Pickleball Paddle Specifications: What are they and why do they matter?

At ONIX Pickleball, we believe it’s important for us as a manufacturer to educate the consumer on the different specs our pickleball paddles offer and how that technology translates into benefits for your game.

ONIX offers pickleball paddles for different levels of play, different age ranges, or different preferences in general. You can choose from different shapes, sizes, and colors within the ONIX Pickleball paddle lineup. From tournament paddles to performance paddles, and all types of recreational paddles – we’ve got it all!

When you see ONIX put out a new product, you might see us reference different terms when talking about the paddles such as heavyweight, polypropylene, ThermoFused, or carbon fiber. You might find yourself asking what these terms mean and how will it benefit my pickleball game. Let’s dive into the definitions of these pickleball paddle features and why they could be important to you when it comes to your pickleball game.

Paddle Weight

We have lightweight paddles, medium weight paddles, and heavyweight paddles. Lighter weight paddles (7.3 oz and under), offer better control and more maneuverability which in turn has less strain on players’ arms. Heavier weight paddles (8.5 oz and up), offer more power during pickleball play. Medium, or mid weight, (7.4-8.4 oz), paddles are a combination of both lightweight and heavyweight paddles. This offers you the best of both worlds in a pickleball paddle.

Paddle Shape

There are elongated shaped paddles, which are over 16” L and under 8” W. These elongated shaped paddles offer better reach, more power, and good for tennis players because the product is more similar. Wider paddle shapes, which are less than 16” L and over 8” W, offer a bigger sweet spot which guarantees better maneuverability throughout use. A standard shape paddle is a combination of elongated and widebody paddles, they are typically 16” L and 8” W.

Handle Length

The handle length of paddles is also an important factor to consider when shopping for paddles. A shorter handle length is typically smaller than 5.5”, and this offers better maneuverability that allows for bigger sweet spot on the face of the paddle. A longer handle length is equal to or larger than 5.5”, and this has more power as well as two handed backhand options.

Face Material

Pickleball paddles can have different paddle face materials. There is a carbon fiber face paddle, which offers lighter weight, better control, better feel, better spin and is more durable. A composite or fiberglass paddle face material is more light weight and has more power. Raw Carbon paddle faces offer better spin and better ability to control. A graphite paddle face is lightweight, thin, rigid and stiff material. Graphite = power + larger sweet spot.

Core Material

Polypropylene cores have a combination of power and control are often on the quieter side; they also offer a soft paddle feel. Nomex core materials have better power, are typically louder, are lightweight and more durable materials.

Core Thickness

Core thickness is typically thin or thick. Thinner cores are often 10mm or 12mm and have more power. Thicker paddle cores are usually 14mm and up and these offer more control with a bigger sweet spot.

Paddle Construction

Thermofused paddles guarantee better power and better durability throughout play. Essentially a Thermofused paddle is one that uses heat and pressure to form a paddle all into one piece.  The word ‘thermofused’ sums up what the process is, which is heat that fuses the materials together.  These paddles are usually more durable and provide more consistent play characteristics such as a larger sweet spot and increased power and/or control.

If you need help deciding on what paddle is best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – we are always happy to help!