Are you finding the best pickleball rackets for you, then you must know what are pickleball rackets made of? Pickleball rackets also known as pickleball paddle, can be made up of variety of materials like wood, composite, graphite, etc. Some of the pickleball rackets are heavy, while some are comparatively light weighted. It is up to you by which racket you would like to play. In this article we will take a deep dive on what are pickleball rackets made of?
Structure of a Pickleball Racket
Before we discuss about the material of pickleball racket, we need a clear idea about the structure of a pickleball paddle. Well, I must tell you that, there are basically three parts of a pickleball paddle. They are-
- core
- Face
- Handle
Core
Core is the innermost layer of a pickleball paddle. Core provides stiffness and weight of a pickleball rackets/paddles. Generally the core is made up of polymer, aluminum, etc. More over thickness of the core also affects the overall performances of a pickleball racket.
Face
Face is the outermost, flat part of a pickleball paddle. Basically the face is made up of graphite, carbon fiber or composite materials. This part of the pickleball paddle provides bounce while playing.
Handle
This is the part of a pickleball paddle, where you hold the paddle. Handle can also be made from same as face materials like graphite, carbon fiber or composite materials. Handle of a pickleball paddle may short or long. It is up to you, which one you like to use.
What are pickleball rackets made of? The Answer
This is a quick answer: Well, from the above part, you have already got an overview idea of the compositions of a pickleball racket. The core of a paddle can be made from Polypropylene honeycomb, Nomex honeycomb or from Foam. Also the face of a pickleball paddle can be made up of graphite, carbon materials, etc. Each composition has a specific features. Some makes heavy, some makes light, some composition also provides high bounce to the pickleball paddle.
Materials of Pickleball Rackets
In this section of article we will discuss on what are pickleball rackets made of? But we will discuss all the compositions into two parts (structure wise).
The Core
Polymer Core
Polymer is a kind of plastic material. Players, who likes to play pickleball with less bounce, polymer core pickleball is ideal to them. Though this paddle provides a good control throughout the game.
Nomex Core
Nomex is also a very popular kind of core material. Nomex core provides durability and consistence performance with honeycomb core inside the paddle.
Aluminum Core
Though aluminum core is a very uncommon in todays time. But it also provides an unique playing experience.
Foam Core
Foam are also less common than aluminum core, but it provides softness and control during the game.
The Face
Graphite
Graphite is a popular face material in pickleball paddles. This kind of material produces softness, proper bounce while playing shots. Graphite also has large sweet spot to play shot with consistency.
Fiberglass
The big advantage of this material is, it is less expensive than graphite. Paddles with fiberglass produces longevity and durability. It also produces more power than any other materials.
Carbon Fiber
Pickleball paddle made up of carbon fiber is vey expensive. But it is a very durable material. It also produces the power and the spin in comparison with any other materials.
Wood
Wood is a very uncommon material for todays age, though it is a traditional face material for many years. Wood is heavier and less durable than any other material.
Handle
The material of handle is also same as the face material of a pickleball paddle. Players also like to add wooden handle for comfort. Also the length and the thickness of the handle depends on the player itself.
How to Choose a Best Pickleball Racket for You
I hope you have got a basic idea on what are pickleball rackets made of? But in this section, we will talk about choosing a best pickleball racket for yourself.
1. Weight and Variation
Players like to play with different weights of paddles. Heavier paddles produces more power in comparison with lighter paddles. It is up to you on which one you want to choose.
2. Grip Size
Pickleball rackets/paddles comes with various kinds of grip sizes like long, medium, short, etc. It totally depends on your comfort level on which one you like to play.
3. Edge Guard
An ideal pickleball comes expensive. So it is my responsibility to protect your edges of the paddle. You can use edge guard which is also made up of comparatively harder plastic material.
4. USAPA Approval
Always remember, there is a guide lines in USAPA official website for the pickleball paddles. You have to match all the terms and conditions of the USAPA officials. Otherwise you will not be able to play any official tournaments organized by USAPA with that pickleball paddle.
Final Thoughts
I hope from the above discussion you have clearly understand that what are pickleball rackets made of? It contain several materials like composite, carbon, graphite, polymer, etc. Some materials are very hard and some are very soft. Some produces high bounce while some produces less bounce. So you have to purchase a pickleball paddle according to your playing pattern. But to me always try to purchase a durable, long lasting pickleball paddle for yourself.
FAQs
1. What are pickleball rackets made of?
Ans: Pickleball rackets can be made up of various materials like graphite, carbon fiber, wood, composite, aluminum, etc.
2. What is the difference between graphite and carbon fiber paddle?
Ans: Carbon fiber paddle is comparatively lighter than graphite fiber paddle. Though, both produces great power while playing.
3. Can you use wooden paddle for pickleball?
Ans: Wood is a traditional material for pickleball paddle, which produces great control over shot.
4. What makes a good pickleball paddle?
Ans: An ideal pickleball paddle has a weight and a definite grip size.
5. Is graphite better than aluminum?
Ans: Graphite is definitely better than aluminum in contrast with spin and bounce.
