Since it was first introduced, pickleball has only used wood-based paddles, but with the development of the times and technology paddles can be made of various materials such as wood, graphite, composite, or others. Is it true that pickleball paddles made of wood are very good?
Why Pickleball Paddle Made from Wood?
Wood is a material that is sturdy, strong, easy to shape, easy to get anywhere, and the price is quite cheap. Therefore, wood has been used to make pickleball paddles for a long time. There are many types of wood and not all wood is suitable for making pickleball paddles. The wood used must be strong and stable, but also light.
Here are some woods that are often used to make pickleball paddles
- Maple, this wood is the most popular and preferred for making paddles. Its superior strength, stiffness, and durability make maple paddles more powerful than other woods, but they also have a small sweet spot.
- Alder, the opposite of maple, is lighter and more flexible. Alder paddles offer better control and a larger sweet spot.
- Balsa, This wood is the lightest of the two previous woods. Balsa paddles are easy to control and have a large sweet spot. However, this wood is brittle and easily damaged. Not recommended for strong players.
Pros of Wooden Pickleball Paddles
- The solid nature of wood makes it very suitable for use as a paddle in the game of pickleball. You don’t have to go through a difficult process to use wood as your pickleball blade material.
- Wood has a large size before processing, with a little skill to cut and simple tools, wood can be transformed into a pickleball paddle in a short time.
- If you live on earth, then there is a lot of wood around you, although there are some recommended woods, but you can still use any type of wood. The most important thing is that it doesn’t crumble easily.
- Compared to other materials, wood is cheap and in some places you can get it for free.
- The characteristic of wood that always impresses people is that it looks traditional. Wood comes from nature and when you touch it, it will give a cozy and soothing impression like other traditional utensils.
Cons of Wooden Pickleball Paddles
- There are so many types of wood available, each type of wood has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some woods are strong and sturdy, making your shots stronger, but very heavy to use. And vice versa. You need a higher level of skill to make a great paddle out of wood.
- Kayu sangat sensitif dengan perubahan suhu di sekitarnya. Jika kamu tidak memperhatikan hal ini dengan baik, paddle kayumu akan cepat rusak. Sehingga membutuhkan usaha lebih untuk menyimpan dan merawatnya.
- Karakteristik kayu yang cenderung kaku dan monoton membuatnya terkesan tidak futuristik jika dibandingkan dengan bahan lainnya.
Why Should Consider Using Wooden Pickleball Paddles?
Due to the nature of wooden paddles, which are readily available everywhere and affordable prices, this paddle will be very suitable for beginners and people who want to play pickleball for fun with family or friends. Wooden paddles provide enough comfort to be played by anyone.
One of the strong features of wooden paddles is the traditional and classic look and feel. The sensation when you use wooden paddles will make you enjoy the game even more. For people who like traditional tools, wooden paddles will provide a pleasant and satisfying experience.
For competitive games, wooden paddles have some disadvantages such as a small sweet spot and also its weight. But for non-competitive games, wooden paddles will be suitable because you can feel each stroke more.
Comparative Analysis with Other Paddle Materials
As time goes on and pickleball evolves, paddle technology has moved beyond just wooden materials. Pickleball clubs and communities continue to evolve the sport by creating paddles in other materials that provide comfort and maximize player potential. Here are some materials other than wood that are used to make paddles and how they compare.
1. Graphite
Strengths :
- Lightweight and Easy to Control: Graphite paddles are generally lightweight, providing high maneuverability and good control.
- Good Response and Gentle Ball Touch: Graphite provides quick response and a soft ball touch.
- High Bounce: Graphite tends to have high bounce, allowing for powerful shots.
Weaknesses :
- Susceptible to Impact and Abrasion: Despite being lightweight, graphite can be more vulnerable to impact and wear compared to some other materials.
2. Carbon Fiber
Strengths :
- Lightweight and High Strength: Carbon fiber paddles are extremely lightweight and strong, providing an ideal combination of speed and power.
- Impact and Abrasion Resistant: This material is resistant to impact and abrasion, making it a durable choice.
- Good Bounce and Response: Carbon fiber offers high bounce and good ball response.
Weaknesses :
- Higher Price: Carbon fiber paddles typically come with a higher price tag.
3. Composite
Strengths :
- Combination of Strength and Durability: Composite combines various materials, offering a combination of strength, durability, and ball response.
- Available in Various Price Ranges and Qualities: Available in a range of prices and qualities, providing flexibility for players to choose according to their needs and budget.
Weaknesses :
- Variable Weight: The weight of the paddle can vary depending on its material composition.
4. Aluminum
Strengths :
- Lightweight and Corrosion Resistant: Aluminum is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material.
- Affordable Price: Aluminum paddles are generally more affordable, suitable for beginners or those seeking good control.
- Suitable for Beginners: Aluminum can be a good choice for beginners learning control.
Weaknesses :
- Lower Bounce Potential: Aluminum tends to have lower bounce compared to other materials.
- Susceptible to Scratches: Despite being corrosion-resistant, aluminum paddles are more vulnerable to scratches.
Tips for Choosing the Right Wooden Pickleball Paddle
Choosing the right pickleball paddle depends on your own preferences and needs. But here are some things you need to consider to choose the right wooden paddle. Consider the weight of the paddle that suits you. Heavy paddles make your shots more powerful, but they also hinder your movement and make you tired quickly. On the other hand, a light paddle is a disadvantage in terms of power.
The handle is the part of the paddle that serves as your control center. Make sure you choose a paddle with a comfortable grip that suits your preferences. Choosing the right grip will help you maximize your ability on the court. In addition, the surface is also important to help you perform different shot techniques to win the match.
Then the design and finish, this part adapts to each taste. If possible, choose a design and finish that can add to your advantage in competition.
Maintenance and Care for Wooden Pickleball Paddles
The paddle is a weapon for playing pickleball. Therefore, it is very important to take care of your paddle. Follow the paddle storage instructions and avoid extreme temperature changes to prolong the life of your paddle. Don’t forget to clean and cover your paddles after you finish playing.
Clean your wooden paddles with a dry cloth to remove dirt and dust from the surface. Avoid using alkaline cleaners.If it has been cleaned then put it back into the cover or special paddle bag. Store paddles in a cool and dry place.
Conclusion
Pickleball paddles are made of strong, durable materials. And wood has properties that are good for paddles. There are many types of wood available, so you can choose the type of wood that will provide you with comfort and benefits on the court. Consider your preferences and needs when choosing the right paddle.
With time and technological developments, paddles are now made not only of wood, but also of various other materials such as graphite, composite, carbon fiber, aluminum, and so on. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Although materials other than wood are said to provide more comfort and benefits to users. Wooden paddles still have their own impression when used to play.
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