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Composite vs. Graphite Pickleball Paddles

Composite vs Graphite Header

Want to start a debate? Don't bring up religion or politics! Just ask a group of pickleball players: is fiberglass or graphite better for pickleball paddles? The debate of graphite vs. composite (fiberglass) in pickleball paddles is huge.

This debate is one half of the discussion around the types of pickleball paddles. When it comes to surface materials, fiberglass and graphite are the two major options for how paddles are made.

The other debate is regarding materials used in the core. See our Buying Guide for an overview of these terms.

Pickleball Paddles

Composite Pickleball Paddles

A composite surface on a pickleball paddle is primarily made from fiberglass. Virtually all manufacturers make several models with composite surface materials.

The exception are companies that only make cheap wood paddles. These wood paddles are not ideal for anybody even a little serious about playing pickleball.

A wood paddle really is only for parties or where playing quality is not important. No problem using them for a "one off" event.

Weight

Composite pickleball paddles tend to be a bit heavier than graphite pickleball paddles. This is an important consideration.

A heavier paddle is great for generating power which is something important in many a playing style. A heavier paddle is often favored by an experienced tennis player and those in excellent physical condition.

While power is an important factor, it is not the only one in hitting the ball. Control is very important in keeping the ball inside the boundaries.

Texture

A textured surface is critical for putting spin on the ball. There are strict rules on how much of a textured surface pickleball paddles are allowed to have.

But composite pickleball paddles tend to have a more textured surface and therefore will put more spin on the ball. This is especially important for more advanced players.

More spin is useful with a heavier weight paddle to bring some control to pickleball paddles where the focus is power. Heavier composite pickleball paddles will have control as a challenge.

Durability

Simply put, the more you hit the ball with your pickleball paddle, the more wear and tear they will have. A core of any type will eventually lose its "pop" and this is true of all surface materials too.

Comparing a graphite vs fiberglass paddle face is not really close. Fiberglass paddles will simply not last as long. This is especially true for pickleball players who have trouble hanging on to their paddle.

Edge Guard vs. Edgeless

Choosing a paddle with or without an edge guard is fortunately not dependent on whether you are buying composite pickleball paddles or graphite pickleball paddles.

A thicker edge guard is useful for those who need to play low balls and scrape the court regularly.

Noise

While composite paddles are usually thought to be a bit more quiet than graphite paddles, the big determiner of sound in a pickleball paddle is the honeycomb core. This is a big deal in some homeowner associations.

A Nomex core will usually be the loudest while a polymer core or an aluminum core will be a quieter core material. Noise is not the most important factor in selecting a core material.

A polymer core or a Nomex core will have a different sweet spot as will an aluminum core material. The sweet spot is the best place for the ball to hit for both power and control.

Being Courteous

When choosing a pickleball paddle, you should be familiar with any local regulations governing noise.

Some associations will have rules on hours courts can be used and some even maintain a list of approved pickleball paddles based on noise considerations.

Price of Composite Paddles

The price of a new paddle can vary greatly. Both fiberglass and graphite paddles can range from $50 to $200. However, composite paddles will generally be less expensive than graphite paddles. Wood paddles are usually the cheapest but wood paddles are the types of pickleball paddles best used in social situations. They are usually not appropriate for tournaments.

Pickleball Paddles Vaught

Composite Pickleball Paddles

A composite surface on a pickleball paddle is primarily made from fiberglass. Virtually all manufacturers make several models with composite surface materials.

The exception are companies that only make cheap wood paddles. These wood paddles are not ideal for anybody even a little serious about playing pickleball.

A wood paddle really is only for parties or where playing quality is not important. No problem using them for a "one off" event.

Weight

Composite pickleball paddles tend to be a bit heavier than graphite pickleball paddles. This is an important consideration.

A heavier paddle is great for generating power which is something important in many a playing style. A heavier paddle is often favored by an experienced tennis player and those in excellent physical condition.

While power is an important factor, it is not the only one in hitting the ball. Control is very important in keeping the ball inside the boundaries.

Texture

A textured surface is critical for putting spin on the ball. There are strict rules on how much of a textured surface pickleball paddles are allowed to have.

But composite pickleball paddles tend to have a more textured surface and therefore will put more spin on the ball. This is especially important for more advanced players.

More spin is useful with a heavier weight paddle to bring some control to pickleball paddles where the focus is power. Heavier composite pickleball paddles will have control as a challenge.

Durability

Simply put, the more you hit the ball with your pickleball paddle, the more wear and tear they will have. A core of any type will eventually lose its "pop" and this is true of all surface materials too.

Comparing a graphite vs fiberglass paddle face is not really close. Fiberglass paddles will simply not last as long. This is especially true for pickleball players who have trouble hanging on to their paddle.

Edge Guard vs. Edgeless

Choosing a paddle with or without an edge guard is fortunately not dependent on whether you are buying composite pickleball paddles or graphite pickleball paddles.

A thicker edge guard is useful for those who need to play low balls and scrape the court regularly.

Noise

While composite paddles are usually thought to be a bit more quiet than graphite paddles, the big determiner of sound in a pickleball paddle is the honeycomb core. This is a big deal in some homeowner associations.

A Nomex core will usually be the loudest while a polymer core or an aluminum core will be a quieter core material. Noise is not the most important factor in selecting a core material.

A polymer core or a Nomex core will have a different sweet spot as will an aluminum core material. The sweet spot is the best place for the ball to hit for both power and control.

Being Curteous

When choosing a pickleball paddle, you should be familiar with any local regulations governing noise.

Some associations will have rules on hours courts can be used and some even maintain a list of approved pickleball paddles based on noise considerations.

Pickleball Paddles Vaught

Price of Composite Paddles

The price of a new paddle can vary greatly. Both fiberglass and graphite paddles can range from $50 to $200. However, composite paddles will generally be less expensive than graphite paddles. Wood paddles are usually the cheapest but wood paddles are the types of pickleball paddles best used in social situations. They are usually not appropriate for tournaments.

Pickleball Surface Material Chart
Pickleball Paddles Surface Material Chart

Graphite Pickleball Paddles

Graphite and carbon fiber are terms often used interchangeably. While both utilize carbon material, the product is produced differently.

Some pickleball players prefer one over the other. Most would be hard pressed to tell the difference when hitting the ball.

Weight

Graphite paddles are noted for the face of the paddle being lighter but incredibly strong. Lighter paddles are especially great for newer players or those with a history of tennis elbow or other arm problems.

Lighter weight paddles tend to be control oriented rather than power oriented. A lighter paddle with graphite surface materials will allow easier execution of drop shots and dinks.

Graphite pickleball paddles are the type of paddles encouraging lots of wrist action. Some players prefer wrist action as it improves responsiveness in the face of attacking shots.

Texture

Graphite paddles tend to have less texture and therefore impart less spin. Graphite paddles are at a disadvantage vs composite paddles for players who want more spin.

Since they are lighter pickleball paddles, spin may not be as important to control the shot with graphite. The tennis player who is used to playing a control game may well find them to be in the sweet spot for their pickleball game.

Durability

A graphite paddle is incredibly strong. It can surely take some abuse but more importantly it will have longevity as compared to composite paddles.

In the battle of graphite vs composite hitting surface, players prefer graphite for durability. Over time all surfaces will wear out and the paddle will need replacement.

Edge Guard vs. Edgeless

If the edge guard makes contact with the ball, it surely means the ball is not in the sweet spot. With the ball being on the edge of the paddle face, control is likely a challenge.

Some pickleball players argue a graphite paddle, because of its lighter weight, could have a thicker guard. But paddles like this may actually have less control with the weight somewhat skewed to the outer edge of the pickleball paddle.

As with any discussion regarding types of paddles, personal preference will ultimately decide.

Noise

While the consensus is that graphite paddles are a bit more noisy, paddle cores are the major determiner of paddle noise. A Nomex core has many advantages but they can be noisier than a polymer core.

At a private pickleball club, noise is rarely an issue. Choosing graphite paddles in this setting ought to be just fine. The same is true of public parks with designated pickleball courts.

Being Courteous

But noise may come into play in planned communities where a court may be immediately next to housing units.

Courteous players are aware of and follow any local regulations regarding hours of play and any restrictions on types of paddles.

Pickleball Paddles Assorted

Price of Graphite Paddles

Pickleball paddles range widely in price. Graphite paddles are usually a bit more expensive but not by a huge margin. While price can be a factor in a decision on buying pickleball paddles, price should not be the only factor.

Graphite Pickleball Paddles

Graphite and carbon fiber are terms often used interchangeably. While both utilize carbon material, the product is produced differently.

Some pickleball players prefer one over the other. Most would be hard pressed to tell the difference when hitting the ball.

Weight

Graphite paddles are noted for the face of the paddle being lighter but incredibly strong. Lighter paddles are especially great for newer players or those with a history of tennis elbow or other arm problems.

Lighter weight paddles tend to be control oriented rather than power oriented. A lighter paddle with graphite surface materials will allow easier execution of drop shots and dinks.

Graphite pickleball paddles are the type of paddles encouraging lots of wrist action. Some players prefer wrist action as it improves responsiveness in the face of attacking shots.

Texture

Graphite paddles tend to have less texture and therefore impart less spin. Graphite paddles are at a disadvantage vs composite paddles for players who want more spin.

Since they are lighter pickleball paddles, spin may not be as important to control the shot with graphite. The tennis player who is used to playing a control game may well find them to be in the sweet spot for their pickleball game.

Durability

A graphite paddle is incredibly strong. It can surely take some abuse but more importantly it will have longevity as compared to composite paddles.

In the battle of graphite vs composite hitting surface, players prefer graphite for durability. Over time all surfaces will wear out and the paddle will need replacement.

Edge Guard vs. Edgeless

If the edge guard makes contact with the ball, it surely means the ball is not in the sweet spot. With the ball being on the edge of the paddle face, control is likely a challenge.

Some pickleball players argue a graphite paddle, because of its lighter weight, could have a thicker guard. But paddles like this may actually have less control with the weight somewhat skewed to the outer edge of the pickleball paddle.

As with any discussion regarding types of paddles, personal preference will ultimately decide.

Noise

While the consensus is that graphite paddles are a bit more noisy, paddle cores are the major determiner of paddle noise. A Nomex core has many advantages but they can be noisier than a polymer core.

At a private pickleball club, noise is rarely an issue. Choosing graphite paddles in this setting ought to be just fine. The same is true of public parks with designated pickleball courts.

Being Curteous

But noise may come into play in planned communities where a court may be immediately next to housing units.

Courteous players are aware of and follow any local regulations regarding hours of play and any restrictions on types of paddles.

Pickleball Paddles Assorted

Price of Graphite Paddles

Pickleball paddles range widely in price. Graphite paddles are usually a bit more expensive but not by a huge margin. While price can be a factor in a decision on buying pickleball paddles, price should not be the only factor.

Polymer Core vs. Aluminum Core vs. Nomex Core

Recall that the choice of the paddle surface material is only one part of the selection process. The paddle core is critical in influencing how the ball reacts to being struck.

The honeycomb core material will influence the sound but more importantly the size and shape of the sweet spot will be impacted.

If it is a Nomex core or a polymer core or aluminum the weight will vary. Weight is always a key consideration with pickleball paddles.

Grip Size

There are not many choices for grip size. Where you do have a choice in grip size, if you are not sure ask for help.

Ladies and juniors with smaller hands should be especially careful to not to get pickleball paddles with a larger grip size. A smaller grip size will be easier to control and may help prevent arm injury.

Buying a Pickleball Paddle

So, how do you pick a pickleball paddle? You've done your homework, but there are so many choices and so many decisions. But tennisracquets.com is here to help!

Determine Needs

Know what you want from a pickleball paddle. Every paddle has some things it does better.

  • - Is it control? Lean toward lighter, graphite paddles as they will help with control.

  • - Is it power? Composite paddles give you the edge here with a bit more weight.

  • - Need spin? Since composite paddles usually have a more textured surface than graphite paddles they will make it easier to put spin on the ball.

  • - Want power AND control? Well, a mid weight pickleball paddle is the best path to trying for the best of all worlds. Mid weight models try to split the difference.

Polymer Core vs. Aluminum Core vs. Nomex Core

Recall that the choice of the paddle surface material is only one part of the selection process. The paddle core is critical in influencing how the ball reacts to being struck.

The honeycomb core material will influence the sound but more importantly the size and shape of the sweet spot will be impacted.

If it is a Nomex core or a polymer core or aluminum the weight will vary. Weight is always a key consideration with pickleball paddles.

Grip Size

There are not many choices for grip size. Where you do have a choice in grip size, if you are not sure ask for help.

Ladies and juniors with smaller hands should be especially careful to not to get pickleball paddles with a larger grip size. A smaller grip size will be easier to control and may help prevent arm injury.

Buying a Pickleball Paddle

So, how do you pick a pickleball paddle? You've done your homework, but there are so many choices and so many decisions. But tennisracquets.com is here to help!

Determine Needs

Know what you want from a pickleball paddle. Every paddle has some things it does better.

  • - Is it control? Lean toward lighter, graphite paddles as they will help with control.

  • - Is it power? Composite paddles give you the edge here with a bit more weight.

  • - Need spin? Since composite paddles usually have a more textured surface than graphite paddles they will make it easier to put spin on the ball.

  • - Want power AND control? Well, a mid weight pickleball paddle is the best path to trying for the best of all worlds. Mid weight models try to split the difference.

Polymer Core vs. Aluminum Core vs. Nomex Core

Recall that the choice of the paddle surface material is only one part of the selection process. The paddle core is critical in influencing how the ball reacts to being struck.

The honeycomb core material will influence the sound but more importantly the size and shape of the sweet spot will be impacted.

If it is a Nomex core or a polymer core or aluminum the weight will vary. Weight is always a key consideration with pickleball paddles.

Grip Size

There are not many choices for grip size. Where you do have a choice in grip size, if you are not sure ask for help.

Ladies and juniors with smaller hands should be especially careful to not to get pickleball paddles with a larger grip size. A smaller grip size will be easier to control and may help prevent arm injury.

Buying a Pickleball Paddle

So, how do you pick a pickleball paddle? You've done your homework, but there are so many choices and so many decisions. But tennisracquets.com is here to help!

Determine Needs

Know what you want from a pickleball paddle. Every paddle has some things it does better.

  • - Is it control? Lean toward lighter, graphite paddles as they will help with control.

  • - Is it power? Composite paddles give you the edge here with a bit more weight.

  • - Need spin? Since composite paddles usually have a more textured surface than graphite paddles they will make it easier to put spin on the ball.

  • - Want power AND control? Well, a mid weight pickleball paddle is the best path to trying for the best of all worlds. Mid weight models try to split the difference.

Assess Ability

Honestly assess your ability and physical condition. If you are new to pickleball, a lighter weight paddle will help you control your play.

If you have had tennis elbow or other arm issues, a lighter paddle might reduce stress on your arm. However, hitting technique is also a major factor with arm issues.

Shop for Weight

Know the overall paddle weight of the pickleball paddle you are considering.

Weight is by far the most important consideration and a couple of ounces can and will make a big difference in your play and how you strike the ball.

Study Cores

Understand the importance of the paddle core.

Yes, the paddle core influences the sound of a pickleball paddle, but other factors like the size and shape of the sweet spot are more important.

Have a Budget

Know your price limits. While price isn't everything, having a budget is a good idea.

Want to know the big secret for selecting the best pickleball paddle for you? It's the one that feels the best in your hand!

Moreover, it's the one where the ball goes where you want it to, when you want it to, and how you want it to! With plenty of choices available, we have the right one for you.

You've got friends. Try theirs. Still have questions? Call your friendly tennisracquets.com experts for advice and guidance.

We're knowledgeable and helpful. See our Learning Center for more valuable information too!

Tournament Play

If you are playing in a tournament, they usually require playing only with USA Pickleball Association approved paddles.

Assess Ability

Honestly assess your ability and physical condition. If you are new to pickleball, a lighter weight paddle will help you control your play.

If you have had tennis elbow or other arm issues, a lighter paddle might reduce stress on your arm. However, hitting technique is also a major factor with arm issues.

Shop for Weight

Know the overall paddle weight of the pickleball paddle you are considering.

Weight is by far the most important consideration and a couple of ounces can and will make a big difference in your play and how you strike the ball.

Study Cores

Understand the importance of the paddle core.

Yes, the paddle core influences the sound of a pickleball paddle, but other factors like the size and shape of the sweet spot are more important.

Have a Budget

Know your price limits. While price isn't everything, having a budget is a good idea.

Want to know the big secret for selecting the best pickleball paddle for you? It's the one that feels the best in your hand!

Moreover, it's the one where the ball goes where you want it to, when you want it to, and how you want it to! With plenty of choices available, we have the right one for you.

You've got friends. Try theirs. Still have questions? Call your friendly tennisracquets.com experts for advice and guidance.

We're knowledgeable and helpful. See our Learning Center for more valuable information too!

Tournament Play

If you are playing in a tournament, they usually require playing only with USA Pickleball Association approved paddles.

Assess Ability

Honestly assess your ability and physical condition. If you are new to pickleball, a lighter weight paddle will help you control your play.

If you have had tennis elbow or other arm issues, a lighter paddle might reduce stress on your arm. However, hitting technique is also a major factor with arm issues.

Shop for Weight

Know the overall paddle weight of the pickleball paddle you are considering.

Weight is by far the most important consideration and a couple of ounces can and will make a big difference in your play and how you strike the ball.

Study Cores

Understand the importance of the paddle core.

Yes, the paddle core influences the sound of a pickleball paddle, but other factors like the size and shape of the sweet spot are more important.

Have a Budget

Know your price limits. While price isn't everything, having a budget is a good idea.

Want to know the big secret for selecting the best pickleball paddle for you? It's the one that feels the best in your hand!

Moreover, it's the one where the ball goes where you want it to, when you want it to, and how you want it to! With plenty of choices available, we have the right one for you.

You've got friends. Try theirs. Still have questions? Call your friendly tennisracquets.com experts for advice and guidance.

We're knowledgeable and helpful. See our Learning Center for more valuable information too!

Tournament Play

If you are playing in a tournament, they usually require playing only with USA Pickleball Association approved paddles.