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Wood Vs. Fiberglass
Pickleball Paddles: Pro Choice In 2024
If you are new to pickleball and have a limited budget, a paddle from wood is a great choice for you. Choose berglass if you've been in the game for a while, have loads of experience, and can pay for it.
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Sid Edmondson July 17, 2024 9 Mins
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Pickleball is winning the hearts of millions worldwide and growing in popularity. Central to
In This Article
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About Wood Pickleball Paddles
About Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles
Table Of Comparison
Key Di erences Between Wood & Fiberglass
Surface
Which Surface Material Is Better?
Wood vs. Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles: What Should I Choose?
Final Though
mastering this game is selecting the right equipment, with the paddle being the most crucial piece. Choosing between Wood vs. Fiberglass pickleball paddles is usually a challenging decision. So let’s explore ve di erent aspects between them.
Each material has bene ts and drawbacks of its own. For instance, a wooden paddle o ers superior control and precision because of its larger weight. Meanwhile, a berglass paddle is lighter, more exible, and enables easier spin steps. As a result, we must know their structure and function to determine what we are suitable for this paddle.
Key Takeaways
For frequent play, berglass is more durable.
Wood is heavier, o ering better control but causing fatigue during long games.
Fiberglass is more powerful and spin-e cient, lighter, and more exible.
Wood is budget-friendly (great for beginners). Fiberglass comes at an extra cost.
The best way to choose is to test paddles from both categories and select the one that feels most comfortable and e ective.
About Wood Pickleball Paddles
Pickleball paddles made primarily of wood are usually layered or stacked for extra durability. This type of paddle is weighed down, providing good control and a solid feel
on the ball, which is ideal for precision shots.
Beginners and recreational players like them because they are a ordable and, with the right care, very durable. Wood paddles provide a traditional feel. But they lack the enhanced performance elements of modern paddles.
About Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles
Because of their berglass surfaces and composite aggregate construction, they provide greater power and spin with a smoother, more stable playing surface. These are built to be long-lasting.
So, mid-level to high-level players usually like berglass pickleball paddles better because they help in contests and improve their game.
Table Of Comparison
Now, let’s take a look at the table below to compare speci c distinctions between the two types
of paddle materials.
Key Note Wood Pickleball Paddles
Materials
Solid wood (maple, plywood)
Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles
Fiberglass face with composite or polymer core
Weight Heavier (7.5 – 9.5 ounces) Lighter (6.7 – 8.4 ounces)
Control High
Grip circumference Typically 4 – 4.5 inches
Touch and feel on the ball
Durability
Moderate to high
Typically 4 – 4.5 inches (more ergonomic options)
Excellent (traditional, solid feel) Very good (consistent, less vibration)
Price Lower (around $10 – $50) Higher (around $40 – $150)
Users
Users Beginners, recreational players
Intermediate to advanced players, competitive players
Comparison table: Wood Vs. Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles
Key Di erences Between Wood & Fiberglass Surface
#1. Durability
Fiberglass pickleball paddles tend to be more durable than wooden paddles. An article on Uni Composite pointed out that berglass is stronger than wood because wood is natural. That is why it can be a ected by humidity as well as other factors that are in the environment.
However, the paddles made of berglass need less maintenance and are damage-resistant compared to the wooden ones. But if proper care is taken about wooden rackets, then they are very long-lasting. I even have this wooden racket that I purchased a couple of years ago and it is still going strong.
#2. Weight
A wooden pickleball paddle will be a bit heavier than a berglass paddle. Based on the data published by many pickleball paddles brand, a wooden paddle tends to be heavier (7.5 – 9.5 ounces). It provides stability but potentially causes fatigue during prolonged play. While a berglass paddle is lighter (6.7 – 8.4 ounces), it o ers greater agility and reduces arm strain.
#3. Performance
Power & Speed
A pickleball paddle made from wood will provide the player with greater speed and force than a berglass one. In physics, momentum is mass times velocity. So, a paddle with more mass can transfer more momentum to the ball during a swing, resulting in a faster and more powerful shot.
On the other hand, the lightweight berglass paddle enhances the player’s movement and is more nimble compared to the other types. The advanced materials also enhance the paddle’s
responsiveness.
Control and accuracy
Wooden paddles o er superior control and precision over berglass due to their substantial weight and durable design. Because of their hardwood construction, they are heavier than berglass surfaces and provide both enhanced and steadier shots.
A berglass paddle is lighter and requires less force to hold. This provides greater exibility when controlling the body’s paddle. In comparison to wood, lightweight design may impair control. But it still o ers dependable accuracy, ideal for advanced players.
Spin control ability
The berglass paddle will be more spin-controlling than the wooden type. The construction of wood provides an excellent touch and feel. But wooden material paddles typically have less rotation due to their smoother surface and larger weight. It is more challenging to make successful spin shots.
The sophisticated materials and rough surface of berglass paddles lead to great spin management. With the reduced weight and improved shape, spin shots are easier to execute and more successful.
Handle design and comfort.
With a berglass paddle, you can hold it much better than with a wooden one. Handle designs for wooden paddles are traditional and basic. They do not have the ergonomic qualities of contemporary paddles. Meanwhile, ergonomic grip designs are common on berglass paddles to reduce stress on the hands and enhance comfort. They include various grip sizes and textures to
accommodate player preferences and be comfortable for prolonged play.
#4. Cost
After researching costs on online retailers, I realized that a berglass paddle would cost around 3.5 times as much as a wooden paddle. Since wood paddles usually cost between $10 and $50, beginners or non-professionals can a ord them. Fiberglass paddles get more costly, about $40 to $150 or further, for better materials and performance characteristics.
#5. Sound
Wooden paddles will produce a more powerful sound than berglass paddles. Upon making contact with the ball, wood paddles create a traditional, resonant, and enlarged sound. Due to their composite design, berglass paddles o er a softer sound. So, they’re more suitable for indoor play in noisy environments. When I chatted with some veteran players, most of them preferred the ‘pop’ sound while hitting the ball with a wooden paddle.
Which Surface Material Is Better?
Fiberglass material
Disadvantages
Generally more expensive than wood paddles due to advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Players who love the “pop” of wooden paddles may nd the quieter sound less appealing.
Wood material
Disadvantages
Heavier weight can lead to fatigue during prolonged play sessions and may limit maneuverability. Less e ective in generating power and spin compared to berglass and other modern paddle materials. Requires periodic sealing and care to maintain performance and durability.
Advantages
The lightweight allows for faster swing speeds and more powerful shots. The textured surface of berglass enhances spin capabilities. Resistant to wear and tear and can withstand intense play sessions.
Advantages
Heavier weight and solid construction provide excellent control. Can be quite durable with proper maintenance. More budget-friendly compared to berglass and other composite paddles.
A berglass paddle is lighter
Wood vs. Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles:
What Should I Choose?
If you are new to pickleball and have a limited budget, a paddle from wood is a great choice for you.
Choose berglass if you’ve been in the game for a while, have loads of experience, and can pay for it.
However, player preferences for pickleball paddle materials extend beyond berglass and wood. More options are available for paddle materials, including plastic, hybrid, and graphite paddles.
I am a great pickleball fan and have been playing it for many years. Previously, I had learned to play pickleball and had chosen a wooden racquet. After rst year, gaining greater skills, I decided to move to berglass paddles. It’s lighter and allows me greater shooting liberty. Despite the higher cost, I’m glad I switched to this berglass material. My friends have even complimented me on improving my play in recent games.
4.0 Pickleball Player – Co-Founder of Paddle Pickler
Final Though
The decision between berglass and wood paddles comes down to personal preferences for playing style, price range, and performance level. But after reading the last post, it makes sense that you’ve decided whether a wooden or berglass pickleball paddle is better for you.
You may select the gear that best suits your pickleball experience and ensures the greatest performance on the court by being aware of two types of paddles.
Fermin Mize
Sid Edmondson
I am a player of both tennis and pickleball, having reached a 5.0 player skill rating in just two years. I love playing pickleball with friends, tting in 8-10 games each week.
My passion for the sport goes beyond just playing; I'm deeply interested in pickleball paddles. Every week, my friends and I gather to test di erent paddles, always on the lookout for the best equipment to improve our game.
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