Paddle guide
There is no single best paddle. The right one depends on how long you've played, how you like to play, and your arm. Here is what each choice changes. If you'd rather just ask, open the chat and tell us how you play.
Start with your level
Just starting: choose a forgiving paddle with a big sweet spot, like a wide body with a fibreglass face (PDS Starter 14, or the Starter Set for two). It gives easy power and hides off-centre hits.
Improving: once you play a few times a week, a carbon face gives more control and spin (PDS Swift Carbon 14, PDS Rally).
Competitive: thermoformed and elongated paddles give the most power, spin and stability, but reward good technique (PDS Pro Thermo 16, PDS Reach 16 Elongated).
Weight
Most adult paddles weigh 7.5 to 8.3 oz (213 to 235 g). Lighter paddles are quicker to bring up at the net and easier on the shoulder over a long session. Heavier paddles add power and feel steadier on hard shots, but tire the arm sooner.
Every paddle varies a little, so we list an average weight and a range. A mid weight of around 8 oz suits most players.
Core thickness: 14 mm or 16 mm
A 16 mm core feels softer, gives more control at the kitchen line, and passes less vibration to your arm. A 13 to 14 mm core gives more pop: the ball leaves the paddle faster on drives and put-aways, but it is less forgiving on soft shots.
The PDS Rally comes with either core, so you can choose the feel without changing the shape.
Face: fibreglass or carbon
Fibreglass faces are springy and give easy power, which helps beginners. Carbon faces are stiffer and give more control. Raw carbon has a textured surface that grips the ball for more spin; the texture wears down with play, and cleaning the face with a damp cloth keeps its grip longer.
Shape
Standard: the all-round shape, about 16 × 7.6 in.
Wide body: wider and shorter, with the biggest sweet spot. Good for beginners and for players who want forgiveness.
Elongated: longer and narrower, with more reach and power. Popular for singles and two-handed backhands, but the sweet spot is narrower.
Hybrid: between standard and elongated.
Grip size
Most adults use a 4.125 to 4.25 in grip; players with large hands, or with tennis elbow, often prefer 4.5 in. When in doubt, choose the smaller size: you can build a grip up with an overgrip (each adds about 1/16 in), but you can't make it smaller.
A rough guide by height: under 5'2" (157 cm), about 4 in; 5'3" to 5'11" (160 to 180 cm), 4.125 to 4.25 in; 6'0" (183 cm) and taller, 4.25 to 4.5 in. See the size guide for how to measure.
Tennis elbow and sore arms
Players with sore elbows usually do better with a thick 16 mm core, which damps vibration, a mid weight so the paddle does the work, and a grip that isn't too small, so you don't have to squeeze hard. The PDS Comfort 16 is built for this. If pain continues, see a doctor or physiotherapist.
Tournament play
Sanctioned tournaments require a paddle on the USA Pickleball approved list. The rules limit size (length plus width at most 24 in, length at most 17 in) and ban rough or rubbery faces, but not weight or thickness. In this demo store, all PDS adult paddles are marked as approved; the Junior 13 and Wood Classic are not.
Quiet paddles
Some communities and HOAs limit paddle noise near homes. Foam-filled cores and soft faces make a duller, quieter sound, like the PDS Hush 16. Some communities only allow paddles from a specific quiet list, so check their rules before you buy.