PADDLE GUIDE

Find the perfect paddle for your playing style, skill level, and preferences

Paddle Finder Tool

What's your playing style?
Rank what matters most to you
⠿ Power 1
⠿ Control / touch 2
⠿ Spin generation 3
⠿ Forgiveness 4
What's your experience level?
What's your budget? Loading...
Advanced Filters
Weight preference?
Where do you play most?
How do you hit your backhand?
What paddle feel do you prefer?

Matching Paddles

Loading...
Loading paddle database...

WHAT THE SPECS MEAN

Paddle specs can be confusing. Here's what actually matters and how each number affects your game.

Swing Weight

  • What it is: How heavy the paddle feels when you swing it — not just static weight, but weight distribution
  • Low (95–110): Quick hands, easy maneuverability, great for net play
  • Medium (110–120): Balanced feel for all-court play
  • High (120+): More power on drives, but slower to react at the kitchen

Twist Weight

  • What it is: Resistance to twisting on off-center hits — higher = more stable
  • Low (<6.0): Less forgiving on mishits, but lighter overall
  • Medium (6.0–7.0): Good balance of stability and speed
  • High (7.0+): Very stable sweet spot, great for blocking hard shots

Core Thickness

  • What it is: The thickness of the honeycomb core in millimeters
  • Thin (11–13mm): More pop and power, less control, smaller sweet spot
  • Medium (14–16mm): Balanced power and control
  • Thick (16–19mm): Softer touch, larger sweet spot, better control

Surface Material

  • Carbon Fiber: Textured surface grips the ball for more spin, stiffer feel
  • Fiberglass: Softer feel, more power/pop, less spin potential
  • Hybrid: Blends properties of both materials
  • Raw / Textured: Maximum spin generation, common on pro-level paddles

Core Materials

  • Polymer vs. Nomex vs. Aluminum
  • Honeycomb thickness (13mm, 16mm, 19mm)
  • Pop vs. touch characteristics
  • Durability comparisons

Surface Technology

  • Carbon fiber vs. fiberglass
  • Textured vs. smooth faces
  • Spin generation capability
  • Raw carbon and thermoformed edges

Weight & Balance

  • Lightweight vs. heavyweight pros/cons
  • Balance point effects on maneuverability
  • Swing weight considerations
  • Grip size and comfort

Play Style Matching

  • Bangers: power-focused paddles
  • Finesse players: control paddles
  • All-court players: balanced options
  • Transition from beginner to advanced

Power vs. Control

  • Understanding the trade-off
  • Matching to skill level
  • Playing style considerations
  • Core material effects

Budget Guide

  • Entry-level recommendations
  • Mid-range sweet spots
  • Premium paddle features
  • When to upgrade