Since the beginning of the game, pickleball has been played with wooden paddles. They were durable and easy to make. However, like tennis, which also began with wooden equipment, technology has changed over the years.
Just as the sport of pickleball has grown, so has the number of pickleball paddles that are offered on the market.
Today you can play with wooden paddles made from plywood that have a plastic edging, paddles made of graphite, fiberglass, aluminum (and the list continues to grow)!
Before we go too far, here is our list of the best wooden pickleball paddles:
- Amazin’ Aces Wood Pickleball Paddle
- Champion Sports Rhino Edge
- Diller Wood Paddle
- Franklin Activator
- Kanga Wood Paddle
- Rally Meister
- Swinger
If you want to know the pros and cons of each wooden paddle, please read on because we’ve got you covered in the article below.
Are Wooden Paddles Good?
Before diving into the best wooden pickleball paddles, we need to take a look at why you would want to purchase a wooden paddle.
Wooden pickleball paddles are durable, however, they are also heavy and technology has surpassed wood as the pickleball paddle material of choice.
If you are new to the sport and just want to give it a try, wooden paddles are a good option. If you have children who want to play, wooden paddles work well since they are more durable. Additionally, if you want to have extra paddles for guests, or if you have a camp or club where you need a large number of pickleball paddles to share with others, wooden paddles are a good option since they are less expensive. However, if you’re an individual who plans to play pickleball on a regular basis, we recommend you forgo a wooden paddle and start with a lighter composite or graphite paddle instead.
Pros and Cons of Wooden Pickleball Paddles
There are some pros and cons of using a wooden pickleball paddle on the court. Here are some of the things to consider before making your paddle purchase:
Pros:
- Cost: Wooden paddles tend to be less expensive
- Durable: Wood paddles are more durable, so they may last longer than a graphite or composite pickleball paddle
- Power: Wooden paddles offer more power to your shot, however, they are harder to control
Cons:
- Weight: Wooden paddles are heavier than graphite or composite paddles. Wooden paddles tend to weigh around 10 ounces or more. This could put a strain on your wrist
- Control: Wooden paddles make it more difficult to control your shot
- Technology: Modern day technology provides pickleball paddles that can help you in certain areas of your game
Other Wooden Paddle Considerations
Today’s wooden pickleball paddles come with more options than previous paddles. Some paddles have a plastic edge around the paddle similar to composite paddles.
Some wooden paddles have colored faces which make them look more like a composite paddle.
Some wood paddles have longer handles, so depending on your preference you can choose a short handle or a longer handle.
Also, the grip of the paddle has gotten better over time. Newer wooden paddles have handles that are not just grip taped over wood. Their handles feel more like a traditional paddle handle.
>>READ MORE: Recommended Best Pickleball Sets for Beginners<<
How Much Do Wooden Pickleball Paddles Cost?
Wooden pickleball paddles can vary in their price depending on the manufacturer. A typical wooden paddle can cost anywhere from $12 up to $25. Compare that to a composite paddle which can cost anywhere from $30 – $200.
Wooden paddles can be purchased as an individual paddle or as a set. Often times, the paddle sets may come with additional items such as paddle covers, balls or nets. Purchasing a paddle set tends to be less expensive per paddle than purchasing a paddle individually.
Best Wooden Pickleball Paddles
Without further ado, the following are what we believe to be the best wooden pickleball paddles on the market.
Amazin Aces Wood Pickleball Paddle
Material: Made of 7-ply wood from maple
Edge: None
Handle: A padded handle with a comfortable cushioned grip for better control
Wrist Strap: Yes
Weight: 9.8 oz – 10.5 oz
USA Pickleball Approved: No
Price: $
Comes as a Set: Yes, these paddles come as a set
Pros: Comes with balls, a mesh bag, and a free ebook – “The Beginners Guide to Pickleball”
Cons: None
Champion Sports Rhino Edge
Material: Made of 7-ply wood
Edge: Solid surround edging
Handle: A padded handle that ergonomically forms to your hand, tailored with a soft cushioned grip for better control. Handle length is 4.75″
Safety Strap: No
Weight: 11.8 oz – 12.2 oz
USA Pickleball Approved: No
Price: $$
Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle
Pros: Has edging around the paddle for maximum protection
Cons: These paddles tend to be on the heavy side
Diller Wood Paddle
Material: Made of 7-ply hardwood
Edge: None
Handle: Wrapped perforated cushion grips for comfort and performance. Handle length is 5.5″. Grip circumference is 4.25″
Safety Strap: Yes
Weight: 9 oz – 10.6 oz
USA Pickleball Approved: Yes
Price: $
Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle
Pros: These paddles aren’t quite as heavy as other wooden paddles
Cons: These paddles are a little smaller than traditional paddles
Franklin Activator Wood Paddle
Material: Made of 7-ply wood
Edge: Protective plastic edge
Handle: Form-fitting, maximum comfort grip handle. Handle length is 4.75″
Safety Strap: No
Weight: 9.5 oz – 10.5 oz
USA Pickleball Approved: Yes
Price: $
Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle
Pros: This paddle has the look of a composite paddle for a great price
Cons: Even though this paddle looks like a composite, it is a wood paddle; therefore, it is rather loud when hitting the ball
Kanga Wood Paddle
Material: Made of 7-ply hardwood
Edge: None
Handle: Perforated, plush grip with ribbing. Handle length is 5.25″. Grip circumference is 4.25″
Safety Strap: Yes
Weight: 9 oz – 10.6 oz
USA Pickleball Approved: No
Price: $
Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle
Pros: These paddles aren’t quite as heavy as other wooden paddles. Has a colorful paddle face
Cons: Not approved by USA Pickleball
Rally Meister
Material: Made of 7-ply honey-colored white maple
Edge: None
Handle: Performance moisture-wicking cushion comfort grip. Handle length is 5.25″. Grip circumference is 4.25″
Safety Strap: Yes
Weight: 9 oz – 10.6 oz
USA Pickleball Approved: Yes
Price: $
Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle
Pros: This offers one of the better grips for a wooden paddle
Cons: None
Swinger Wood Paddle
Material: Made of 5-ply alternating grain hardwood
Edge: None
Handle: Grip circumference is 4″. Ribbed wrapped with black grip. Handle length is 4.5″
Safety Strap: Yes
Weight: 9.7 oz – 11 oz
USAPA Approved: Yes
Price: $
Comes as a Set: Yes, you can buy as a set or as an individual paddle
Pros: Can fit smaller hands better since it has a smaller grip circumference
Cons: It is a heavier paddle
There you have it – wooden pickleball paddles to get you started playing pickleball! Enjoy the game!
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