The Three Biggest Mistakes Players Make When Choosing a Paddle

Choosing the right pickleball paddle can feel overwhelming. The buzzwords alone – carbon fiber, unibody construction, edgeless design, ergonomic handles – can be a lot to digest! But don’t worry, as a professional pickleball player, I’m here to guide you through your Paddle Quest. Here are the three biggest mistakes players make when selecting a pickleball paddle – and how to avoid them.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but most players will only test one or two paddles before making a purchase. The reality is you need to try more! GAMMA offers a 30-day return policy, allowing you to demo a paddle and, if you don’t love it, return it for just the cost of shipping. Take advantage of these generous “demo” policies and try as many paddles as possible. Why? You might discover that your ideal paddle is one you never expected to love.

Ever notice how all the players at a certain park or those who train with a particular coach use the exact same paddle? If you visit another location, you’ll likely see the same pattern with a different brand. But here’s the thing: just because your friend loves a particular paddle doesn’t mean it’s the best pickleball paddle for you. So, resist the urge to be a paddle sheep. Refer to point #1: TRY DIFFERENT PICKLEBALL PADDLES!

It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying the most expensive paddle (or the cheapest one) just because of its price tag. While it’s true that you get what you pay for, there’s a limit. I won’t name names, but spending $300 on a paddle? No, thank you! Instead, focus on finding a paddle that fits your play style and budget. You don’t need to break the bank – or settle for the cheapest option – to find the best pickleball paddle for you.

Before choosing GAMMA, I tested over 50 paddles – from popular mega-brands to bespoke international ones, from slim, power-focused paddles to thick, control-oriented paddles. I finally landed on the Airbender [13] because I’d never experienced a paddle that delivered such quick hands and dwell time (buzz word!).

The Airbender 13 offers both power and control. Its open throat design and patented Shockbuster™ technology make it the only paddle in pickleball that lets you add weight just above the handle – how cool is that? Plus, it’s edgeless, which reminds me of my tennis roots. As a former D1 scholarship player (Go Waves!), I’ll always have tennis in my DNA. Priced at $199, the Airbender delivers genuine value with proprietary technology at a reasonable price.

If you’re still reading this, I urge you to try more paddles, including the Airbender. They say one paddle can’t buy happiness, but I heard from a reliable source that owning three might just do the trick! 

Xo, Jilly B