What is the best weight for a pickleball paddle? There’s not a one size fits all answer to that question, but there are ways to determine what the best pickleball paddle weight is for your playing style.
There’s a lot to consider when you’re shopping for a pickleball paddle. From the brand to the paddle shape and material, there are pickleball paddles to meet the needs of every player. One of the most important factors when choosing your paddle is the weight.
Here’s how to find the right paddle for all types of pickleball players.
Pickleball Paddle Weights
Light Weight Paddle
Lightweight pickleball paddles weigh 7.3 ounces or less. Using a lighter paddle is ideal if you value speed and control over power. A lightweight paddle won’t add as much power behind your shots, but it will make it easier to maneuver at the net with ease.
Light-weight paddles are commonly seen during doubles play and with former table tennis players. Ping pong paddles are a similar weight to lightweight pickleball paddles which makes for an easy transition.
Using a light-weight paddle will prevent muscle fatigue even when you’re playing for extended periods. The enhanced ball control you can achieve with a light-weight paddle makes it easy to achieve specialized playing techniques to keep your opponents on their toes.
If you want to make a powerful drive with a lightweight pickleball paddle, you’ll have to have the strength to supply the power.
Be prepared to feel more vibration than you would with a heavier paddle. This doesn’t bother everyone, but it can irritate tennis elbow for those with this chronic condition.
Pros
- Excellent speed for passing shots
- Minimal muscle fatigue
- Easy to hold for long periods
- Great ball control
Cons
- Less powerful drives
- It May be unstable in windy weather
- You’ll feel more vibration – this can aggravate arthritis and tennis elbow
Mid Weight
Midweight paddles have a weight of 7.3 – 8.4 ounces. This is the most popular weight and it’s a good place to start if you’re new to the sport.
A medium-weight pickleball paddle has the control of a lightweight paddle with the power of a heavier one.
Overall, a mid-weight paddle will be the most balanced for all court positions and shot types. Mid-weight paddles are more popular than lighter paddles because of their versatility.
Tennis players tend to prefer mid-weight when they play pickleball because they offer more power than lightweight paddles and more control than heavy paddles. You can achieve a good swing speed without losing control over the ball.
The only downside to a medium-weight paddle is that they aren’t ideal if you have a specialized playing style. If you’re looking to use a lot of wrist action or special shots, you’ll benefit more from light or heavy-weight paddles depending on what your playing style involves.
Pros
- Great for singles and outdoor play
- Capable of placing shots with well-balanced control and power
- Won’t cause the tennis elbow to flare
Cons
- Mid-weight paddles may not compliment a specialized play style
Heavy Weight
A heavy-weight paddle is anything that weighs 8.3 ounces or more. This heavier weight range is a favorite for tennis players who are used to making power shots with a heavy racquet. Since it weighs so much, you’ll need minimal effort to get a powerful shot.
Heavy paddles will be ideal to serve and hit drop shots, but dinking at the net will be a challenge. Pickleball paddles that are heavier are more likely to cause muscle fatigue too.
If you have an entire day of tournament playing scheduled, using a heavy paddle probably isn’t the best idea.
Pros
- Generate power with minimal effort
- Stable in all weather conditions
- Great for players with a more aggressive playing style
Cons
- May cause muscle fatigue
- Less ball control
- Slower reaction times at the net
- Not ideal for doubles
What Determines the Weight of a Pickleball Paddle?
Pickleball paddle weight is not random. There are a few factors that determine weight. Paddles range from below 7.3 ounces to more than 8.3 ounces, but what affects that weight?
The core of your pickleball paddle is something you can’t see, but it’s vital to hitting shots successfully. The core material can have a major impact on the weight of your paddle. Most paddles have core materials that include aluminum, polymer, and polycarbonate.
Another factor in the weight is what the paddle face is made of. Pickleball paddles most commonly have a face made of graphite, carbon fiber, or composite. Wood pickleball paddles used to be the norm which is the heaviest, while graphite is extremely light.
Bottom Line
If you need help finding the perfect pickleball paddle weight, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got in-depth reviews on pickleball paddles in every weight class. Find the right pickleball paddle to improve your game and explore more pickleball equipment with our pickleball content!