Pickleball is exploding in popularity, and with that comes an overwhelming number of paddle choices. With over 400 brands popping up online, it’s easy to feel confused before you even step onto the court. At JG Rackets, we’re here to simplify the process.
As a sport born from a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball has its own unique demands. The right paddle isn’t just about power or control—it’s about finding the perfect extension of your arm that complements your play style. Forget the online guesswork; let’s break down how to make an informed decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Step 1: Understand the Key Paddle Factors
Before looking at brands, it’s crucial to understand what makes each paddle unique. These factors directly impact your game:
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Head Size & Shape:
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Widebody: Offers a larger sweet spot for forgiveness, great for beginners and players who value consistency.
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Elongated: Provides more reach and a higher sweet spot, favouring power and topspin.
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Hybrid: A blend of wide and long, aiming to offer the best of both worlds.
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Standard: The classic shape, a balanced option for all players.
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Paddle Thickness (& Core Composition): This is critical for feel and power.
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Thinner Cores (e.g., 13mm): Offer more control and a sharper "pop" feel. Ideal for players who generate their own power and prefer finesse at the net.
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Thicker Cores (e.g., 16mm): Provide more power and a larger, more forgiving sweet spot. Excellent for beginners and players seeking more pop from the baseline.
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The core material itself (typically polymer) matters hugely for durability and how long the paddle maintains its performance. Cheaper paddles can "deaden" over time.
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Weight, Swing Weight & Twist Weight:
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Static Weight: The actual weight of the paddle (Light: 7.3-7.8oz, Medium: 7.8-8.2oz, Heavy: 8.3oz+). Lighter paddles offer manoeuvrability; heavier paddles offer power and stability.
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Swing Weight: How heavy the paddle feels when you swing it. An elongated shape often has a higher swing weight.
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Twist Weight: The paddle's resistance to twisting on off-centre hits. A wider body typically has a higher twist weight, making it more forgiving.
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Handle Length & Grip Size: Crucial for comfort and shot variety. A longer handle (5.5"+) facilitates two-handed backhands, while standard lengths (4.5"-5") are great for one-handed play. Grip size should feel secure and comfortable without causing strain.
Step 2: Meet Our Curated Brands – Expertise You Can Trust
In a sea of unknown brands, we’ve carefully selected partners with proven heritage, innovative technology, and a genuine commitment to the sport.
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Diadem: Hailing from a high-performance tennis background, Diadem brings serious tech to pickleball. Their Warrior and Icon series feature revolutionary Impact Foam injected into the paddle edge, creating unparalleled stability and a massive, responsive sweet spot. They are a brand for players who want elite-level innovation and power.
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Key Selling Point: Top-tier technology and power-focused designs.
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Tecnifibre: A giant in the tennis world, Tecnifibre’s entry into pickleball was highly anticipated. They didn’t disappoint - teaming up with Pickleball giant Six Zero to launch with immediate credibility and avoid the false starts we have seen from some other tennis based manufacturers! With paddles like the Blitz, Select and Command, they utilise their expertise in carbon fibre and composite materials to create paddles with exceptional control and a crisp, predictable feel. Perfect for the player who values precision and touch.
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Key Selling Point: Tennis-bred precision, exceptional control, and trusted durability.
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Six Zero: A brand born purely from pickleball passion. Six Zero has quickly become a favourite among serious players for their no-compromise approach. Their paddles, like the Black Diamond, are known for a perfect blend of power and control, often featuring unique raw carbon fiber faces that generate incredible spin. They represent the cutting edge of dedicated pickleball engineering.
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Key Selling Point: Player-driven design, excellent spin potential, and a great power-control balance.
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Head: A legendary name in racket sports, Head translates decades of engineering excellence directly into pickleball. Their Gravity and Extreme, and Boom lines offer fantastic all-round performance, leveraging their expertise in creating stable, user-friendly frames. Head is a brand you can trust for consistent quality and performance at every level.
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Key Selling Point: Trusted brand reputation, excellent all-rounders, and great value.
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Play Henry: Bringing style and substance to the court, Play Henry stands out with its unique and vibrant designs. But don’t let the looks fool you—these paddles are performance-engineered. They focus on creating a fantastic, responsive feel that appeals to players who want their equipment to reflect their personality without sacrificing playability.
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Key Selling Point: Standout fashion and colours, combined with a great, responsive feel.
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The JG Rackets Difference: Don't Guess, Demo!
We believe the only way to truly know if a paddle is right for you is to play with it. That’s why we’ve invested in a full range of demo paddles from all our featured brands.
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Take Them Away: We encourage you to take demos to your local courts and play a few games. Feel the difference in a real-game scenario.
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Expert Service: Our team is learning alongside the sport every day. We’re here to discuss your game, explain the nuances, and guide you based on your feedback.
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Supporting the Community: We’re actively working with local clubs to host demo days and nights because we believe a thriving local sports scene benefits everyone.
Your Game, Your Paddle, Your Investment
Don't get stuck in the online trap of buying a paddle based on a flashy ad, only to grow out of it in a few months. A paddle is an investment in your enjoyment and progression in this fantastic sport.
Visit us at JG Rackets. Let us guide you through our curated range, try before you buy, and make a confident investment in your pickleball future. Your perfect paddle is waiting