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Yes, your pickleball paddle makes the biggest difference of any other pickleball equipment.
I remember recently playing with a $200+ paddle against an advanced player and lost 3 games in a row. After that game, I started playing with one of the best budget paddle under $50, and won the last game 11-3.
In addition, I own ~50 different pickleball paddles, so I have tested a lot of different paddles from $10 paddles to $200+ paddles from best budget paddles to some of the best paddles for advanced players.
Here are some attributes where a pickleball paddle can improve your game.
- Give you more control
- Allows you better spin
- Provides more power.
That said, here are three things you need to know where pickleball paddles make a difference in your game.
1. There’s Huge Difference in Cheap Paddle’s Quality
I played with a friend recently who came to the court with wooden paddles I believe he purchased from a major retailer (I won’t say names). He said, “these were the cheapest paddles I could find.”
When looking at his paddle, I would argue that his paddle was so bad that he would never enjoy the game of pickleball.
It’s like my first time playing paintball 20 years ago when I was a kid. A friend gave me a gun that would not shoot straight, just to the left or right.
I hated paintball. I got shot so many times, and didn’t land many shots of my own. Let’s just say I never did paintball again because I started with such a horrible gun.
It’s the same concept with pickleball.
You can get a cheap paddle on Amazon that is a decent paddle, but many of the major retailer have this wood pickleball paddle garbage that feels unplayable.
For example, the paddle below is my favorite budget paddle under $50 that I beat my friend with above, and it came in this nice box, with a sleeve, carbon fiber cleaning and extra grip tape for under $50.
For example, a wood paddle is garbage. Yes, it’s the first paddle material when pickleball was invented, but it’s garbage. Here’s one of my only wooden pickleball paddles that I got for free when purchasing one of the best portable pickleball nets.
So, wood paddles are terrible, but what is the best material. Let’s cover that next.
2. Pickleball Material Is Crucial
I put together a comprehensive article covering the best material for pickleball paddles, but let me trunicate it in a summary. Also, I will focus on face materials (carbon fiber vs graphite vs fiberglass), not core materials which I go in more depth in the article.
Here’s the general rule of thumb, but not always the case.
Let’s go through the details.
Carbon Fiber
There’s a lot of talk about which is better, graphite or fiberglass, but for me, the real winner is the carbon fiber paddle. It’s a newer material in the pickleball world, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite for many players.
Carbon fiber paddles are light yet tough, offering a great balance between control and power. The best part? They can handle a lot of wear and tear, so they’ll last longer than most.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering a paddle with an aluminum core and carbon fiber face, think twice. These materials don’t pair well and could shorten the lifespan of your paddle.
Graphite
Graphite paddles are often thin, super lightweight, and give off a nice, soft feel when you hit the ball. They’re known for having a great “pop,” which is why many players love them.
The graphite surface strikes a solid balance between control and power, making it a great option for intermediate players who want to work on their game and develop consistency. They’re perfect for players who like a more controlled, finesse approach to the game.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass paddles are great for those who want a solid combination of power, control, and spin. The material offers a fantastic feel for the ball, allowing for a variety of shots and play styles.
But, and this is important, the power isn’t as consistent towards the edges of the paddle, meaning the sweet spot can be a bit smaller. This makes fiberglass paddles better suited for players who have already developed some skill and can handle the smaller sweet spot.
If you’re a beginner, keep this in mind— a larger sweet spot might be more forgiving for you.
3. Premium Paddles Provide Diminishing Marginal Return
I have so many pickleball paddles in the $200 range, but I want to tell you that those paddles definitely help my game, but there’s a diminishing marginal return.
For example, like the story above, the most premium paddles such as the Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm, which is a best paddle for advanced players, can provide a return on your investment.
But, is the price worth the premium? Yes, I believe so for an advanced player, but if you are a beginner or intermediate, then that answer my be more questionable.
Conclusion
Your pickleball paddle makes a difference, but you should consider not all cheap paddles are made equal, the pickleball paddle material is crucial, and premium paddles provide a diminishing marginal return.
If you have a question about the best paddle for your buck, check our the best affordable pickleball paddles under $50.