Wooden Pickleball Paddles:

One of the most important pieces of equipment for playing pickleball is the paddle. There are many types of paddles available on the market, made from different materials and with different features. One of the most common and traditional types of paddles is the wooden pickleball paddle.

But are wooden pickleball paddles good? What are the pros and cons of using a wooden paddle? Who should buy a wooden paddle? And what are the best wooden paddles on the market?

In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will also provide you with some tips on how to choose the best wooden pickleball paddle for your needs and preferences.

Pros of Wooden Pickleball Paddles

Wooden pickleball paddles have some advantages over other types of paddles, such as composite or graphite paddles. Here are some of the pros of wooden pickleball paddles:

Affordability

Wooden pickleball paddles are typically the most affordable option on the market, making them a good choice for budget-minded players and beginners. You can find a decent wooden paddle for as low as $10, while other types of paddles can cost up to $100 or more.

Durability

Wood is a naturally durable material, and wooden pickleball paddles can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They are less likely to crack, chip, or dent than other types of paddles, and they can last for a long time if properly maintained.

Power

Wooden pickleball paddles are known for their power, thanks to the density of the wood. This can be a benefit for players who want to hit hard shots and generate extra speed and force. Wooden paddles can also help you overcome the wind and other weather conditions that may affect the ball.

Natural feel

Many players prefer the natural feel of a wooden pickleball paddle. Wood is also a good material for absorbing vibration, which can help to reduce arm fatigue and prevent injuries. Wooden paddles can also provide a better grip and comfort than other types of paddles.

Nostalgic appeal

Wooden pickleball paddles are the oldest type of pickleball paddle, and they have a nostalgic appeal for some players. They are reminiscent of the origins of the game, when it was invented by a group of friends using wooden paddles and a perforated plastic ball. Some players also enjoy the sound and feel of hitting the ball with a wooden paddle.

Cons of Wooden Pickleball Paddles

Wooden pickleball paddles also have some disadvantages compared to other types of paddles, such as composite or graphite paddles. Here are some of the cons of wooden pickleball paddles:

Weight

Wooden pickleball paddles are typically heavier than paddles made from other materials, such as composite or graphite. This can be a disadvantage for players who have arm problems or who want a more maneuverable paddle. A heavier paddle can also affect your reaction time, accuracy, and control.

Noise

Wooden pickleball paddles tend to be noisier than paddles made from other materials. This can be a disadvantage for players who play in quiet environments or who don’t want to disturb others. Some communities and venues may also have noise restrictions that prohibit the use of wooden paddles.

Read About Noiseless Pickleball Paddles

Not as technologically advanced as other materials

Wooden pickleball paddles are not as technologically advanced as paddles made from other materials, such as composite or graphite. This means that they may not offer the same level of performance or features. For example, wooden paddles may not have the same surface texture, edge guard, or core material as other paddles, which can affect the ball spin, bounce, and durability.

May not be suitable for players with medical conditions

Wooden pickleball paddles may not be suitable for players with medical conditions, such as tennis elbow, arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. This is because the weight of the paddle can put additional stress on the arm, wrist, and elbow, and cause pain or inflammation. If you have any of these conditions, you may want to consult your doctor before using a wooden paddle.

Who Should Buy a Wooden Pickleball Paddle?

Wooden pickleball paddles are a good choice for:

• Budget-minded players who want a cheap and durable paddle
• Beginners who want to learn the basics of the game and don’t need a high-performance paddle
• Players who prefer the natural feel of wood and the nostalgic appeal of the original paddles
• Players who want a powerful paddle and don’t mind the weight or noise of a wooden paddle

Enhance Your Pickleball Game With Wooden Pickleball Paddle

Best Wooden Pickleball Paddles

Here are a few of the best wooden pickleball paddles on the market:

Amazin Aces Wood Pickleball Paddle

The Amazin Aces Wood Pickleball Paddle is a popular and affordable option for beginners and casual players. It is made from 7-ply maple wood, which provides durability and power. It also has a cushioned grip and a wrist strap for comfort and safety. The paddle weighs around 9.5 to 10.5 ounces, which is on the heavier side, but it also gives you more force and stability. The paddle comes with four pickleball balls and a mesh bag for easy storage and transport.

Champion Sports Rhino Edge

The Champion Sports Rhino Edge is a high-quality wooden paddle that offers a balance of power and control. It is made from 7-ply Baltic birch wood, which is a strong and lightweight wood. It also has a polymer honeycomb core, which adds strength and reduces vibration. The paddle has a fiberglass face, which gives it a smooth and textured surface for better ball contact and spin. The paddle weighs around 8.6 ounces, which is a mid-weight paddle that suits most players. The paddle also has an edge guard, a cushioned grip, and a wrist strap for protection and comfort.

Diller Wood Paddle

The Diller Wood Paddle is a classic and traditional wooden paddle that has been around since the early days of pickleball. It is made from 7-ply hardwood, which gives it durability and power. It also has a natural wood playing surface, which gives it a nostalgic appeal and a quieter playing experience. The paddle weighs around 9 to 10.6 ounces, which is on the heavier side, but it also gives you more momentum and force. The paddle has a simple and elegant design, with a black handle and a natural wood color.

Franklin Activator Wood Paddle

The Franklin Activator Wood Paddle is a modern and stylish wooden paddle that combines wood and composite materials. It is made from 7-ply poplar wood, which is a soft and lightweight wood. It also has a carbon fiber face, which gives it a sleek and smooth surface for better ball control and spin. The paddle weighs around 8.5 ounces, which is a mid-weight paddle that suits most players. The paddle also has an edge guard, a premium grip, and a wrist strap for protection and comfort.

Kanga Wood Paddle

The Kanga Wood Paddle is a colorful and fun wooden paddle that is ideal for beginners and kids. It is made from 7-ply maple wood, which provides durability and power. It also has a painted face, which gives it a vibrant and attractive look. The paddle weighs around 9.5 to 10.5 ounces, which is on the heavier side, but it also gives you more force and stability. The paddle comes in four different colors: red, blue, green, and yellow.

Rally Meister

The Rally Meister is a reliable and affordable wooden paddle that is suitable for players of all skill levels. It is made from 7-ply hardwood, which gives it durability and power. It also has a natural wood playing surface, which gives it a nostalgic appeal and a quieter playing experience. The paddle weighs around 9 to 10.6 ounces, which is on the heavier side, but it also gives you more momentum and force. The paddle has a simple and elegant design, with a black handle and a natural wood color.

Swinger Wood Paddle

The Swinger Wood Paddle is a lightweight and maneuverable wooden paddle that is ideal for players who want more speed and control. It is made from 5-ply hardwood, which gives it durability and power. It also has a natural wood playing surface, which gives it a nostalgic appeal and a quieter playing experience. The paddle weighs around 7 to 8 ounces, which is on the lighter side, but it also gives you more agility and accuracy. The paddle has a simple and elegant design, with a black handle and a natural wood color.

Are Wooden Pickleball Paddles Good? Summary

Wooden pickleball paddles have both pros and cons. They are affordable, durable, and powerful, but they are also heavy, noisy, and not as technologically advanced as other materials. Whether or not a wooden pickleball paddle is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

If you are looking for a cheap and durable paddle, a beginner who wants to learn the basics of the game, a player who prefers the natural feel of wood, or a player who wants a powerful paddle and doesn’t mind the weight or noise of a wooden paddle, then a wooden pickleball paddle may be a good choice for you.

Also Discover; Discover The Benefits Of Wooden Paddle With Holes

How to Choose the Best Wooden Pickleball Paddle

Choosing the best wooden pickleball paddle for your needs and preferences can be a challenging task, especially with so many options available on the market. Here are some factors that you should consider when buying a wooden pickleball paddle:

Weight

The weight of the paddle is one of the most important factors to consider, as it affects your performance, comfort, and health. Generally, wooden paddles are heavier than other types of paddles, ranging from 7 to 11 ounces. The weight of the paddle depends on the type of wood used, the number of plies, and the core material.

The weight of the paddle can have both advantages and disadvantages, depending on your playing style and skill level. A heavier paddle can give you more power and stability, but it can also slow down your reaction time and control. A lighter paddle can give you more speed and maneuverability, but it can also reduce your force and balance.

The best weight for you depends on your personal preference and physical condition. You should choose a weight that feels comfortable and natural in your hand, and that does not cause any pain or fatigue in your arm, wrist, or elbow. You should also consider your playing style and skill level. If you are a beginner or a casual player, you may want to choose a lighter paddle that is easier to handle and learn with. If you are an intermediate or advanced player, you may want to choose a heavier paddle that can give you more power and accuracy.

Grip

The grip of the paddle is another important factor to consider, as it affects your comfort, control, and safety. The grip of the paddle consists of the grip size, the grip material, and the grip shape.

The grip size is the circumference of the handle, and it should match the size of your hand. If the grip size is too small, you may lose control and accuracy of the paddle. If the grip size is too large, you may strain your hand and wrist and increase the risk of injury. The correct grip size for you depends on the size of your palm and the length of your fingers. You can measure your grip size by using a ruler or a tape measure, or by using this simple formula: (Height in inches x 5) / 34. For example, if your height is 5 feet 8 inches, your grip size is (68 x 5) / 34 = 10 inches.

The grip material is the type of material that covers the handle, and it should provide a comfortable and secure grip. The grip material can be made from different materials, such as leather, rubber, or synthetic. The grip material can also have different textures, such as smooth, tacky, or cushioned. The best grip material for you depends on your personal preference and playing conditions. You should choose a grip material that feels good in your hand, that does not slip or slide, and that does not cause any blisters or irritation.

The grip shape is the shape of the handle, and it should fit the shape of your hand. The grip shape can be round, oval, or rectangular. The best grip shape for you depends on your personal preference and playing style. You should choose a grip shape that allows you to hold the paddle in a natural and relaxed position, and that does not interfere with your wrist movement or paddle angle.

Read More at; Measure Grip Size

Surface

The surface of the paddle is the part that comes in contact with the ball, and it affects the ball spin, bounce, and durability. The surface of the paddle can be made from different materials, such as wood, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. The surface of the paddle can also have different textures, such as smooth, rough, or dimpled.

The best surface for you depends on your personal preference and playing style. You should choose a surface that suits your level of skill and your type of game. If you are a beginner or a casual player, you may want to choose a smooth and natural wood surface that is easy to use and learn with. If you are an intermediate or advanced player, you may want to choose a textured and composite surface that can give you more ball control and spin.

Read also wood vs Graphite

Core

The core of the paddle is the part that lies between the surface and the handle, and it affects the weight, strength, and vibration of the paddle. The core of the paddle can be made from different materials, such as wood, polymer, or aluminum. The core of the paddle can also have different shapes, such as solid, honeycomb, or foam.

The best core for you depends on your personal preference and playing style. You should choose a core that balances the weight, strength, and vibration of the paddle. If you are looking for a lighter and more maneuverable paddle, you may want to choose a polymer or foam core that is soft and lightweight. If you are looking for a heavier and more powerful paddle, you may want to choose a wood or aluminum core that is hard and dense.

Find Out Best Wooden Pickleball Paddles in Brief:

Here is a Brief table that I created based on the wooden pickleball paddles, their benefits over other materials, and some of the latest models in the market with their features.

Paddle Name	Material	Weight	Shape	Surface	Core	Grip	Price	Rating
ErPils Pickleball Paddle Set	9-ply basswood	9.8 oz. (average)	Wide-body	Wood with smooth surface	Wood	Cushion grip with wrist strap	$29.99 (set of four)	4.5 out of 5 stars
Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Wood Paddle Set	7-ply maple wood	10.4 oz. (average)	Wide-body with tapered neck and edge guard system	Wood with smooth surface and UV coating for durability and aesthetics, available in four different colors: blue, green, red, and yellow	Wood	Cushion grip with wrist strap and safety strap for extra security and comfort, available in two sizes: small (4.25 inches) and large (4.5 inches)	$29.99 (set of four) or $39.99 (set of four plus four balls and carrying bag) or $49.99 (set of four plus eight balls and carrying bag) or $59.99 (set of four plus twelve balls and carrying bag)	4.6 out of 5 stars
Selkirk Sport Pickleball Paddle	Fiberglass with textured surface and UV coating for durability and aesthetics, available in six different colors: blue, green, orange, pink, purple, and red	7.4 oz. (average)	Wide-body with edge guard system and tapered neck for increased maneuverability and reduced wind resistance	Fiberglass with textured surface for increased spin and control	Polymer honeycomb with optimized sweet spot technology for increased control and feel	Comfort grip with contour stitching for better grip and comfort, available in one size: 4.25 inches	$79.99	4.7 out of 5 stars
Paddletek Pro Pickleball Paddle	Graphite with textured surface and vibration dampening technology for reduced shock and improved feel, available in three different colors: black, blue, and red	8 oz. (average)	Wide-body with edge guard system and tapered neck for increased maneuverability and reduced wind resistance	Graphite with textured surface for increased spin and control	Polymer honeycomb with vibration dampening technology for reduced shock and improved feel	Comfort grip with contour stitching for better grip and comfort, available in one size: 4.25 inches	$149.99	4.9 out of 5 stars
Head Extreme Pro Pickleball Paddle	Fiberglass with textured surface and optimized tubular construction technology for increased power and durability, available in two different colors: black or white	7.8 oz. (average)	Wide-body with edge guard system and tapered neck for increased maneuverability and reduced wind resistance	Fiberglass with textured surface and optimized tubular construction technology for increased power and durability	Polymer honeycomb with optimized sweet spot technology for increased control and feel	Comfort grip with contour stitching for better grip and comfort, available in one size: 4.25 inches	$89.95 (on sale from $119.95)	4.8 out of 5 stars
Joola Swift Pickleball Paddle	Carbon fiber with textured surface and nano grip technology for increased spin and control, as well as UV protection and anti-fading coating for durability and aesthetics, available in four different colors: black, blue, green, and red	7.6 oz. (average) or customizable weight range from 6 to 9 oz. by adding or removing weights on the handle end cap (sold separately)	Wide-body or elongated with edge guard system and tapered neck for increased maneuverability and reduced wind resistance	Carbon fiber with textured surface and nano grip technology for increased spin and control, as well as UV protection and anti-fading coating for durability and aesthetics	Polymer honeycomb with vibration control technology for reduced shock and improved feel, as well as sound dampening technology for quieter play	Comfort grip with contour stitching for better grip and comfort, available in one size: 4.25 inches	$129.95 (paddle only) or $139.95 (paddle plus weight kit) or $149.95 (paddle plus weight kit and paddle cover) or $159.95 (paddle plus weight kit, paddle cover, and three balls)	5 out of 5 stars

Some of the benefits of wooden pickleball paddles over other materials are:

• They are cost-effective and affordable, ranging from $10 to $30, compared to other materials costing up to $200 or more.
• They are durable and resistant to scratches and wear and tear. They can last longer than composite or graphite paddles.
• They are more powerful, as heavier paddles can generate more force and speed in the shots.
• They are safer to play with, as they are less likely to break or crack and cause injuries.

Some of the drawbacks of wooden pickleball paddles over other materials are:

• They are heavier and less responsive than other materials, making them harder to control and maneuver.
• They are noisier than other materials, as they produce a loud sound when hitting the ball.
• They have less technology and features than other materials, such as textured surfaces, vibration dampening, sweet spot optimization, etc.
• They can cause medical issues such as tennis elbow, wrist pain, or shoulder pain due to their weight and lack of shock absorption.

Conclusion

Wooden pickleball paddles are one of the most common and traditional types of paddles, and they have both pros and cons. They are affordable, durable, and powerful, but they are also heavy, noisy, and not as technologically advanced as other materials. Whether or not a wooden pickleball paddle is good for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

To choose the best wooden pickleball paddle for your needs and preferences, you should consider the following factors: weight, grip, surface, and core. You should also try out different paddles and see which one feels the most comfortable and natural in your hand.

To ensure the longevity and performance of your retro style pickleball paddle, follow these care tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do you put on a wooden pickleball paddle?

A: You can put a variety of things on a wooden pickleball paddle, such as edge guard, grip tape, or a paddle cover. Edge guard can help to protect the paddle from damage, grip tape can help you to maintain a good grip, and a paddle cover can help to keep the paddle clean and dry.

Q: How much should I spend on a pickleball paddle?

A: The amount you should spend on a pickleball paddle depends on your budget and your needs. Wooden pickleball paddles are typically the most affordable option, while composite or graphite paddles can be more expensive.

Q: Are wooden pickleball paddles good for beginners?

A: Wooden pickleball paddles are a good option for beginners because they are affordable, durable, and easy to control. However, some beginners may find that wooden paddles are too heavy or noisy.

Q: Can you play pickleball with wooden paddles?

Yes, you can play pickleball with wooden paddles. Here are some points about wooden pickleball paddles:

• Wooden pickleball paddles are the original type of paddles used in the sport, and they have improved over the years with better materials and designs.
• Wooden pickleball paddles are very durable and can withstand more wear and tear than other paddle materials. They also have a longer lifespan than other paddles.
• Wooden pickleball paddles are very cost-effective and popular with schools, clubs, and recreational programs. They are also a good choice for beginners and casual players who want to learn the basics of the game.
• Wooden pickleball paddles tend to be heavier and less responsive than other paddle materials, which can affect the power and control of the shots. They also have a smoother surface, which can reduce the spin and accuracy of the ball.
• Wooden pickleball paddles come in different shapes, sizes, weights, and grips, so you can find one that suits your preference and skill level. Some wooden paddles also have safety straps and textured surfaces for better grip and comfort.