How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle
Short answer for beginners: pick a mid-weight paddle (about 7.8–8.3 oz, or 220–235 g) with a standard shape, a 16 mm core, and a grip that fits your hand. Borrow or rent a few before you buy if you can.
Weight
Weight changes how a paddle feels more than anything else. Most paddles sit between about 7 and 8.5 oz (200–240 g).
- Light (under ~7.8 oz / 220 g): quick hands at the net and easy on the arm, but you have to swing harder for power.
- Mid-weight (~7.8–8.3 oz / 220–235 g): a balance of power and control. The best starting point for most players.
- Heavy (over ~8.3 oz / 235 g): more power and stability on hard hits, but slower to react and more tiring over a long session.
If you've had elbow or shoulder trouble, lean lighter. If the paddle twists in your hand on off-centre hits, try a heavier one.
Core thickness
Most paddles have a polymer honeycomb core, usually about 13 mm or 16 mm thick.
- 16 mm: softer feel, bigger sweet spot, more control on dinks and resets. Recommended for beginners.
- 13–14 mm: livelier and more powerful, but less forgiving when you miss the centre.
Face material
- Fibreglass: springy, with more "pop" for power. Often found on more affordable paddles.
- Carbon fibre: stiffer and more consistent, with good feel and spin. Common on mid- and high-end paddles.
A gritty face helps you put spin on the ball, but the rules limit how rough it can be. Any texture that wears off over time is normal.
Shape
- Standard (wide body): the biggest sweet spot and the most forgiving. Best for learning.
- Elongated: extra reach and power, with a narrower sweet spot. Popular with singles players and hard hitters.
- Hybrid: in between the two.
Grip size
Grip circumference is usually between about 4 and 4.5 inches (10–11.5 cm). A grip that's too big makes wrist shots stiff; one that's too small makes you squeeze too hard. If you're between sizes, pick the smaller one: you can build it up with overgrip tape, but you can't make a grip thinner.
Official paddle size limits
These come from Section 2.E of the USA Pickleball Equipment Standards Manual:
- Length plus width, including the edge guard and butt cap, can't exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm).
- Length can't exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm).
- There is no limit on weight or thickness.
- The hitting surface can't have holes, rough texturing or features designed to add extra spin.
- For sanctioned tournaments, the paddle must be on the USA Pickleball approved list. For open play and casual games, any paddle is fine.
Looking after your paddle
- Don't leave it in a hot car. Heat can weaken the glue between the face and the core.
- Wipe the face with a damp cloth to keep its grip on the ball.
- A dead spot (a dull thud in one area) usually means the core is damaged, and it's time for a new paddle.
- An edge guard protects against scrapes from low shots and the court surface.
Try before you buy
Many players try a few paddles at open play before buying their own. Find a session near you, and see also the guides to pickleball balls and pickleball shoes, and the beginner's rules.
Find an open play →Frequently asked questions
What pickleball paddle should a beginner buy?
A mid-weight paddle (about 7.8–8.3 oz / 220–235 g) with a standard shape and a 16 mm core. It is forgiving on off-centre hits and easy to control while you learn.
How big can a pickleball paddle be?
Under USA Pickleball rules, the paddle's length plus width can't exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm), and the length alone can't exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). There is no limit on weight or thickness.
Is a 13 mm or 16 mm paddle better?
A 16 mm core feels softer and gives more control, which suits most beginners. A 13 mm core is livelier and hits harder, but it is less forgiving.
Do I need a USA Pickleball approved paddle?
Only for sanctioned tournaments, where your paddle must be on the official approved list. For open play and casual games, any paddle is fine.