How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddles for Women?

You may not believe it, but the right paddle can make or break your game. All paddles are unisex, so you won’t find a specific paddle that’s for women or men players. Of course, you can change the design, but there aren’t specific materials or different technologies that are used in making a pickleball paddle for women. Still, you should understand the core features that differentiate one paddle from another to choose the one that works for you. Anything else is just a beautiful marketing move.

So, in this article, I’ll talk about choosing a paddle that matches your body type, hand size, and playing style. Even if you are an advanced player, not a beginner, you may find something interesting that will influence your game.

Is There Really Any Difference Between Women’s and Unisex Paddles?

In reality, there isn’t a specific women’s pickleball paddle; women can play with any standard pickleball paddle; there is no specific way to make it for women, except for design. The paddles don’t have a specific “gender” label attached to them. However, my advice is to do some research before buying a paddle and compare all the factors that can affect your game. And I’m not just talking about design and color, because let’s be honest, not everyone wants a unisex paddle that lacks personality.

In the table below, I’ll outline the differences between the pickleball paddles that are popular with women players and a standard paddle.

I want to be clear that the table above is just for general information, but let’s agree that any player can use any paddle. My goal here is to give you a quick, visual comparison to help you understand the differences, but don’t get too hung up on labels.

At the end of the day, the best paddle for a woman is simply the one that works for her. If you find a paddle marketed as “men’s” or “unisex” that works better for you, then go for it.

My final advice is this: focus on the features that matter to you. Sure, there are brands that promote their paddles as "designed specifically for women," but they still follow the same technology.

By the way, if you want to customize your paddle to make sure it includes all the factors you want, at Dink, we offer pickleball paddle customization options. You can adjust the weight, material, and even design. It’s a great way to buy a paddle that feels made just for you, not just a generic “women’s” or “standard” model.

A Quick Checklist of Key Factors When Choosing a Pickleball Paddle

Now you have a clear idea of why some types of paddles may be more suitable for women players. It’s time to focus on these small factors that may affect your game, although the difference may not always be too apparent. But when you are serious about the game and want to make a smart purchase decision, it’s worth knowing every small nuance.

Paddle Weight and Balance

The weight plays a huge role in how your paddle performs. And, it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, a senior or a teen. It’s one of those factors that really affect the game, because the strategy, techniques, speed, etc, don’t matter if the paddle is too heavy or too light. So, how do you choose the right weight for a female player? Let me break it down for you.

Paddles are usually lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight. Each impacts your play in different ways:

• Lightweight paddles (up to 7.5 oz) are easy to handle and great for quick reactions. If you’re lighter, don’t have much upper body strength, or suffer from arm/shoulder injuries, consider a lightweight paddle. For women players, considering the physiological differences with men, this paddle will give you control, precise shots, and agility (which is highly valued in pickleball).

• Middleweight paddles (~7.5–8.5 oz): This is my all-time favorite for all players, and especially for women. It’s the perfect middle between power, control, and maneuverability. If you're a pro player or just starting with pickleball and unsure (don’t want to make a mistake and buy a paddle that doesn’t fit you), this is a great choice.

• Heavyweight paddles (8.6 oz and up): These are for the women players who want that extra power to hit the ball with force. But here’s the thing: it requires a lot of strength. On average, women usually have less upper body strength, making it difficult to handle heavier paddles and generate more power.

That said, while the "right" paddle weight is totally personal, I strongly advise middleweight paddles for women players while working on improving technique and game strategy. This balance will give you a great advantage on the court, while a heavy paddle may lead to fatigue during long play sessions, especially against more physically strong and larger opponents.

I also want to talk about senior women players: always choose a lighter or middleweight paddle, especially if you want to reduce stress on your joints and lessen the strain on your wrist, elbow, and shoulder. If you just want a comfortable and enjoyable casual game, this is definitely something to keep in mind.

Also read: Best Pickleball Paddle for Seniors: Top Features to Look for

Paddle Materials and Core Construction

I can’t highlight this enough: when choosing the right pickleball paddle, material matters. The paddle’s core material and face affect not only its performance but also influence everything from power to control. Let's check the different types of paddle materials and how they affect women players’ games.

• Composite paddles are heavier-weight paddles. I usually don’t advise them for women players, especially beginners or seniors. If you are an advanced women’s pickleball player, you may consider it, especially if you are power-focused.

• Fiberglass is a good choice for women players looking to add more punch to their shots. These paddles typically allow more power, although they’re less powerful than composite paddles. You can choose a fiberglass paddle if you want to hit a little harder and faster, but still keep your game grounded in technique. For example, our fiberglass paddles give you a noticeable boost in shot speed and power without being too heavy.

• Carbon fiber paddles are a perfect choice for all women players. They’re lightweight, durable, and responsive. If used strategically, they deliver maximum precision, spin, and control.

I know, carbon fiber paddles are usually more expensive, but I think they are worth the investment if you’re aiming to improve your game.

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Grip Size Matters More Than You Think

It’s no secret that many women have smaller hands compared to men, and you must consider this factor before buying a paddle. Although pickleball paddles have different grip sizes, the majority of brands offer a standard one, which is usually a good fit for almost all women players. Why do I want to highlight this factor? Because different sizes can affect your game and cause hand strain.

Honestly, if you don’t pay attention to choosing the correct size, you might end up with blisters or even worse, straining your muscles and ending up with serious injuries. Of course, the possibilities are very low, but it’s worth safeguarding yourself from the very beginning. And when you’re constantly distracted by adjusting the grip or feeling agitated because you think that you’re going to lose control of your paddle, you won’t be able to focus on the game, enjoy it, or win the match.

Here’s my advice: start with a smaller or standard grip, because you can always adjust it with overgrips. But if you buy a large grip from the start, you’re stuck, because you won’t be able to shrink it.

Now, if you’re a power player, you might want a bigger grip for more leverage. Sure, a larger grip might be a good choice for some pro players, but remember that it can also reduce wrist flexibility and spin potential.

Evaluate Your Skill Level First and Match the Paddle to It

When you're just starting out in pickleball, you may think “the paddle doesn’t make a big difference: at the end of the day, what matters is my skills, strategic thinking, and the will to improve with each game.” So, you may search online and find the paddle that pros use, or that has the most reviews, and make your choice based on that.

Be aware, it’s not just about having the coolest paddle that the pros use. You need something that’s easy to control and lets you focus on improving your skills. My suggestion is to choose a composite pickleball paddle with a standard shape and grip if you want an affordable option. You don’t need to break the bank. However, make sure to find a high-quality option; you don’t want a cheap one-time paddle. 

But, if you want to truly enjoy the game and level up, go for carbon fiber. They are lighter, more responsive, easier to maneuver, and last longer. Although they’re a little pricier, at Dink, we always have promotions and discounts on our pickleball paddles. Just check our website from time to time. And you can always try your luck with our Mystery Paddles.

When you’ve got a few games under your belt and are starting to find what works for you, it’s the right time to think about investing in a paddle that matches your growing skills. You’re no longer a beginner, so you can start focusing on what enhances your game: more power, better control, or maybe a little of both. My choice would be a fiberglass pickleball paddle with a standard shape and grip.

If you’re a pro player, you already know exactly what you need from your paddle: superior control, precision, spin, and, of course, power when you need it. And I’m sure you have your own techniques when it comes to choosing a paddle. I suggest going with a carbon fiber paddle with a standard shape and grip.

Also read our relevant articles:

• How Do You Choose the Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners?

• How Do You Choose the Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players?

• Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players: An In-Depth Guide

What Is My Final Verdict?

Although I’ve already mentioned that paddles don’t have a specific “gender,” always consider your body type, your preparedness for the sport, and your pickleball level. If possible, ask your pickleball-playing friends for advice or contact us. We’ll be happy to advise you and answer to all your questions.

And my final advice is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a casual beginner, an intermediate player, or a competitive pro; you can always find a paddle that feels “just right.” For me, the paddle that ticks all the boxes is the carbon fiber paddle.