the average prices are still high.
Overhead Expenses
Overhead expenses are expenses that are not directly involved in the production of pickleball paddles, such as electricity bills and insurance. Other expenses that are not spent on machinery or personnel are considered overhead expenses.
Companies include overhead expenses when calculating the total cost of a batch of pickleball paddles.
Other factors that influence the final cost of paddles include production scale, quality control measures, raw material sourcing, and the area where the paddles are produced.
Materials Used For Production
The cost of paddles is greatly affected by the type of material used. The best pickleball paddles are made with expensive materials which ultimately affect their prices.
Different types of materials are used in making paddles, and their costs vary as well. Let’s look at the different materials and how they affect prices.
Wood
Wood is the cheapest material used in making paddles. However, it is very inferior in terms of quality and performance. You’ll hardly see a professional player handling a wooden paddle, and this goes for most pickleball enthusiasts.
One obvious drawback of wooden paddles is the lack of durability and low power. Wooden paddles sacrifice quality for cost.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another choice material for reducing cost. Aluminum paddles are relatively cheaper compared to other variants, but more expensive than wood. This material also offers better quality, however, it is frowned upon due to its weight.
Most people avoid aluminum pickleball paddles because they dent when exposed to continuous impact.
Composite
The composite material comprises two or more materials and offers better performance. Paddles made with this material are more expensive than wood and aluminum. Composite pickleball paddles are more durable and perform better.
Composite pickleball paddles fall on the expensive side with graphite and others. Most players use composite paddles because it balances cost and effectiveness.
Graphite
Most of the best pickleball paddles are made with graphite. Graphite paddles are in high demand because they’re lightweight, have excellent surfaces, and are durable.
Graphite pickleball paddles are the most expensive because carbon fiber is used in producing them. This type of pickleball paddle is popular among professional pickleball players.
There are two more advanced materials that big companies like Pakle use in making paddles; Polypropylene and T700 carbon fiber.
T7OO Carbon Fiber
Manufacturers are quickly catching on to the use of T700 carbon fiber in making paddles. This material is arguably the best and the demand keeps increasing exponentially.
Paddles made with T700 carbon fiber eliminate all the shortcomings of other paddle types. Here are some of its properties:
Feel
Paddles made with T700 carbon fiber give better connectivity with the ball. It helps players feel more in touch with the ball and provides the needed responsiveness.
Power
The material makes it easier to generate power with less effort.
Durability
Paddles made with T700 carbon fiber are strong. This material is very tough; it doesn’t bend or dent easily.
Weight
Despite the toughness of this material, it is surprisingly lightweight. T700 carbon fiber paddles are easy to hold and swing. It allows for quick plays and services which might be difficult with other paddles.
It is obvious that the T700 carbon fiber paddle is better than the others, and definitely more expensive.
Polypropylene Core
Paddles designed with polypropylene cores are also becoming a trend due to the noise-canceling effect and all-around efficiency. Paddles with polypropylene cores produce a similar effect to T700 carbon fiber but with lesser sound.
These types of paddles also fall in the more expensive category.
Ultimately, the type of material used in constructing the paddle greatly determines the market value. The more expensive the paddle, the better the performance.
Technology and Design Innovations
Over the years, manufacturers like Pakle have tried to come up with new ways to optimize the performance of paddles. These innovations include:
Aerodynamics
Paddle manufacturers are trying to improve the performance of paddles when cutting through air. These aerodynamic design aims to reduce air resistance on the paddle, increasing the speed and flexibility.
Companies like Pakle aim to improve the aerodynamics of their paddles by improving their shape and general structure. The materials used in making the paddles can also affect the aerodynamics.
Vibration Dampening
The vibration produced when the pickleball balls hit the paddle often poses a challenge for players. Manufacturers are aiming to produce paddles that can dampen these vibrations to the barest minimum without compromising other features.
Ergonomic Grip
A pickleball paddle must have a good grip. Newer designs of paddles feature better handle designs that give players firmer grips.
These technological advancements and innovations greatly improve the performance of the paddles. However, it costs more for the manufacturers to implement these new designs. Therefore, paddles that have these new features are going to be more expensive.
Pakle features different innovative styles to match the skill levels of the players. This classification gives buyers more diverse and affordable options.
Research and Development
Top pickleball paddle manufacturers like Pakle are constantly trying to improve the quality and performance of their paddles. The technological innovations discussed above are products of continuous research.
There can’t be development without research, and research requires resources. Pakle and other similar companies consistently devote resources to improving their paddles, and this factors into the increasing cost of newer products.
It costs a lot to try out new materials like T700 carbon fiber and polypropylene. It also requires more capital to experiment with the effectiveness of new shapes and designs. Keep in mind that some of these experiments end in failure and need to be modified.
Ultimately, when an improved model of paddles is produced, you can be certain that massive amounts of capital have been invested. Hence, the price of the new and improved model will depict the cost that has gone into the production.
The Demand Factor
It is possible to get cheap pickleball paddles, but you’ll be risking quality for the price. Experienced pickleball enthusiasts know to go for proper brand names like Pakle because the products are quality although expensive.
There is a high demand for Pakle’s high-quality paddles and similar top brands, causing an increase in their prices. However, these top brands are a worthy investment. You can be sure any paddle purchased from these big brands will accompany you for years.
Also, Pakle and other top brands offer various options that are top-quality and equally affordable; you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get a good paddle.
Conclusion
You can tell the quality of a pickleball paddle from the price tag. Paddles made with the latest innovations, materials, and technology are quite expensive but definitely worth the purchase. We’ve looked at the key factors that affect the price of pickleball paddles, and they include
- Manufacturing and Production Costs.
- The Materials Used.
- Technology and Design Innovations.
- Research and Development.
- The Demand Factor.
We will enjoy pickleball better when we have quality equipment. Investing in a proper paddle saves us the expense of having to consistently replace the cheap versions out there. Once you get a top brand like Pakle’s, you only have to focus on enjoying your games for years to come.
