Your Paddle Explained!
Why Weight Matters (Does weight matter?):
The weight distribution of your paddle is crucial for optimal performance. While total weight matters, where that weight is placed is even more important. Adding perimeter weights redistributes weight to the paddle's edges, enhancing your paddle's Balance Point, Sweet Spot size, Swing Weight (power), and Twist Weight (control). To see how different weight configurations affect these features, check out our "Customizer" tool.
Once you've found the perfect configuration for your playing style using our Customizer, reach out to us. We'll custom-build your ideal paddle, tailored to your specifications, helping you elevate your pickleball game to the next level!
Paddle Performance Basics
Get to know the features that make your paddle truly yours. Click on each element to explore how weight distribution, sweet spot, and other key features work together to enhance your game performance.
Swing Weight Explained
Swing weight, more significant than static weight, affects both swing speed and power in pickleball paddles.
Think of a hammer: held by the handle, it's slower but more powerful; held by the head, it's faster but less powerful. Similarly with paddles:
• Adding weight anywhere slows swing speed but increases power
• Weight added to the top: greatly slows speed, significantly increases power
• Weight added near the handle: moderately affects both speed and power
Players typically add 10-12 grams near the handle and throat (where handle meets paddle face) for an optimal balance of speed and power.
Adding perimeter weight increases power, allowing players to customize their paddles for their playing style.
Twist Weight Explained
Twist weight is a crucial measurement in paddle performance. It indicates how much a paddle resists twisting in a player's hand during off-center hits.
What Affects Twist Weight?• Adding perimeter weight increases twist weight
• Paddles with more perimeter weight have higher twist weight than lighter paddles with little or no perimeter weighting
Benefits of Higher Twist Weight• Stronger balance
• Greater resistance to off-center hits
• Reduced likelihood of pop-ups and poor shots
• Increased control, especially important for:
• Blocks
• Dinks (soft, arcing shots that just clear the net)
• Drives
Importance in Advanced PlayAs your game improves and becomes faster, greater control at the net becomes increasingly crucial. Higher twist weight translates to increased control and fewer errors, making it a valuable characteristic for advancing players.
Higher twist weight = Increased control and decreased errors in pickleball.
Sweet Spot Explained
The sweet spot is the most responsive and powerful area on a paddle's face. Its size and location are determined by the paddle's weight distribution and balance point.
Sweet Spot in Static Weight• PaddlesA paddle with static weight has a pre-determined balance point
• The sweet spot is usually just above the center of the balance point
• Both location and size of the sweet spot are fixed
Effects of Adding Perimeter WeightAdding perimeter weight changes the balance point and weight distribution, which in turn affects the sweet spot:
1. Weight added near the throat (where handle meets paddle face):
• Sweet spot expands downward and outward
2. Weight added near the head of the paddle:
• Sweet spot expands upward and outward
Regardless of where weight is added, a larger sweet spot is beneficial for players. It increases the effective hitting area, potentially improving overall performance.
