If you have been playing pickleball with a cheap or starter pickleball paddle, you will probably get to a point where you want to find a better paddle that meets your specific needs as a player. But how do you choose your first higher-end paddle and can you demo a pickleball paddle before you buy one?
How to demo a pickleball paddle before you buy
If you are looking to test a pickleball paddle before you buy one, you have a number of options:
- Club testing: If you play at a club or other facility, many will have paddle sales and will allow you to try out their demo pickleball paddles.
- In-store paddle demo testing: Sporting goods or pickleball-specific stores may allow you to test their paddles before using.
- Brand ambassadors & advocates: Many pickleball brands have advocate programs that allow anyone to sign up and help sell the paddles (for a percentage of the profit). Find the local advocates near you and ask them if you can do a pickleball paddle demo.
- Ask your pickleball friends: As you play more and more, you will become friends with all levels of pickleball players who use all different types of paddles. While some players will not want to share, there are many that will offer to let you use their paddle so you can decide what you like.
What to look for when testing a new pickleball paddle
Skill Level
Your skill level will help you narrow down what paddles to test out. Pickleball paddles are built for beginner, intermediate, or advanced players, with many design aspects for each level. Some of these features can include:
- Surface area and sweet spot.
- Length of handle.
- Level of spin.
- Control or power.
When you are testing out pickleball paddles, remember that beginner to intermediate paddles are going to be made for a wider audience, while intermediate to advanced paddles will be tailored to specific skills, preferences, and playing styles.
Style of play
As you continue to play pickleball, your style of play will evolve. You will decide if you prefer control or power and an aggressive or soft game.
Pickleball paddles are made for all playing styles: whether you are a power or control player, or somewhere in between. You will want to test out paddles that complement your style of game.
Pickleball paddle weight
Although paddle weights do not vary very much (usually between 7.3 and 8.3 oz.), some people do have very strong preferences for a heavier or lighter-weight paddle.
- Heavier paddles can mean more power and force, but can also slow down your reaction time.
- Lighter paddles usually offer more control than power, but are less likely to slow down your reaction time.
Demoing a pickleball paddle will help you understand your preferences for different weights and how that will affect different aspects of your game, including power vs. control, reaction time, and swing speed.
Reach vs. sweet spot
The dimensions of any pickleball paddle must fit within certain regulations: which is the total of the width and length. According to USA Pickleball regulations, the combined width and length (including edge guard and handle end caps) cannot exceed 24 inches. The length of the paddle can also not be more than 17 inches.
Because of this, you will have to choose between elongated reach or a larger sweet spot.
There are a number of reasons you might choose an elongated paddle:
- You have shorter arms.
- You play singles regularly.
- You prefer more leverage.
- You prefer more power.
However, by having an elongated pickleball paddle, you will likely have a smaller sweet spot. Some of the benefits of a larger sweet spot are:
- More control over your shots.
- Increase maneuverability.
Budget
Budget is of course going to factor greatly into your pickleball paddle purchase. The majority of paddles range between $20 and $400, and it’s up to you to decide what you can afford and what you want to spend.
If you are a beginner pickleball player, you likely do not need a top-of-the-line paddle right away. Many top pickleball brands have sub-brands that are less costly, but still have high quality paddles (an example is Selkirk Sport’s SLK line of pickleball paddles).
Once you advance to an intermediate or advanced level of play, you will want to do another demo. Now that your skill has increased, your playing needs have also changed. High-end paddles can add additional control and power, spin, and quality materials.
Why testing a pickleball paddle is a good idea
Pickleball paddles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and playing styles. If you are looking for your first good paddle, you may have started to have an idea of what your playing style is — but you won’t know for sure until you get a paddle in your hand and play with it.
Trying out many different types of pickleball paddles will help you understand what works for you.