My Personal Experience Choosing A New Paddle


Those of you who are regular readers and consumers of this blog know that I had been using the Joola Mod TA-15 paddle and that I really liked it.

However, as you also know, that paddle was recently banned by pickleball's governing body, USA Pickleball.

Yes, the paddle can be used but not in sanctioned tournaments after July 1, 2025.

Since I want to play in tournaments, I have been looking for a new paddle.

Have you ever had a dream item that you thought one day you would purchase for yourself, but when that day came and you could actually purchase it, you found you didn't like it?

From the time I was a teenager and all the way into my 40's, I had always had a specific luxury sports car as my dream car. 

For most of those years, it was just a dream, because I couldn't afford it.

Then, as my career progressed, I reached a point in my 40's where I could afford it.

So, I went to test drive it with the full intention of purchasing it.

But, to my surprise, I didn't like it!

So, I ended up having a more open mind and eventually purchased a different vehicle which I loved.

I mention that story because a similar thing happened to me recently when looking for a new paddle.

You know, one of the best ways to decide which paddle you want is to "test drive" it much like a car.

One such place that allows you to do so is Pickleball Central.

So, I researched available paddles I thought I might like.

Then, I ordered six new paddles.

But, one of them was my favorite before ever holding it or playing with it, just from the research I had done.

Finally, the paddles arrived!

Yeah!

You can tell a lot about paddles just by holding them, gripping them, and swinging them.

I ruled out two of them without ever playing with them.

One was too light for me.

The other had a grip circumference that was way too small for me. I have a relatively large hand. I didn't order any paddles that were listed as a Small grip. However, that particular paddle's grip was not going to work for me.

I took two of the other four with me to my next court reservation.

I first chose to play with the paddle I considered from my research to be my favorite.

But, much like the car years ago, I didn't like the favorite.

It just didn't fit me nor feel right to me.

I didn't even complete one game with the "favorite" paddle.

I knew it wasn't for me.

I then played with the other one I had brought with me.

It was very nice. In fact, even though it was a different brand, it was very much like the Joola I had been using.

Over the past week, I tried one of the remaining two paddles.

I didn't like it either.

So, I liked the one paddle so much that I never even tried the last one I had purchased.

I had found my replacement!

The great thing about Pickleball Central is that I can send the five remaining paddles back and receive a refund.  

This just goes to show that you cannot know strictly from online research alone which paddle will be best for you.

You have to hold it, grip it, and play with it.

These were the features that were important to me:

   1.  The grip circumference.

   2.  The overall weight of the paddle.

   3.  The material - carbon fiber, titanium, etc.

   4.  How it felt when swinging it.

   5.  How it felt when hitting the pickleball.

   6.  How easy it was to control the ball - spin, power, etc.

That was my recent, personal experience with choosing a new paddle.

If you are using an older paddle, you should strongly consider updating to a new one, especially if you haven't updated in the past year.

The newer materials and surface finishes are just better.

Also, using a paddle that fits you well makes a world of difference in your game.

I want to be clear that I don't have any financial relationship with Pickleball Central, but their try-it-and-return-it policy on new paddles is extremely helpful when choosing a new paddle.

I am including a link to an article here which is a good guide to choosing a new paddle. 

https://www.pickleballportal.com/gear/paddles/pickleball-paddles-the-complete-buyers-guide/

It can help you narrow down the list of paddles you think might work for you.

Then, Pickleball Central will let you "test drive" them. 

Good luck!



Ben Holt

​CEO, Pickleball Living