It lastly occurred: Like half the world, I dove into the pickleball craze. In case you’d requested me a number 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 contemplate myself a full convert.
Probably the most essential aspect to leveling up your pickleball sport (after buying some cute outfits for the courtroom, in fact) is an incredible paddle. Based on Worldwide Pickleball Educating Skilled Affiliation (IPTPA) licensed pickleball teacher Jennifer Azevedo, “you may personalize a paddle to your particular wants as a participant. Missing in mobility? Get a paddle that’s slightly larger and longer to assist attain the ball. There are alternatives to assist nearly each facet of the sport that could be missing,” she says.
Regardless that I perceive the worth of an excellent paddle, I balked when the trainer of my intro class really helpful a selected set that value over $100. As a beginner who wasn’t positive 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 by myself, utilizing suggestions from mates 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. These paddles had been extremely rated by 1000’s of individuals, comparatively reasonably priced, and claimed to have options I used to be on the lookout for. Certain, they weren’t probably the most aesthetically pleasing, however I consider in prioritizing operate over type in relation to sports activities gear.
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 check.
The specs
The paddles are USA Pickleball Affiliation–authorised, 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 manufactured from fiberglass and include a honeycomb polymer core, which the model’s web site says helps cut back noise. The complete paddle head can also be wrapped in an edge guard to assist forestall 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 value of use.
Unique picture by SELF author Esther Carlstone
The way it feels
The very first thing I seen once I unboxed the set was how light-weight the fiberglass paddles had been. Weighing solely 7.8 ounces every, they’re a lot lighter than those from one other model I purchased for some relations, considering I’d get them a cute set. I’ve additionally performed with a pal’s picket paddles, which really feel like cement in my hand in comparison with my Niupipo ones.
