Been playing for about 4 months now with a cheap paddle I got from Amazon. Starting to get more serious about the game and wondering if a better paddle would actually help my game or if im just looking for an excuse to buy new gear lol. Is there a real difference between budget paddles and the mid-range stuff? Or is it mostly marketing?
11 Comments
After 4 months you can definitely feel the difference. The sweet spot on better paddles is larger and more forgiving. My game jumped noticeably when I upgraded from my starter paddle. That said, dont go straight to $150 - theres great options in the $70-100 range that will feel like a massive upgrade.
any specific recommendations in that range? theres so many options
depends on your play style but the Selkirk SLK Halo is solid around $80. Good all-around paddle. Or if you can stretch to $100 the Engage Pursuit is really nice for control.
Honestly the biggest difference I noticed wasnt power or spin, it was comfort. My cheap paddle gave me tennis elbow within 2 months. Switched to a proper polymer core paddle and the arm pain went away. Worth every penny just for that.
Hot take - at 4 months youre probably better off spending money on lessons instead of equipment. A good coach will improve your game way more than a fancy paddle. I wasted money on 3 different paddles before realizing my technique was the problem, not my gear.
thats fair. maybe ill do a lesson AND a new paddle lol
See if you can demo some paddles before buying. Most pickleball specialty shops have demo programs. Play a few games with each and youll know pretty quick what feels right for your game.
this is the right answer. i was convinced i wanted a power paddle until i demoed a control paddle and realized it fit my dinking game way better. would have wasted $150 without trying first
Check Facebook marketplace and local pickleball groups first. People are constantly trying paddles and selling ones they dont like for half price. Got my Joola Hyperion for $85 barely used because someone decided they preferred a different shape. Great way to try premium paddles without the full price risk.
bought a $150 paddle way too early and honestly regretted it. played with it for 6 months then realized a control paddle would suit my game better. now i have two expensive paddles lol. agree with the demo suggestion. figure out your style first then spend the money
im at about 6 months and just upgraded from my $40 amazon starter to a selkirk vanguard power air for $100ish on sale. night and day difference honestly. the sweet spot alone is worth it, i used to mishit probably every 4th ball and now its way more consistent. BUT i also agree with the person who said lessons matter more. i did 3 group lessons ($25 each) at the same time i got the new paddle and my game jumped more from the lessons than the gear. do both if you can swing it, pun intended lol