There’s lots of buzz about pickleball paddle weight tape, and likewise, lots of confusion. So first things first: let’s answer some rapid-fire questions we know many of you may have already:

Is it even legal, according to USAP guidelines? Yes, paddle weight tape (or lead tape) is allowed. 

Is it only for the highest-level players? No, not at all. Anyone can benefit from them, but to use them effectively, you should first understand the basics of pickleball and, more specifically, how you play it.

Will it enhance my performance on the pickleball court? Potentially, yes! But you need to know why and how to use it, which we’ll explain below.

Why You Should Use Paddle Edge Tape

Let’s level with each other: it is not absolutely critical to alter your paddle in any way. You can dive as deep as you’d like into the world of paddle technology and how to find the one that works best for you. 

It’s equally legitimate to buy the cheapest paddle that feels the best in your hand as it is to base your purchase decisions on swing weight, paddle construction, and other technicalities.

But if you’re going to alter whatever paddle you’ve purchased within legal USAP guidelines, you should know the basics of why one would do so. 

These are the most important reasons to add weight tape to your pickleball paddle:

Extra weight = extra power. While you can buy “lightweight,” “medium weight,” or “heavy weight” paddles, most of them weigh close to 8oz. But adding extra weight to the swinging object is always going to add more power to that object’s collision with other things (i.e. the ball).

More weight provides shot “forgiveness.” No paddle or paddle alteration could ever make up for bad technique. But sometimes, your swing is only off by a little bit, resulting in an impact just outside of your paddle’s sweet spot and destabilizing it in the hand. You can reduce shot errors caused by destabilization by adding weight to a paddle’s edges.

Adding weight changes the sweet spot. Not only does adding weight increase a paddle’s power output, it also alters the size and location of its sweet spot, or the location where balls bounce off with the most power and accurate response.

Before you begin placing weight on your pickleball paddle, consider the possibility that doing so may cause injury over time. 

Even players who refrain from using extra weights sometimes cause strain on the small muscles and tendons in their arms and wrists just by playing too much pickleball. 

That risk is compounded by adding additional weight to your paddle, so be sure to monitor yourself for any unusual aches after playing and consult your doctor if any discomfort arises.

Where to Put Weights on a Pickleball Paddle

Now that we’ve answered the “why,” it’s time for the “how.” 

Adding Weight to the Paddle Head

Imagine swinging a golf club while holding its handle. You’ll feel the weight where it’s supposed to be: down near the ball, and you’ll be able to feel that weight extend and amplify as your swing reaches its nexus.

Now imagine swinging that golf club while holding it near the head. Even if you placed a golf ball on a giant tee that brought it up to waist height, the swing itself would feel awkward and much weaker than normal.

Likewise, adding weight to the top (“head”) of your paddle slows down your swing and adds power. Obviously, pickleball is different from golf, so is this always the ideal move for pickleball players?

No, probably not. If you lack power in terms of your muscle mass (not because of bad shot technique), you may risk injuring yourself over time by making the paddle top heavy. 

But if you have developed your arm and wrist muscles and feel more comfortable adding top-heaviness to your paddle, you may be able to accentuate your strength to become a power-focused player by adding tape to this spot. 

Adding Weight to the Middle/Sides of Your Paddle

The spot most players add weight to is the center/sides of their paddle, and the reason is very clear. 

It’s like fortifying a house’s walls with a layer of cement. Adding tape to the sides makes the paddle more stable in the hand and expands the sweet spot closer to the taped sides.

While technique is king, stabilizing a paddle in this way can expand the area of the paddle’s accuracy. 

If you often feel your paddle’s face jolt to one side after hitting the ball outside of center, you should experiment with this technique.

Adding Weight to the Paddle’s Neck

That curvy spot between the lower end of the paddle face and the handle is another common spot for adding weight tape. 

Adding weight here will add stability, perfect for those who miss more shots on the lower half of their paddle.

Related: 3 Pickleball Paddles for Control (And What that Really Means)

Other Pickleball Paddle Weight Configurations

You may also see players apply weight to the four “corners” of their paddle. This boosts power considerably and adds lots of stability. 

But it also slows hand speed and adds noticeable weight, which may negatively affect those with weaker wrists and forearms.

Players also may choose to add weights over or under their paddle’s grip. This can make a paddle feel extra maneuverable at the kitchen line during fast hands battles while also adding a thicker, grippier feel to its handle.

Note, you’ll still need more energy to swing the paddle no matter where you add weight. 

In short: you probably SHOULD try adding weight to your paddle. But you probably SHOULD NOT do it until you critically analyze your game and make note of which situations cause you to make the most errors.

Use the same paddle for a while, then ask yourself:

Do I lack power but feel stable at the kitchen line? If so, add a little weight to the top or top corners. 

Am I more concerned with shot placement and accuracy during hands battles? If so, add some to the sides of the paddle, experimenting with how far down you go.

Does my paddle work well for me, but feel a little top-heavy? If so, add weight to the curved part near the bottom. 

Do I wish my grip was just a little bigger? Adding under- or over-grip weight (or even just an extra layer of grip tape) may help. 

Most weight tape is made with lead, but some are tungsten-based. Tungsten tape tends to be somewhat lighter and typically comes in weights of 1-2 grams per piece, while lead tape options tend to weigh 2-3 per piece.

One final piece of advice: don't add too much too soon. Start with one piece of tape in each spot and add more in small increments until you achieve what you set out to do in the first place...

...And if you don't have a desired result in the first place, re-read this article and examine your game. Maybe you don't ultimately need any paddle alterations. That's ok, too. But it's worth messing around with.

Shopping for Pickleball Paddle Weights? Look No Further

Check out the products on the right side of this page.

The mantra, “it’s all in the player, not the paddle” is true – but it doesn’t answer the simple questions most players have.

Do pickleball paddles really matter? And, should I buy a power paddle or a control paddle?

The answers to both of those questions can be as complex and technical – or simple and straightforward – as you’d like. 

But you should have at least a little context if you’re about to go paddle shopping (which you should totally do here, by the way).

What a Power Pickleball Paddle Really Is

"Power paddles are the best choice for players who dominate the court with strength and speed” says Tom Barnes, Director of Research & Development at Selkirk. 

“Crafted for those who wield dynamic swings, power paddles are meticulously engineered with advanced materials that amplify aggressive gameplay. Their distinctive elongated shape and heavier weight afford extra leverage and extended reach, packing a forceful punch on each shot."

Let’s break that down a bit.

When it comes to power paddles, it’s all about energy absorption. The paddle face material addresses that concern directly. 

Paddle faces made out of fiberglass provide flexibility, creating a springboard-like effect when the pickleball bounces off. But these paddles are sometimes less durable than those made with other materials, such as carbon fiber.

Speaking of…carbon fiber is popular these days because it increases the sweet spot of the paddle overall and provides a “best of both worlds” approach to power versus control (more on that below).

The paddle’s shape also plays an important role. There’s the standard, or wide-body shape, the elongated shape, or something in-between. 

This factor changes weight distribution. The more difficult it is to swing a paddle fast, the more powerful it can be, so the elongated shape is typically used to accentuate power in a paddle. Of course, this shape also offers additional reach and leverage.

Paddles with thinner cores also provide more power. Look for 13mm or thinner core thickness.

Finally, a good rule of thumb is: if there’s more paddle, there’s more power. Like a carrying a long sword instead of a rapier, one is good for huge attacks, while the other suites fast hands and complete control.

Heavier paddles with weights over 7.5 oz and extended handle lengths of 5 inches and above will provide more reach and allow for powerful shots such as the two-handed backhand.

“Pop,” Thickness, and Dwell Time

Here’s where it gets complicated. 

Surely you’ve heard the term “pop” if you’ve ever considered buying a new paddle. It’s slung around like a singular technical term but its impact on performance is a little more complicated.

Thick paddle cores encourage more “dwell time,” or the amount of time the ball stays on the paddle. Like a pillow, the ball can sink in slightly more, meaning the rebound – or pop – is diminished. 

But because you have more time with the ball on the paddle, your stroke technically lasts a little longer. 

We said above that thinner cores = more power, and that’s technically true. 

But if you have incredible pickleball technique, thicker paddles may in fact suit you better, where thinner paddles give you a bit of immediate help in the power department no matter the quality of your form.  

In summary:

• Thinner paddles = firm backboard, more upfront “pop”
• Thicker paddles = flexible backboard, more power generated by staying on paddle longer

Who Should Buy a “Power Paddle”

Austin Kim, product manager of hardline products at JOOLA, says most recreational players should probably not worry too much about adding tons of power to their game via a power-focused paddle.

“A control-focused paddle should be the direction you go in most of the time. Obviously, we try to blend both power and control into most of our paddles, but a power-focused paddle is geared for those with incredibly soft hands; those who are dialed in to most shots and the mechanics of the game.”

Think of automobiles: most people should probably drive Camrys and Civics for their everyday driving needs. But manufacturers also design Ferraris for enthusiasts or those with specific speed needs. 

That said, it never hurts to experiment with different paddle styles as you never know what is going to surprise you. 

If you like resets and dinking, you’re generally geared for a control-focused paddle, but if you lack power in a major way, perhaps a power paddle could make up for your weak spot. 

If you play singles often, elongated paddle shapes with thin cores will help you cover more of the court.

Power Paddles vs. Control Paddles

The reality is that most paddles are a little bit “power,” a little bit “control,” with the balance swaying depending on the model and all of the traits listed in the first section of this article.

For more on control paddles and some excellent examples, click here.

Again, most paddles still have a great deal of control-focused elements blended into their design. It does truly all come down to the player and their techniques.

Some of the Best Power Pickleball Paddles Money Can Buy

Below, we've included a few of our store's most popular power-focused paddles. 

But even though it isn't in our store (yet!), you should know about JOOLA's new Gen 3 series. Find our review here for everything you need to know.