Home › Paddle Guide
ONE-STOP PADDLE GUIDE

The Complete Pickleball
Paddle Buying Guide

Carbon vs fiberglass. Weight, grip, core type — all explained clearly. Everything Cambodia players need to choose the right paddle without wasting money.

Quick Answer for Most Beginners

New to pickleball? Start with a mid-weight fiberglass paddle ($30–60). Forgiving face, good feel, and won’t punish bad shots. Upgrade to carbon fiber when you know your game style. Read the full guide below for why.

FACE MATERIAL

Carbon Fiber vs Fiberglass

FIBERGLASS (Composite)

Softer face = more “pop” and power. Larger sweet spot. More forgiving for off-centre hits. Great for beginners and players who rely on power rather than precision. Typically $30–80.

✓ Best for beginners
✓ Larger sweet spot
✓ More power
✓ Lower price point
✗ Less spin control
✗ Less touch & feel

CARBON FIBER (Raw / T700)

Stiffer face = more spin, better control, precise dinking. Smaller sweet spot punishes mishits. Preferred by intermediate and advanced players. Typically $80–200+.

✓ More spin potential
✓ Better touch & feel
✓ Precision control
✗ Smaller sweet spot
✗ Less forgiving
✗ Higher cost

PADDLE WEIGHT

Weight Guide — What to Choose

LIGHTWEIGHT
Under 7.3oz

Easier on the arm. More control and quick reactions. Less power. Good for: players with arm issues, control-focused players, smaller builds.

MID-WEIGHT ⭐ RECOMMENDED
7.3 – 8.4oz

Best balance of power and control. Suits most players at most levels. Start here if unsure. Most beginner and intermediate paddles fall in this range.

HEAVYWEIGHT
Over 8.4oz

Maximum power. Can strain wrist and elbow over time. Good for: baseline players, those with a tennis background, power hitters. Not recommended for beginners.

GRIP SIZE

How to Choose Your Grip Size

Grip circumference affects wrist snap (spin) and arm stress. Most pickleball grips come in three sizes: 4″ (small), 4⅛” (medium), 4¼” (large).

4″ — SMALL

More wrist action = more spin. Smaller hands. Women’s average. Easy to add an overgrip to increase size.

4⅛” — MEDIUM ⭐

Most popular size. Works for most adult players. Best starting point if you’ve never held a pickleball paddle before.

4¼” — LARGE

Less wrist snap = more stability and power. Larger hands. Men’s average. Reduces arm fatigue for longer sessions.

CORE TYPES

Paddle Core Types Explained

The core (inside the paddle) determines feel, sound, and power. Almost all modern paddles use polymer honeycomb — but density varies significantly.

Polymer Honeycomb
MOST COMMON — RECOMMENDED

Quiet, soft feel, good power. Used in 90%+ of modern paddles. Best all-round option. What you want unless you have a specific reason not to.

Nomex Honeycomb
HARDER · LOUDER · LEGACY

Older technology. Very hard core, loud pop. More power but less control. Found in budget and older paddles. Avoid if court noise is a concern.

Aluminum Honeycomb
RARE · BUDGET RANGE

Entry-level budget paddles. Soft feel, less responsive. Fine for your first paddle but most players upgrade quickly. Heavy for what it delivers.

BUDGET GUIDE

How Much Should You Spend?

UNDER $40
First Timer

Good enough to learn. Fiberglass composite. Expect to upgrade within 3–6 months. Fine if renting feels too expensive.

$40 – $80 ⭐
Best for Most

Good fiberglass or entry carbon. Solid construction. Will last 1–2 years of regular play. Where 80% of casual players should be.

$80 – $150
Intermediate

Carbon fiber face. T700 raw carbon. Selkirk, JOOLA, Engage range. Worth it once you know you’ll play regularly (2+ times/week).

$150+
Advanced

Tour-level paddles. Selkirk Power Air, JOOLA Hyperion. For competitive play. Don’t spend here until you play 3+ times per week.

See Our Top Paddle Picks for Cambodia Players

Tested recommendations with honest ratings — beginner, intermediate, and advanced.