How To Choose Your First Pickleball Paddle

If you are reading this, you probably know by now that pickleball has exploded in popularity in a very short amount of time. Many are stepping onto pickleball courts for the first time everyday, and for a good reason too: Pickleball is fun! It has an unbeatable social aspect that many are looking for, and is easily played by amateur and professional athletes of all ages. Accessibility has become easier as well, as more and more pickleball courts are opening around the country. If you are new to the sport, you may be considering a purchase of a brand new paddle. But where to start? There are many aspects to consider, but we have you covered! This guide was written to help you through the process.

Pickleball Paddles: The Basics

Pickleball paddles come in different shapes, sizes, materials, and weights. Pickleball paddles are most commonly made of composite materials, graphite, or sometimes even wood. The materials used can have impacts on the weight, feel, and control of the paddle. Paddles also come in different sizes, with grip sizes playing a big role in performance and ball control.

The Importance of Style

Pickleball is fun, and your paddle should be fun too. Style is important, and is a big reason why we created Paddle & Palm Pickleball in the first place. The materials used and the way pickleball paddles are constructed make them perfect canvases for art and design. Your paddle should feel good when held in your hand, but it should also put a smile on your face when you step onto the court with it. This is the perfect opportunity to express yourself, so be sure to take advantage of it!

Technical considerations

Below, we have outlined the biggest technical considerations for choosing a pickleball paddle:

1. Weight: Pickleball paddles come in various weights, and can have a big impact on how you play. For beginners, we recommend a lightweight paddle (7-8 ounces). A lightweight paddle is good for a beginner as it gives them a chance to develop their technique and shot control. Once technique and play style has been dialed in, players can look to heavier paddles if they want to add power to their shots. The important thing here is, if you have the chance, try to experiment with paddles of different weights and see which type best matches your playstyle. 
2. Material: The materials that pickleball paddles are made of have a direct impact on ball control and the weight of the paddle. As previously mentioned, lightweight paddles are best for beginner players, which make composite materials (such as fiberglass) and graphite paddles perfect for beginners. In addition to being lightweight, graphite and composite paddles also happen to offer a high level of shot control, which make them perfect paddle choices for players of all levels.
3. Grip Size: This factor is the most personal aspect of all, and will depend largely on the size of your hand. A paddle grip that fits your hand will be more comfortable, and will have a greater chance of reducing injury. With that in mind, a paddle grip that is smaller (compared to your hand size) will offer more wrist action (which affects control and spin), while a larger grip will offer stability and power. 
4. Price: As a beginner, one thing you do not want to do is break the bank when purchasing your first pickleball paddle. Luckily, there are many affordable, mid-level paddles on the market, which is what we recommend for beginners. Starting with a mid-range paddle is a wise choice until your playstyle has been dialed in and you know what works best for you.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember is that pickleball is meant to be fun. Find a paddle that works for you and you will step onto the court with a smile on your face! Every Paddle & Palm Pickleball paddle was designed with the recreational player in mind, and is a great place to start as our paddles are designed to be lightweight and feature fun designs. You can shop our collection of fun and cute pickleball paddle designs here.

With that being said, good luck, and we look forward to seeing you on the court!