This is how to choose a pickleball paddle for beginners to intermediate or advanced players. There are many things to consider including your budget, playing style, paddle length, width, weight and your overall goals. I also include a free printable guide to explain differences, pros and cons of each brand and material.
We spoke earlier about What is a Good Pickleball Paddle when you first start out. Most begin with a cheap choice from Costco or Dick’s and that is okay but once you start playing several times a week it is time to upgrade to improve your game! They are not one size fits all, at all. A lot of it comes down to preferences, and the most expensive isn’t always the best for everyone.
My journey was probably like yours. I bought a set for $20 off Amazon that came with a few balls and I was set for a few months. Those were just fine when I went to my how to play pickleball initial class, and then on to my 102 clinic. There I met friends and I started playing games with them a few times a week. It was then I started trying to figure out which one I wanted next.
I didn’t want to spend a ton so I went from a $10 pick to a $50 Selkirk EVO which took me from a 2.5 level to 3.0 and then I reassessed once again. I needed more power and control which meant I went to find a carbon fiber style, once again I chose Selkirk ERA which I played with for the next year.
How are pickleball paddles different?
There are a lot of aspects beyond price that you need to choose from. Your best bet is to find a location that allows you to borrow 1-2 to play with for a week. Usually after a game or two you can tell if it is worth a bit longer or it is an absolute NO. You can do this at the Indoor Pickleball Courts Coeur d’Alene or if you have a Selkirk in your city they let you check them out which is a HUGE help. Things to consider are;
Paddle Shape
There are 3 basic shapes. Cheap ones will come standard. As you move up in cost you usually have a choice, either elongated or wide. This is personal preference really. I choose elongated all the way and always have, but I will say that wide is great when you are at the net. You should definitely try both and decide one way or another so you have that down.
Core Material
Polymer has a softer feel, with more control, and a quieter play. Aluminum has a firmer feel, more power, and a louder sound. Carbon fiber offers a premier blend of power, control, and spin due to their lightweight construction and textured surface.
Weight
You would think that the lighter the better. At the beginning this is typically true. However when you get up in the levels many transition to a little weight because it allows you to hit is harder and faster. I did this when I purchased the Selkirk Boomstick. This is what Jack Sock uses, has small weights on the sides and allows you to use less muscle to hit it harder. Go figure right!
Grip Size
Now this is something you can adjust yourself. I have very long fingers so just going with the typical grip size is hard for me to grasp. I need it thicker so my fingers don’t overlap too much around it. I just put a second pickleball grip with tacky on the outside, and change it out every other month or so so it stays sticky!
PDF Printable
You can print out this how to choose a pickleball paddle printable sheet if that is easier to have in hand. It has all different aspects you should think about and consider before demoing different styles. Every brand offers a multitude of different options. If you don’t have a facility near you that lets you try them out, ask your friends! Swap for a game or two to see which one speaks to you. Give it time, try them all, experiment with different shapes, weights and brands before spending your $.
Once you have it all figured out I have lots of other resources on my page like free printables for score keeping and How to Clean Pickleball Paddle. You always want to keep in a case or zipped pocket in your bag to prevent dust from clogging up the grooves to keep that important spin!
