6 Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Pickleball Paddle

So, you’ve been bitten by the pickleball bug. You've got the court shoes, the sporty visor, and a newfound obsession with dinking.

But now comes the most crucial decision of all: choosing your pickleball paddle. Before you panic and grab the flashiest one on Amazon or the cheapest one on Temu, take a deep breath. We’re here to make choosing a paddle simple, easy, and hassle-free.

1. Weighty Decisions: Light as a Feather or Smash-Hammer Heavy?

Paddles come in three main weights: light (under 7.3 oz), midweight (7.3–8.4 oz), and heavyweight (8.5 oz and up).

• Lighter paddles are quicker in your hand and easier on the elbow (hello, dinking finesse!).
• Heavier paddles pack more power (smash city, baby!).
• Midweight is the safe bet for most players - it’s like the comfy middle seat on the paddle spectrum.

So, try a few to find your Goldilocks moment: 'not too heavy, not too light, just right'.

2. Grip Size: Grip It Right and Find Your Paddle’s Perfect Handle

Ever try playing pickleball with a paddle that feels like gripping a telephone pole or a twig? Your paddle grip should fit your hand like your favorite pair of jeans.

• Too small and you’re over-gripping, which leads to sore wrists.
• Too big and… well, goodbye control.

If you’re not sure, start smaller - grip tape exists for a reason!

3. Length Matters: How Long Should Your Paddle Handle Be?

Just like grip size, the length of your paddle’s handle can change your whole game.

• A longer handle gives you more leverage for powerful two-handed shots and bigger swings, perfect if you love to go all-in on smashes.
• But if you’re all about quick wrist action and finesse, a shorter handle lets you stay nimble and precise.

Think of it like choosing between a baseball bat and a tennis racket - both work, but each suits different styles. 

Try a few and see which feels like an extension of your own arm!

4. Material Matters

Paddle cores are made of three usual suspects: polymer, aluminum, and nomex.

• Polymer is soft, quiet, and forgiving - ideal for control players and your neighbour who complains about noise.
• Aluminum is light and punchy, good for control but can dent.
• Nomex is hard and loud (think “popcorn machine” loud), built for aggressive power play.

Meanwhile, face materials range from graphite (light and precise) to fiberglass (more pop) to carbon fiber (pricey but premium). The 'grippier' or more textured the surface, the more spin you can put on the ball.

And if this all sounds like a science experiment - don’t stress. Just match your play style: control vs. power.

5. Shape: It’s Not Just for Looks

• Standard paddles are like a good rom-com: reliable and crowd-pleasing.
• Elongated paddles give you extra reach and power but a smaller sweet spot - great if you’re a tall, swing-for-the-fences type.
• Wide-body paddles are forgiving and beginner-friendly, perfect if you still confuse “kitchen” with actual cooking!

6. Price Tag: Don’t Break the Bank

You can find paddles from $40 to $250+. Beginners should aim for the $50-$100 range. Splurge later when your third shot drop is Instagram-worthy.

Final Serve

At the end of the day, the best paddle is the one that feels right in your hand and makes you want to play one more game. And if you want to know more on how to test a paddle before you buy, check out: GameGear: 7 Things to Test in a Pickleball Paddle Before You Buy

Don’t overthink it - grab a few, hit the court, and see what makes you feel like a pickleball rockstar. 

And remember: It’s NOT the Paddle, It’s the Player! (but hey, a good paddle definitely helps). 🏓🥒

PS. If you want to go to the next level, then why not visit Six 6.0 Zero Pickleball and check out their range of paddles, or visit their stands featured at our QPC and QPT tournament events?