Your Go-To Guide for Pickleball Paddle Weight
By Lloyd Attrill of The Pickleball Store
We’ve been around a while now in the world of UK Pickleball. We’ve attended countless events, talked to thousands of players, and seen a lot of paddles in our time. What we’ve found is that, among price, colour, and shape, one of the most common (yet often under-appreciated) factors people consider when choosing a paddle is weight. The problem is, most players don’t fully understand what paddle weight actually means or how much it can impact their game.
What about the weight?
Choosing the right paddle isn’t just about performance. Weight can seriously impact your comfort, your control, and more importantly, your body. I know this all too well. Last year, I developed tendinitis in my forearm and wrist, and it made playing almost impossible due to the weight of my paddle. I now have to play with my non-dominant hand just to stay on court, something of a UK Jack Munro only 3.0 and not 6,0. If you’ve ever dealt with tennis elbow, wrist pain, or shoulder issues, understanding paddle weight and how that weight is distributed matters more than you might think.
So here’s a practical breakdown to help you choose the right paddle weight for your play style and your physical needs.
Understanding Paddle Weight: It’s Not Just One Thing
When we talk about paddle weight, we’re really talking about three types of weight, and each one plays a different role:
1. Static Weight
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This is the paddle’s weight out of the box, what you’ll see listed on a website.
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It gives a general sense of heaviness, but doesn’t tell the full story.
2. Twist weight
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Twist weight is about how much the paddle twists in your hand when the ball makes contact.
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Lower twistweight = less stability. You’ll usually find this in hybrid shapes or lighter paddles.
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Higher twistweight = more solid, stable feel on off-centre hits.
3. Swing Weight
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This one’s the big one.
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Swing weight is how heavy the paddle feels when you swing it through the air.
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A paddle might be light in static weight but still feel “slow” if the swing weight is high.
If you’re new to pickleball, it can be confusing to figure out what counts as a light or heavy paddle and how to choose between all the options out there. So, I’m going to break it down for you, so next time you pick up a paddle, you’ll know exactly what’s light, what’s heavy, and what’s somewhere in between.
Paddle Weight at a Glance
Practical Tip - Stay Balanced
If you’re new to pickleball or unsure where to begin, I always recommend starting with a midweight paddle. Midweights offer a great balance of control and power, and they often come with a higher twist weight — meaning they’re more stable and twist less in your hand. That stability is especially helpful for new players still developing their technique and wanting a more forgiving paddle as it means less grip changes.
From there, as your game improves, you can experiment with different paddle weights to find what suits you best. You can even customise weight and balance by adding lead or tungsten tape if you want to tweak your paddle’s feel. If you’re dealing with any injuries, consider a lightweight paddle with a thicker core to reduce fatigue and protect your arm during play.
Bottom Line
Let’s be honest, the best pickleball paddle weight is the one that feels comfortable, controllable, and confident in your hand without causing pain or strain. Let your play style, physical condition, and how the paddle feels on court guide your choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the paddle that’s right for you. And if you ever have questions — just ask! We as a store exist to help players like you find the perfect fit. Head over to thepickleballstore.co.uk to find yours.
