Practical buying guide for your first pickleball paddle: weight (light, medium, heavy), materials (graphite, composite), target level. Indoor vs outdoor ball recommendations.
To start pickleball, a medium-weight (7.4-8.1 oz) composite paddle is the best balance. Expect to spend CHF 60-120 for a quality paddle, and CHF 15-25 for a tube of balls. Geneva Sports Club provides paddles and balls at sessions — you do not need to buy gear immediately.
Light
< 7.4 oz
For whom? Beginners, control-oriented players, seniors
Less power, more precision and maneuverability.
Medium
7.4 – 8.1 oz
For whom? All-round, intermediate players
Best trade-off for starters and improvers.
Heavy
> 8.1 oz
For whom? Experienced players seeking power
More power, but tires the wrist and slows volleys.
This composite/graphite hybrid paddle weighs around 7.8 oz — squarely medium. It delivers excellent net control, a generous sweet spot, and high durability. Ideal to start without bottlenecking your progression.
USAPA-approved brands (Onix, Franklin X-40, Dura) are the competition standard.
Three picks we routinely recommend to new Geneva Sports Club members. Available online (Decathlon, Tennis-Point, Amazon) or in some Geneva tennis/padel shops.
Entry-level (CHF 60-90)
JOOLA Hyperion / JOOLA Element
Solid learning paddle, composite face, medium weight ~7.9 oz, generous sweet spot. Brand approved by the international federation.
Mid-range (CHF 90-150)
Selkirk Amped Epic Lightweight
Composite/graphite hybrid, ~7.8 oz, excellent net control. Best value to grow from beginner to intermediate.
High-end (CHF 150-220)
Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 or JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS
Premium graphite, textured face for spin, polymer core. Consider once you know your preferred balance between control and power.
Independent picks — Geneva Sports Club has no commercial affiliation with these brands.
Want to try before you buy? Paddles and balls are provided at every session in Geneva.
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