Pickleball paddles and balls are the heart of this game. Good quality equipment can change your game manifolds with the same routine and practice. I started playing this game with wooden paddles when I was a kid. As time passed, my knowledge and interest in paddles escalated. Being a professional pickler, I love to play with Carbon fiber paddles mostly. Joola Ben series paddles are one of my favorites due to their finesse and control.  

Newbies may be unaware of the types of paddles, their materials, and their structuring. As mentioned earlier, my youngest brother is a mechanical engineer. With the thorough knowledge that he has for all the technical aspects and details regarding mechanical engineering he has deepened concepts and understanding regarding paddles. 

I am writing this article to explain the most frequently asked question to players, ‘What are the materials of the pickleball paddle?’ So if you’re a newcomer and want to learn about paddles, you are at the right place mate! Let us move ahead and discuss this topic in detail.

Factors determined for pickleball paddle material:

• Paddle core:

Cores are the main integral component of the paddles. It is wedged between two paddle faces and lined with the paddle edge guard. E.g. Honeycomb shape, Nomex core, polymer core, etc.  Core provides the necessary power, control, finesse, and flight to the upcoming serve with less effort. It also reduces the friction, vibration, and shock on our wrist after serving a hard shot. The quality of core materials affects the ball serves.

• Paddle face:

The paddle face is the flat and tough plain of wood or other polymer that sandwiches the core firmly and provides bounce and power to the ball.  The gap between the two paddle faces fits the edge guards to protect the core.  Face materials like T700, Kevlar, Composite, etc., are popular in premium paddles. 

• Paddle grip:

The handle added below the face and core completes the paddle shape.  The handle is covered with a grip of rubber, duct tape, or any other polymer in various patterns. These grips prevent perspiration on players’ palms due to sweating during longer games. Their unique patterns support the wrist while handling the paddle and serving ball with a backhand or forehand stroke.

What are the materials of pickleball paddles?

• Face material:

   

1. Graphite:
   

   If you want the lightest and thinnest paddle face material, Graphite is the answer! Even though it can have a size as thin as millimeters, this is one of the most rigid and tough face materials. With a large sweet spot, initially, you may feel that these paddles are stiff to serve the ball. But, you will understand how to use them properly with regular practice.The upcoming ball naturally adds vibration and energy to the paddle. It eventually gets transferred to the player’s wrist and fingers. Structurally, these paddles are interwoven layers of carbon fiber that provide such optimized control for serves.

   Pros:

   – Lightweight and thin
   – Optimizes the paddle’s control, touch, and power.
   – Suitable for recreational play, tournaments, and practice sessions.
   – Large sweet spot

    

2. Carbon Fibre: T700 core:

   Carbon fiber T700 is the perfect combination of finesse and power. This most durable paddle has a larger weight-to-strength ratio than other face materials. It is popular in picklers because of its agile serves and quick flights for the ball.Structurally, Carbon T700 is a subtype of graphite. These lightweight paddles are easily maneuverable in fast swings and quick shots, especially in rallies. Many professional and tournament players use carbon T700 face material paddles for power, feel, and stiffness.

   Speaking of stiffness, these paddles absorb the vibrations and shock in wrists during hard shots. They do not get dents or cracks more often due to their superstring interwoven carbon fibers.

   Pros:
   – Strong paddles with high finesse and power.
   – Provide high speed and strength to the served ball.
   – Large sweet spot
   – Worthy to invest due to its high durability.
   – Ideal for skilled and professional players.

    

3. Kevlar:

   This lightweight face material is known for its abrasion-free gritty surface. It is a newly developed face material that is becoming popular among picklers for its finesse and control over power. Brands like  DuPont,  Six Zero, and Pickleball Apes are popular for their Kevlar face paddles.
   

   Pros:

   – Suitable for daily practice and professional games.
   – Optimum response to serves and hard shots.
   – Enduring performance.

4. Wood:

   Wood is the classic and most basic paddle face. The very first paddles were made from wood. It is an inexpensive and commonly available paddle. These paddles are heavy and non-durable. Consistent hard shots can break their surface. They have a small sweet spot.

   Pros:
   – Affordable than other materials
   – Suitable for kids, and recreational players.
   – Classic look and is easily available.

5. Composite:

   These paddles are known for their power, spin, and durability. Coming in  7.7-8.2 ounces weight ranges, Composite paddles are made from two to three-face materials. Polymers and fiberglass are mostly used in making these paddles.
   Their gritty face is resistant to dents and cracks. You can use them for outdoor and rough recreational games. Popular yet expensive wood composite face paddles provide finesse and touch.  They have a small sweet spot and high performance.

   Pros:
   – Suitable for any level skilled player (from beginner to pro).
   – Generate spin, control, and power.
   – Their gritty surface is ideal for the desired spinning.

• Core material:

1. Wood:
   

   Wood core was used in the first pickleball paddle. These paddles are beginner-friendly, easy to use, inexpensive, and readily available in any sports shop. Players who want to practice pickleball or play recreationally can use these paddles.
   Thin and lightweight wood paddles offer great power, speed, and flight for the ball when served. Short wood paddles are more convenient to use. They have a medium sweet spot.

    

2. Aluminum core:
   

   Aluminum core is better than wood core in terms of power and speed. But, as it is a metal, you may hear the popping sound whenever the ball hits the paddle. High-quality aluminum paddles are durable and easy to handle. Basic aluminum paddles are less forgiving and have a small sweet spot.  They might feel heavy to hold and your wrist might get pain if you play with them for long.
   Also, these paddles might bend or get scratched over time due to their metallic structure. They do not break as wood paddles. So, they are useful for soft games, practice sessions, or recreational play. If you are a hard hitter, opt for polymer paddles instead of these paddles.

    

3. Polymer core:
   

   Polypropylene is mostly used in the core or polymer paddles. It offers great control, power, soft touch, and speed to the ball. It has an ideal sweet spot with definite control. If you are a beginner or middle-level pickler who wants to level up his game, then polymer paddles are great to start!
   Many recreational and newbies opt for polymer paddles as they are lightweight, easy to handle, durable, and affordable. These flexible paddles are more maneuverable than aluminum paddle cores with large sweet spots and more forgiveness to the served ball.

    

4. Nomex core:
   

   If you are an intermediate or advanced player and want to fine-tune your serving skills, Nomex paddles are the best solution! These paddles are popular among professional and recreational picklers because they provide good power and pop for the ball. You may lose control of the popping ball if you hit the ball hard.
   Nomex cores are durable, not easily breakable, and affordable. Originally, Nomex was a strong and lightweight polyamide used in airplane floors, military uniforms, etc. A Boeing engineer named Arlen Paranto was a pickleball lover. He invented the Nomex core paddle in the 1980s.
   Nomex is a dense and non-flammable polyamide with numerous small-sized honeycomb structures inside its layers. These honeycomb structures offer great surface area, a strong core, and more power to serve the ball.

    

5. Foam:
   

   Foam paddles are also a great alternative to polymer or aluminum paddles. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS),  ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), etc. foams are used to make such paddles. Foam paddles offer a great touch, more forgiveness, a large sweet spot, and less noise than metal core or wood paddles.
   These paddles can absorb vibrations and shock due to hard-hit balls. They provide great comfort to the hands and wrists of the player. However, they also produce great energy and power to backserve the ball. As a result, the ball gets a larger speed and flight than usual.
   Foam cores are good for fast rallies. Professional and highly skilled players can handle these paddles efficiently. But, beginners or newcomers may find these paddles fast and highly responsive during practice. These paddles are highly durable, high-impact resistant, and lightweight.

    

6. Carbon Fibre:
   

   Carbon fiber core offers higher durability and large strength in pickleball paddles. They have a lesser soft touch but provide great control on the ball. These paddles are expensive. They provide phenomenal comfort, less noise, good pop, high agility, and excellent flight to the ball.
   
   They are not easily breakable, scratch-resistant, and non-bendable due to strong interwoven structures. They offer a great surface area, good spin, and high power to the ball due to their stiff and rigid surface.

• Honeycomb Core Structure:

If you are a pickleball fanatic or regular pickler, you must have heard of the honeycomb structure in paddles. Honeycomb structures are seen in paddle cores made uo from polymer, polypropylene, Nomex, etc.

These are nothing but closely packed cells that look like a honeycomb. These simple-looking structures have great potential in paddle cores. 

Polymer honeycomb cores are made from carbon and polymer. They provide great control and power to the paddle. Additionally, they are lightweight and more durable than solid cores. 

The DuPont Nomex honeycomb cores are a form of paper-coated heat-resistant resins. They are stiff, rigid, and long-lasting. Polymer honeycombs are quieter than Nomex honeycombs. Hence, Polymer honeycomb core paddles are used in pickleball courts in residential areas to control the noise of popping the ball.

Smaller honeycomb cells offer a great surface area for the paddle. As a result, they are more forgiving and provide a large sweet spot to the ball. Aluminum honeycomb cores are known for their higher touch and power than polymer cores. But, they produce more noise for the pop of the ball.

To know more about paddles, kindly read our guide on ‘How pickleball paddles are made?’

Conclusion:

Pickleball paddle material determines the final efficiency of the paddle. A good quality, well-packed, and edge-guarded paddle can offer extraordinary results. I hope this guide on ‘ What are materials of Pickleball paddle?’ has given you insightful tips and knowledge for selecting the best suitable paddle for you! I would say, whether it is a carbon fiber or graphite, Nomex or Foam, focus on practicing and leveraging your skills to synchronize with your paddle’s features and working.