The Complete Guide To Pickleball Paddle Face Materials

Many of us know that there are different surfaces commonly seen in pickleball paddles. But, what are paddle faces made out of? And which material is best? At a high-level, you've got graphite, composite, fiberglass, and more. In this article, our Paddle Experts break down what they do, what each surface can do for your game, and what type of player should play with each surface. We’ve also broken down the most-common hitting surfaces and why you should pick one over another. Let's begin. 

Composite Material

Composite-faced paddles are one of the most common and popular paddles on the market. Composite paddles are made of two or more materials, typically consisting of fiberglass. These paddles offer many characteristics that pickleball players look for, including power, durability, and spin due to their gritty nature. Composite paddles are often found on paddles in the most sought-after weight range, 7.7-8.2 ounces, which increases their popularity. Players looking for an average weighted, high durability, power paddle with a gritty, spin-friendly feel should lean towards a composite paddle. To recap:

Benefits Include:

• Durable
• Power Potential
• Gritty 
• Average Weight

Best For:

• All Levels
• Power Players
• Spin Players

Graphite Material

Graphite-faced paddles are very popular and offer phenomenal feel, which is why you will see a graphite paddle option offered by many of the top manufacturers in pickleball. Graphite is a lightweight and soft material that helps with touch and control, two characteristics highly sought-after by pickleball players. Graphite-faced paddles have a fingernail-thick layer of graphite laid upon the paddles’ core, which gives the manufacturers the ability to keep the paddles light, oftentimes in the low to mid 7-ounce range. Graphite paddles are a great option for players looking for a light paddle that can enhance their touch and control. To recap:

Benefits Include:

• Lightweight
• Touch-Friendly
• Soft Feel

Best For: 

• Control Players
• Players Looking for Lightweight Pickleball Paddles

Carbon Fiber Material

Carbon Fiber is the latest addition to the growing technology of pickleball paddles. It is being seen more and more frequently in the latest launches from manufacturers. Carbon Fiber has a weight to strength ratio stronger than steel, which is why it is quickly becoming popular amongst many sporting goods industries, including pickleball. Known for their ability to generate power and as the most-durable paddles on the market, don’t be surprised to see more and more carbon fiber paddles as paddle technology continues to evolve. To recap:

Benefits Include:

• High Durability
• Average Weight
• Max Power Potential

Best For: 

• Power Players
• Players That Are Hard On Their Paddles
• Players Looking For Middleweight Pickleball Paddles

Kevlar Material

Kevlar pickleball paddles are the newest addition to paddle innovation!  Kevlar® made by DuPont™ gives pickleball players a new feel and advancement of innovation in pickleball. Currently, Kevlar® face material paddles are only produced by two brands, Six Zero and Pickleball Apes! Is Kevlar® the next big thing in pickleball face materials?

Benefits Include:

• Responsive Feel
• Gritty Surface
• Long Lasting Performance

Best For:

• Competive Players
• Power Players
• Plays Daily

Hybrid Material

Hybrid pickleball paddles combine several materials together to create a surface that offers the best characteristics that each has to offer. Materials you will often see in hybrid paddles are carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite, and graphite. Each manufacturer can manipulate the formula to enhance certain characteristics depending on which type of paddle they’re trying to develop. You will find many of your favorite brands producing hybrid paddles due to the ability to customize the surface and build the “superhero of paddles.” To recap:

Benefits Include:

• Potential For Power, Spin, Touch, & Control
• Universal
• Average Weight

Best For: 

• All Around Players
• Players Looking For Middleweight or Lightweight Paddles

Aluminum Material

Aluminum-faced paddles are seen most commonly on beginner or less-expensive paddles. These paddles are great options for beginners, junior players, or recreational players that are looking for an inexpensive option to take to the courts for some fun. If you’re considering playing long term, you may bypass aluminum paddles and jump to one of the above options which will offer more for your game. To recap:

Benefits Include:

• Inexpensive
• Lightweight

Best For: 

• Players New To The Game
• Recreational Players (Schools, Junior Programs, etc., etc.)

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There you have it! The ultimate guide the pickleball paddle face materials. Still not sure which one is right for you? Our Paddle Experts are standing by to help answer any questions you might have. Give us a call at 866-382-3465, email experts@justpaddles.com, or click here to live chat. We're JustPaddles and we are here for you from Click To Court!