Mark, a newcomer to pickleball, eagerly stepped onto the court with his 6.8oz lightweight pickleball paddle. At the kitchen line, he focused on improving his hand speed during quick dinking rallies. The pickleball paddle’s lighter weight made it easy to react swiftly, giving him an edge in fast exchanges. However, when he tried a midweight paddle at 7.8oz, he noticed it offered more power but felt slower in rapid volleys. For now, the lightweight pickleball paddle suited his hand-speed training perfectly.
Choose the right weight pickleball paddles
- Weight:
- Lightweight (6.2oz – 7.3oz): Easier to control and good for fast hand movements.
- Midweight (7.3oz – 8.4oz): Offers a balance of power and control.
- Heavy (8.5oz+): Best for power but harder to maneuver.
- Grip Size:
- Small hands: 4″ to 4.25″ grip.
- Medium/large hands: 4.5″ grip or more.
- Material:
- Graphite: Lightweight and precise.
- Composite: Balanced with good power.
- Wood: Affordable but heavier.
- Play Style:
- Control players: Choose lightweight or midweight paddles.
- Power players: Midweight or heavy paddles are ideal.
Test paddles if possible to find the one that feels right!
How Pickleball Paddle Weight Affects Your Game
Paddle weight plays a big role in how you play pickleball. A lightweight paddle (6.5-7.2 oz) is easy to swing and gives you better control, making it great for beginners or players who like precise shots. However, it doesn’t generate as much power, so you’ll need to swing harder for strong hits.
A midweight paddle (7.3-8.4 oz) offers a balance between control and power, making it a popular choice for most players.
A heavyweight paddle (8.5 oz or more) provides more power with less effort, which is great for hitting strong, fast shots. But it can tire your arm faster, especially during long games.
Choose a paddle weight that matches your playing style and strength to improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury.
5 major light weight brands of pickleball paddles
1. Selkirk
- Popular lightweight paddles: Selkirk SLK Halo and Selkirk Amped S2.
- Features: Advanced materials, excellent control, and a soft feel.
2. Onix
- Popular lightweight paddles: Onix Graphite Z5 and Onix Evoke Pro.
- Features: Known for their graphite paddles, offering precision and a smooth finish.
3. Paddletek
- Popular lightweight paddles: Paddletek Bantam TS-5 and Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro.
- Features: Durable construction with a focus on control and maneuverability.
4. Engage
- Popular lightweight paddles: Engage Encore Pro and Engage Poach Advantage.
- Features: High-quality composite paddles with excellent spin potential.
5. PROLITE
- Popular lightweight paddles: PROLITE Rebel Pro and PROLITE Supernova Pro.
- Features: Ergonomic designs with a focus on reducing fatigue and enhancing control.
These brands are trusted for their performance and craftsmanship, catering to players of all skill levels.
