Key takeaways: a mid-weight paddle (7.8–8.2 oz) with a 16 mm core and a standard shape suits most players. Thinner cores add pop, thicker cores add control. Carbon faces give spin and durability; fibreglass gives power and forgiveness. Pick a grip you can hold without squeezing, and buy an approved model if you plan to play tournaments.
Pickleball paddles all look alike, yet two models can feel completely different. In the UK they are often called bats or rackets; the official term is paddle. This guide explains the five specs that matter so you can read a product page and know what you are getting.
1. Weight: speed or stability
Weight is the spec you feel first.
| Category | Weight | Plays like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Under 7.8 oz (≈ 220 g) | Fast hands at the net, less power | Players with elbow or wrist issues, touch players |
| Mid-weight | 7.8–8.2 oz (220–232 g) | Balanced | Most beginners and intermediates |
| Heavy | Over 8.3 oz (≈ 235 g) | Stable, powerful drives | Players with solid technique and strong forearms |
A paddle that is too heavy tires the forearm and can lead to tennis elbow. If you are unsure, start mid-weight.
2. Core thickness: pop or control
Almost all modern paddles use a polypropylene honeycomb core. Its thickness changes the feel:
- Thin core (around 13 mm): more pop and speed off the face, a smaller sweet spot, more vibration.
- Thick core (around 16 mm): absorbs pace, softer feel, bigger sweet spot, easier dinks and resets.
Newer paddles also use foam-injected edges or full foam cores to enlarge the sweet spot and reduce vibration.
3. Face material: carbon or fibreglass
Raw carbon fibre has a slightly gritty texture that grips the ball, so it generates spin, and it keeps its feel for longer. It is the standard on mid- and high-end paddles. Fibreglass (often sold as « composite ») flexes more, which gives a trampoline-like pop: easier power for beginners, a little less control. Wooden paddles are fine for a garden game but too heavy and dead for regular play.
Texture wears down with use. Many regular players notice spin dropping after several months of frequent play.
4. Shape: standard, elongated or widebody
- Standard (about 16 × 8 in): widest sweet spot, most forgiving. The best default.
- Elongated (about 16.5 × 7.5 in): more reach and leverage, a smaller sweet spot. Popular with former tennis players and singles players.
- Widebody: shorter and wider for maximum forgiveness at the net.
Whatever the shape, the rules cap length at 17 in and length plus width at 24 in.
5. Grip size and handle length
Most grips have a circumference between 4 and 4.5 in. A rough guide by height: about 4 in under 5’2″ (1.60 m), 4.25 in up to 5’8″ (1.73 m), 4.5 in above. When in doubt, choose the thinner grip and build it up with an overgrip. A longer handle (5.25 in or more) helps two-handed backhands.
Which paddle for your level?
| Level | What to look for | Typical budget |
|---|---|---|
| Trying the sport | Fibreglass or entry carbon, standard shape, mid-weight; a two-paddle set is good value | Low |
| Playing weekly | Raw carbon face, 16 mm core, standard or hybrid shape | Mid-range |
| Competing | Approved model, thermoformed carbon, shape matched to your game | High |
Big brands such as JOOLA, Selkirk, HEAD, Franklin and Onix cover every level, and sports retailers such as Decathlon sell their own budget ranges. The gap between a basic and a mid-range paddle is large; the gap between mid-range and premium is much smaller.
Approved paddles for tournaments
Sanctioned events require a paddle on the official approved list (USA Pickleball, whose list is used by most national federations). Approved paddles carry the mark on the face or throat. Recreational play has no such requirement.
Looking after your paddle
- Use a cover: a scratched carbon face loses spin.
- Wipe the face with a damp cloth after play; avoid solvents.
- Never leave it in a hot car, as heat can damage the core.
- Replace the overgrip as soon as it gets slippery.
FAQ
What weight of pickleball paddle should a beginner use?
A mid-weight paddle of 7.8 to 8.2 oz is the safest choice. It is stable enough to absorb hard shots and light enough not to tire your arm.
Is a carbon fibre paddle worth it?
If you play weekly, yes. Raw carbon faces give more spin and control and last longer than fibreglass. For an occasional game, a fibreglass paddle is cheaper and easier to generate power with.
13 mm or 16 mm core?
Choose 16 mm for control, a bigger sweet spot and less vibration; it suits most doubles players. Choose 13 mm if you want more pace and play an aggressive, hard-hitting game.
What size can a pickleball paddle be?
The combined length and width may not exceed 24 in, and the length may not exceed 17 in. There is no limit on weight or thickness.
Paddle, bat or racket: what is the difference?
None: they are the same thing. « Paddle » is the official term; « bat » and « racket » are common in the UK and India.