When starting out, there isn’t much to pickleball: the only two things you really need are a paddle and a ball (assuming you’re already on a court). Simple enough, right?

(Of course, as you get more advanced you may want to start exploring other gear — check out our guide to pickleball equipment here.)

A simple Google search for “pickleball paddle” will yield 1.8 million results. How are you supposed to wrap your head around that much information, especially if you’ve never even picked up a pickleball paddle before? (more…)

What do pickleball paddles and aerospace engineering have in common? More than you think.

When pickleball was invented in 1965, it was played primarily with makeshift equipment, including paddles that were made of wood. However, once the sport began to rise in popularity the paddles rapidly evolved. Many of pickleball’s early adopters lived in Seattle, also known as “Jet City” since Boeing was born there. Local aerospace engineers enjoyed playing pickleball, but they knew their paddles needed improvement. Accordingly, they figured out how to make paddles made of ultra-light aerospace materials—the modern pickleball paddle was born.

But that’s enough history for today. If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering buying a pickleball paddle… (more…)