Looking to Improve at Pickleball? It’s Time to Buy Your Own Paddle.

What to Consider

Weight

The average weight for a paddle is going to be around 8 ounces and fluctuate above and below that number. Anything at 9 ounces is usually too heavy and anything under 7 ounces is usually too light. "For weight, somewhere in between 7.5 to 8.3 ounces is a good range," says Johns.

Dimensions

The basic configuration most new players will want to use is called a "wide body paddle" according to Carl Schmits, Managing Director of Equipment Standards & Facilities Development for the USA Pickleball Association. "This configuration is easiest to maneuver and is also good for a controlled, more defensive style of play. Paddles that are close to 8 inches wide by 16 inches long are within the wide body category." says Schmits. "Players that have well-developed stroke mechanics from other sports may be most comfortable with paddles having a longer shape (between 16" and a maximum of 17") and some with a longer handle will better facilitate two-handed backhands, which is an increasingly common grip used very successfully by tennis converts."

Materials

Carbon fiber and fiberglass composites are the two most common materials used in high-quality paddles, as they been shown to help players deliver speed and spin on the ball. A good pickleball paddle should also have zero dead spots, meaning when you make a quality hit on the ball it doesn't randomly underperform and fall flat. "When it comes to the material, I like to look for a polypropylene core with a fiberglass or carbon fiber face," says Johns.

Power vs. Control

Similar to how you might shop for a driver in golf, your pickleball paddle is going to have a formula of power and control that works for you. A power paddle will have a tight sweet spot and deliver a shot with more pop, while a control paddle has a larger sweet spot that's softer but allows for more consistent returns.

Power Paddles

For a power paddle, look for something tighter and more compact in all areas of the design."Paddles that have thinner cores, like a 13mm-14mm, have longer configuration, and typically made with fiberglass faces will return more power, although hitting the ball with heat is as much a result of an efficient kinetic chain than anything," says Schmits.

Control Paddles

If you want a paddle with more control, a design with maneuverable dimensions and a carbon fiber face (as opposed to a fiberglass face, which is harder) is recommended. "I'd look for at least 8 inches of width on the paddle head and for a thicker core that's 16 millimeters or more, or 5/8 inches or more," says Johns.

Grip Circumference

Our experts explained to us grip circumference carries just as much importance in a pickleball paddle as it does in a tennis racket. They also noted there are fewer options when it comes to shopping for specific grip sizes pickleball (most brands use a standard 4.25" size). Most pickleball paddle grips will vary from just under 4" and no bigger than 5.5.

John Crowley Sr., the Sr. Category Merchandising Manager of Paddles at Pickleball Central, recommends starting with a smaller grip first (when picking between two paddles) and then adding an overgrip if needed. "Very few manufacturers offer different grip sizes and materials, so customizing with an overgrip wrap is the best way to build up the grip to a comfortable size," added Schmits.

Core Design

A reliable pickleball paddle is usually thick, as brands fill the interior space with their own technology to limit the odds of any dead spots. One popular interior makeup is a polypropylene core (also called honeycomb core design) which is a type of interior webbing that's made into a honeycomb shape to ensure the paddle is evenly balanced.

How We Selected

I have been fortunate enough to play with numerous paddles over the past couple of years, from multi-hundred dollar paddles to those under $50, and I can tell you that it’s not always about the cost that makes a paddle worth playing with. Through my time playing regularly and testing gear along the way, I've combined that experience along with paddle recommendations from the Men's Health editors and writers who also play consistently. For this guide we considered everything when we compiled our list of recommendations, including weight, dimension, material, grip circumference, core design, aesthetics, feel, and price. Once I gathered all our notes, I compared paddles based on performance and durability. We also considered what paddles appeal best to specific skill levels, from beginners to 4.0-rated players.

After testing tons of different pickleball paddles and consulting with experts, we eventually landed on 11 pickleball paddles we recommend in 2026.

Meet the Experts

• Ben Johns is the current No. 2 ranked player in the World and a pickleball player in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).
• Laura Gainor is the founder of Vossberg Gainor Pickleball Marketing Agency and former USA Pickleball's Director of Media Relations.
• Carl Schmits is the Managing Director of Equipment Standards & Facilities Development for the USA Pickleball Association.
• John Crowley Sr. is the Sr. Category Merchandising Manager of Paddles at Pickleball Central.
• David Dutrieuille is a 5.0-rated traveling player and coach and the National Pickleball Director for Life Time.
• Bahram Akradi is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Life Time Fitness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Really a Difference Between Pickleball Paddles?

Just like shopping for running shoes, you can find pickleball paddles at all types of prices. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $60-$100 for a beginner to intermediate level paddle. If you're looking for an advanced paddle, any model we recommend above $100 is a worthy choice.

If you're going to play more than two times a month, Johns says it's time to invest in a paddle: "The right time to upgrade your paddle is usually when you find yourself wanting to improve your skills as a player as opposed to just playing for fun every now and then."

Crowley Sr. also gave us tips on how to go about investing in a paddle. "When you go shopping have a budget in mind (the best value to price is no object). How much do you plan to play? What is your sports background and if you know, what style of player are you—power player, control player or all court?" he says.

If you think you have to splurge on a competition-ready paddle, think again. "I say shoot for the $75 to $100 range for your first paddle if you want to play competitively," says Laura Gainor, USA Pickleball's Director of Media Relations. "And if you’re planning to sign up for your first tournament, make sure your paddle is USA Pickleball approved." We agree there's nothing worse than bringing your paddle to a match and discovering you need to find a different one that complies with the rules.

Is Fiberglass or Graphite Better for Pickleball Paddles?

Fiberglass and graphite paddles have characteristics about them that can play to your natural strengths on the court. "You are trying to find the recipe that works best for you," says Crowley Sr.

In general, fiberglass pickleball paddles have more power but less control than a graphite paddle. This is mainly due to the fact fiberglass weighs more. Graphite, on the other hand, is lighter and stronger due to the thinly layered construction of the material. Graphite paddles are often associated with better control, resulting in a better ability to place each return where you want it.

Fiberglass paddles are more wallet-friendly, and have been gaining in popularity due to their quality performance while staying at a good price point. Graphite paddles are more expensive and are often seen being used more by pros in tournaments.

One other paddle material to consider is composite. For example, you might find a composite design that incorporates carbon fiber and fiberglass in hopes to bring equal parts control and power. Composite paddles are usually high quality and exist at graphite-level prices (or higher), but it's important to make sure the paddle is USA Pickleball approved if you ever want to play competitively.

Which Pickleball Paddle Has the Largest Sweet Spot?

While all of the paddles above were curated with attention to sweet spot, there are a few characteristics you can prioritize when shopping.

The first is to go by surface area. You will probably get the most sizable sweet spot area by going off the most common dimension of a 16" length and 8" width paddle. Second is inner material of the paddle: look for a trusted core material, like a honeycomb propylene core design, that can cover all areas of the paddle and help reduce the chance of being any dead spots.

Last is the type of material used to construct the paddle. There are a lot of fiberglass paddles out there with generous sweet spots, but if you want to get the largest sweet spot possible then going to a more expensive graphite paddle is probably the best move.

When Should You Replace a Pickleball Paddle?

There are two situations where you want to consider replacing your paddle. The first is if you find yourself playing more (and perhaps more competitively) than when you first started. A good rule of thumb is if you're playing more than two times a month, it's probably time to consider investing in a competitive play paddle.

The second situation that would warrant replacing your paddle is if it's damaged or worn down from constant play. If you stick to the paddles we recommend above, you can expect the lifespan to last between 1-3 years. But sometimes your paddle can wear out faster (also called a "dead paddle") if you're playing much more. In order to tell if you need to replace your paddle due to overuse, pay attention to the feel and how the ball comes off the paddle. Is it returning or serving shots the same way it was in the first few months of use? If not, your paddle is probably wearing down.

You can also pay attention to the sound of the ball off the paddle. Are your best shots delivering a nice and clear pop? Or are they sounding flat and droopy? If you're out playing consistently, then you will probably know when your paddle is ready for retirement.

How to Take Care of a Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball paddles are resilient. They can take a beating on the court, but off the court you should keep them away from the sun and heat for extended periods of time.

If you're concerned about keeping your paddle pristine-looking, invest in a paddle cleanse kit to clean the face, and pack it in a paddle cover to prevent scuffs. "I wipe down my paddle face once a week with water to prevent any accumulation of dirt," says Schmits.

"Keep your paddle stored in a cool, dry environment and never leave it in a hot car. Also, don't smash it when you're angry," says Johns.

How Can the Right Pickleball Paddle Help Prevent Injury?

Like any sport, pickleball does pose some injury risks (some games to last over 2 hours at a time). The most common injuries include tennis and golf elbow, which can be caused by swinging a paddle that's too light or too heavy—or simply by swinging it too much and not allowing for proper rest.

"Grip size, paddle weight, and swing weight(how the weight is distributed) all contribute to the efficiency and comfort of the human-paddle interface," says Schmidts. "A grip that is too small may require an over-clenched grip to prevent spinning in the hand, a paddle that is too light may not have enough mass to prevent twisting on off-center shots and will transmit unwanted vibration, an overly head-heavy paddle may require more torque to snap through. Also, a paddle that is too heavy will quickly fatigue muscles, as well as slow down hand speed."

A paddle with good vibration absorption is also important, which is why a wooden paddle is a no-go if you're an active player. "Anything that absorbs more energy in the paddle and reduces the amount of vibration that travels up your arm is good at preventing soreness," says Crowley Sr.

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