You’re in the middle of an intense tiebreaker against your bitter rivals, and you feel that something is off with your pickleball paddle. You look down, and you can’t see anything wrong with it, but your instincts are telling you otherwise. There’s only one (more) problem; you don’t have another paddle in your bag! So what’s your next move? Ask your partner for their backup, or find a random player you know has a spare paddle you can borrow? Both are less-than-ideal options when you’re in the midst of a battle you and your partner have fought hard for!
Whether you feel something off or there’s significant damage to your paddle, having a second paddle in your bag is a "must" for any competitive player. Here’s a list of good reasons and recommendations on why you should always have at least two paddles in your bag.
Top 3 Recommendations for Your Backup Pickleball Paddle
- The same paddle is a sure bet!The best-case scenario is that your backup is the same make, model, and weight as your original paddle. This will ensure the smoothest transition if something goes wrong with your paddle.
- If not the same model, at least the same brand! If you don’t want to use the same paddle as your backup, we recommend at least keeping the brand consistent. With brand consistency, you have a good chance of the grip shape being the same as your original paddle. Grip shape is an underrated characteristic of a paddle that can drastically change the feel of the paddle.
- If your backup isn’t the same model or even the same brand as your original paddle, here are a few consistent characteristics you’ll want to consider to make the transition smooth:
- Grip shape and size
- Paddle thickness
- Paddle weight
- Paddle shape
- Hitting surface and core
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Overall, pickleball paddles are very durable and can last a long time, even when put through months and months of consistent play. But the age-old saying “it’s better to be safe than sorry,” holds true even when it comes to pickleball paddles. Having a secondary paddle in case of a paddle emergency can make the difference between the podium and the parking lot! If you need any further assistance choosing a paddle, we’re here to help. Do you have additional questions? Reach out to our Paddles Experts today. They are standing by and ready to help you find the right gear. Call them at 866-382-3465, email them at experts@justpaddles.com, or click here to live chat. Don't forget, we're JustPaddles, and we're with you from Click To Court.
FAQs
Whether you feel something off or there's significant damage to your paddle, having a second paddle in your bag is a "must" for any competitive player. Here's a list of good reasons and recommendations on why you should always have at least two paddles in your bag.
Is there really a difference in pickleball paddles? ›
The thickness of your paddle is a sliding scale of power and control. Thinner paddles offer more pop and power and are typically lighter than their thicker counterparts, which helps with paddle agility.
When should you upgrade your pickleball paddle? ›
Here are a few key signs that it's time to replace your pickleball paddle:
- Your pickleball paddle's bumper guard/edge guard is coming loose.
- You can hear something move inside your paddle when you shake it. ...
- You have indentions or cracks on the face of your paddle.
- Your paddle handle is loose.
- Your paddle is delaminated.
Expensive pickleball paddles can be a great way to improve your game! With a higher quality paddle, you can expect improved control, spin, and power. Plus, you'll be able to hit the ball with much greater accuracy. So if you're serious about your pickleball game, investing in an expensive paddle is definitely worth it!
How do you know when your pickleball paddle needs to be replaced? ›
Signs you need a new pickleball paddle
- Loss of pop or power in your shots.
- Visible dents, cracks, or chips on the face or around the edges.
- Your handle is weakened where it joins with the face.
- An obvious warp across your paddle face.
- You have zero spin on shots that you typically have spin on.
- Something is rattling inside.
KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PICKLEBALL PADDLE
- Paddle shape.
- Core material.
- Face material.
- Length of the handle.
- Paddle weight.
- Grip that fits your hand size. Play style.
Double/Carry Hits : A ball hit during one continuous single direction stroke is legal, even though the ball may be unintentionally hit twice or "carried". Switching Hands : Paddle may be switched from hand to hand at any time. Two-handed shots are also legal.
How many games does a pickleball paddle last? ›
Well, the answer has so many variables. Pickleball paddles nowadays should last you between 1 and 3 years, depending on your game style, how often you play, and how you take care of your paddle between court times.
Is there a lot of money in pickleball? ›
As of Jun 8, 2024, the average annual pay for a Pickleball Pro in the United States is $112,707 a year.
How can I improve my pickleball paddle? ›
Adding weight on the pickleball paddle's sides increases stability, widens the sweet spot, and reduces mish*ts and the vibration you feel when you do mish*t. Placing lead tape to the sides improves sweet spot more and has less effect on hand speed, compared to when placing weight at the top of your paddle.
Wood pickleball paddles are the budget-friendly paddles, and they're also the original paddles used to play the sport of pickleball. However, as the sport has developed and grown, so have paddle technology and players' preferences.
How many pedals do you need for pickleball? ›
So it may take some time to convince friends and family to give it a try. This means you may need to prepare a spatula. For single games you need 2 paddles and for double games you need 4 paddles. Discussing how many pickleball racquets you need may seem like an easy topic to discuss.
Can a player use two paddles in pickleball? ›
You may switch your pickleball paddle between hands at any time on the pickleball court (Rule 11.B). You may hit the pickleball with two-hands on your paddle (Rule 11. C). You may only use one pickleball paddle while playing pickleball (Rule 11.
Do you play pickleball with 2 or 4? ›
Like many racket sports, pickleball is for two to four players. One person serves the ball; then it's hit back and forth across the net to earn points.
