Pickleball players are very well accustomed to choosing specific weights of the paddle they want to play with. Beyond categories like lightweight, middleweight, or heavyweight, some manufacturers offer specific weights down to the tenth of an oz to help dial in exactly what a player is looking for. With weight options ranging from 7 oz to nearly 9 oz, what are the pros and cons of each weight class? Here’s a guide to help steer you in the right direction for your perfect paddle.
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Lightweight Pickleball Paddles
There’s no specific number that quantifies a paddle as “light,” but paddles that weigh 7.4 oz or less can be considered a lightweight paddle. Although they’re rare, there are some paddles that even dip into the high 6 oz range, which would certainly be widely considered a light paddle. Lightweight paddles provide excellent maneuverability and control, but they can lack in the power and stability categories due to their lower mass. If you’re a player that wants a boost of power, wants maximum stability or more feel, a middleweight or heavyweight paddle might be a better fit for you. A player that needs the extra reaction time and isn’t concerned with driving the ball past their opponents should consider a lightweight paddle. In addition, if you’re looking for pinpoint accuracy due to the ease of maneuvering the paddle in ample time, you’ll want to check out a lightweight paddle. To recap:
Pros:
- Maneuverability
- Accuracy
- Control
- Reaction Time
Cons:
- Less Power
- Less Feel
- Less Stability
Middleweight Pickleball Paddles
Middleweight paddles generally weigh between 7.6 and 8.4 oz. (Again, there’s no official marker for the weight. It’s just our recommendation!) The middleweight group of paddles features many of the most popular paddles you’ll see at the courts, and is a very universal option. Because of its balance between maneuverability, power generation, stability, feel, and accuracy, it’s hard to steer players looking for an all-around paddle away from this weight range. Players looking for maximum maneuverability and extra reaction time may be better off finding a lightweight paddle but the majority of players will be comfortable with a paddle from the middleweight category. To recap:
Pros:
- Versatility
- Power
- Control
- Touch
- Feel
- Acccuracy
Cons:
- Lack of Maneuverability
Heavyweight Pickleball Paddles
Heavyweight paddles have benefits that go beyond power, stability, and the mass to return balls over the net even when you don’t hit the sweet spot. Players that struggle with tennis (or golfer’s) elbow can oftentimes find comfort in a heavier paddle due to its ability to absorb shock and vibration more than lighter paddles. Beyond saving your arm from potential issues (or making them worse) paddles that weigh over 8.4 oz can also be some of the most feel-friendly and powerful paddles due to the extra mass. Players that don’t have the strength for a heavier paddle or a player looking for maneuverability should probably find their way to a middleweight or lightweight paddle. Heavier paddles will definitely fit best in the hands of ex-tennis players, high-level players that have the strength to maneuver an 8.4+ oz paddle, as well as players looking for an extra mph or two in power. To recap:
Pros:
- Max Power
- Dampened Feel
- Highest Stability
- Arm-Friendly
Cons:
- Less Maneuverability
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Now that you're an expert on pickleball paddle weights, it's time to pick up your next gamer. At JustPaddles, we carry hundreds of options from all the top brands with free, fast shipping on every order. If you have any questions, contact one of our Paddle Experts at 866-382-3465, email experts@justpaddles.com, or click here to live chat. Don't forget, we're here for you from Click To Court!
