How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle (Noobs Guide)
Five things to check before you buy a pickleball paddle: weight, shape, core, grip size and approval. Plain English, no jargon.
The short answer
Pick a middle weight (about 7.3 to 8.3 ounces), a 16mm core (the thicker kind: softer feel, more control) and a grip that fits your hand. Check the paddle is USA Pickleball approved if you might play tournaments. Everything else is a bonus.
What should I check first?
Five things matter most for a first paddle. Start with this table.
| Check | Start here | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.3 to 8.3 oz | Balances control and power |
| Core thickness | 16mm | Softer feel, more forgiving |
| Shape | Widebody or standard | Bigger sweet spot (the zone that hits best) |
| Grip size | 4 to 4.5 inches around | Wrong size strains your wrist |
| Approval | On the USA Pickleball list | Required for tournaments |
Does weight matter?
Yes. Light paddles are quick at the net but give up some power. Heavy paddles add power but are harder to move fast. A middle weight is the safe start.
Which shape should I pick?
Widebody paddles have a wider face and a larger sweet spot. Elongated paddles are longer and narrower: more reach, less room for error on off-centre hits. Beginners usually do better with the wider face.
Does grip size matter?
It does. Too small and your hand tenses up. Too big and you lose wrist movement. Measure from your palm crease to your ring finger tip: under 4 inches means a 4 inch grip, over 4.25 inches means 4.375 or 4.5.
Do I need to spend a lot?
No. Weight, core and grip size decide how the paddle feels in your hand, and a higher price does not change that. Get those right first.
What about the surface and build?
They change the feel too. Fiberglass leans toward power and carbon fiber leans toward spin. We cover surfaces in our surface guide. For a first paddle they are worth a look, but not worth a spreadsheet.
Can I test before I buy?
Yes, and it is the best move. Ask people at open play if you can hit a few balls with theirs. Most will say yes. Hit with a few weights and shapes and see what feels natural.
Still not sure?
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll match you.
Find My PaddleSources
- pickleballcentral.com/blog/explained-which-pickleball-paddle-weight-is-right-for-you (opens in a new tab)
- pickleballcentral.com/blog/explained-core-thicknesses (opens in a new tab)
- bounce.game/blog/13mm-vs-16mm-pickleball-paddle (opens in a new tab)
- asia.selkirk.com/blogs/education/elongated-vs-widebody-pickleball-paddles-which-shape-is-right-for-you (opens in a new tab)
- pickleballunion.com/how-to-measure-grip-size-for-pickleball-paddle (opens in a new tab)
- equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list (opens in a new tab)
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