Do You Really Need a High-End Paddle to Compete?
One of the most common questions we get asked at The Pickleball Store is:
“Do I need an expensive paddle to compete?”
The short answer? No, but it can certainly help.
There are clear benefits to playing with top tier paddles like the latest JOOLA Gen (IV)4 or the Selkirk Labs Projects as these paddles can help you take your game to the next level, but the reality is you don’t need to spend £250 to start competing. What you do need however is a paddle that meets tournament requirements and suits your style of play.
Is Your Paddle Legal? Here's How to Check.
Before anything else, it’s important to know that if you’re entering a tournament, your paddle needs to be approved by either USA Pickleball (USAP) or the United Pickleball Association (UPA-A), depending on which body sanctions the event. The likelihood here is most tournaments will need USA Pickleball Association Approved or USAPA stamp or if you're a pro player and you're looking to compete in PPA or MLP tournaments across the globe which now includes places like Australia as well you'll need a UPA approved paddle.
These governing bodies have strict testing processes to ensure fairness, quality, and consistency across paddle brands. If your paddle has a USAP or UPA-A stamp on the face or just above then handle, you’re good to go.
If you're not sure about the difference between USAP and UPA, we broke it down in detail in our last article, well worth a read.
Tip: If your paddle has the USAP stamp, you're likely good to go for 90% of non professional play.
Performance on a Budget
Now, let's talk about price. You don’t need to splash out on a £230 paddle to play competitively. There are fantastic paddles in the £80–£150 range that perform exceptionally well. Some of our favourites include:
These paddles are tournament legal and offer great balance and value, perfect for newer competitors or those upgrading from entry level club gear.
Why Paddle Surface Matters
While you can compete with a fiberglass or graphite faced paddle, and many are USAP approved. These materials often fall short when matched against the power and spin potential of carbon fibre.
If you’re serious about stepping up your game, we recommend looking for a paddle made with raw T700 Toray carbon fibre. This surface provides an ideal mix of control, spin, and power, letting you develop your game while keeping up with today’s more aggressive paddle tech.
From there, you can tailor your paddle to suit your playstyle:
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Need more pop and better ground strokes/putaway power? Go with a power optimised paddle. (You’ll hear the word thermoforming a lot here)
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Prefer control and finesse with a focus on dinking and resets? Look for a softer paddle often a thicker paddle with expanded sweetspots.
Tip: Most control based paddles start at around 16mm in thickness. As a rule of thumb, the thicker a paddle the more touch and control it provides as the paddle takes more sting out of the ball.
Shape & Style: Know Your Game
Your paddle should match your style of play. Here's a quick guide:
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Doubles Specialist? Look for paddles that offer touch, control, and responsiveness at the kitchen line. Paddles like the Bantam ESQ-C by Paddletek, SweetSpot Max by Proxr and Scorpeus by JOOLA excel in this department.
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Singles Only? A hybrid shape that cuts through the air and delivers fast, powerful swings is your best friend. I find these feel more like a tennis racket due to the position of the sweetspot. Look for a paddle with a curved tip, like the Hyperion Shape from JOOLA.
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All Rounder? Consider a Elongated Paddle like the Magnus or Perseus from JOOLA, these are versatile enough to adapt to every aspect of the game. There's a reason Ben Johns world no1 uses this style.
Tip: If you’re a doubles specialist a 16 x 8 inch shape may be a better option for you, they may look more pan like however what they lack in appearance they make up for in forgiveness and defensive prowess
Final Thoughts
In the end, it’s not about how much your paddle costs, it’s about finding the one that meets tournament rules, fits your game, and feels right in your hand. A well matched paddle, even at mid range price points, can absolutely take you deep into competition and last you a long time.
If you're still unsure where to start, pop into The Pickleball Store or drop us a message, we’re always happy to help you find the right fit.
