Paddle Power 101: Your Simplified Guide to Pickleball Success

In today's bustling paddle market, you'll find a myriad of options awaiting your selection. It's an exciting yet daunting task to pinpoint the perfect paddle for your game. The upside? You've got a wealth of choices at your fingertips. The downside? It's a challenge to distinguish between each paddle's unique features. But fear not! This guide is here to steer you through the maze of options and help you discover the ideal paddle tailored to your needs and playing style.

Let's delve into the fundamental classifications of paddles:

Control Paddles
All Around Paddles
Power Paddles

Now, let's dive deeper into each category.

This comprehensive pickleball paddle buying guide equips you with the knowledge to identify key paddle characteristics, understand how paddle specifications influence performance, and ultimately select the paddle that enhances your game to new heights.

1. Control Paddles: Overview

For those who relish the thrill of outmaneuvering opponents with precision shots, look no further than touch paddles. Renowned for their exceptional ball placement, agility, and unparalleled control, these paddles are the epitome of finesse on the court. With graphite faces, robust cores, and cutting-edge technology, they boast larger and more consistent sweet spots. Perfect for players aiming to elevate their game, touch-oriented paddles provide the control needed to refine their skills and dominate the competition.

1.1 Control Paddles: Characteristics

Wider or Rounded Shape
Thicker Core (16mm or more)
Graphite or Carbon Fiber Face
Traditional Length or Shorter Handle
Lighter Weights

Control paddles are distinguished by their broader or curved shapes, robust cores, and advanced materials like graphite or carbon fiber. Whether featuring a standard or shorter handle, these paddles prioritize maneuverability and precision. With lighter weights, they offer enhanced control without sacrificing power. Additionally, control paddles boast larger and more consistent sweet spots, making them forgiving of mis-hits.

1.2 PBPRO Control Paddles:

2. All Around Paddles

All-court paddles epitomize the perfect fusion of power and control on the pickleball court. These paddles boast a harmonious amalgamation of attributes, encompassing power, control, exquisite feel, spin capabilities, and forgiveness. While they may not dominate in any single aspect, their versatility shines through as they excel across the board, delivering exceptional performance in every facet of the game.

2.1 PBPRO All Around Paddles

3. Power Paddles

Power paddles are renowned for their fiery sweet spots, delivering intense power and precision on every shot. With their tight and responsive sweet spots, these paddles offer unparalleled feedback, empowering players to dominate the game with commanding strokes.

3.1 Power Paddles: Characteristic

Elongated in shape
Thinner core (13mm or less)
Longer handle
Heavier Weight
Smaller Sweet Spot

Known for their fiery and precise sweet spots, they offer heightened feedback to players seeking explosive power and commanding strokes.

3.2 PBPRO Power Paddles

In the realm of pickleball, selecting the ideal paddle can pose quite the challenge. Fear not, for this guide is your compass on this journey. For novices embarking on this adventure, a perusal of our beginner's manual on paddle selection may prove invaluable. Meanwhile, seasoned players at the intermediate or advanced level must introspect their playing style. Is it power you seek, or perhaps control, to ascend to greater heights? With each improvement in your game, meticulous tweaks, such as upgrading your paddle, can provide that extra edge needed for victory.

Great feel

I love the soft feel of this paddle, it's easier on my elbow and gives me better control around the kitchen. Highly recommended!

Incredible!

PBPRO Tour Signature Paddle is fantastic! It's lightweight, with a sleek design and a comfortable grip. The balance between power and control is perfect, making it easy to execute both strong serves and precise shots. Highly recommend for anyone looking to elevate their game!

The PB Pro Infinity Arch XL 16.0mm Raw Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle stands out for its exceptio...

The PB Pro Infinity Arch XL 16.0mm Raw Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle has truly won me over with its exceptional features. Constructed using a high-quality polypropylene core and Toray T700 raw carbon fiber, renowned for its lightweight and durability, this paddle stands out. What sets it apart are its outstanding feel, an optimized sweetspot, and a perfect balance of power, control, and spin. The reinforced rubber edgeguard adds to its durability, while the perforated anti-slip grip enhances my overall handling experience. The USA Pickleball Approval further solidifies its quality, and my personal experience echoes the positive sentiments. The paddle's feel, grip, and control are truly remarkable, and it strikes a perfect balance between power and finesse. In my comparison with other well-known models, this paddle stands out favorably. Beyond the paddle itself, PB Pro as a company deserves praise for consistently delivering top-tier products, with the Infinity Arch line being a testament to their commitment to innovation. I'm impressed by their ability to meet and exceed expectations. Moreover, the package comes with thoughtful extras that enhance the overall experience. The inclusion of a carrying case and a protective cover ensures convenient transport and preserves the paddle's condition. A delightful addition is the small rubber keychain replica of the paddle, which I particularly liked. In conclusion, the Infinity Arch XL 16.0mm Raw Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle has become my go-to choice, offering a highly-praised and versatile option for players like me who seek outstanding performance and balance on the court.

Great feel, control and pop when you need it.

I’ve been playing at the 5.0 to Sen Pro level for the last 4 years. Been playing with PBPro paddles exclusively for the last 2 1/2 years and have very much enjoy them. I try other paddles but can’t find any that would replace the feel, control and power that I want in a paddle like I get with the PBPro Infinity Arch paddle. The new paddle is even better with an enlarged sweet spot. Technology is amazing.

Best BPPro Paddle To Date

I’ve been playing PBPro for several years and this is best paddle to date. Most noticeable improvement is the expanded sweet spot and stability of this paddle during hand battles and mid-court resets. Plenty of power, but not the least bit “poppy”. GREAT all around paddle.

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