Buying Guide: Face Material How To Choose A Pickleball Paddle

Face Material

The technology of pickleball paddle face materials has changed drastically over the last couple of years. While competitive players preferred composite and graphite paddles, more and more players are switching to carbon fiber. Graphite and carbon fiber can provide more control, while composite paddles offer more energy for greater power behind your shots.

As you’ve seen, many paddle components play a role in its overall performance, and face material is just one of these variables. Let’s look at how each material can affect your game:

• Carbon Fiber — This material provides a stiffer feel for more controlled shots. It excels at finesse and touch plays like dinks and drop shots. Carbon fiber paddles are the current crowd favorite of competitive players who want to get the most out of their paddles.

   

• Composite — This material offers a more flexible surface for increased power on groundstrokes and smashes. However, composite paddles have a smaller sweet spot, which demands more precise contact for optimal performance.

   

• Graphite — Graphite – This material provides a winning combination of control, feel, and maneuverability. This comes from the stiffness of graphite, allowing you to place shots with a precise feel. Graphite paddles are a favorite of finesse players who value touch and placement over brute force.

   

• Kevlar — This material has emerged as a popular face material because it blends power, control, and feel. It’s an all-around performer, but it’s not a magic bullet. Like any paddle, try it out for yourself to see if it’s right for your game.

   

Express Yourself with Color

Pickleball paddles are no longer just functional equipment – they’re a way to express yourself on the court. Manufacturers often make paddles in multiple colorways, so you can snag the design that fits your game and your personality.