The weight of a pickleball paddle helps determine how well we play, and most of them range between six and fourteen ounces. Our level of control and power are decided by the weight, so determine which is more important to you when buying a paddle.
Most people are picky about their paddle and rightfully so. Anything that impacts our game we should consider carefully and the pickleball paddle’s weight is on that list. After all, that is what determines the level of the drive we’ll hit the ball with.
Let’s volley into the world of pickleball racquets to find out the different weights available and what they represent.
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How Much Do Pickleball Paddles Weigh?
Pickleballs typically weigh 6-14 pounds and are a major factor in his well or how poorly we execute our game. Power and precision can be altered by changing the paddle’s weight in pickleball. With a lighter paddle, you can exert greater control, but not as much force. A heavier paddle, on the other hand, reduces your precision but boosts your power and thrust.
More significantly, using a heavier paddle might lead to soreness and weariness in the arm as well as the elbow. Until you are stronger, you might prefer to begin with a lighter paddle. You’ll need more assistance to hit the ball with some actual power if you have a weaker arm, but this creates a Catch-22.
Try using a paddle that weighs from 7.5 to 8.5 oz. You could still be inclined to go for a lightweight paddle. However, remember that doing so will require a larger swing and more energy, both of which increase the risk of injury.
A Pickleball Paddle Materials Help Determine its Weight
Pickleball paddles come in several materials, including wood, composite, and graphite. In terms of weight and cost, wooden paddles are the most common and commonplace. A wood paddle is a good option for players just getting started or who don’t want to commit financially to a set of paddles yet.
It’s cool, however, you should consider your size. There is no comparison between a wooden and a composite paddle. The pricing is fair when taking into account the various sizes and weights on offer. Graphite, a lightweight and durable material, is used to make the most expensive paddles.
Try out several different paddles before committing to one. This will help you narrow down your options to select the one that complements your playing style. If you can’t find one with the right dimensions, go for a composite paddle of medium weight. You’ll not only get a great paddle, but you’ll also learn what to look out for in the future.
Which Paddle Material is Heaviest?
Wood is the heaviest of all the different pickleball paddle material options. It is also the most affordable. When you need a paddle that hits with amazing force, wood is the first choice. That’s because the heavier the paddle is, the more powerful it handles the ball. Overall, though, they aren’t used as much!
Keep in mind though that heavy paddles are not for everyone. It can hurt your arm. Get your practice in with lighter paddles first to determine your paddle-handling ability.
Determining the Ideal Pickleball Paddle Weight for You
Lightweight Pickleball Paddles
Any paddle under 7.4 ounces is considered lightweight for pickleball. When playing pickleball, having better control over your shots is possible with a paddle that weighs less. This is ideal for players who are just learning the ropes and want to focus on the fundamentals.
That includes making solid contact with the ball, rather than focusing on making powerful groundstrokes in a doubles game or for players who know other lightweight racquet games.
You can practice your swing and refine your posture with the help of lightweight paddles, giving you the chance to perfect your talents. A light paddle allows for quicker reactions and more consistent dink & drop shot-making.
Your concentration won’t suffer if you do this. If you’ve played racquet sports before, like table tennis or ping pong, you could find the transition to a pickleball paddle smoother.
This is a fantastic means of gradually introducing yourself to the sport and adapting existing talents to it. In a doubles match, you’ll also benefit from the enhanced control and agility afforded by a lightweight paddle.
Using a light paddle means you have to put in more effort and swing faster to get the same amount of power. In singles matches, this can get old fast. Having to use extra force with the paddle all the time might be tiring on the muscles. Having painful muscles after a workout isn’t the end of the road, but it is extremely frustrating.
You run the same danger of aggravating joint issues, such as tennis elbow if you use excessively heavy paddles. If you want to hit the ball harder, you’ll have to deal with more vibration and tension with each swing. Your elbow is taking most of the impact from the vibrations and stress.
Heavyweight Pickleball Paddles
Pickleball paddles might weigh as little as 8.5 ounces or as much as 9.5 ounces for heavier ones. Some novice players may find heavier paddles better to handle while they are playing singles, even though heavier paddles are better suited for more experienced players aiming for power.
Every hard whack from a heavier pickleball paddle will send the ball flying farther and quicker. This is fantastic for establishing a stronger base and getting back to serve.
Reduce your swing speed as well as the amount of power and stamina you need to use by using a heavier paddle. Pickleball players that use heavier paddles benefit from increased stability. Ideal for those whose shots tend to be slightly off target.
If you’re utilizing a heavier pickleball paddle, you may find it difficult to serve and navigate with precision.
The weariness that comes from using a heavy paddle for long periods is another potential drawback. Problems like tennis elbow might become much worse as a result of this.
If you plan on playing pickleball solo, a heavier paddle will serve you better. Possessing superior strength over one’s adversary is crucial in these conflicts. In this context, flashy moves aren’t valued, and brute strength is far more likely to decide who wins.
Different Paddles for Singles and Doubles Play
Many players switch between using a lighter paddle for doubles as well as a midweight paddle for singles, so they may take advantage of the faster hand speed and greater power of the lighter paddle. Playing doubles well needs lightning-fast hand speed because of the proximity of the net, whereas success in singles relies on powerful drives and deft passing shots.
Picking a Pickleball Paddle that Feels Good
The ideal paddle weight is one you can use for an extended period without becoming fatigued. Are you using a heavier paddle and finding that it causes arm pain? One that’s lightweight is what you should go for. Do you compare your paddle to a fly swatter? The following time, increase the load. If you’re not sure what your ideal weight is, consider these tips:
Make your selection based on the weight of the racquet or paddle you used in your previous sport.
A lightweight paddle is the safer option, therefore I recommend getting one of those.
If you’re used to swinging a tennis racquet that falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, say, a Midweight Pickleball paddle will feel just right. If you favored a lightweight tennis racquet, you will likely feel the same way about a lightweight pickleball paddle.
Pickleball Paddle Weight FAQs
Here are the answers to many important questions regarding pickleball paddles.
Why Do Paddles Have a Weight Range?
The tiniest changes, such as extra glue on this paddle or a shorter grip on that one, can have a significant impact on the total weight. Making paddles of identical weights seems impossible. And as will be seen, a difference of 0.1oz is not that significant.
How Significant Is a Paddle Weight Distinction?
The professionals are the least likely to care about the exact weight of their paddles, so that’s something to keep in mind. Many paddlers have a preference for a specific paddle weight and insist that using a paddle of a different weight hinders their performance.
It has been proven that even minute variations in body mass have no bearing on a person’s ability to perform. The pros can push mental distractions aside and concentrate on what makes them the best players they can be.
When it comes to pickleball paddles, what is the guaranteed weight range?
Expect no more than a 0.2-ounce variation in weight. Because of the foregoing, we strongly advise that expert players secure a guaranteed weight category that can be adjusted to their satisfaction. You can expect a weight that is within 0.2 ounces of the range given.
If you want a paddle that weighs exactly 7.6 ounces, you can specify a weight tolerance of 7.5 ounces to 7.7 ounces and be assured of receiving one that weighs 7.6 ounces, gives or take 0.1 ounces. In addition, the difference in weight of a cent won’t even be felt, let alone impair your performance.
What Impact Do Grips Have On The Weight Of A Pickleball Paddle?
Changes in available weight are due to variations in grip range too. Double grip paddles, which are 4.5 inches long, add 0.5 ounces to the weight of a paddle. A paddle can be made 0.2 ounces lighter by installing a thin, 4″ grip. Because of this shift, the guaranteed weight range selection criteria will shift as well.