If you’ve spent a decent amount of time on the pickleball court, you’ve probably noticed a trend—paddles are getting lighter, and players are talking about how quick their hands feel at the net. But here’s the thing: not everyone is on board with the “lighter is better” movement. In fact, many players—especially advanced and pro-level competitors—swear by a heavier paddle, and they have solid reasons for it.
So, why would someone willingly choose a heavier paddle when so many players are going lighter? And more importantly—should you?
Let’s break it all down in a way that makes sense for your game, your style, and even your body.
What Exactly Is “Heavy” in Pickleball Paddles?
First things first—what do we actually mean by heavy?
Pickleball paddles fall into three general weight categories:
- Lightweight: Under 7.5 oz
- Midweight: 7.6–8.4 oz (most common)
- Heavyweight: 8.5+ oz
But here’s the twist—the number on the scale doesn’t tell the whole story. What really matters is swing weight—aka how heavy the paddle feels when you’re swinging it.
A paddle’s balance and weight distribution can make it feel heavier or lighter than it actually is. Two paddles that weigh the exact same on a scale can feel totally different in play.
Why Some Players Stick with a Heavier Paddle
Despite all the marketing hype around lighter paddles, many players (especially former tennis players and power hitters) prefer a heavier paddle. Here’s why.
1. More Power, Less Effort
This one’s simple physics. A heavier paddle packs a bigger punch because it carries more momentum into the ball.
Instead of swinging harder to generate speed (which can tire out your arm), a heavier paddle does the work for you. You get easy power without needing to muscle every shot.
👉 Think about it this way: Would you rather throw a bunch of ping pong balls at someone or one solid wrecking ball? Exactly.
🚀 Great for:
- Players who love driving the ball deep
- Aggressive play styles
- Hitting powerful putaways
🚫 Not great for:
- Players who struggle with arm fatigue
- Those who rely on super-fast hands at the net
Tip: If you’re tired of feeling like you have to whip your paddle for power, try adding a little weight and let the paddle do the work.
2. More Stability & a Bigger Sweet Spot
Ever felt like your paddle twists in your hand when you hit off-center? That’s because lighter paddles can be less stable on off-center shots.
A heavier paddle stays steady, even if you don’t hit the perfect sweet spot. It absorbs more impact, giving you better consistency.
🚀 Great for:
- Players who mis-hit often
- Those who want more control on dinks and drops
- Players looking for consistency in their shots
🚫 Not great for:
- Players who need ultra-fast reflexes at the net
3. Can Help with Tennis Elbow & Arm Pain
Wait…a heavier paddle is better for arm pain? Yep! It sounds counterintuitive, but hear me out.
When you play with a lighter paddle, you often have to swing harder to get the same power. More force = more stress on your wrist, elbow, and forearm.
A heavier paddle absorbs more impact so your arm doesn’t have to. This is especially helpful for anyone dealing with tennis elbow, wrist pain, or forearm strain.
🚀 Great for:
- Players with a history of arm injuries
- Anyone who feels sore after long sessions
- Those who want a more forgiving paddle
🚫 Not great for:
- Players who struggle with endurance or fatigue
Tip: If you’re worried about arm fatigue, look for a heavier paddle that’s well-balanced rather than one that’s too head-heavy.
4. Better Control & Precision (Yes, Really!)
You’d think a heavier paddle would be harder to control, right? Well, not necessarily.
While heavier paddles give you more power, they also help slow down your hand speed slightly—which can actually improve control in soft shots like dinks, drops, and resets.
Ever played against someone who fires off power shots but can’t control the soft game? A heavier paddle helps you avoid that mistake.
🚀 Great for:
- Players who mix power and finesse
- Those who struggle with control on resets and dinks
🚫 Not great for:
- Players who rely on super-fast hands
What Type of Player Should Consider a Heavier Paddle?
Not sure if a heavier paddle is the right choice for you? Let’s explore the ideal paddle weight based on skill level and playing style.
| Skill Level | Recommended Paddle Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner (1.0-2.5) | 7.6–8.3 oz | Still developing technique; avoid very heavy paddles. |
| Intermediate (3.0-4.0) | 8.2–8.8 oz | Looking for more power and stability; a good time to experiment. |
| Advanced (4.5+) | 8.5–11 oz | Many pros use heavier paddles for power, control, and consistency. |
How to Find the Right Heavy Paddle for You
Not all heavy paddles feel clunky! If you want the benefits of a heavier paddle without losing quickness, here are some tips:
✅ Check the Balance – Some paddles feel heavy because they’re head-heavy. Look for one with a more even weight distribution.
✅ Test Swing Weight – The way a paddle feels when swinging is more important than just the raw weight number.
✅ Experiment with Lead Tape – You don’t have to buy a new paddle—try adding lead tape (here’s our guide on how to do it!) to fine-tune your setup.
✅ Strengthen Your Grip & Forearm – If you’re struggling with a heavier paddle, a little grip-strength training can help.
Buying a Heavier Paddle vs. Adding Lead Tape
If you’re considering switching to a heavier paddle, you have two main options: buying a heavier paddle outright or modifying your current paddle with lead tape. Each approach has its pros and cons.
Buying a Heavier Paddle
✅ Pros:
- Designed with proper weight distribution in mind
- No need to experiment with placement
- Often has better durability and build quality
❌ Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Limited to the weights available on the market
- If it feels too heavy, you can’t adjust it
Adding Lead Tape
✅ Pros:
- Fully customizable—you can fine-tune where and how much weight to add
- Cheaper than buying a new paddle
- Easily reversible if you don’t like the feel
❌ Cons:
- Requires some trial and error to find the right balance
- Can change the paddle’s overall feel unpredictably
- Some players don’t like the aesthetics or feel of added tape
Tip: If you’re on the fence, start by adding small amounts of lead tape to your current paddle and see how it affects your game. If you love the added weight, you might consider investing in a naturally heavier paddle down the line.
Final Verdict: Should You Go Heavier?
While lighter paddles dominate the market, heavier paddles remain a top choice for power players, ex-tennis athletes, and those looking for extra stability.
✔️ If you want more power with less effort
✔️ If you need better stability and a bigger sweet spot
✔️ If you struggle with tennis elbow or wrist pain
✔️ If you want more control in your soft game
Then a heavier paddle might be exactly what you need.
That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best paddle is the one that feels right in your hands. So, if you’re curious, give a heavier paddle a try—you might just love it.
And don’t forget to check out our guide on the ideal paddle weight for senior players to find the best fit for your game!
