How to Select a Pickleball Paddle You’ll Love: 5 Expert Tips and FAQs

The most common classic shaped pickleball paddle is a wide-body measures approximately 8″ wide by 15.7″ long (20.32 cm x 40 cm).

The official USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) rules do not restrict pickleball paddle weight. Most amateur and professional players use paddles weighing between 7.2oz (204g) and 8.5oz (241g).

The ideal paddle weight depends on your playing style and experience.
Heavier paddles offer more power, suiting players who prefer ground strokes.
Lighter paddles provide better control and precision, often preferred by players who volley frequently.
For beginners, a mid-weight pickleball paddle is usually best, as it balances control and power.
Once a beginner establishes their preferred playing style, they can then choose a paddle weight accordingly.

Standard: A standard shaped paddle has dimensions of Length 15″-16″ x Width 7″-8.25″.
Elongated: The dimensions for an elongated paddle are Length 16″-17″ x Width 6″-8″.
Hybrid: A hybrid shaped paddle falls somewhere in between the standard and elongated shapes, with approximate dimensions of 16.25″ x 7.5-7.7″.
Wide-Body: A wide body paddle typically measures 8″ or greater in width and is 15 ¾” in length.
Please note: When you select a pickleball paddle make sure the measurements are correct or you can cause injury to your wrist.

Paddle Shape: This includes the length of the paddle. The width must be no more than 24″
Paddle Face: This includes material type, number of layers, finish, and texture
Paddle Handle: Handles ranges from 4″ to 6.25,″ including the length and circumference
Paddle Weight: Weights of the paddle ranges from light, medium to heavy
Paddle Grip: Grips are available in thin, standard, and thick grips ranging from 3 5/8″ to 4.5″+.

If unsure between two sizes, choose the smaller one. You can use over grips to increase the size, but you can’t do that with the larger option.

Using a paddle with a significantly smaller grip requires more force to squeeze the handle, which can strain your hand, forearm, and elbow, leading to fatigue and potential tendonitis.

A paddle with a significantly larger grip restricts wrist motion, makes grip changes harder, and requires more strength to use.

To find out your paddle grip size: use the ruler test. (see image)

1. You’ll need a ruler and your playing hand. Open your hand, fully extending and closing your fingers together.
2. Align your ruler parallel to your ring finger, with one end lining up with the middle crease of your palm.
3. The paddle grip size is determined by the length between your ring finger tip and the bottom palm crease, which should be 4-5 inches.

Beginner paddles should be comfortable to hold and easy to swing.

They should be light to medium weight with a comfortable grip, large sweet spot, and balanced power and control.

Power paddles have tighter sweet spots and provide greater feedback.

Paddle weight impacts skill level:
a. Midweight paddles suit beginners
b. Lighter paddles improve control
c. Heavier paddles boost power.

For additional information on beginner’s pickleball paddles, visit this link.
To buy beginner’s pickleball paddles priced under $100, click here.

The key to select a pickleball paddle requires the right balance of core material and thickness, surface, weight, and grip size for the individual’s skill and style.

Yes, the polymer cores paddles offer more control with a thicker profile, or more power with a thinner core.
They are also, quieter performance than aluminum or Nomex cores.
For versatility, we recommend choosing a paddle with a polymer core.

For a lightweight, responsive paddle with more power, consider a carbon fiber paddle.
For a more durable, comfortable paddle with greater control, a graphite paddle may be the better option.

Most people ask, “How to select a pickleball paddle for intermediate player?“
Composite pickleball paddles are popular among intermediate players. They provide more weight and power than graphite paddles.

For additional information on beginner’s pickleball paddles, visit this link.

Paddles typically range from 11mm to 16mm in thickness. Thinner paddles (e.g., 13mm) provide more “pop” off the surface, while thicker paddles (e.g., 16mm) absorb more of the ball’s energy, offering more control.

The 13 mm had a heavier feel at impact, producing more power but a smaller sweet spot compared to the 16 mm.
The 16 mm is categorized as a control paddle, while the 13mm is an all-court paddle.
Choose The Right Type Pickleball Paddle for You

AvaLee is Pickleball’s first and only paddle designed exclusively for women. Its lightweight design makes it more controllable. The extended handle enhances the ability for a two-handed backhand, a popular technique among women.

When to select a pickleball paddle, consider the facing material and core thickness. For a powerful paddle, look for a thin poly core with a fiberglass face. For a control-focused paddle, choose a thicker poly core with a carbon fiber or graphite face.

The USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) rule book states the paddle’s combined length and width, including edge guards and end caps, cannot exceed 24 inches (60.96cm). It also limits the paddle length to 17 inches (43.18cm) maximum. Facebook USAPA – 42K Followers.