Buying Guide: Construction / Core How To Choose A Pickleball Paddle

At JustPaddles, we want to help elevate your game by finding the best pickleball paddles for you. Below, our Paddle Experts provide a complete guide on how to choose a pickleball paddle. From grip size to the hitting surface and everything in between, read on to learn more.

Pickleball Paddle Construction

Ever wonder what goes into that pickleball paddle you dominate the court with? Unveiling the secrets within, pickleball paddle construction is a fascinating blend of science and design. You can’t expect to take a flat piece of wood and dominate. Here is a breakdown of key components that go into making pickleball paddles:

Understanding Pickleball Paddle Core

The core of a pickleball paddle, the central layer between the face and handle, significantly influences your game's performance. This often overlooked component, typically made of materials like wood, foam, or polymer, determines factors like power, control, and feel.

Thin Core
13mm or Less

A long, pale green shaft with a dark green, textured grip at the bottom.

Powerhouses: These paddles offer a quick swing speed and generate impressive power. However, they can be less forgiving on off-center hits.

Shop Thin Core

Standard
14mm - 16mm

A light green bat with a dark green textured grip at the bottom.

All Around Player: provides the perfect balance of power, control, and touch, making it ideal for a well-rounded playing style that adapts to both offensive and defensive shots. Great for players just getting into pickleball!

Shop Standard

Thick Core
16mm or More

Dark green sports paddle with a textured, ridged handle.

Control Freaks: These paddles provide enhanced control, making them perfect for finesse shots like drops and dinks.Ideal for: Defensive-minded players who focus on consistency and precision.

Shop Thick Core

Choosing the Right Core for Your Style

Ultimately, the best core thickness depends on your personal preference and playing style. Consider these factors:

Power vs. Control — Prioritize power with a thin core or control with a thick core.
Feel — Thin cores offer a crisp feel, while thick cores provide a softer, more forgiving touch.
Skill Level — Beginners may benefit from a thicker core for more control, while experienced players can experiment with thinner cores for added power.

Choosing the Right Core Material

Polypropylene

Least amount (quietest) of noise of any paddle core
The softest and most flexible core
The flexibility helps dampen a shot, but still has power
Option for all types of play

Nomex

Limited amount of paddles with modern technologies
Hardest core
First core used to create composite paddles

Foam Core

Lightweight and Maneuverable: Foam core pickleball paddles are generally lighter than traditional paddles, making them easier to handle and quicker to swing.
The soft foam core provides better control over shots, especially for dinks and placement, due to its shock-absorbing properties.
Foam cores reduce the noise level during play, making them ideal for noise-restricted communities or indoor games.
These paddles often provide a softer, more comfortable feel upon ball impact, reducing strain on the arm and wrist.

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What is the best paddle on the market right now?

Once you have filtered your search on JustPaddles, our paddles are defaulted to list in the order of most popular. The best paddles on the market right now will depend on who you are asking. Here at JustPaddles, we carry a wide variety of great brands because we realize everybody has their personal preference.

Check out our blog on the Best Pickleball Paddles for an updated list of top pickleball paddles on the courts!

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