Lightweight Vs. Midweight Pickleball Paddle | Paddle Pickler by Sid Edmondson

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Lightweight Vs. Midweight Pickleball Paddle: Which’s Better?

While the light paddles are well-liked because of their controllability and exibility, the heavyweight paddles will stand out for their strength and stability. The midweight balances the speed, control, and power of the paddle. Making intelligent choices will improve your pickleball experience.

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Sid Edmondson July 17, 2024 10 Mins

In This Article

[ hide ] Overview

Table Of Comparison

Key Dierences Between Lightweight and Midweight

#1. Durability

#2. Weight

#3. Performance

#4. Cost

#5. Sound

Which Pickleball Paddle

Weight Is Better?

Which Paddle Weight Should I Choose?

Choose a lightweight paddle if

Choose a midweight paddle if

Pickleball is a more common sport, attracting all ages and levels. However, selecting the right weight for your pickleball paddle may make you need clarication. Especially when choosing between lightweight and midweight pickleball paddles.

Pickleball paddles weight can be divided into three main groups according to weight: lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. However, in this piece, we are just analyzing between light-weight and mid-weight. If you are aware of these dierences, you can make better decisions and increase performance.

Key Takeaways

A midweight paddle is generally more durable than a light paddle.

Lightweight paddles excel in quick reactions and control, while midweight paddles balance power and durability.

Lightweight paddles are typically more expensive due to advanced materials.

Choose a lightweight pickleball paddle if you value your ability to move quickly, agilely, and easily around the court.

Choose a middleweight paddle for a balanced power, control, and maneuverability combination.

Overview

Lightweight Paddle

The average weight of a lightweight pickleball paddle is 6.0 – 7.3 ounces. They are favored for their exibility and quick reaction speeds.

Though

Made from materials like graphite and composite, these paddles provide excellent control and a softer touch on the ball.

When I rst tried a lightweight paddle, I was blown away by the speed and maneuverability it provided. The quick responses and ease of control were ideal for fast-paced volleys and exchanges at the net. However, I often felt that my strokes lacked the power and depth I desired.

Midweight Paddle

Weighted between 7.3 and 8.4 ounces, midweight pickleball paddles provide an excellent balance of control and power. This makes them adaptable to varied playing styles.

Middle-weight paddles are constructed from materials like polymer, Nomex, and berglass. So, they provide a solid feel and enhanced durability.

The extra weight gave me a more solid feel and boosted the power behind my shots. I can drive the ball farther into my opponent’s court simply.

Table Of Comparison

Key Note

Grip circumference

Lightweight Paddles Midweight Paddles

Tends to be smaller and easier to handle

Touch and feel on the ball

Durability

Price

Standard grip size, bigger

Softer touch, quick reactions Solid feel, and more stability

Moderate durability, less impactresistant High durability, more impactresistant

More expensive

Users Beginners, players seeking agility

Moderate price range

Intermediate to advanced players

Lightweight vs. Midweight pickleball paddle

Key Dierences Between Lightweight and Midweight

#1. Durability

Middleweight paddles are more durable than lightweight paddles. Polymer and berglass materials are generally more durable than graphite and composite materials due to their inherent physical properties and structural composition.

The lighter materials may not withstand heavy impacts as well over time, making them more

prone to wear and potential damage with frequent use. While graphite is strong and sti, it is also more brittle than the above materials. So, middle-weight paddles are also more durable when exposed to great force.

I’ve been using a light pickleball paddle when I rst began to learn the game. It turns out to be sturdy. However, the paddle starts to wear with time, particularly on the edges where it gets hit a lot.

#2. Weight

Light paddles weigh 6.0 – 7.3 oz. They enable ease of mobility and quick reaction times.

Midweight paddles with 7.3 – 8.4 oz. They provide a balanced mix of power and control while requiring slightly less maneuverability.

You will be able to identify the sort of racket you own based on the details that the supplier has provided.

#3. Performance

Power and speed

A light paddle provides less speed and force than a midweight paddle. Weight is proportional to velocity in physics. So lightweight paddles provide less power but greater agility due to their reduced weight. This will allow players to respond faster and be more adaptable.

Otherwise, holding a medium-weight paddle requires a little more hand strength. Although it oers more force, this will be less exible than lightweight. The midweight paddle will maintain a suitable pace while balancing output power.

Control and accuracy

Lightweight paddles oer more control and precision than midweight paddles because of their lighter. They are perfect for players who focus on nesse and accurate shot placement.

Midweight paddles are heavier, so they demand more hand power to handle. The additional weight can enhance stability and control, especially on volleys and defensive plays. This gives balanced control, and power, suitable for various playing styles.

The midweight paddle is suitable for various playing styles

Spin control ability

Lightweight paddles may provide superior spin control over midweight paddles due to improved mobility and wrist movement. The reduced mass makes it easier for players to manipulate the paddle quickly, generating spin-on shots such as slices, topspins, and spins.

The paddles with higher weights will provide enough spin control while maintaining power. The extra weight provides stability during spin shots, helping players maintain control over the ball’s trajectory and spin rate.

Handle design and comfort.

If your hands are petite, a light paddle will be more comfortable than a middle-weight paddle. Lightweight paddles often feature smaller grips, making them easier to handle for players with smaller hands. Midweight paddles typically have standard grip sizes. The added weight can provide a more solid and stable feel during play.

I asked some experienced pickleball players about their favorite paddle. Most of them like the stability of holding middleweight paddles. But they will still bring both types of paddles to switch on the court.

#4. Cost

Midweight paddles are often less costly than lightweight ones. I searched for the average cost of the product from the 50 most popular brands of pickleball. Lightweight pickleball rackets cost between $80 – $250 at e-commerce sites. Meanwhile, midweight paddles fall within a moderate price range, usually around $50-150. Lightweight paddles are frequently more expensive than midweight paddles due to the superior materials and technology employed in their production.

#5. Sound

Compared to a medium-weight paddle, a lightweight paddle will make fewer noises. I once read an essay on Faster Capital. This article claims that carbon ber or graphite materials have superior impact absorption properties. These materials can ex under impact, absorbing stress and reducing vibrations transmitted to the participant’s arm.

As a result, lightweight materials typically absorb greater impact and create less noise while midweight paddles tend to produce a louder.

A lightweight paddle produces sounds between 60 and 70 dB. This makes them better suited to playing in noise-sensitive locations like residential areas or indoor courts.

The sound of a midweight paddle hitting a pickleball often varies between 70 and 80 dB. This is due to denser materials like polymer cores and berglass faces, which transmit more impact energy as sound. This louder sound is more noticeable and may not be suitable for noisesensitive settings.

Which Pickleball Paddle Weight Is Better?

Lightweight Paddles

Advantages

Ease of maneuverability, quicker reactions, and faster swing speeds

Less strain on the arm and shoulder, ideal for longer play sessions.

Higher control, suited for precision shots and control-oriented play.

Midweight Paddles

Advantages

Disadvantages

Lacks the weight and force required for strong drives and shots.

May tire out more quickly if played for a long time.

Perhaps more aected by wind when controlled in outdoor conditions.

Disadvantages

Balanced performance among power and control.

More stability on impact, allowing for consistent shots.

Made from sturdy materials, enhancing longevity and resistance to wear.

It causes arm fatigue more quickly than lightweight paddles. Less maneuverability, slower reactions, and swing speeds. Require players to possess intermediate skills and expertise.

Lightweight paddle balances performance among power and control

After hundred pickleball games, I realize that I tend to favor midweight paddles when compare two this weight. The mix of power and control complements my playing style, letting me play more condently and precisely. The midweight paddle has become my preferred pick, giving me the ideal balance to improve my performance on the court.

Sid Edmondson

Which Paddle Weight Should I Choose?

Choose a lightweight paddle if

You are a newbie: With a lighter paddle, it’s easy to handle and control. It’s ideal for players who have just started and continue to develop their skills. You focus on speed and exibility: Light paddles oer quick responses and ease of control, perfect for fast-paced volleys and quick net exchanges. You are nervous about getting tired: Using lighter paddles throughout extended matches may assist you stay energized and play well.

You enjoy nesse and rapid play: Lightweight will allow for more agile movements and faster responses.

Choose a midweight paddle if

You are a procient or advanced player – A midweight paddle provides a balance of power and control, enhancing gameplay and shot eectiveness.

4.0 Pickleball Player – Founder of Paddle Pickler

You prefer power and stability – Midweight paddles provide more power behind shots.

Thereby it is easier to drive the ball deep and hit strong shots.

You prefer balanced play – The added weight provides a solid feel, allowing for improved shot consistency and condence on the court.

You desire versatility – Midweight paddles provide a solid balance of control, power, and stability for a well-rounded performance.

Last Though

Choosing between a lightweight vs. midweight pickleball paddle depends on your playing style and personal preferences.

While the light paddles are well-liked because of their controllability and exibility, the heavyweight paddles will stand out for their strength and stability.

The midweight balances the speed, control, and power of the paddle. Making intelligent choices will improve your pickleball experience.

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 dierent paddles, always on the

lookout for the best equipment to improve our game.

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