7 Crucial Tips to Choose the Right Type of Pickleball Paddle for You

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Pick the Right Type of Pickleball Paddle

Choosing the right type of pickleball paddle can be quite challenging due to the variety of options available.

The simple days of standard-shaped paddles are long gone.
Paddle manufacturers are continuously striving to innovate and create superior products.

They offering features like a soft, quiet core, a spin-friendly hitting surface, and an enlarged sweet spot for more power.

To simplify, I listed pickleball paddles into two types: Category and Shape

  1. Categories:
    • Control – Control paddles help slow down the ball for softer shots like drops and dinks. A good control paddle is known for its feel, stability, and forgiveness.
    • All-Court – All-court paddles offer a balanced blend of power and control, with features like a harmonious mix of power, control, feel, spin, and forgiveness. They are versatile and excel in various aspects.
    • Power – Power paddles enhance the offensive aspect of your game with attributes like power, pop, spin, and maneuverability. While offering more offensive capabilities, they may sacrifice control and forgiveness.
  2. Shapes:
    • Wide – Widebody pickleball paddles, measuring 8” or more in width, are popular due to their broad sweet spot and ease of use, making them a great choice for beginners.
    • Standard – Standard-shaped paddles offer a balanced game average for players, with sizes around 15-15 ¾” long and 8” wide. They usually have grip lengths between 4 ½” and 5 ¼”.
    • Elongated – Elongated pickleball paddles over 16” are gaining popularity among skilled players seeking extended reach and power in their game.

Selecting the right type of pickleball paddle depends on your level of play.

For beginners, the paddle should be comfortable to grip and effortless to swing.

When you first choose a paddle, consider weight, handle comfort, sweet spot size for ball contact ease, and balancing power with control.

For more experienced players, power paddles usually have smaller sweet spots and offer more feedback.


Best Reviewed Paddles by Types

Control

A pure control paddle that will enhance your soft game and do a lot of the hard work for you to reduce pop ups and flyers. Backed with a limited lifetime warranty.

All Court

This one is a wall. It’s standard shape boasts one of the largest sweet spots you’ll find while still maintaining all-court capabilities.

Power

Gearbox unlocked a new level of power in their Pro Power series. If power is your #1 priority, this is what you want.

Best Reviewed Paddles by Shapes

Wide Body

Engineered for maneuverability with wind resistant edgeless construction and thin core technology, the paddle is lightning in your hand.

Standard

Pick the Right Type of Pickleball Paddle
Selkirk SLK EVO Control 2.0 Max Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Indulge in a paddle designed with the EVO 2.0 Power. Engineered to deliver power, spin-friendly performance, and consistent play.

Elongated Classic

Pick the Right Type of Pickleball Paddle
Engage Poach Infinity SX Middleweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

The Poach Infinity is a great paddle for anyone with wrist or arm issues. It’s very light weight and forgiving, but has a good deal of power.

To simplify your selection click your interest below:

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Author
Lila Cook is a freelance writer for many websites in the health & sport arena. When she isn't spending time with her family & friends, you'll find her playing tennis or pickleball in Myrtle Beach.

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