Best Pro Pickleball Paddles of 2023 - Unbiased Reviews - ProPickleBallPaddle (2023)

FAQs

Which pickleball paddle has biggest sweet spot? ›

The S2 was the brainchild of US Open Silver Medalist, Tony Tollenaar. With a shorter handle than the Epic, the S2 has a larger surface area on the face of the paddle. In fact, the S2 has the largest sweet spot in the Pickleball industry!

What you feel as a player is a paddle that is more stable and powerful with off-centered shots. This is often interpreted as a "larger sweet spot". Vibration damping: The Gel-Core reduces vibration unlike any other paddle.

If you want a true power paddle, then you'll look for a thinner poly core with a fiberglass face. If you want a true control paddle, then you'll look for a thicker poly core with a carbon fiber or graphite face. It can be good to mix control and power elements together.

Thirteen pros are playing with Joola, while 11 are playing with Selkirk and 10 are playing with Paddletek. This is particularly interesting for Joola, who is a brand that just made its way into pickleball this year in early 2022. The pro players have clearly taken to the Joola paddles.

The price is majorly dependent on the type of material used to make the paddle. Wooden pickleball paddles cost between $15 and $35. To get composite pickleball paddles, you will spend between $40 and $100. Graphite pickleball paddles cost between $90 and $200.

One of the main benefits of heavyweight pickleball paddles is that they offer more power. Because they are heavier, they generate more force and can hit drives and more powerful shots with greater ease. This can be an advantage for players who like to play a more aggressive style of game.

The Ruler Test

Measure the distance from the bottom lateral crease (the middle of the three), up to the tip of your ring finger. This measurement will be somewhere between 4 and 5 inches, and should be the perfect circumference for your pickleball grip. Simple as that.

A paddle surface that is made from graphite is durable and powerful, so you will have an easier time hitting the ball. Graphite paddles are ultra-light and ultra-stiff. Players looking for control and more energy to get the ball across the net prefer graphite pickleball paddles.

Usage: Unless you are playing with wood, most paddles will lose their optimal response within a year. The paddle may still be good for play, but just not be as responsive as it was when it was new.

How long does an average pickleball paddle last? ›

Generally, the life span is 1 to 5 years. It also depends on how often and how aggressively you play. Recreational players will get the most longevity out of their paddle. Professional players, avid tournament players, and those who "drill" often may only get the best performance from their paddle for 3-6 months.

Typically, the cheapest paddles are wooden, and the most expensive are graphite. The effect and experience of overall performance are affected. If your budget allows for it, try to avoid purchasing a wooden pickleball paddle as they are clumsy and offer less benefit than the graphite and composite types.

The difference in thickness (16 mm vs 13 mm) made a big difference in how the paddles played. The 16 mm was softer, easier to control and stable. The 13 mm was more powerful, had a harder feeling and was less stable.

99% of pickleball players use either the continental or eastern grip. The continental grip is probably the most commonly used one. In this grip, your hand is “on top of” the handle, similar to the way you'd grip a hammer. The edge of your paddle is essentially in line with your knuckles and the paddle face is straight.

OFFICIAL OUTDOOR PICKLEBALLS – Dura is Official Ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships & the USAPA National Pickleball Tournament. APPROVED FOR TOURNAMENT PLAY – Dura Pickleballs are USAPA/IFP approved for sanctioned tournament play.

So, what weight pickleball paddle do the pros use? Professional female pickleball athletes typically use paddles that weigh between 7.2 OZ and 8.4 OZ. Professional male pickleball athletes will typically use paddles between 7.6 OZ and 8.6 OZ.

Elongated Pickleball Paddles Offer More Reach

The longer length of the paddle allows for a greater reach when playing shots. Many singles players prefer elongated paddles because it allows them to cover more of the court.

A Senior Rated event is open only to players who are 50+. Comment: If a Tournament Director wants to allow players under 50 to play in a Senior Rated event, it then becomes simply a Rated event and must be open to players of all ages.

A cross-court dink is simply a dink stroke that is sent from one side of the court to the opposite side of the opponent's court. The cross-court dink is one of the most brutally effective shots in pickleball.

Carbon fiber is incredibly stiff. And this stiffness makes carbon fiber the ultimate material for the facings of pickleball paddles because it gives you incredible control over where your ball goes.

How often should you get a new pickleball paddle? ›

Generally, the life span of a pickleball paddle is 1 to 5 years. It also depends on how frequently and how hard you play. Recreational players will get the most longevity and durability out of their paddle.

Described as a mix between tennis, badminton and ping-pong, pickleball is very social. It's also easy to learn and it doesn't require a lot of running.

The oval shape helps keep the sweet spot right in the middle of the paddle while the rectangular shape moves the sweet spot a bit closer to the tip of the paddle. Some players find the oval shape a bit more maneuverable, though all four models are fairly easy to wield thanks to their relative light weight.

Placement is much more important than power; emphasize control over pace. Don't try to make a lot of sideline shots; they are low percentage. Hit to open areas (i.e., hit it where they aren't). Make note whether an opponent is right or left handed.

If you used an average weight to heavier weight racquet in Tennis, you probably will be most comfortable with a Midweight Pickleball paddle. If you preferred a lighter Tennis racquet, you probably will prefer a Lightweight Pickleball paddle as well.

Grip length is important for some players and isn't a factor for others. If you are a player who likes to hit your backhand with two hands on the paddle, you'll likely want a long grip length. Shorter lengths won't have the real estate to fit both hands.

All Around the Pickleball Paddle (i.e., from just above the handle, all the way around the edge of the pickleball paddle, to the other side that is just above the handle) – To add at least a full ounce of weight to your pickleball paddle, wrap the lead tape around the entire edge of the paddle.

Graphite Paddles

Because it is such a strong material, you can get plenty of power from a very thin layer of it. Think fingernail thin. This allows for graphite paddles to remain light, yet offer the power of a heavier paddle. It's why many professional and serious pickleball players prefer a graphite paddle.

Wood remains the material of choice for most canoeists. It's warm, looks good, has a natural flex that's especially appreciated towards the end of a long day, durable, and can be made into impressively light but strong paddles.

What is the difference between a 14mm and 16mm pickleball paddle? ›

The 14mm and 16mm refer to the thickness of the paddle. The 14mm is thinner and will have a bit more power. The 16mm is thicker which allows the ball to stay on the paddle a bit longer. This helps generate more spin, better control, and a larger sweet spot.

The thinner the paddle, the more “pop” you'll get off the surface. The thicker a paddle, the more it will absorb the ball's energy. If a paddle comes in 13mm and 16mm thicknesses, 13mm will be the “power” and 16mm will be “control”. Some brands like Gearbox, Prokennex, and Diadem only have one thickness per paddle.

The rule of thumb is that if you can see the ball 'out' (a gap between the ball and the line) its 'out'. If you do not see a gap and can't determine if the ball is out, call it 'in'.

A “dead” pickleball paddle is one that is not playing to its manufactured capabilities. A dead pickleball paddle can be caused by a break, crack, dent, worn down surface, or use (or overuse) for the lifespan of the paddle.

Beginners shouldn't aim to play pickleball every single day. Start with a goal of playing once a week, then twice a week. On average, for the most health benefits, you should plan to play pickleball three days a week, says BrainMD. This schedule gives you time to rest and recover your body in between games.

It's so easy to leave pickleball paddles in your car knowing how convenient it is to have them there when needed. However, frigid temperatures can make things more brittle and fragile, while sweltering heat can weaken and expand the structure of a paddle's core. Give your paddle a break and take it inside with you.

Next to the kayak itself, your paddle has the biggest impact on your performance on the water. Even a short tour involves thousands of strokes, so a proper paddle can make all the difference.

If you are still confused between graphite vs composite Pickleball paddles, we'd recommend starting the journey with composite paddles. Even though graphite material results in a lighter paddle, composite paddles are more durable and support a variety of shots. Composite paddles are also ideal for beginners.

Is a heavier pickleball paddle better for tennis elbow? ›

The best paddle to use that could help prevent Pickleball Elbow would be a lighter paddle with a thicker handle, for it will reduce vibration and be easier on your arm.

The S2 was the brainchild of US Open Silver Medalist, Tony Tollenaar. With a shorter handle than the Epic, the S2 has a larger surface area on the face of the paddle. In fact, the S2 has the largest sweet spot in the Pickleball industry!

Drill, Practice, Play

Most people enjoy playing pickleball. And I suspect, the vast majority of pickleball players only play. However, if you want to improve you must spend time practicing and drilling. Taking time to practice and to drill is important if you want to improve.

Pickleball ratings vary from 1.0 to 6.0+, with a 1.0 rating (or skill level) being used for beginner players and a 6.0+ rating (or skill level) being reserved for the very best professional pickleball players.

4.0 Skills-Level

The 4.0 player will distinguish themselves from the 3.5 player by possessing increased skills and strategy, or by more speed, power, or consistency. Consistently hit to their opponents' weak side when possible. place their volleys with a good degree of accuracy.

Pickleball ratings vary from 1.0 to 6.0+, with a 1.0 rating (or skill level) being used for beginner players and a 6.0+ rating (or skill level) being reserved for the very best professional pickleball players. However, in the case of one rating system, the scale goes all the way to 8.0!

The difference in thickness (16 mm vs 13 mm) made a big difference in how the paddles played. The 16 mm was softer, easier to control and stable. The 13 mm was more powerful, had a harder feeling and was less stable.

To start a pickleball match, the score will be called zero, zero, two. This means that as soon as the serving team commits a fault, the other team gets to serve.

Is 70 too old to play pickleball? ›

With simple rules and inexpensive equipment, pickleball can be enjoyed by all ages and is a great physical activity for seniors.

Third shot drop

The third shot drop is the most important shot to master in pickleball. This shot is absolutely essential to learn in advanced pickleball play. A lot of points are lost on the third shot. The reason is that players feel a lot of pressure when trying to make this shot.

A lighter paddle gives you more control but less drive. Conversely, a heavier paddle gives you less control but more power and drive. Perhaps most importantly, a heavier paddle can cause elbow strain and fatigue in your arm. You may want to start with a paddle that is not too heavy until you build up more strength.

The longevity of pickleball balls generally varies from brand to brand. However, you may expect an outdoor pickleball to last at least ten games before starting to show cracks.

Many players tell us the red is easiest to see when playing indoors, so give them a try if the standard colors have given you trouble. They have the same gentle feel and high bounce as the popular Jugs Indoor Pickleballs, so you won't be missing out on quality.

But if you're like most of us, you'll enjoy the game more with a higher-quality paddle designed to meet your needs as a player. More expensive paddles are made from better raw materials, with higher quality processes, and using the latest technology.

Asphalt or Concrete both provide an acceptable base for pickleball courts. Make sure to review surfacing requirements before having the base installed, as there are recommended specifications for slope, drainage, and surface finish, and overall construction.

The price is majorly dependent on the type of material used to make the paddle. Wooden pickleball paddles cost between $15 and $35. To get composite pickleball paddles, you will spend between $40 and $100. Graphite pickleball paddles cost between $90 and $200.

Index Finger Test

So your palm will be placed on the same bevel as the string face. Once the Eastern grip has been achieved, use the index finger of your other hand to slide it in-between your ring finger and palm. The best paddle grip size for you will be the one where your index finger fits snugly within this gap.