How to Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle: A Short Guide

Choosing a pickleball paddle shouldn’t be a difficult task. However, there are so many different paddles out there, with different specs and features, that you may end up with a headache and an incorrect paddle. Don’t go and choose the paddle that has the most beautiful design or because a famous pickleball player uses it. And don’t check Reddit reviews of the best paddles. Each player has a different level and playing style. Just read my short guide and focus only on the important factors when buying your first and all future pickleball paddles.

Step 1: Check Your Pickleball Level

Before even choosing and buying a paddle, you must evaluate your pickleball level. If you are new to the game or have a couple of weeks or even months of casual playing experience, choose a pickleball paddle for beginners. You need a paddle that offers control, forgiveness, and a large sweet spot. My advice is to go with midweight paddles with a thick core and a carbon fiber face. Right now, this is all you need to hone your skills and discover your playing style.

Now, for the intermediate players, the choice is easier, as you are in the golden medium. This is the best time to experiment with different paddles because you have the freedom to choose the one that fits your playing style the most. I recommend going with a paddle that weighs 7.5 - 8.5+ oz with a paddle face made of fiberglass or carbon fiber.

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

As an advanced player, you already know your paddle preferences and can choose those that can help you highlight your strengths. Each advanced player has a unique playing style and technique, so there isn’t one piece of advice that fits the shoe. However, I suggest choosing a carbon fiber face paddle, as they are more durable and offer power and stability. 

Check our article: Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players: An In-Depth Guide

In short, I say first know your current level and, later, choose a paddle that helps you focus on improving your game. I know there is currently a lot of buzz around pickleball as it becomes a more popular sport, but please don’t feel pressure to buy the most hyped-up model.

Step 2: Know Your Playing Style

It’s easier said than done because when it comes to evaluating our playing style in any sport, the hardest part isn’t finding the right answer, but asking the correct question. So, ask yourself: Do you rely more on fast hands in the pickleball kitchen, or big drives from the baseline? Do you prefer soft shots or hard hits? Are you satisfied with your current playing style, or do you want to improve it? Which pro pickleball player’s style do you admire the most? At the end of the day, you don’t want to buy the most advertised paddle; you want the best paddle for your game.

For example, if you’re still mastering placement and want forgiveness on off-center hits, go for the fiberglass model. If your style is all about precision or control, the carbon fiber is the paddle of your choice.

And let’s not forget, there are also players who switch to pickleball from tennis. I’m sure they'll appreciate a paddle with more power and reach, such as an elongated shape.

Still not sure what to choose? Here’s a quick tip:

Control = thicker paddles. Power = thinner paddles.

Step 3: Focus on 3 Key Features (Skip the Rest)

You can easily get overwhelmed by too many specs that different paddles have. But do you really need to know all of them? My advice? Please stop overthinking and spending your time on features that are secondary; instead, use that time wisely and improve your skills. Remember, you only need to focus on three core features: weight, core thickness, and. Other specs can be adjusted, but these alone will tell you how the paddle is going to affect your performance.

Start with weight. A lighter paddle allows a faster reaction, which is a great feature for dinks, but I must warn you that you’ll sacrifice some power. Heavier paddles have more drive and stability, but they can exhaust your wrist and lead to injuries over time. 

As I already advised above, the midweight paddles (around 7.5–8.5 oz) are the best choice for any player.

Next, check the core thickness. A thicker paddle (usually around 16mm) offers better control, while a thinner paddle (13–14mm) is more responsive, but less forgiving.

I think not many people know how important the surface material is. If you want more spin and control, go with carbon fiber or graphite, as they grip the ball better. For more pop and power, choose fiberglass.

Do you see how easy it is? Forget buzzwords and focus on these three essentials, and you’ll end up with a paddle that actually works for your game.

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Step 3: Get the Right Grip Size

Although the grip size wasn’t included in my 3 key features, I wouldn’t advise overlooking it. But don’t stress about being exact; it’s not always possible. If you’re hesitant and can’t choose between two sizes, go with the smaller one. We all have different hands; even our right and left hands are slightly different, so just build up your exact size with an overgrip.

If you are not sure how to measure your grip size, just do an “index finger test”. It’s very simple: just hold the paddle as if you're preparing to play, and try to slide the index finger of your other hand between your fingertips and palm. If it fits snugly, it’s likely the right size. They say most adult players land somewhere between 4" and 4 1/2". I’m not sure how accurate this number is, so don’t rely solely on the measurements you see on the internet.  

Personally, I always recommend trying a few different grip sizes to find the one that is more or less a good fit. Remember that if the grip is too small, you’ll be over-squeezing the handle. This can lead to wrist fatigue and elbow pain over time. And a grip that’s too loose will feel clunky and harder to control. 

Step 4: Pick Your Shape (Optional)

It’s just geometry. The paddle’s shape won’t make or break your game. I included it in the list to cover even the smallest nuances that might improve your style. But don’t expect any dramatic changes. My honest advice? Don’t overthink it. If you are a beginner, definitely go with the standard shape. Are you an intermediate or advanced player? Choose whichever shape you want.

That said, if you have a tennis background, you may prefer the elongated paddle, as after tennis, it may be unusual for you to play with a standard pickleball paddle. This also applies to the players who prefer playing at the baseline, too. These paddles can give them more power, although their disadvantage is a smaller sweet spot and a bit less control at the net. So just keep it simple, and go with a standard-shaped paddle. Believe me, you won’t feel any difference.

Step 5: Set Your Budget

Finally, I’m going to talk about the most important factor that affects your decision - the pickleball paddle price. I know that many don’t have the budget for a high-end paddle. And there are many people who know that the price can be tricky for both cheap and expensive paddles. I won’t be biased, and honestly give my opinion - don’t buy cheap paddles. In the end, you will end up paying more because you will need to replace them every couple of weeks as a result of the low quality. 

So, how do you solve this dilemma? For beginner players, I suggest the $50–$100 range. This is enough for a solid paddle that will get you started. If you're playing a few times a week, it means you are serious about pickleball, so invest in a $100–$150 paddle. And, as a pro player, it’s worth considering a $150+ paddle.

I’ve seen plenty of new players overspend on high-end gear only to switch later to something simpler. Many brands, like our Mystery Paddles, also offer budget-friendly versions.

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