# How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle: The Complete Buying Guide Weight, core, handle, grip, texture and approval: the six measurements that define the right pickleball paddle for your hand and your game. Updated on 10/07/2026 Choosing a pickleball paddle comes down to getting six measurements right: weight, core thickness, handle length, grip circumference, face texture and tournament approval. Material and shape matter, but these six decide whether the paddle fits your hand and your game. This guide explains each one with reference numbers and real catalog examples. ## Summary: how to choose a pickleball paddle in 6 steps - **Weight:** start at medium, between 7.8 and 8.2 oz (about 220 to 232 g). - **Core:** 16 mm for control, 14 mm for balance with pop, 13 mm or less for power. - **Handle:** 5.5 in or more if you use a two-handed backhand; close to 5 in if you play with one hand only and want more face. - **Grip:** when in doubt, the smallest size, built up with an overgrip. - **Face:** raw or textured carbon if you want spin; fiberglass if you want easy pop. - **Approval:** check the USA Pickleball list if you plan to play tournaments. The details of each step are below. ## Weight: light, medium or heavy Pickleball spec sheets almost always list weight in ounces (oz). One ounce is about 28.35 g. In practice, paddles fall between 7 and 9 oz, and a difference of half an ounce is already noticeable in your arm. | Range | Weight | Strength | Weakness | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Light | Up to 7.5 oz (about 213 g) | Fast hands at the net, less load on the shoulder | Twists on hard balls, takes arm strength to generate power | | Medium | 7.5 to 8.2 oz (213 to 232 g) | Balance between stability and speed | No extremes; suits most players | | Heavy | Over 8.2 oz (232 g or more) | Stability, power, firm blocking | Slower in exchanges, tiring in long matches | Weight alone doesn't tell the whole story. Two 8 oz paddles can feel different because of **swing weight**, which measures resistance to swinging when you rotate the paddle by the handle. Mass concentrated at the top of the head raises swing weight: more power on the drive, less agility at the net. When the spec sheet lists it, values near 105 to 110 indicate an agile paddle; near 118 to 120, a paddle that pushes the ball but arrives later in fast exchanges. ### From light to heavy: five pickleball paddles side by side | Racquet | Stryker 4 Graphite Onix RR Score 63 out of 100, RR Score | Bantam TS-5 Paddletek RR Score 68 out of 100, RR Score | Bantam EX-L Pro Paddletek RR Score 80 out of 100, Very good | FS Tour Dynasty 16mm Franklin RR Score 85 out of 100, Very good | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Best price | See price at Amazon | See price at Badminton Warehouse | See price at Amazon | See price at Pickleball Central | | RR Score | 63 | 68 | 80 | 85 | | Weight | 7.2 oz | 7.3 oz | 8.5 oz | 8.7 oz | | Width | 7.6 in | 7.9 in | 7.9 in | 7.5 in | | Length | 15.5 in | 15.5 in | 16 in | 16.5 in | | Grip length | 5 in | 5 in | 4.8 in | 5.6 in | | Grip circumference | 4.3 in | 4.3 in | 4.1 in | 4.3 in | | Shape | Standard | Standard | Standard | Elongated | | Face material | Graphite | Fiberglass | Policarbonato | Raw T700 carbon | | Core | Polypropylene honeycomb | Polymer honeycomb (Bantam PolyCore) | Polymer honeycomb | Polypropylene with foam perimeter | | Core thickness | 14 mm | 12.7 mm | 14.3 mm | 16 mm | | Edge protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Thermoformed | – | – | – | Yes | | USA Pickleball approved | Yes | – | – | Yes | Highlighted: what differs between the racquets. In bold: the best value in the row. The **[Onix Stryker 4 Graphite](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/onix/stryker-4-graphite/)** and the **[Paddletek Bantam TS-5](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/paddletek/bantam-ts-5/)** are among the lightest in the catalog. The **JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 14mm** represents medium weight. The **[Bantam EX-L Pro](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/paddletek/bantam-ex-l-pro/)** and the **[Franklin FS Tour Dynasty 16mm](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/franklin/fs-tour-dynasty-16mm/)**, at close to 8.5 and 8.65 oz, show the heavy extreme, a range that usually brings more stability and asks for more arm effort. Two practical notes. Weight varies between units of the same model, and many brands list a range (for example, 7.9 to 8.2 oz). And you can **add** weight with lead tape on the edge, but you can't take it off. If you're torn between two versions, the lighter one is the more flexible choice. ## Core thickness The core is the inner layer, almost always a polypropylene honeycomb or, in newer paddles, foam. Thickness determines how long the ball stays on the face and how fast it comes off. - **11 to 13 mm:** power and pop. The ball comes off fast, great for finishing, hard for dinks and resets. Note: some 11 mm paddles have been removed from the USA Pickleball list, such as the 11 mm ProKennex Black Ace, decertified since July 2025. - **14 to 15 mm:** the middle ground. More pop than 16 mm without losing as much control. - **16 mm:** the control standard. More damping, a more stable sweet spot, a predictable touch at the kitchen. - **19 to 20 mm:** rare, focused on maximum control, like Selkirk's LUXX line. Thickness interacts with construction. A 16 mm thermoformed paddle can have as much pop as a 14 mm pressed one, and a 16 mm foam core returns more energy than a honeycomb of the same thickness. We explain these differences in the guide to [pickleball paddle materials and shapes](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/pickleball-paddle-materials-and-shapes/). ## Handle length Pickleball paddle handles range from just over 4.3 in to 6 in (about 11 to 15 cm). Since the paddle's total length is limited by the rules, **a longer handle means a shorter face**, and vice versa. - **Short handle (about 4.4 to 5 in):** more face area and a lower sweet spot, closer to your hand. Good for those who play with one hand and use their wrist a lot. - **Medium handle (5.25 to 5.5 in):** the most common, fits one hand with room to spare and, in the 5.5 in version, a two-handed backhand. - **Long handle (5.75 to 6 in):** made for the two-handed backhand and for gaining leverage on the serve and drive. The **Selkirk Vanguard Power Air S2** has one of the shortest handles in the catalog, about 4.4 in. The **[Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation 12.7mm](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/engage/pursuit-pro1-innovation-12-7mm/)** goes to the other extreme, at 6 in. In the middle, the **Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated** uses a thin 4 in grip, and the **Franklin Signature Series 16mm** has a thick 4.5 in grip. ## Grip circumference Circumference is the "thickness" of the handle. Most paddles fall between 4 and 4.25 in (about 10.2 to 10.8 cm), with a few models at 3.9 in or 4.5 in. A simple test to see whether the grip fits: hold the paddle in a continental grip, as if you were shaking hands with someone. There should be room to fit the index finger of your other hand between your fingertips and the base of your palm. If it doesn't fit, the grip is too thick. If there's a lot of extra room, it's too thin. In pickleball, the tendency is to prefer the **thinner** grip when in doubt: - it makes it easier to switch grips between forehand and backhand in fast exchanges; - it gives more wrist mobility for spin and dinks with action; - it can be built up with an overgrip, which adds a little over 1/16 in per layer. The opposite, thinning down a thick grip, isn't possible without replacing the handle. A grip that's too thick also increases forearm tension in long matches. ## USA Pickleball and UPA-A approval To play in tournaments, the paddle has to be approved. The [USA Pickleball](https://usapickleball.org/) rules determine, among other points, that length and width added together, including the edge guard and the handle cap, can't exceed 24 inches, and that the length can't exceed 17 inches. There is no limit on weight or thickness. The face also can't have a rough texture beyond a limit measured in micrometers, or features that generate excessive spin. There are two seals you'll find on spec sheets: - **USA Pickleball (USAP):** the reference most used in amateur tournaments. The official list shows which models are approved. - **UPA-A:** the certification required on the professional circuit, such as the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, with its own power and spin tests, including after a period of use. There's also USA Pickleball's **Quiet** category, for quieter paddles, designed for venues with noise restrictions. The Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16mm is a catalog example with this approval. Heads up Paddles can go on and off the approved list after new testing. If you're going to compete, check the model's status on USA Pickleball's official list before you buy, especially for very thin-core paddles and recently released models. ## Face texture Texture is what gives grip between the face and the ball. It appears in three main forms: - **Raw carbon:** the fiber's own weave is left exposed. It's the most common texture on spin paddles. - **Applied grit:** particles applied over the face, like Selkirk's InfiniGrit or Franklin's MaxGrit. It increases roughness and, in the newer versions, aims to last longer. - **Painted or grit-blasted texture:** common on entry-level paddles. It works at first, but tends to lose roughness faster. All texture wears with use. Cleaning the face with a damp cloth after play removes court dust that reduces grip. Avoid products that alter the surface to "restore" roughness: modifying the face can make the paddle illegal for tournament play. ## Material and shape in brief Face material and shape complete the choice, but they come after the six measurements above. In a few lines: - **Fiberglass:** easy pop, little spin. **Carbon:** control and spin. **Aramid (kevlar):** firmness and grip. - **Standard or wide:** larger sweet spot and fast hands. **Elongated:** reach and leverage. **Hybrid:** the middle ground. The deeper dive, with a table and examples of each material, is in [pickleball paddle materials and shapes](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/pickleball-paddle-materials-and-shapes/). ## Which paddle suits your profile | Profile | Weight | Core | Handle | Shape | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Beginner | 7.8 to 8.2 oz | 16 mm | 5 to 5.5 in | Standard or wide | | Kitchen game (control) | 7.8 to 8.2 oz | 16 mm or more | 5 to 5.5 in | Standard, wide or hybrid | | Baseline attacker | 8 oz or more | 13 to 14 mm, or foam | 5.5 in or more | Elongated | | Two-handed backhand | Medium | 14 to 16 mm | 5.5 to 6 in | Elongated or hybrid | | Arm or shoulder pain | 7.3 to 7.8 oz | 16 mm | Medium | Standard or wide | ### Catalog examples for each profile · Pickleball ### Bantam TS-5 Paddletek RR Score 68 out of 100, RR Score 4.7 (529) - Weight: 7.3 oz - Core: 12.7 mm - Face: Fiberglass - [Badminton WarehouseSee price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8QM0WZ6269CT7V9N35C) Selkirk · Pickleball ### LUXX Control Air Invikta InfiniGrit Selkirk RR Score 82 out of 100, Very good 4.7 (155) - Weight: 8.1 oz - Core: 19 mm - [Pickleball CentralSee price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8QYWDJ74RYMBPZ1CMHW) · Pickleball ### Pursuit Pro1 Innovation 12.7mm Engage RR Score 77 out of 100, Good 4.7 (7) - Weight: 8 oz - Core: 12.7 mm - [EngageSee price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8P9663XB3ENWJ6E8DKC) If you'd rather have a ready-made selection by level, see the [best pickleball paddles for beginners](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-pickleball-paddles-for-beginners/), the [best pickleball paddles for intermediate players](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-pickleball-paddles-for-intermediate-players/) and the overall list of [best pickleball paddles](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-pickleball-paddles/). ## Where to test and compare before buying If you can, play a few points with paddles borrowed from friends before you decide. Pay attention to three moments: the cross-court dink, blocking a fast ball at your body and the baseline drive. The right paddle is the one that makes those three comfortable, not the one that impresses on the first hard shot. To compare spec sheets, use the [pickleball paddle comparison tool](https://racquetrank.com/us/compare/pickleball/), which shows weight, core, handle and grip side by side. The [pickleball catalog](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/) has filters for all of these measurements, and [find your paddle](https://racquetrank.com/us/racquet-finder/) matches your answers against our database. How we calculate each model's score is in the [methodology](https://racquetrank.com/us/methodology/). ## Frequently asked questions How do I choose a pickleball paddle? Start with medium weight (7.8 to 8.2 oz), choose the core by how you play (16 mm for control, 14 mm for balance, 13 mm for power), match the handle length to your backhand, choose the thinner grip when in doubt and check USA Pickleball approval if you'll play tournaments. What is the ideal grip size for pickleball? Most adults use between 4 and 4.25 in. Hold the paddle in a continental grip: the index finger of your other hand should fit between your fingertips and the base of your palm. When in doubt, go with the smallest and build it up with an overgrip. Heavy or light pickleball paddle? For most people, medium. A heavy paddle (over 8.2 oz) gives stability and power, but is slower at the net and tiring. A light one (up to 7.5 oz) is agile and spares your arm, but twists on hard balls. Those with arm pain can go to the lighter side of the medium range. What is the maximum size of a pickleball paddle? Under USA Pickleball rules, length and width added together can't exceed 24 inches, including the edge guard and the handle cap, and the maximum length is 17 inches. There is no limit on weight or thickness. What does UPA-A mean on a pickleball paddle? It's the certification of the United Pickleball Association of America, required on the professional circuit, such as the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. The tests include power and spin before and after a period of use. For amateur tournaments, the most common reference is USA Pickleball approval. Long or short handle on a pickleball paddle? A handle of 5.5 in or more is recommended for the two-handed backhand and gives leverage on the serve and drive. A handle near 5 in leaves more face area and suits those who play with one hand only. Since total length is limited, a longer handle means a shorter face. Does core thickness make that much difference? Yes. It's one of the measurements that most changes how the paddle behaves. 16 mm cores hold the ball and help on the dink and the reset. Cores of 13 mm or less return the ball faster and favor attackers, but demand more control. ## Verdict ## Where to buy the racquets in this guide - [Stryker 4 Graphite Onix](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/onix/stryker-4-graphite/)7.2 oz · 14 mm · Graphite [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M49QVSGNTKC4T7X44PP7YCMJ)Amazon - [Bantam TS-5 Paddletek](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/paddletek/bantam-ts-5/)7.3 oz · 12.7 mm · Fiberglass [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8QM0WZ6269CT7V9N35C)Badminton Warehouse - [Bantam EX-L Pro Paddletek](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/paddletek/bantam-ex-l-pro/)8.5 oz · 14.3 mm · Policarbonato [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M49QVSGNF2Q46DCEVRKSHD6J)Amazon - [FS Tour Dynasty 16mm Franklin](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/franklin/fs-tour-dynasty-16mm/)8.7 oz · 16 mm · Raw T700 carbon [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8PBPEKAQX8E9Y8DBJYR)Pickleball Central - [Pursuit Pro1 Innovation 12.7mm Engage](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/engage/pursuit-pro1-innovation-12-7mm/)8 oz · 12.7 mm · Raw carbon with inner layer [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8P9663XB3ENWJ6E8DKC)Engage - [LUXX Control Air Invikta InfiniGrit Selkirk](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/selkirk/luxx-control-air-invikta-infinigrit/)8.1 oz · 19 mm · Florek carbon fiber with InfiniGrit [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8QYWDJ74RYMBPZ1CMHW)Pickleball Central - [Double Black Diamond Control 16mm Six Zero](https://racquetrank.com/us/pickleball/six-zero/double-black-diamond-control-16mm/)8.1 oz · 16 mm · T700 carbon [See price](https://racquetrank.com/go/01M45XH8R6F1NWETBRZBM4ZYE4)Pickleball Central The prices above are checked automatically at each store and may have changed since the last check. The price that counts is the one shown on the store's website at checkout. We may earn a commission on purchases made through store links, at no extra cost to you. ## More pickleball guides - [Best Pickleball Paddles of 2026: Top Picks by Playing Style](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-pickleball-paddles/) - [7 Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners in 2026](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-pickleball-paddles-for-beginners/) - [10 Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players in 2026](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-pickleball-paddles-for-intermediate-players/) - [Pickleball Paddle Materials and Shapes: The Complete Guide](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/pickleball-paddle-materials-and-shapes/) - [10 pickleball paddles with the most spin in 2026](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/10-pickleball-paddles-with-the-most-spin/) - [7 control pickleball paddles for dinks and resets](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/7-control-pickleball-paddles/) - [Pickleball paddle core thickness: 11 to 19 mm](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/pickleball-paddle-core-thickness/) - [USA Pickleball paddle rules (2026)](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/usa-pickleball-paddle-rules/) - [7 best pickleball paddles for advanced players in 2026](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-pickleball-paddles-for-advanced-players/) - [7 best pickleball paddles for competition in 2026](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/best-pickleball-paddles-for-competition/) [All pickleball guides →](https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/pickleball/) --- Fonte: https://racquetrank.com/us/guides/how-to-choose-a-pickleball-paddle/