Pickleball Equipment Q&A

I get a lot of questions about pickleball equipment care and selection. Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started in the sport, it's always helpful to learn more about pickleball so I thought I'd put together a little Q&A to share my knowledge!

From paddle maintenance to selecting the best shoes, I'm hoping that these tips will help you keep your gear in top condition and find the equipment that suits your playing style, allowing you to get the most you can out of your pickleball experience.

Q. How can I take care of my paddle?

A. After each use, you’re going to want to remove any dirt, sweat, or debris. I recommend using a rubber paddle eraser for raw carbon fiber paddles and for other surfaces, a slightly damp, microfibre cloth works great.

A paddle cover will also protect the face from additional markups that can occur when you place the paddle into your bag. Some players like to add some kind of tape to the edgeguard protecting it from scuffs.

If you live in a place that has extreme temperatures or high humidity you’ll want to avoid leaving your paddle in the car, outside or anywhere where the paddle is exposed to heat or the cold.

Q. What’s the best paddle?

A. There are many paddles that have been marketed as being top-of-the-line; and some brands have done an excellent job building a solid reputation of producing quality paddles.

Now that technology has come pretty far in the past couple of years, there are paddles designed to help prevent further elbow pain, there are paddles that provide maximum reach, spin and/or power. It’s worth spending some time playing with various paddles to figure out which one(s) feel better and determining why that is.

At the end of the day, the best paddle is probably one that is best for you. You’re going to have to know what the paddle should do for you.

For example, I know that my paddle needs to have a weight of about 8.0 oz for the power and stability and I am comfortable with the slightly elongated face.

That elongated paddle usually comes with a longer handle as well, but in my case, a handle that’s more average (5 inches) will not slow down my hand speed.

Image credit: Sara McInnes

Q. What ball is used for what surface?

A. An indoor ball has 26 larger holes versus an outdoor ball, which has 40 smaller holes. An indoor ball is best used for hardwood and rubber surfaces, while an outdoor ball is suitable for a hard court surface.

Be sure to keep in mind that the varying differences of each ball come down to the type of bounce it produces off the ground. For example, a Penn 40 outdoor ball is softer and bouncier than a Franklin X-40, therefore, the Penn is more suitable for a friendly, recreational game.

But that said, a Franklin X-40 would not work for a highly competitive game that’s being played on hardwood. The harder, waxy plastic of a Franklin X-40 would slip and skip off of the surface far too much for it to provide higher-quality rallies.

Image credit: Sara McInnes

Q. How can I tell when my indoor ball is “dead”?

A. The reason this question comes up quite often is because an outdoor ball will simply crack once it’s run through its lifespan. However, the softer indoor ball is more difficult to crack, therefore, it gets used longer.

But the easiest way to tell if an indoor ball is “dead” is by determining if there are soft spots on the ball. If you push the ball on the various spots of it, a soft spot will indent with the pressure of your thumb.

Another way to tell is simply by the playability of the ball - the ball will simply give no bounce. This doesn’t account for one-off shots that skip off a pebble or a line; a really dead indoor ball will consistently just die off of the bounce.

Q. How often should I replace my overgrip?

A. Overgrips are designed to provide tackiness to enhance grip and control during play, or to absorb sweat from the palm of the hand, again to increase grip control during a game.

If your overgrip becomes smooth or loses its tackiness, it can affect your ability to maintain a secure grasp of the paddle. Replace the overgrip when you notice a significant decrease in tackiness, which can vary depending on the brand and type of overgrip you use.

It’s like any other piece of equipment we use in pickleball: those who play frequently may need to replace their overgrips more often compared to occasional players. High-intensity play and sweating can accelerate the breakdown of the overgrip's material and adhesive.

Some players prefer to replace their overgrips more frequently to ensure they always have optimal grip and feel during play. Others may wait until the overgrip shows visible signs of wear before replacing it.

Experiment with different replacement intervals to find what works best for you and your playing style. Personally, I change my grip every 2-3 matches or sessions but I know of some players who change their grips between matches.

Additionally, certain conditions, such as humidity and hot or cold temperatures, can also affect the lifespan of your overgrip. When I’m playing in Florida, I find that I’m replacing my overgrips far more quickly due to increased moisture exposure.

Image credit: Sara McInnes

Q. What’s the advantage of a long handle vs a regular handle?

A. Depending on your playing style and preferences, a longer handle can certainly provide advantages versus a standard handle (of 5 inches long). For the right player, a longer handle will increase reach when using just one hand.

When using two hands, a longer handle will create more stability especially while in a defensive position.

Utilizing a two-handed backhand with a longer handle allows more room for both hands to rest comfortably on the handle and these days, a two-handed backhand has become an essential aspect of the game. For anyone shifting from tennis, using a longer handle paddle will make for an easier transition.

Q. What are the best shoes for pickleball?

A. This again, is a question with various answers because it comes down to the individual. Generally, you really want a shoe that’s comfortable, because people can play pickleball for very long stretches at a time.

If you think about a good quality walking shoe, they are often comfortable because people walk for longer durations at a time.

Another consideration is to choose a shoe that supports the arch of your feet, and something that will support the repetitive lateral movement that comes with the sport.

Most court shoes will have a stiffer toe box to protect the toes as a person lunges forward towards the ball. The earliest signs of  wear and tear that I see will be on the sole, especially in the areas that you naturally place more weight on.

I also see shoes wearing out on the inside of the toe box, usually caused by toe dragging, which is an action that’s often done during cross court dinking.

Image credit: Sara McInnes

Q. Why do players use lead tape?

Lead tape can significantly impact paddle performance in pickleball by altering its weight, balance, and overall feel. Lead tape is used to add weight to a paddle, allowing players to customize the paddle's overall weight to suit their preferences.

Adding lead tape to certain areas of the paddle can increase its mass, which can affect power, stability, and control during play. Players may choose to add lead tape to the head or handle of the paddle to adjust its balance and feel.

It’s rare to get the distribution of the tape correct in the first go. Definitely be prepared to move it around a few times until you get the right balance of power, swing speed, and comfortable feel. Adding lead tape should be a benefit to your game, not make it more difficult to hit the ball the way you want to.

Lead tape can be strategically placed on the paddle to modify its balance point. Adding lead tape to the head of the paddle can shift the balance towards the head, resulting in a paddle with more power and stability for aggressive shots.

Conversely, placing lead tape on the handle can shift the balance towards the handle, which may improve maneuverability and control for finesse shots and quick reactions at the net.

Changes in weight distribution and balance due to lead tape can influence the paddle's swing dynamics. A heavier paddle may require more effort to swing but can deliver more power and stability on impact.

Players may need to adjust their swing mechanics and timing to accommodate the changes in paddle weight and balance.

This article was taken from our 'Control the Kitchen' Newsletter, if you're interested in receiving more content like this, please feel free to sign up using the subscribe section located at the bottom left of this page (or underneath the article if you're on mobile), thanks!