Are you thinking of getting into pickleball? If so, do yourself a favor and invest in a carbon fiber pickleball paddle.
See, carbon fiber is known for its durability and lightweight structure. These characteristics allow you to trade some power for greater control. For a beginner player, that’s a trade you should make every time.
Of course, carbon fiber paddles come in many forms. If you’re not sure which one to get, here are four key factors you should consider!
Core Thickness
The core of pickleball paddles plays a key role in their performance. Thick cores are usually 16 mm, and thinner ones range from 10-14 mm.
A thick core softens the feel of the paddle and increases its control. It also stabilizes the paddle so it doesn’t wobble as much with off-center shots. This is why 16 mm cores are the most popular and player-friendly cores.
Thin cores give up some of this feel and control for power. They’re not as stable and will give you more feedback when hitting shots. The more aggressive you are as a player, the more you’ll benefit from a thin core.
Paddle Shape
Paddle shape is a key factor in any pickleball paddle comparison. It affects the paddle’s power, sweet spot size, and maneuverability.
The wide body shape is the most common shape for a pickleball paddle. These paddles are about 15.5 inches long and 8.5 inches wide. This design provides the largest sweet spot at the expense of power and reach.
You also have elongated paddles, which are about 16.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide. This shape gives you more power, reach, and spin. If you’re struggling with mobility, you’ll likely benefit from an elongated paddle.
Paddle Weight
As far as carbon fiber paddle tips go, you should never ignore weight. A paddle’s weight class tells you a lot about how it will play.
In general, lightweight paddles (7-7.6 oz) are easier to maneuver. This is a big advantage when you’re exchanging shots at the net. That said, you’ll need to swing a bit harder to get more power out of these paddles.
A heavy paddle (over 8.2 oz) makes it easier to produce power. This helps if you’re dinking the ball, as shorter swings will reduce the room for error. Heavy paddles are also a bit more stable at impact.
Handle Length
Handle length varies between 4.5 and 6 inches. The length of the paddle can’t exceed 24 inches, so a longer handle involves a shorter surface area.
Your ideal handle length will depend on whether you have two hands on the paddle at all times. If you do, the best pickleball paddles for you will have handles that are at least 5.25 inches long.
Handle length also affects your spin and power. The longer the handle, the more spin and power you’ll be able to generate. Beginner players tend to generate more power with wider, shorter handles.
Choosing a Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
The bottom line: choosing a carbon fiber pickleball paddle will depend on your play style. Use this pickleball paddle guide to make the right decision!
Looking for the ideal pickleball paddle for your needs? At SMI, we implement new and exciting technologies to create the next generation of sportswear! Contact us here to request a quote right now!
