There are quite a few recurring questions in pickleball that I hear from players, especially when it comes to purchasing a paddle. One question in particular, although I might not hear it all the time, the answer to it seems to be very important for players who are new to the game.
In this blog post, I'll go through the most common pickleball paddle questions and my answers to each one...
Pickleball can be a relatively affordable activity, many recreation centers offer free or low-cost drop-in programs and there are outdoor, public courts to use during the warmer months.
If you are a new player and plan to participate in pickleball quite frequently, it’s probably a good use of your time and money to invest in your own paddle.
Owning your own paddle can provide more flexibility as to when and how often you play. Rec centers will often provide basic paddles, however, keep in mind that these entry-level paddles are often worn out from overuse or can be wooden paddles which is a heavy and archaic material choice; and finally, let’s face it, communal equipment is just becoming less and less of a preference these days.
The other week I conducted a few introductory clinics where the majority of participants had not yet tried pickleball, or some had, but did not own a paddle.
They used my demo paddles and when I returned the next week to the same location for a drop-in program, I noticed that over 60% of the people who attended the clinic had their own paddle with them.
It was actually a great feeling, they clearly liked pickleball enough to buy their own equipment and surely it meant that they intend to keep playing the game on a frequent basis. I had some fun pointing out their new toys and encouraging them on their choices.
The week prior, I had received the following questions - ones I am often presented with:
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Where can I buy a paddle?
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Are there different options of paddles, if so, what’s the best kind to buy?
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What’s the cost of a paddle?
The quick answers I provide:
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Local, specialty sports stores such as Control the “T” Sports or large box stores
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There are so many options when it comes to shape, weight and size. The options might even overwhelm you, for now, keep it simple and seek out a paddle that fits your budget and stray far away from wooden paddles
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The cost ranges from $50-$300 (insert jaw drop)
I also ask individuals if they have ongoing shoulder, arm or wrist injuries or pain. If so, stick to the lightweight paddles (ex. 7.2oz-7.5oz).
So, as I walked around the gym I also took the opportunity to ask how they made their choice. Most answers were similar to one another and of course, being in a major city that hasn’t fully embraced pickleball just yet, I’m not at all surprised by “online” or “box store”, albeit a bit disappointing. It’s always good to hear “local”, especially these days.
There are also people out there who just aren’t ready to buy. If you’re someone who is teetering on the idea of buying a paddle, does this ring true?
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I’d like to play more and get more familiar with the game before buying one of my own
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There are so many paddles on the market, that it’s a bit overwhelming and I don’t even know where to begin
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I haven’t figured out how much want to spend on a paddle but $300 is absurd
If this is you, it’s more than okay to not buy a paddle right away and maybe a local demo program is a good place for you to start. This option provides the opportunity to try a wide variety of paddles and to receive information from the store associates.
Check out your local racquet or sports store and speak with their staff, they should be able to provide you with knowledge on material, shape, weight, and the latest technology - if you’re ready to go down that rabbit hole!
So, here’s the one question where the answer seems to be the most important of all answers, from a consumer's perspective: how long will a paddle last?
There isn’t a clear cut answer, it’s more subjective than any other because it’s based on the following variables:
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The frequency of play is the biggest factor. A competitive player who plays 4-6 times a week will replace their paddle a few times a year but for someone who plays recreationally a few times a week, their paddle could last years
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Some paddles are simply built to last longer, an example would be the Onix Z5, due to its resilient core
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Paddles can breakdown at various physical points, a common area is around the neck of the paddle where the face and handle come together; some paddles are manufactured in one piece to avoid the break from happening in this location
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The core material is typically polymer (plastic) and over time the very light sound of rattling can occur, this is the plastic starting to break down, however, the paddle may not need to be replaced right away, it depends on the brand and the resilience of the paddle’s sweet spot
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Paddle care affects its longevity: dropping or slamming a paddle will damage its integrity, leaving the paddle in a cold room or car will stiffen the plastic - if not given time to warm up then the plastic might break down very quickly
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If the paddle gets wet the adhesive that attaches the edge guard to the paddle face and core might start to wear down faster than it should
There’s plenty more knowledge to be discovered when it comes down to buying a paddle. To help guide you, here’s a standard checklist to consider during your purchase process:
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What do I need my paddle to do for me the most? (ex. power, control, or a balance of both)
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Do I want to research paddles made from one piece or “built to last”?
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Determine my price range
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Do I want to research the top few brands that intrigue me the most and learn about their proprietary technology?
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What are the brands that offer manufacturer warranties? Is this important to me?
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What are my local equipment stores and do they offer paddle options or a demo program?
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Which store(s) near me can best guide me through the selection process?
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