Confused by all the different paddle materials and which one suits your needs?

Pickleball paddles are made from core and surface materials that affect power, control, and durability. Each serves different players.

Let’s break down what materials work best for each skill level and style.

Which material is better for pickleball paddle?

With so many choices—carbon fiber¹, fiberglass, wood—it’s hard to know which one’s truly better.

Carbon fiber is ideal for spin and control, while fiberglass offers power. The best depends on your play style and goals.

Comparing Surface Materials

Different materials influence how the ball reacts on contact. Here’s how they stack up:

Material	Control	Power	Durability	Cost Level	Ideal For
Carbon Fiber1	High	Moderate	Excellent	High	Competitive, control-focused
Fiberglass	Moderate	High	Good	Medium	Beginners, power hitters
Composite	Balanced	Balanced	Good	Medium	Versatile players
Wood	Low	Low	Very High	Low	New players, basic use

My Take from the Factory Floor

From our perspective at NEX Pickleball, carbon fiber stands out for consistent performance and longevity. But fiberglass can be a more affordable entry point for players who love power. Each material serves a purpose—we help businesses match material to market.

What are pickleball paddles made of?

If you’re new to pickleball or buying wholesale, understanding paddle composition is key.

Pickleball paddles are made from a surface layer (face), a core, and a grip, with common materials including carbon fiber¹, fiberglass, and polymer.

Breakdown of Paddle Components

Every part of a paddle contributes to its feel, control, and life span.

Component	Material Options	Purpose
Face	Carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite	Ball spin, power, and durability
Core	Polymer honeycomb2, Nomex, aluminum	Shock absorption, control, power
Edge Guard	Plastic or rubber	Paddle protection
Grip	Synthetic leather, rubber, cushion foam	Comfort, non-slip hold

Integrated Design Philosophy

At NEX, we treat the paddle as a single engineered unit, not just a list of parts. This means our materials are selected not only for individual performance but also how they work together to deliver a solid, responsive paddle.

What is the best core material for pickleball paddle?

You're probably wondering what’s inside the paddle and why it matters so much.

Polymer honeycomb is the most balanced and durable core, while Nomex offers more power and aluminum adds stiffness.

Core Materials in Detail

The core acts as the paddle’s engine—it affects feel, control, and energy transfer. Here's how they compare:

Core Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Polymer Honeycomb	Quiet, strong, great feel	Slightly heavier	All-around players
Nomex	Hard, responsive, lightweight	Loud, less forgiving	Power-focused, fast reactions
Aluminum	Firm touch, consistent rebound	Less control, heavier	Recreational use, indoor play

Why NEX Uses Polymer by Default

We choose polymer honeycomb for most of our paddles due to its consistency, comfort, and market versatility. It’s the gold standard for both casual and serious players, and we’ve fine-tuned our layup process to get the most out of this core material.

What is the best material for a pickleball paddle for beginners?

Beginners need gear that’s forgiving, affordable, and comfortable—not necessarily top-tier pro specs.

Fiberglass paddles with polymer cores³ are best for beginners because they offer a good mix of power, control, and affordability.

Beginner Material Combo

New players need paddles that make the learning curve easier without breaking the bank. Here’s a proven setup:

Component	Recommended Material	Why It’s Good for Beginners
Face (Surface)	Fiberglass	Lightweight, good power, low cost
Core	Polymer Honeycomb	Soft feel, great control, forgiving
Grip	Cushioned synthetic	Comfortable over longer play sessions

Our Recommendations at NEX

When businesses ask us for entry-level products, we suggest this fiberglass + polymer combo. It offers high perceived value without sacrificing performance, making it perfect for clubs, schools, and beginner bundle sets.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pickleball paddle materials can make all the difference in comfort, performance, and customer satisfaction—especially when paired correctly for each skill level.