Skip to content
PICKLEBALL SPOTS LOGO
  • PADDLESExpand
    • Best Pickleball Paddles
    • Best For Beginners
    • Best for Intermediate Players
    • Best for Advanced Players
    • Best For Spin
    • Bests For Control
    • Best for Power
    • Best Lightweight
  • ShoesExpand
    • Best Pickleball Shoes
    • Best Pickleball Shoes Under $100
    • Best Pickleball Shoes For Narrow Feet
    • Best Pickleball Shoes For Wide Feet
    • Best Running Shoes For Pickleball
  • Buyer Guides
  • Tips & Tricks
  • FAQ
PICKLEBALL SPOTS LOGO
PickleBallSpots

As an independent review site, we may earn a commission when you click on our links.

Is a Heavier Pickleball Paddle Better for You? (Explained)

Posted onJune 2, 2023June 2, 2023

I have my own opinion about this, but my opinion is not based on hard science. So let’s see what the research says to get a deeper understanding of the effects of weight on performance in pickleball.

Contents
  1. Are Heavier Pickleball Paddles Better?
  2. Benefits of Heavier Pickleball Paddles
  3. Are Heavier Pickleball Paddles More Accurate?
  4. Speed vs. Paddle Weight
  5. Ball Speed vs. Paddle Weight
  6. Bottom Line on Heavier Paddles

Are Heavier Pickleball Paddles Better?

Many people think that using a heavier paddle will make your shots go farther because you are adding weight to your stroke. But, the ball speed is not proportional to the weight of the paddle.

Every stroke will generate a specific power level and it doesn’t matter what you’re using as long as you maintain that power level: lightweight, moderate-weight, or heavy-weight.

If you swing all three at 100% power (and assuming each one has an equal head size), they will all go the same distance.

Also Read  What Type of Serve Is Used in Pickleball?

In my experience, if you are a beginner, intermediate, or an older player you will probably benefit from using a heavier paddle because it will make your stroke mechanics easier to execute.

Benefits of Heavier Pickleball Paddles

The benefits of using a heavier pickleball paddle for beginners, intermediates, and older players are:

  1. If you have problems hitting the ball on the sweet spot then adding weight to your paddle will force you to swing slower because it takes more effort to accelerate a heavier object.
  2. You don’t have to worry about wrist fatigue when using a heavier paddle because you will naturally slow down your swing if the racket head is heavy.
  3. If you don’t have much time for practice, then adding weight to your racket will force you to improve your technique without thinking much about it because when you must slow down your stroke in order to hit the ball cleanly, technique errors will become more obvious.
  4. If you have a shoulder injury, wrist injury, arthritis in your hands, or arthritis in other joints, then using a heavier paddle will reduce the stress on those body parts by slowing down your swing and making it easier to hit the ball cleanly.
Also Read  Does Pickleball Help Your Tennis: Exploring the Relationship Between Two Racquet Sports

I would like to emphasize that these benefits only apply if you use proper form and the power level that generates a specific ball speed is constant for every swing. 

Are Heavier Pickleball Paddles More Accurate?

No!  The power level that generates a specific ball speed is not constant throughout your swing because it changes due to racket head acceleration. If you swing the same weight paddle at 80% power, then 90% power, and finally 100% power it will end up going a lot farther than if you maintain that same power level.

In order to have the most accurate strokes, you have to have perfect technique and execute your shots with 100% effort for every swing. If you can do it then it doesn’t matter what paddle you use because your accuracy will be the same. 

In other words, if your stroke mechanics are good, then using a heavy paddle will not improve your accuracy.

Also Read  Are Wooden Pickleball Paddles Good for Beginners in 2023?

If you have poor technique or are an older player then using a heavier paddle can help you compensate for lack of accuracy by slowing down the racket head speed so that it is possible to hit the ball with better precision. 

However, even if you use the heaviest paddles available you will never have pinpoint accuracy.

Speed vs. Paddle Weight

Higher swing speed makes your shots go farther because you are hitting the ball with more power. The only way to improve your shot distance is by increasing your racket head speed during contact. However, the trade-off is that it becomes harder to control the ball when you hit faster shots.

At high speeds, any slight change in racket angle or ball position during contact will cause the ball to go off-line. So if you increase your swing speed but don’t have good technique, then your shots will end up all over the court with poorer accuracy.

Also Read  Why Is Pickleball Banned in NYC

But adding weight to the paddle is not an effective way of increasing swing speed because it will only reduce the power you generate. It may seem like swinging a heavy paddle is more powerful, but if you double or triple the weight of your racket then all of that added weight must be accelerating during the swing which imposes limits on how fast your swing can become.

Ball Speed vs. Paddle Weight

The higher the ball speed, the faster you must swing the racket in order to hit it at the same power level. For example, if you are hitting a slow pace shot with some spin then 60% power will be enough to get it back over the net. 

However, for this same strength shot with more speed and topspin then 70% to 80% of power is required to get the ball back over the net.

If your opponents are stronger or faster, then you’ll need more power to hit the ball at the same speed they are hitting it. There are no ways of adding power to shots other than increasing swing speed during contact, adding topspin, or both.

Also Read  How Are Pickleball Players Rated

Bottom Line on Heavier Paddles

If you are using proper form, then it doesn’t matter what paddle you choose because your accuracy will be the same.

However, if you lack good technique or are an older player, then using a heavy paddle can help compensate for poor accuracy by slowing down the speed of the ball. But even if you use the heaviest paddles, it will never be possible to have pinpoint accuracy.

If you are hitting shots with spin, then if you have good technique, your shot accuracy will depend on how much topspin you generate. But if you are not generating enough topspin then a heavier racket might help keep the ball from landing short or long.

We hope that this article has helped to explain the importance and illusions of paddle weight and proper use for each type of player.

  • ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle (Graphite Carbon Fiber Face with
    ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle (Graphite Carbon Fiber Face with Rough Texture Surface, Cushion Comfort Grip and Nomex Honeycomb Core for Touch, Control, and Power)
  • CRBN Pickleball Paddle Eraser, Best Carbon Fiber Pickle Ball Racket
    CRBN Pickleball Paddle Eraser, Best Carbon Fiber Pickle Ball Racket Cleaner, Fast & Easy Rubber Bar to Remove Ball Residue, Dirt, & Minor Scrapes/Scratches - Patent Pending
  • JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle - Official
    JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle - Official Ben Johns Paddle - USAPA Approved Racket for Tournament Play - Edge to Edge Sweet Spot, Durable Max Spin Surface & Elongated Handle
  • JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 Pickleball Paddle - Carbon
    JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 Pickleball Paddle - Carbon Abrasion Surface with High Grit & Spin, Sure-Grip Elongated Handle, 16mm Pickle Ball Paddle with Polypropylene Honeycomb Core, USAPA Approved
  • GAMMA Sports Legend NeuCore Pickleball Paddle, Fiberglass Composite Surface and
    GAMMA Sports Legend NeuCore Pickleball Paddle, Fiberglass Composite Surface and Honeycomb Grip, Legend Finesse
  • JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle – Fiberglass Graphite Surface for More
    JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle – Fiberglass Graphite Surface for More Power – Lightweight Pickleball Paddle w/Increased Control - Multiple Colors & Designs - USAPA Approved - Camo 10mm
  • Can Pickleball Be Played on Grass? (Explained)
  • What Is a Pickleball Paddle? (Explained)
  • Why Are Pickleball Courts Noisy? (Can It Be Quieter?)
  • Where Can I Demo Pickleball Paddles
  • What Pickleball Paddles Are Banned
  • What Pickleball Paddle Is Best for Spin?
  • What Size Pickleball Paddle?
  • Can You Use Tennis Overgrip on Pickleball Paddle?
  • Do Pickleball Paddles Have a Sweet Spot?
  • Why Are Pickleball Paddles Different Shapes?
Also Read  What Is the Best Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players?
Avatar Of Kevin K. Shaw
Kevin K. Shaw

Kevin is a pickleball coach and former professional player. He’s been playing pickleball for over 10 years and has won multiple championships. He’s also the founder of PickleballSpots.com

Facebook Twitter

Why Trust PickleballSpots?

Our team of experts has years of experience playing Pickleball and testing out the latest products. We know what to look for in a good paddle or pair of shoes, and we’re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gear. Read more about us!

  • JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle - Official
    JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle - Official Ben Johns Paddle - USAPA Approved Racket for Tournament Play - Edge to Edge Sweet Spot, Durable Max Spin Surface & Elongated Handle
  • ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle (Graphite Carbon Fiber Face with
    ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle (Graphite Carbon Fiber Face with Rough Texture Surface, Cushion Comfort Grip and Nomex Honeycomb Core for Touch, Control, and Power)
  • CRBN Pickleball Paddle Eraser, Best Carbon Fiber Pickle Ball Racket
    CRBN Pickleball Paddle Eraser, Best Carbon Fiber Pickle Ball Racket Cleaner, Fast & Easy Rubber Bar to Remove Ball Residue, Dirt, & Minor Scrapes/Scratches - Patent Pending
  • Pickleball Paddle Graphite Textured Surface for Spin,USAPA Approved,Pro Pickleball Racquet
    Pickleball Paddle Graphite Textured Surface for Spin,USAPA Approved,Pro Pickleball Racquet Lightweight,Carbon Fiber Pickleball Racket,PP Core,for Any Skill Level Players Indoor & Outdoor Tournament
  • JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 Pickleball Paddle - Carbon
    JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 Pickleball Paddle - Carbon Abrasion Surface with High Grit & Spin, Sure-Grip Elongated Handle, 16mm Pickle Ball Paddle with Polypropylene Honeycomb Core, USAPA Approved
  • Brooklyn Pickleball Co. Pickle Ball Paddle | Carbon Fiber |
    Brooklyn Pickleball Co. Pickle Ball Paddle | Carbon Fiber | Honeycomb Core | Ribbed Non-Slip Comfort Cushion Grip | Single | White Pickle-Ball Paddles

PICKLEBALL SPOTS LOGO

PickleballSpots.com is created by a group of pickleball enthusiasts who wanted to create a one-stop shop for all things pickleball. We aim to provide pickleball players with all the resources they need to improve their game, including pickleball tips, FAQs, buying guides, and product reviews.

  • Email: info@pickleballspots.com
  • Address: 1214 Oak St, Syracuse, NY, 13203, United StatesHours:
  • Customer Service: (212) 555-6789

© 2023 PickleBallSpots

  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Why Trust Us?
  • How We Test?
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
Scroll to top
  • PADDLES
    • Best Pickleball Paddles
    • Best For Beginners
    • Best for Intermediate Players
    • Best for Advanced Players
    • Best For Spin
    • Bests For Control
    • Best for Power
    • Best Lightweight
  • Shoes
    • Best Pickleball Shoes
    • Best Pickleball Shoes Under $100
    • Best Pickleball Shoes For Narrow Feet
    • Best Pickleball Shoes For Wide Feet
    • Best Running Shoes For Pickleball
  • Buyer Guides
  • Tips & Tricks
  • FAQ
Search