It lastly occurred: Like half the world, I dove into the pickleball craze. For those who’d requested me a couple of years in the past if I’d ever play, I’d in all probability have rolled my eyes, however now—a yr into studying the game—I think about myself a full convert.
Probably the most essential factor to leveling up your pickleball sport (after buying some cute outfits for the court docket, in fact) is an excellent paddle. Based on IPTPA-certified pickleball teacher Jennifer Azevedo, “you may personalize a paddle to your particular wants as a participant. Missing in mobility? Get a paddle that’s a bit larger and longer to assist attain the ball. There are alternatives to assist nearly each side of the sport that could be missing,” she says.
Although I perceive the worth of a very good paddle, I balked when the trainer of my intro class advisable a selected set that value over $100. As a beginner who wasn’t certain if I used to be going to stay with the game or not, I wasn’t able to shell out that a lot—so I went looking alone, utilizing suggestions from buddies who already performed and on-line evaluations to information me.
After weeks of looking, I lastly landed on the Niupipo Pickleball Paddle Set from Amazon ($40). These paddles have been extremely rated by hundreds of individuals, comparatively reasonably priced, and claimed to have options I used to be in search of. Certain, they weren’t essentially the most aesthetically pleasing, however I consider in prioritizing perform over type in relation to sports activities tools.
The set comes with two paddles, a carry bag, and each indoor and out of doors pickleball balls (sure, there’s a distinction). Right here’s what occurred once I put it to the take a look at.
The specs
The paddles are USA Pickleball Affiliation-approved, which Azevedo says is “one thing you’ll want as you start to look into match play,” as officers will really test your paddles for the stamp of approval.
The paddle faces are made from fiberglass and comprise a honeycomb polymer core, which the model’s web site says helps scale back noise. Your complete paddle head can be wrapped in an edge guard to assist stop injury and chipping if the paddle scrapes the bottom, which I’ve to say is fairly efficient—there’s barely a scratch on mine after a yr’s price of use.
Authentic picture by SELF author Esther Carlstone
The way it feels
The very first thing I observed once I unboxed the set was how light-weight the fiberglass paddles have been. Weighing solely 7.8 ounces every, they’re a lot lighter than those from one other model I purchased for some relations, pondering I’d get them a “cute” set. I’ve additionally performed with a good friend’s picket paddles, which really feel like cement in my hand in comparison with my Niupipo ones.
