Pickleball Paddle Surface Material

Pickleball paddles come with a few different surface materials, the materials effect the different shot types and play a factor in the cost of manufacturing the paddle. The most common types of surface material for pickleball paddles are: fiberglass/composite, graphite/carbon fiber and wood.

Fiberglass/Composite is currently the most popular surface material, the paddles made with fiberglass surfaces usually cost less than graphite or carbon fiber paddles because the material isn't as strong. One benefit is that fiberglass paddles tend to generate more pop on the ball so hard hitters like this surface. Fiberglass pickleball paddles are also called composite paddles.

Graphite/Carbon Fiber is also a popular surface material, the paddles made with graphite or carbon fiber surfaces usually cost a bit more than fiberglass paddles because the material is stronger. Graphite and carbon fiber surface pickleball paddles are more for control players and dont generate as much pop on the ball as a fiberglass paddle.

Wood paddles are really only used by rec center player just starting out and dont have a paddle yet. These paddles are by far the least expensive but lack and type of power or control compared to the other paddle surfaces.

Pickleball Paddle Core Material