With summer here and blue skies ahead, pickleball season is kicking into high gear. Whether you’re an experienced pickleballer or a beginner with FOMO, choosing a paddle can be overwhelming. Here are three things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect pickleball paddle.
Weight
The weight of a pickleball paddle is a significant factor in power and control. Lighter paddles offer better maneuverability and control, which we recommend for beginners and players who like to spend time at the net. Lighter paddles like Selkirk LUXX have a larger ‘sweet spot, resulting in consistent and accurate shots. On the other hand, heavier paddles, particularly Joola's Ben Johns Perseus, are better suited for experienced players who want maximum power and speed. Heavier paddles allow for short, compact swings at the baseline but require more precise and trained skills.
Shape
Paddle shapes usually fall into three categories: wide-body, standard and elongated. Elongated paddles have a narrow body that allows for more reach, power and speed, but they also have a smaller ‘sweet spot’ that is usually positioned slightly higher on the paddle. Selkirk's Invikta series is a perfect example. We recommend a more elongated paddle for advanced pickleballers with precise aim. Wide-body paddles have less power and spin but a larger, more forgiving ‘sweet spot’. Tennis Station recommends Joola Solaire for this very reason. For total newbies, we suggest starting somewhere in the middle until you figure out your pickleball style. Keep an eye out for the much anticipated Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 it's in shop on June 22.
Material
Paddles are usually constructed from mainly two performance materials: graphite and composite. Graphite paddles tend to be expensive but are the most popular option as they strike the perfect balance. For a happy medium option, composite paddles are a great bang for your buck without compromising your performance. Tennis Station is a huge fan of the Onix Malace paddle. Not only built for competition, but also comfort to reduce impact vibrations. Many players prefer the composite material as their textured surface allows for maximum spin on the ball. Composite also allows for a better pocketing of the ball.
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