As pickleball continues to surge in popularity, players of all skill levels are discovering the importance of selecting the right equipment. The right paddle, pickleball, footwear, and eyewear can significantly influence your gameplay, creating a more enjoyable and successful experience on the court. To help you in making an informed choice, let’s delve into the ‘C’ factors: comfort, construction, and complementarity.
1. Comfort
Comfort is paramount when choosing any piece of equipment, especially for pickleball paddles and footwear. When a paddle feels good in your hand, or shoes feel good on your feet, you’re more likely to play confidently and effectively.
Paddle Grip Size – Look for paddles that feature a comfortable grip—the right grip size can make a significant difference in how well you play. If the grip is too small or too large, it can lead to discomfort or even injury during extended play.
Paddle Weight – Pay attention to your own endurance and play style when selecting weight. Lightweight pickleball paddles help generate paddle speed, which can help with fast reflexes at the Non-Volley Zone. However, lightweight paddles generally do not generate as much power. On the flip side, heavyweight pickleball paddles can slow down your hands and reflexes due to the additional weight, but the heavier pickleball paddles generate much more power. With that said, heavier pickleball paddles are not for everyone and can even lead to injuries, as heavier pickleball paddles may put unnecessary stress on your elbow. If you have concern about elbow pain—in other words, “pickleball elbow” or tennis elbow—just like the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, consider using a pickleball paddle that is “just right” – which would be a midweight pickleball paddle (between 7.3 and 8.3 ounces).
Pickleball Shoes – In terms of footwear, your shoes are your allies on the court. A comfortable pair of shoes can enhance your agility, support your movements, and help prevent fatigue. Consider investing in shoes specifically designed for court sports. These often provide better traction, stability, and cushioning compared to regular sneakers. When trying on shoes, ensure that they fit securely without pinching and that there’s enough room in the toe box for comfortable movement.
Eyewear Size – When looking for protective eyewear, it is important that the eyewear fit properly. If the eyewear is too tight, you may experience discomfort and even headaches. If the eyewear is too loose, the eyewear may frequently slip down your face, especially when looking down to strike the pickleball. It is also important to consider the weight of the protective eyewear, as the eyewear will likely be more comfortable if the eyewear is light (as opposed to heavy in weight).
Price – Knowing and committing to your price range is an important factor when selecting any piece of pickleball equipment. When shopping for shoes, paddles, balls, eyewear, bags, etc., know your budget and stick to it. You don’t want to have buyer’s remorse over spending outside a dollar amount you are comfortable with.
2. Construction
The construction of your equipment directly impacts your performance.
Paddle Material – When selecting a paddle, you’ll want to consider materials and weight distribution. The most common pickleball paddle materials include:
- Wood – Wood pickleball paddles are generally the cheapest, and they are also very durable. However, wood pickleball paddles are also very heavy and have the least technology to elevate a pickleball player’s game on the court. If you are going to play pickleball more than a couple times, consider avoiding wood pickleball paddles.
- Graphite – Graphite pickleball paddles are generally the most expensive, and they also generate a lot of power because graphite pickleball paddles are very stiff and very light.
- Composite – Composite pickleball paddles are the “middle ground” between wood and graphite pickleball paddles. Composite pickleball paddles come in all shapes, sizes, weights, and prices, and are often favored because of the ability to add a texture to the surface of the pickleball paddle.
Pickleball Construction – While most pickleball balls are made of plastic, they can vary in terms of hardness and bounce. Opt for balls that are designed for the type of environment in which you’ll be playing—indoor or outdoor. Indoor balls are generally softer and have fewer holes, resulting in a lower bounce and more controlled play. Outdoor balls, built to withstand harsher elements, are typically harder with a higher bounce.
Shoe Durability – Generally speaking, pickleball shoes or court shoes last for about 60 hours of play before they break down. As a result, if you play pickleball about once per week, for two hours at a time, then you will need to buy a pair of pickleball shoes about twice per year. If you play more frequently, maybe every day, or you are extremely hard on your shoes, then you will need to buy a pair of pickleball shoes more often. Finding the best pair of pickleball shoes or court shoes takes a little bit of trial-and-error, as everyone has a unique set of feet and everyone values the five factors above a little differently.
Eyewear Performance – Protective eyewear with the following features will be better on the pickleball court:
- Anti-fogging, so that the lenses stay clear for best visibility;
- Reflective (anti-glare) or special lenses for better visibility;
- UV resistance for better visibility;
- Impact resistant, so that the lenses do not shatter; and
- If you need corrective lenses, then the ability to incorporate your prescription in the lenses.
3. Complementarity with Your Playing Style
Finally, understanding how your equipment complements your individual playing style is essential. Whether you’re a power player who smashes the ball or a finesse player who focuses on drop shots and placement, your choice of equipment should align with your strengths. If you prefer a strategic game with a focus on placement, consider a paddle that offers you control and maneuverability. If you’re more aggressive, a paddle that provides power and speed may be more suitable.
Additionally, ensure that your footwear supports your playing style. Players who rely on quick lateral movements should focus on shoes that provide superior ankle support and traction.
By assessing these ‘C’ factors—comfort, construction, and complementarity—you can confidently choose equipment that enhances your performance on the pickleball court. Take the time to explore different options, and remember that what works best for one player may not work for another.
