Short answer: Fibreglass faces are more flexible, so they give the ball more pop and power. Carbon fibre faces are stiffer, so they give more control and a more even sweet spot. Raw carbon faces also hold texture for spin. Fibreglass is common on cheaper paddles. Carbon, especially raw T700 carbon, is the norm on mid and premium paddles. Choose fibreglass for an affordable, lively first paddle, and carbon if you want control and spin.
Last checked: 20 October 2026.
Written by Peter and Amanda, founders of Ace Sporting Goods. We make one fibreglass paddle and two raw carbon paddles. This guide draws on governing bodies, manufacturers and independent testers, linked at the end.
How do fibreglass and carbon fibre compare?
| Fibreglass | Carbon fibre | |
|---|---|---|
| Stiffness | More flexible | Stiffer |
| Pop and power | More | Less |
| Control | Less | More |
| Sweet spot | Smaller, per Pickleball Effect and PickleballCentral | Larger and more even |
| Spin | Depends on the surface finish | Raw carbon has texture built in |
| Typical price | Entry level | Mid to premium |
Sources: Pickleball Australia, JOOLA, Paddletek, PickleballCentral, Pickleball Effect and Pickleheads. They agree on the general direction.
Why does fibreglass give more pop?
Paddletek says fibreglass is the most flexible of the common face materials. A flexible face stores energy and releases it back into the ball. JOOLA describes fibreglass as giving "greater energy return to the ball". Pickleball Australia says fibreglass gives higher power and pop.
The trade-off is control. PickleballCentral says graphite and carbon spread energy more evenly across the face, which makes them more control-oriented.
What does "raw carbon" and "T700" mean?
- Raw carbon means the carbon weave is left textured from the curing process, rather than painted with grit. Pickleheads says this built-in texture outlasts sprayed-on grit.
- T700 is a grade of carbon fibre made by Toray. Pickleball Effect says paddles labelled T700 are usually a good choice.
Is carbon fibre worth the extra money?
It depends on how much you play. Pickleheads notes nearly all new paddles now use carbon fibre faces. Pickleball Australia adds that surface material matters less than many players think, and that beginners should put comfort first.
- Playing once a week or less, or still learning: a fibreglass paddle is a sensible, cheaper start.
- Playing several times a week, working on spin and resets: a raw carbon paddle is the usual step up.
Which Ace paddles use which material?
| Paddle | Face | Core and thickness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace X1 Control | Fibreglass composite | Polymer honeycomb, 11mm | $98, sale $64 until 6 December 2026 |
| Ace X1 All Court | T700 raw carbon fibre | Polymer honeycomb, 16mm | $139, sale $90 until 6 December 2026 |
| Ace X1 ProPower | T700 raw carbon fibre | High-density polymer honeycomb, 16mm | $189, sale $120 until 6 December 2026 |
Our X1 Control is our entry level paddle. It pairs a fibreglass face with an 11mm core for a lively, easy feel, and has the widest face in our range at 20 cm. Our X1 All Court and X1 ProPower both use a raw T700 carbon face. The All Court is our mid level all rounder, and the lowest priced raw carbon 16mm paddle in our 14-paddle comparison. The ProPower is our Pro level paddle, built with a high-density core for a firmer, more solid response.
Comparing other brands? Our paddle comparison lists the face material for 14 paddles sold in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Is fibreglass or carbon better for beginners?
Either can work. Fibreglass is usually cheaper and gives easy pop. Carbon gives more control and a more even sweet spot. Pickleball Australia suggests beginners focus on comfort over materials.
Does carbon fibre give more spin?
A textured raw carbon face helps grip the ball. Spin also depends on technique and on surface rules. USA Pickleball limits how rough a paddle surface can be.
What is graphite?
Paddletek describes carbon fibre as technically a type of graphite. Pickleball Australia describes graphite faces as giving a crisp, controlled touch.
Does face material affect elbow pain?
No study has tested this in pickleball. See our pickleball elbow guide.
Related guides
- Best pickleball paddles in Australia: 14 compared
- 14mm vs 16mm pickleball paddles
- Best pickleball paddle for beginners in Australia
- How to choose a pickleball paddle
Sources
- Pickleball Australia, Choosing the right paddle. Checked 20 October 2026.
- JOOLA, Carbon vs fiberglass, 30 September 2022.
- Paddletek, Paddle buyer's guide. Checked 20 October 2026.
- PickleballCentral, Paddle guide. Checked 20 October 2026.
- Pickleball Effect, Decoding paddle specs (updated 7 April 2026).
- Pickleheads, How to choose a pickleball paddle. Checked 20 October 2026.
- Toray Composite Materials America, T700S data sheet, April 2025.
- USA Pickleball, Equipment Standards Manual, January 2025.