Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball Paddles were made from plywood back in the mid-1960s, when Pickleball was first created. Fabricated in a basement with a bandsaw, the early versions of the pickleball paddles reflected simple form and function.

Today, beginner pickleball paddles are still made from wood but are more sophisticated in the fabrication process with thin layers compressed in a manner similar to a ping-pong paddle. There are also newer materials and more product research today than a generation ago. Now, even beginner pickleball paddles can be made with fiberglass or graphite or composite materials that vary in paddle weight and surface sizes.

Pickleball Paddle Sizes

Pickleball Paddles vary in:

  • Size

  • Weight

  • Color

  • Shape

  • Design

  • Performance

Pickleball Paddles: Performance vs. Price

And of course, the paddles differentiate in price. The best performance paddles can depend on the player. This is where preference enters the matrix of options. Many players may start with a wooden paddle whether they want a low-cost option to try the sport or may find themselves at a local YMCA or parks and recreation center in their town where they use durable wooden paddles to start beginners in the right direction.

Some players may begin with an intermediate pickleball paddle made of a composite material or graphite or fiberglass. These pickleball paddles will generally be lighter in weight, have a better grip on the handle, and have a “sweet spot” on the paddle that helps the performance of the equipment.

Choosing The Right Pickleball Paddle

The price of pickleball paddles will increase with the quality of the materials used and as one would expect, you often get what you pay for. The more research and development that goes into the sport and into the materials and functionality of the paddles, the more you will likely expect to pay for the paddle. However, the sport is still developing and the equipment is also developing. So, many players like to take pickleball paddles for “test drives” and even use other players' equipment to experience the different elements from various manufacturers and product designs. No matter what pickleball paddle fits your personality, level of play, budget, and style of play, you can find a paddle at www.volleyllamapickleball.com.