When selecting a pickleball paddle, as long as it meets USAPA certification standards, it is considered suitable for play. However, the surface of paddles available on the market varies widely, and these differences can significantly affect a player’s performance.
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Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Choosing a Pickleball Paddle
However , when new players first start playing pickleball and decide to buy a paddle, many assume that carbon fiber paddles are superior to fiberglass ones, leading to blindly chase for carbon fiber paddles. Stop thinking this way!
The truth is, the paddle’s material isn’t the most critical factor affecting gameplay. What really matters is:
- Whether the paddle surface has texture for friction
- Whether the paddle is made with cold-press or hot-press molding techniques (more on this in a separate article).
The Role of Friction
A surface with adequate friction allows better ball control and makes it possible to hit spin shots. Without friction, the difference between carbon fiber and fiberglass paddles is not that significant.
Even within carbon fiber paddles, there are two surface types: smooth and textured (with friction). The difference in performance can be dramatic, as illustrated in the following breakdown:
Types of Paddle Surfaces
1. Smooth Surface (No Texture)
- Appearance: Paddle surfaces without any texture feel smooth to the touch.
- Performance: Suitable only for beginners who rely on simple flat shots. These paddles do not offer enough friction for advanced techniques like spin or precise control.
- Manufacturing Process: These paddles are typically made using cold-press techniques.
- Price Range: Very affordable, ranging from a RM50-150 ($10-35)
sample of smooth surface sample
2. Cloth-Like Textured Surface (Teflon Texture)
- Appearance: The surface has a finely textured, cloth-like pattern made of small ridges and grooves. This is achieved by pressing the carbon fiber with a Teflon-like material. These paddles usually have a plain, natural carbon fiber finish with simple patterns or lines (since large printed designs would reduce friction).
- Performance: Offers excellent friction for spins and control, making it suitable for intermediate and advanced players.
- Durability: Very durable since the texture is embedded directly into the carbon fiber.
- Manufacturing Process: Available in both cold-press and hot-press techniques.
- Cold-Press Price: Generally around Rm200 and onwards
- Hot-Press Price: Generally from Rm400 and onwards, with premium brands like JOOLA offering hot-pressed paddles in this category.
sample of cloth-like texture surface
(varies according to brand and made)
3. Sandblasted or Matte Spray-Coated Surface
- Appearance: This surface is created by spraying a matte or textured coating onto the paddle.
- Performance: Provides good grip and friction, allowing for spin shots. However, the coating may wear off over time, making it less durable compared to the cloth-textured surface.
- Manufacturing Process: Used in both cold-press and hot-press paddles.
- Cold-Press Price: to be found from price range of rm150 and above
- Hot-Press Price: to be found from price range of rm500 and above
sample of sandblasted/spray-coated texture surface
(Price mentioned above is only for reference and may varies)
Key Takeaway
When choosing a paddle, don’t focus solely on the material (carbon fiber vs. fiberglass). Instead, pay attention to the surface texture for friction and consider the manufacturing process (cold-press vs. hot-press). Selecting the right surface and build will significantly impact your playing experience and help you improve your skills faster.
