Paddles & Gear

So you are ready to get started! Here is some essential gear for pickleball beginners:

  1. Pickleball Paddle: Choose a paddle that’s lightweight (7.3–8 oz) and has a thicker core (14–16 mm) for better control and forgiveness.

  2. Pickleballs: There are indoor and outdoor balls—outdoor balls are harder with smaller holes and better suited for windy conditions. Beginners can start with either, depending on where they’ll play.

  3. Court Shoes: Wear court shoes or tennis shoes that provide lateral support and grip. Running shoes aren’t recommended as they lack side-to-side stability.

  4. Comfortable Clothing: Athletic wear like shorts, a T-shirt or tank top, and a hat or visor if playing outdoors.

  5. Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially for outdoor play!

Optional beginner gear includes:

  • Paddle grip tape for comfort and sweat absorption

  • A pickleball bag to carry everything

  • Eye protection if you're playing in fast-paced games or tournaments

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Pickleball Paddles Canada offers a wide selection of paddles, gear, apparel, and accessories, along with expert reviews, and local store options.

How to choose Pickleball Paddle? Which paddle is right for me?

Let us help you find the right pickleball paddle by guiding you through the key features that match your playing style.

Start by asking yourself whether you favour a soft, controlled game or big-hitting power? Based on your answer we break down the most important paddle attributes below.

Shape

Standard vs. Elongated

  • Standard body has a larger Sweet Spot, it’s more forgiving and best suited for Beginner and Intermediate players. 16” and smaller

  • Elongated allows for maximum reach and power, but it has a smaller sweet spot. Best suited for Advanced players. 16.5” plus

Surface Grit

  • Raw Texture (Carbon Fibre) allows for maximum Spin, long lasting durability but is usually more costly. Good choice for Intermediate/Advanced players.

  • Etched or Sandblasted allows moderate spin control but good longevity. Recommended for Intermediate.

  • Applied Grit allows good spin when new, but wears out faster, more affordable. Best for Beginner/Intermediate

Core Thickness

  • Very thin (<13mm) - Most Power, lowest control. Recommended for Advanced players

  • Standard (13-14.5mm) - More pop, faster rebound, smaller sweet spot. Intermediate to Advanced

  • Thick (14.6mm-16mm) - More control, larger sweet spot, absorbs pace. Beginners to Intermediate

Face Material

  • Raw Carbon Fibre has high spin, consistent control, is very durable. Great for Advanced and Intermediate.

  • Fibreglass has easy power, less spin and reasonable durability. Ideal for Beginners.

  • Hybrid, has blends of above, has a good balance between power and control. Popular with Intermediate and Beginners.

Handle Length

  • Short (5” or less) means bigger hitting surface, easy swing, good control. Beginner

  • Standard (5.1”-5.4”) blend of swing ease, control and power. Beginner/Intermediate

  • Long (5.5” +) best for 2 hand backhands, more whip, more power. Advanced

Paddle Weight

  • Beginner/intermediate– Choose light (below 7.3 oz) for quick hands, less fatigue, good control.

  • Intermediate/Advanced – Medium (7.4-8.3oz) provides good balance between power and control.

  • Advanced – Heavy (8.4oz +) for maximum power, more fatigue, good for training.

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