How to choose a pickleball paddle

Five specs decide most of how a paddle plays: shape, core thickness, weight, grip size and what the core is made of. The face material and the marketing names for technologies matter much less than the price difference they usually carry.

1. Shape

Paddles come in three broad shapes. Elongated paddles (about 16.5 in long, 7.5 in wide) give reach and leverage but a narrower sweet spot. Standard or widebody paddles (about 16 in, 7.8 to 8 in wide) are the most forgiving and the quickest in hand battles at the kitchen. Hybrid shapes sit in between. If you are new, or play mostly doubles, start with standard or hybrid.

Standard paddles we track

• Selkirk LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit Epicstandard, 19 mm core, 7.9–8.3 oz, 4.25 in grip
• CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2 14mmstandard, 14 mm core, 7.8–8.2 oz, 4.125 in grip
• JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V 16mmstandard, 16 mm core, 8.2 oz, 4.125 in grip
• JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V 14mmstandard, 14 mm core, 8 oz, 4.125 in grip
• JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus Pro V 16mmstandard, 16 mm core, 8.2 oz, 4.25 in grip

Elongated paddles we track

• JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16mmelongated, 16 mm core, 8.1 oz, 4.25 in grip
• JOOLA Perseus Pro V 14mmelongated, 14 mm core, 7.9 oz, 4.25 in grip
• JOOLA Hyperion Pro V 16mmelongated, 16 mm core, 8.1 oz, 4.25 in grip
• JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mmelongated, 16 mm core, 8.1 oz, 4.25 in grip
• JOOLA Hyperion Pro IV 16mmelongated, 16 mm core, 8.1 oz, 4.25 in grip

2. Core thickness

Most performance paddles come in 14mm or 16mm, and many models are sold in both. Thicker cores feel softer and more controlled, and they soak up pace on resets and blocks; thinner cores give more pop on drives and counters. A few control paddles go thicker still (Selkirk's LUXX Control Air is 19 to 20mm), and some beginner paddles are thinner (ONIX's Graphite Z5 is 12mm). 14mm vs 16mm in more detail.

3. Weight

Most paddles we track weigh between 7.9 and 8.6 ounces at their heaviest. Heavier paddles hit harder and feel more stable; lighter ones are quicker to move and easier on the arm over a long session. Brands publish a range or an average, because paddles vary from unit to unit.

4. Grip size

Grip circumference usually runs from 4 1/8 in (small) to 4 1/4 in (medium); a few beginner paddles go down to 4 in. If you are between sizes, pick the smaller one: an overgrip adds size, and nothing takes it away. Handle length matters separately: a handle of 5.5 in or more leaves room for a two-handed backhand.

5. Core type

Most paddles use a polymer honeycomb core, often with foam injected around the edge to widen the sweet spot. Newer "full foam" cores replace the honeycomb entirely; brands say they hold their feel longer, but they are newer and less proven.

Full-foam paddles we track

• CRBN TruFoam Barrage 1 14mmelongated, 14 mm core, 7.7–8.1 oz, 4.125 in grip
• CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2 14mmstandard, 14 mm core, 7.8–8.2 oz, 4.125 in grip
• CRBN TruFoam Barrage 3 14mmelongated, 14 mm core, 7.8–8.2 oz, 4.125 in grip
• CRBN TruFoam Barrage 4 14mmhybrid, 14 mm core, 7.8–8.2 oz, 4.125 in grip
• Selkirk Omni Elongatedelongated, 16 mm core, 7.9–8.2 oz, 4.25 in grip

Before you buy

1. Check it is USA Pickleball approved if you play sanctioned tournaments. We show approval on every paddle page when the brand or store states it.
2. Compare the total price, shipping included, at stores that have it in stock. The same paddle can cost very different amounts.
3. Look at last generation. A previous model with the same shape and core can cost much less. When that's worth it.
4. Buy from a real store. Popular paddles are widely counterfeited. A price far below every store here is a warning, not a deal.