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There are a lot of options when it comes to finding the right pickleball paddle. You can find paddles in many sizes, materials, and weights. And, it’s essential to know the difference between these options to find and select the one that perfectly complements your playstyle.
However, it is not just about the size, material, and weight. Paddle shapes also make a big difference to your overall gameplay.
Commonly, pickleball paddles are available in two shapes: standard or regular and elongated pickleball paddle. Each has unique characteristics, and knowing their differences and benefits could help you find a pickleball paddle shape that perfectly complements your playstyle.
Differences Between Elongated and Standard Pickleball Paddles
The main difference between an elongated paddle and a standard pickleball paddle is the shape and size of their handles. The traditional or standard ones are circular and have a shorter handle, while elongated paddles are relatively narrower with a long handle.
Paddle Size
The standard pickleball paddle is roughly 8 inches wide and 16 inches long, while an elongated paddle has a length greater than 16 inches and a width less than 8 inches.
This size difference makes a massive impact, making the elongated paddle look and feel more like badminton or tennis rackets, facilitating players transitioning to pickleball from other racket sports.
On the other hand, the standard pickleball paddle is more like a stretched-out ping pong paddle and is ideal for players transitioning from ping pong or who haven’t tried their luck with other racket sports.
Paddle Shape
Elongated pickleball paddles are usually oval-shaped, while standard-shaped paddles are more circular. These small changes in the width and pickleball paddle shape significantly impact their center of gravity and weight distribution or balance weight.
Sweet Spot
Elongated pickleball paddles have a narrower, longer shape compared to regular paddles. This design shifts the sweet spot higher up, offering more reach and power on overhead shots and drives. However, the sweet spot is smaller, requiring more precision.
Regular paddles, with a broader hitting surface, have a larger sweet spot, providing better control and forgiveness on off-center hits. This makes them ideal for players focused on accuracy and those newer to the game.
Why You Should Use Elongated Pickleball Paddles
Elongated pickleball paddles are getting popular for a reason. The improved paddle shape adds new dimensions to the game and helps pickleball players perform better. And even though they aren’t perfect for everyone, they have some clear benefits over traditional or standard ones.
They Generate More Power
The elongated paddle shape or the long handle of the elongated pickleball paddle helps to generate more power. This is primarily due to its unique weight distribution. Also, an elongated pickleball paddle shape helps you put more force into your swings and hit more powerful shots.
In addition, an elongated shape has a tighter sweet spot, adding significant force to your shots, especially overhead smashes, given you find the sweet spot.
They Provide Better Reach
Another benefit of the elongated paddle is better reach. The long handle adds a critical few inches to your reach and helps to cover more of the court. This characteristic becomes a game changer for players with limited mobility as it reduces the need to move or jump around the court and puts less strain on your knees.
They Provide More Leverage
Elongated paddles are also preferred by many because they provide more leverage, helping to generate more speed and power with less effort. Like better reach, the added leverage brings significant benefits, especially for players with limited arm strength or those recovering from injury and are prone to fatigue.
They Are Similar to Other Sports Rackets
Lastly, the elongated paddle is perfect for players transitioning from other racket sports like tennis or badminton. Compared to the standard shape, this paddle shape makes it feel more natural and familiar and helps players easily settle into the game.
Why You Should Use Regular or Standard Pickleball Paddles
So, we have discussed the benefits of elongated pickleball paddles and why you should consider using them. However, it is not like the regular paddle shape is outdated and unfit for all. They have unique characteristics and benefits, and at times, they are just perfect.
They Are Lightweight
Regular pickleball paddles are relatively smaller, making them lighter than elongated paddles. Not to forget, lightweight significantly reduces the risk of injury and fatigue. Also, the lighter paddles allow players to move quickly across the court and add agility to their play.
They Are Easy to Handle
The lightweight and small size of regular paddles also makes them easy to handle and control, especially for senior players, those with limited arm strength, or players recovering from injury. The improved maneuverability makes a world of difference to the overall gameplay and helps to perform better on the court and put less strain on your arms and wrists.
They Have a Larger Sweet Point
Standard pickleball paddles are a combination of power, control and touch, and feature a hitting surface with a larger sweet spot. Although this design slightly reduces the power of the sweet spot, it provides more room for error on off-center hits. As a result, players are less likely to make errant shots, which is especially beneficial for those who are still honing their hitting accuracy.
They Are Low-Cost
As it is the standard shape, the regular pickleball paddles are relatively cheaper than elongated paddles, making them ideal for beginners or players who play the sport for recreation once in a while.
USAPA Pickleball Paddle Standards
While you go out on the search to find the perfect pickleball paddle, it is vital to remember the USAPA Equipment Standards Manual (2.E.3). According to them, the total length and width of the paddle shall not exceed 24 inches, the length cannot exceed 17 inches.
So, if you plan to play competitively or participate in tournaments, buy paddles with a combined length and width under 24 inches.
Also, these guidelines are why elongated paddles are slightly narrower, as they have to meet the combined length and width threshold.
How To Choose The Right Pickleball Paddle?
Having explored the differences, benefits, and paddle shapes, let’s discuss how to select the best paddle for you. Here, the most important thing to know is that there is no perfect pickleball paddle that complements all playstyles and players.
The perfect paddle is the one that feels comfortable on your hand and gives you the desired performance enhancements, be it increased power, added spin, or improved agility and maneuverability.
So, here, you have to set aside the marketing noise and think for yourself. Think about your playing style, familiarity with other racket sports, arm strength, and mobility. Further, don’t just buy the trendy options or the elongated pickleball paddle professionals prefer.
Instead, know the difference between pickleball paddles and select the one that serves your needs, style, and skill level the best.
Which Surface Material Is Perfect for Pickleball Paddle?
Besides the paddle shape, the material choice impacts your overall gameplay and performance. Pickleball paddles are available in many different surface materials, and knowing the differences between these options can make your experience more fun and less stressful.
Wood
The most common option is the wood. It is the original material and remains the cheapest option, perfect for beginners and kids. Even though they aren’t the most advanced option and are unfit for tournaments and competitive games, you can always rely on wooden paddles for a casual game with friends or family.
Graphite
A more advanced option, the graphite pickleball paddle has a polymer core, adding more power to it. Also, these paddles are typically lighter than wood, giving you more agility on the court and reducing strain on your body. Unlike wood, graphite pickleball paddles are fit for tournaments.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass paddles fall somewhere in between the wooden paddles and graphite paddles. They are neither as basic as wood nor as high-tech as graphite. And though their construction is similar to graphite, the use of fiberglass means they are less durable and slightly heavier.
That said, they do have one added benefit over the other options: increased spin. The rough surface of fiberglass paddles gets you maximum spin on the court, adding a whole new dimension to your game.
Carbon Fiber
Perhaps the most common and widely preferred material option is carbon fiber. These paddles are more responsive, lightweight, and pack a power punch.
Also, don’t mistake their lightness with compromised durability, as carbon fiber is inherently a strong material able to withstand the tests of time and rough play. And though it is the most expensive option, it is worth every penny.
Find a Trustworthy Pickleball Paddle Manufacturer
Looking for a reliable partner to customize your pickleball paddles? Fyful specializes in custom molding and manufacturing paddles tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re after specific shapes, prefer a variety of materials, or want some special designs, Fyful’s professional custom pickleball paddle services deliver high quality and precision.
Trust Fyful to bring your vision to life with our expertise in crafting high-performance pickleball paddles. Contact us today to start designing your perfect paddle!
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Conclusion
Ultimately, the best pickleball paddle shape is the one you find perfect. You can either use regular paddles or buy elongated paddles. All that matters is to know your needs and select the most fitting and best option for you.
In short, if you are new to racket sports and beginning the journey with pickleball, it is better to get a standard paddle for an authentic experience. However, here, you need to know the regular paddle gives you more agility as it is lighter, yet it has drawbacks in terms of reach, and you would have to put in more effort to generate power and spin.
Contrarily, elongated paddles are best for players who have previously played other racket sports like badminton, tennis, or squash. Also, these paddles get you better leverage, better reach, and improved spin potential.