If you are a pickleball player, you should have appropriate equipment. Your main tool is a paddle, and these tools are not made the same. There are two main options when it comes to paddle materials– graphite and composite – and your choice can significantly impact your experience. Below we’ll delve into the pros and cons of graphite and composite pickleball paddles to help you choose what is right for your needs.
Graphite vs Composite: What's the Difference?
The core of both graphite and composite pickleball rackets is, by and large, the same. Typically, it is polymer due to the comfortable response it provides. Alternative options include Nomex (meta-aramid fiber) or aluminum. That being said, it is the face of the paddle that makes the difference.
Composite pickleball paddles utilize a wide range of "mesh and molding" materials, the most common of which are fiberglass and carbon. Graphite paddles, on the other hand, rely on a single material, which is graphite. Composites and graphite are inherently different in their properties, which entail a dissimilar feel when you use either type of racket.
Models made of fiberglass or carbon offer a textured surface that contributes to greater precision and spin ability. Besides, they provide a light flex combined with a softer feel that reduces strain on hands and arms. Graphite pickleball paddles, for their part, boast reduced weight and greater hit power. These are the go-to option for professional and competitive players, while composite counterparts are the favorites of those who play pickleball casually. When it comes to the best paddle design specifically for you, everything depends on your play style, the results you want to achieve, and the desired level of comfort.
Top Things to Consider When Choosing Between Composite and Graphite Paddles
When picking a pickleball paddle, there are four aspects you should keep in mind:
1. Weight.
2. Durability.
3. Material.
4. Cost.
Weight
Weight is perhaps the major factor when shopping for pickleball rackets is concerned. It will affect the degree of power, control, and comfort, as well as muscle fatigue. Graphite paddles are praised for their lightweight – on average, they are only 7.5 ounces. They are ideal for beginners, those who have joint and muscle injuries, as well as players who spend hours on the court.
Composite rackets are normally a pound heavier than their graphite equivalents. Lightweight pickleball paddles, such as the Prokennex Kinetic Ovation Flight, are usually in the 7.3-8.0 ounces range. If you’re looking for something heftier, heavyweight pickleball paddles reach up to 14.0 ounces. That said, anything over 8.0 ounces tends to be seen as a "heavy-weight" paddle, such as the Vulcan V560 Power Pickleball Paddle. Heavier rackets allow more power to be generated in each shot, but the trade-off is reduced wrist action along with increased muscle fatigue. They are an excellent choice for those who came to pickleball from tennis as well as players in good physical conditions.
Durability
No matter which paddle you use, graphite or composite, its surface will inevitably wear out. The main question is whether you have to replace it sooner or later.
Graphite comes out on top in the durability category. Paddles made of this material are able to endure throughout many seasons but, of course, their longevity depends on your play style and how often you hit the court. Composites, in contrast, cannot withstand the same extent of wear and abuse meaning you may need to have a replacement more often. Regardless of the material you go with, you have to make sure it contains ultraviolet inhibitors responsible for sun and color protection.
Material
The material of a paddle can impact the feel, power, and amount of spin that can be applied when playing. Composite pickleball paddles are typically made of a blend of carbon fiber with fiberglass surfaces and are built with composite cores. This tends to be an excellent choice for players looking to add more spin to the ball when they hit. Other various components of the paddle can be made of aluminum, polymer, or Nomex.
In contrast, graphite pickleball paddles, are often made of a core, often Nomex, polymer, or other various types of aluminum. Polymer is the most typical material choice because it provides an improved response when hitting the ball and can add a "pop" to each shot. This is the perfect choice for punchy, hard-hitting players.
Cost
Quite often, the cost is a decisive factor for casual players. If your budget is on the lower end, composite models tend to be the way to go. In fact, there are tons of very high-quality composite paddles for under $50, such as the Axus XR1 Paddle by Prolite. However, high-end composite paddles can still reach upwards near the $200 price point, and depending on the brand and specs, can be worth every penny. Willing to splurge? Graphite paddles deliver an excellent bang for your money and their cost rarely exceeds $200. That being said, high-end composite models can cost as much as their peers constructed from graphite.
The Pros and Cons of Graphite and Composite Pickleball Paddles
Both graphite and composite come with their pros and cons. However, most of these aspects are subjective: something that is a benefit for one player is a shortcoming for another. For instance, the composite-made Diadem Warrior Edge is able to generate a very aggressive amount of spin. However, this may translate to a lack of control for inexperienced players. If you are making your first steps in pickleball, you might be better off with a lightweight graphite paddle. Such models as Prolite Rebel PowerSpin 2.0 really feel like an extension of your hand.
Overall, composite pickleball paddles are associated with the following advantages and drawbacks:
Composite Pickleball Paddles - Pros & Cons
Pros:
-provide a softer feel;
-easier on the arms;
-a textured surface gives more spin to your hits;
-better suited for power play styles;
-price is more affordable.
Cons:
-less durable;
-tend to be heavier.
Graphite Pickleball Paddles - Pros & Cons
Pros:
-allow for more intense hits;
-provide more control to shots and serves;
-excel at response and feel;
-lightweight;
-durable.
Cons:
-slightly more expensive than composite paddles;
-require more skills to master spin serves.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pickleball paddle can be a game-changer. However, finding a material that best meets your needs is only half a battle. There are many more racket-related aspects that are able to make or break your game. Don’t hesitate to check out these top 4 factors to consider when choosing a paddle. This guide will help you find a racket that fits both your hand and play style like a glove.
Source: Team, M. (2023a, June 5). Composite vs Graphite Pickleball Paddles: How to Choose. Mypickleballgear.com. https://mypickleballgear.com/blogs/pickleball-guide/composite-vs-graphite-pickleball-paddles