Which Pickleball Paddle Material Is Best for You?

Pickleball paddles have evolved significantly since the sport was first played in 1965.

Originally made from wood, modern paddles now leverage technological advancements and can be crafted from materials used in rocket ships! The material of your pickleball paddle plays a crucial role in your performance on the court, each offering unique benefits suited to different playing styles. In this article, I will explain the different types of pickleball paddle core materials and face materials. I’ll also show how they can enhance your performance and shot-hitting ability.

First up, let’s talk about core materials. The cores of pickleball paddles vary in material and thickness. Generally speaking, a thinner pickleball paddle (i.e., around 13mm) is biased toward power, while thicker paddles (around 16mm) focus more on control benefits. Click here to read our blog post about pickleball paddle thickness. The most common paddle core materials are as follows:

Polymer Core

Polymer is the most common type of material used in pickleball paddles. It’s sometimes referred to as polypropylene or poly core, but they’re essentially the same. Polymer paddles offer a great solution for an all-around paddle, boasting the following traits:

Control: Polymer core paddles have a soft feel, making them great for perfecting your third shot drops and pinpointing your winning shots.
Durability: Polymer core paddles tend to be extremely durable, a solid choice for a paddle that you can use for years to come.
Noise: Polymer paddles are the quietest among pickleball paddles, which may be an important factor for some players.

Most paddles you see at your local courts or events will have a polymer core. Polymer paddles are suitable for both beginners and advanced players and come in a range of price points.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about which material to choose, consider starting with a polymer paddle.

Nomex Core

Another popular pickleball paddle core option is Nomex. Nomex is a harder material, biased toward hitting powerful strokes. For example, Nomex was the first material used to create high-performance pickleball paddles and is still commonly used today.

Power: Nomex is a great option for aggressive, hard-hitting players. However, you do lose a touch of control, so choose wisely!
Durability: Nomex is one of the most durable pickleball paddle core materials on the market, making it a great option for a long-lasting paddle.
Noise: Nomex paddles are very noisy compared to their counterparts, so it might not be the best choice if this is an issue where you play.

Nomex is a great choice for intermediate and advanced players looking to hit the ball a little harder. If you are a beginner, steering in the direction of a polymer paddle is a better all-around option for improving your game.

Aluminum Core

The next paddle core material is aluminum. It’s much less common than polymer and Nomex paddles. Aluminum paddles are lightweight but don’t offer much power, which may make them a good option for a total newbie looking to develop their strokes while maintaining control.

Pro Tip: Aluminum core paddles may be good for a beginner who isn’t playing often. However, if you’re looking to play more over time and develop your game, you may want to consider other materials such as polymer.

Core Summary

These three pickleball paddle cores are the most common options available today. There are other more uncommon materials available too, such as foam and wood. Remember, each paddle core material has its own benefits. We recommend starting out with a polymer paddle, which is a superb all-around option for most players. Once you’ve established your playing style, you might want to consider experimenting with another material (e.g., Nomex if you’re looking to hit the ball harder).

Paddle Face Materials

Now moving onto pickleball paddle face materials. Most pickleball paddles are constructed in a ‘sandwich’ method, meaning that the core material (i.e., polymer, Nomex, etc.) is sandwiched between two layers of ‘face material’. The material of the face is just as important as the core, as the face plays a big factor in determining how the ball reacts after coming into contact with the paddle. We’ll discuss the most common paddle face materials and the benefits of each one.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is a relatively new material that has been made available. It is a lightweight yet durable material, offering great control and good power potential.

Pro Tip: Avoid paddles that feature an aluminum core and a carbon fiber face. These two materials don’t mix well and will reduce the longevity of your paddle.

Graphite

Graphite paddle faces are usually very thin, lightweight, and feature a soft feel. Many players like the pop element this material offers. Graphite face paddles strike the balance of control and pop and are best for intermediate players who are looking to develop their skills.

Best for:

Control-biased players
Players looking for a lighter paddle

Fiberglass

Fiberglass paddle faces offer a superb mix of power, control, and spin. They provide a nice ball feel, making them ideal for players looking to play a wide range of different shot types. However, the energy isn’t consistent towards the edges of the paddle, resulting in a smaller sweet spot—so if you’re a beginner, this is something you should bear in mind as a smaller sweet spot might not be the best option.

Kevlar

Kevlar is the latest addition to the market when it comes to pickleball paddle faces. In addition, Kevlar is known for its high strength, lightweight, and exceptional durability. Paddles made with Kevlar faces provide superior control due to Kevlar’s dampening properties, making it an ideal choice for players who value precision over power. At the moment, only two brands, Six Zero and Pickleball Apes, make paddles with Kevlar faces. Could Kevlar be the future of pickleball paddle surfaces?

Hybrid

Some paddles feature a face consisting of multiple different materials. A mixture of different materials is used to enhance the paddle’s durability, as well as combining the benefits of the included materials. Manufacturers can modify the formula of a paddle face to enhance certain characteristics of the various materials. Choosing which hybrid paddle is best for you is a case of finding out which materials are used for the specific paddle, and seeing if the benefits of each one suit your style of play.

Summary

Understanding the nuances of pickleball paddle construction is key for players wanting to improve their on-court performance. The materials selected for the paddle’s core and face can greatly affect your playing style and overall game experience.

The ideal pickleball paddle materials for you depend on several factors including your skill level, playing preferences, and personal taste. Therefore, it’s wise to explore various paddle constructions to find out which materials best enhance your play.

I hope you found this article useful!

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Sources

Article Title: “Why Pickleball Paddle Materials Matter and How to Choose“, Retrieved: May 3, 2024. URL: https://www.paddletek.com/blogs/news/pickleball-paddle-materials