Pickleball Paddles
Pickleball paddles can be divided into three general groups.
1ST GENERATION (1G) PICKLEBALL PADDLES
1G pickleball paddles are relatively inexpensive and are made of wood. These are preferred by community centres and schools due to price and durability.
2ND GENERATION (2G) PICKLEBALL PADDLES
2G pickleball paddles are lighter, have cardboard or aluminum cores, graphite or fiberglass faces and a silicone edge guard that runs around the entire edge of the paddle. These pickleball paddles are used by 75% of players in Canada.
3RD GENERATION (3G) PICKLEBALL PADDLES
3G pickleball paddles have softer surfaces and offer more power and control. This small increase in power frightens some senior players. So some clubs and tournaments have banned them. However, a recent study by the Canadian Pickleball Federation has found them to be no more dangerous than other brands. Approximately 25% of Canadians are now using 3G pickleball paddles and they are proving to be very popular with players who dislike the edge guards on 2G pickleball paddles.
The revolutionary APIKE pickleball paddle is the top selling 3G paddle in the world. It is made entirely from advanced resins and polymers and features a vibration-absorbing core.
Older players at the beginner and intermediate levels are unlikely to notice any increase in power between this paddle and 2G pickleball paddles. However, younger, stronger and/or more advanced players may notice an ability to hit 5-10% faster with the Apike.
Buyer beware: Exaggerated rumours regarding the power of this paddle have given it a reputation that frightens some seniors. As a result some pickleball clubs, programs and tournaments have banned it.
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The CHAMPION pickleball paddle is a 2G paddle that is very similar to the Elite. However, it has a thicker, shorter handle and a larger hitting surface.
This larger handle and wider hitting surface makes the Champion pickleball paddle a favorite for adult beginners.
Like the Elite, the Champion is a 2G paddle that is available in a range of colours.
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The DILLER pickleball paddle is a 1G wooden paddle used by many schools and community associations.
It is lighter and more attractive than the top-selling Swinger paddle, but it is also less durable.
The fact that it is lighter than the Swinger makes it a better choice for public programs with small children and older women.
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The ELITE pickleball paddle is the top selling 2G pickleball paddle in the world.
It is produced and sold by the thousands. So the cost of this model is lower than most other models.
The Elite pickleball paddle features a smaller handle that is suitable for players with smaller hands. This makes it an ideal paddle for women and children.
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The HUSH pickleball paddle is a relatively new 3G paddle with a harder hitting surface that makes it feel and play more like a 2G paddle.
The primary features of the Hush are related to noise and comfort. Overall, the Hush paddle is notably quieter than any of the 2G paddles on the market today. It also has a hollow core that absorbs most of the vibrations generated at contact.
Unlike its predecessor, the Hush does not offer an increase in power to players at any level. But for purely political reasons it has also been banned by some clubs and tournaments in the US.
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The KRYPTONITE II is a 2G paddle made specifically for the Florida pickleball market and is a top-selling brand in the world’s largest pickleball facility (The Villages).
The surface material on the KRYPTONITE II is carbon fiber and is thinner than your finger nail. The handle is contoured to make it smaller in the center and thereby better “cradle” your hand. The manufacturers say that this design permits a firmer hold.
Available in several colours, the most popular model is a black face with a black edge guard. Racquet Network carries a large selection but cannot always guarantee the availability of all colours. If you want something specific, please contact us prior to ordering.
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The PREDATOR pickleball paddle has been widely used in the Florida pickleball community for many years and has only recently become available in significant quantities to be offered internationally.
The manufacturers selected a new hybrid carbon-fiber material knowing it resists wear and then put it over the composite core with the thickest density on the market to give the PREDATOR a much longer life.
A double-glued edge guard on this durable 2G paddle reduces premature edge guard departure.
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The SWINGER is the top selling 1G pickleball paddle in the world.
Its thick, five-ply construction makes it the most durable pickleball paddle on the market today.
Unfortunately, it is also a very heavy paddle which makes it a less than ideal choice for pickleball programs with small children and/or elderly women.
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