Searching "best pickleball paddle" brings up pro paddles, cheap sets and everything in between. Here's how to cut through it based on where your game is.
At a glance
| Cheap / fibreglass paddle | Pro tournament paddle | Premium social & comp paddle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Low | High | Mid |
| Feel | Often harsh or dead | Often built for maximum power | Balanced power and control |
| Durability | Can break or wear out fast | Good | Good |
| Tournament approval | Rarely | Yes, and you pay for it | Not needed for social play and comps |
| Best for | A one-off try | Sanctioned tournament players | Beginners to advanced social players |
If you're a beginner
Skip the cheapest wooden or basic fibreglass sets. They can feel harsh and dead, which makes learning harder. Look for:
- a forgiving sweet spot, so off-centre hits still go over
- a 16mm core for stability and control
- a grip that fits your hand
- a weight that's easy to swing
If you're intermediate
Now you're working on dinks, drops, resets and placement. Look for:
- a carbon face with texture for spin
- enough pop to finish points
- control, so your soft game doesn't suffer. Many players find a foam core gives more control than many honeycomb paddles.
Don't pay for features you won't use
Pro paddles are often built for maximum power, and many carry USA Pickleball approval, which is required for sanctioned tournaments. Getting a paddle approved involves testing and fees, and that cost ends up in the price. Many paddles are built to similar standards; they just haven't paid for the certification.
If you play social games, club nights and social competitions rather than sanctioned tournaments, you don't need to pay that premium.
Don't buy cheap twice
At the other end, very cheap paddles can be a false economy. Quality can be inconsistent, they can crack, lose their surface texture or break, and you end up buying another one sooner than you planned.
Buy once, grow with it
The smartest buy is often a premium paddle that suits both stages: forgiving enough for a beginner, with the performance to keep up as you improve.
That's what the SHEGO Comfort Control is designed for: thermoformed T700 carbon, 16mm EPP foam core, light-swinging 225g and a 4⅛" grip, for AUD $199 with a 12-month warranty. Whether it's your first proper paddle or you're already playing comps, it's one you won't outgrow.
Quick answers
How much should I spend on my first pickleball paddle?
Enough to get a carbon face and a forgiving 16mm core. Very cheap paddles often make learning harder and may need replacing, while pro tournament paddles cost more than most social players need.
Do I need a USA Pickleball approved paddle?
Only if you play sanctioned tournaments that require one. For social games, club play and social competitions, you don't.
Should beginners use a 16mm or 14mm paddle?
16mm. It's more stable and forgiving, which helps you build control.
