Pickleball Paddle Buying Guide: Materials, Thickness, Grip, and Balance | BSG
Posted by Burghardt Sporting Goods on Feb 6th 2026
Pickleball Paddle Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Paddle
Quick Overview: Start with the feel you want. Carbon fiber faces tend to emphasize control and spin, fiberglass faces add pop with a softer feel, and aluminum faces are value friendly and durable. Pair that with a core thickness that matches your style, a grip that fits your hand, and a shape that suits your reach and sweet spot. Shop examples below or stop into New Berlin for a hands-on demo.
Face Materials: Feel, Spin, and Durability
Raw and Woven Carbon Fiber
Often chosen for control oriented play, carbon fiber faces provide a crisp feel and surface texture that helps with spin while resisting wear. Example in stock: Cratus BSG Carbon Fiber.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass adds easy power with a slightly softer touch. Some in store examples include: JOOLA Seneca FDS 14 and Erne Showtime.
Aluminum and Entry Value
Aluminum faces and frames show up in starter paddles and rec kits for solid durability at a lower price. Our Choice for an Aluminum Paddle: Franklin Jet Aluminum.
Premium Carbon Hybrids
Some models blend carbon weaves for power and control. An example of this is the Selkirk SLK Omega Hybrid Max.
Material choice is about feel. If you like a plush strike with pop, try fiberglass. If you want defined contact and spin potential, try raw carbon.
Core Thickness: Power vs. Control
Paddles commonly range from about 10 mm to 16 mm. Thinner cores feel quicker and can add pop off the face. Thicker cores enlarge the sweet spot and help with stability on blocks and resets. Some examples of this thinner core includes: Selkirk Nexus Max 13mm and JOOLA Seneca FDS 14 mm.
Shape and Balance: Reach, Sweet Spot, and Maneuverability
- Standard shapes feel nimble at the net and offer a centered sweet spot.
- Elongated or “Max” profiles add reach and leverage for serves and passing shots. Example: Selkirk SLK Atlas Max.
- Balance varies by model. Head-light builds favor hand speed. Head-heavier builds can add drive from the baseline.
Grip Size, Shape, and Overgrips
Grip circumference
Most paddles fall between about 4.0 and 4.5 inches. If between sizes, choose smaller and add an overgrip. Smaller grips aid wrist action for spin, larger grips help stability.
Handle shape and length
Longer handles help two-handed backhands. Squared handles can feel more “locked in,” while rounded handles help quick changes of angle. Try both in store to see what tracks your natural swing.
Sweat management
Overgrips add tack and absorb moisture, which keeps the paddle planted on humid days. Example: PROLITE No-Sweat Diamond Grip.
Great Examples You Can Buy at Burghardt
Carbon control and spin
Fiberglass power with control
Entry and value picks
Browse the full selection here: Pickleball Paddles at BSG.
Accessories That Extend Paddle Life
- Edge tape and covers help protect from chips and moisture. Example cover: JOOLA Neoprene Cover.
- Fresh overgrips maintain tack and size through the season. Example: PROLITE No-Sweat Diamond Grip.
How to Choose in Three Steps
- Pick your feel: carbon for control and spin, fiberglass for pop, aluminum for durability and value.
- Match thickness: 10–13 mm for faster pop and hand speed, 14–16 mm for stability and resets.
- Dial the handle: grip that fits your hand, handle length that fits your backhand, then add an overgrip if needed.
Shop Locally with Burghardt Sporting Goods
Try paddles in store at our New Berlin location or order online for quick delivery across Wisconsin and beyond!
Shop Pickleball at BSG • Questions for a team or club store? Email teamsales@bsg1881.com.
About Burghardt Sporting Goods
Burghardt Sporting Goods is a community focused, Wisconsin based retailer that helps players and programs choose the right gear with friendly, knowledgeable support. Staff members are happy to compare models, explain materials, and set up team stores with easy ordering and fulfillment.