How to Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle

Person holding a pickleball paddle on court

Short answer: Work through seven steps in order: where you'll play (do you need an approved paddle?), your budget, weight, grip size, shape, core thickness and face material, then try before you buy if you can. For most new and social players, a midweight paddle (about 218 to 232g) with a grip that fits and a forgiving shape matters more than any single spec. If you can't try first, check the returns policy.

Updated 20 October 2026.

Written by Peter and Amanda, founders of Ace Sporting Goods. The general guidance comes from Pickleball Australia, manufacturers and independent testers, linked at the end. Ace prices show our regular price, then our Black Friday sale price, which runs until 6 December 2026.

1. Where will you play?

This comes first because it can rule paddles out. Pickleball Australia sanctioned events need a paddle on the UPA-A or USA Pickleball approved list. PPA Tour Australia Pro Divisions need UPA-A. Clubs set their own rules for social play. Our X1 listing is in progress, so check with the organiser before a sanctioned event.

2. How much should you spend?

We compared 14 paddles sold in Australia on 20 October 2026. Paddles under $100 cost $64 to $99. Raw carbon 16mm paddles cost $90 to $275. The dearest was $309.95. Our X1 All Court was the lowest priced raw carbon 16mm paddle in that comparison.

3. What weight suits you?

Pickleball Australia band Ounces About (grams) Suits
Light 7.0 to 7.6 oz 198 to 215g Quick hands at the net, beginners
Mid 7.7 to 8.2 oz 218 to 232g Most players
Heavy 8.3 oz and up 235g and up More power and stability, with more risk of fatigue

Other sources draw these lines differently. Our weight guide compares five of them.

4. What grip size fits your hand?

Most grips are about 4.0 to 4.5 inches around, according to Pickleball Australia. To measure:

  1. Hold your hand open, palm up.
  2. Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger.
  3. Pickleball Australia's guide: 4.0 to 4.25 inches for small hands, 4.25 to 4.5 for medium or large, 4.5 and up for very large.

If you're between sizes, go smaller. You can build a grip up with an overgrip, but you can't make it smaller. Pickleball Australia says a grip that's too big or too small can contribute to fatigue and overuse problems. The popular "index finger test" is endorsed by Pickleball Australia but called a misconception by Selkirk, so we'd use a ruler.

Handle length matters too. Selkirk says longer handles, about 5.5 inches or more, suit players with a two-handed backhand.

5. What shape do you want?

Shape Typical size (Pickleball Australia) Trade-off
Standard widebody 15.5 to 16 x 7.75 to 8.25 in Largest sweet spot, most forgiving
Hybrid Between the two Balance of reach and forgiveness
Elongated 16.5 to 17 x about 7 in More reach, smaller sweet spot
Short widebody 15 to 15.5 x 8.2 to 8.5 in Large sweet spot, slightly less reach

Pickleheads says elongated paddles suit advanced players more than beginners.

6. What core thickness and face material?

  • Thickness: thicker cores (14 to 16mm) are generally softer, more stable and more forgiving. Thinner cores (11 to 13mm) generally give more pop. Sources disagree on full-swing power. Read more.
  • Face: fibreglass is more flexible and lively. Carbon fibre is stiffer, with more control and a more even sweet spot. Raw carbon holds texture for spin. Read more.
  • Core material: most paddles, ours included, use polymer honeycomb, the most common core. A few premium paddles use foam or hybrid cores.

7. Can you try it first?

If you can, borrow a friend's paddle or try one at a demo day. If you're buying online, read the returns policy before you buy. Some brands only accept unused paddles. Ours come with a 30 day play trial, so you can play first (see our refund policy).

Which Ace paddle fits which player?

X1 Control X1 All Court X1 ProPower
Face Fibreglass composite T700 raw carbon fibre T700 raw carbon fibre
Core Polymer honeycomb Polymer honeycomb High-density polymer honeycomb
Thickness 11mm 16mm 16mm
Weight 220g 230g 230g
Size 40.2 x 20 cm 42 x 19 cm 42 x 19 cm
Grip length 12.5 cm 13.5 cm 13.5 cm
Grip circumference 10.8 cm (4.25 in) 11 cm (4.33 in) 11 cm (4.33 in)
Price $98, sale $64 $139, sale $90 $189, sale $120
Level Entry Mid Pro
  • X1 Control: our entry level paddle, for new players and social games. Its 40.2 x 20 cm face sits in Pickleball Australia's standard widebody range, the shape with the largest sweet spot, and its 11mm core gives a lively feel.
  • X1 All Court: our mid level all rounder, for regular players who want a raw carbon face and a 16mm core at the lowest price for that build in our comparison. Its 42 x 19 cm shape adds reach, and its 13.5 cm handle is longer than the Control's. It's where we'd start most players.
  • X1 ProPower: our Pro level paddle. It has the All Court's raw T700 carbon face, 16mm thickness and shape, built with a high-density core for a firmer, more solid response. For regular players who want our premium build.

We publish the same specs for every colour of a model. Pick the one you like.

Frequently asked questions

What's the most important thing when choosing a paddle?

Comfort. Pickleball Australia says beginners should put comfort first, and that no marketing claim replaces real-world feel.

How do I know if a paddle is too heavy?

If your arm tires before the session ends, or you're late getting the paddle into position, it may be too heavy. Try a lighter one.

Does an expensive paddle make you better?

Not on its own. The right paddle is one that suits your game and feels comfortable, whatever it costs.

How long does a paddle last?

Estimates vary widely. Selkirk says competitive players may replace paddles every 3 to 6 months and recreational players often get a year or more. PickleballCentral says 1 to 5 years for a well-made paddle. Signs of a worn paddle include dead spots, a crunching sound when you press the face, and a smooth face that's lost its texture.

Related guides

Sources