Paddle Guide For Small hands

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This guide gives you the best pickleball paddles for women beginners with small hands. If you are a man with small hands or getting paddles for kids, this list will work for you too.

First, let’s have a look at the paddle specifications that allow you to be tournament-ready.

Why bother about USA pickleball paddle size requirements when you are just playing for fun? That’s because the makeup of the paddle affects your enjoying of the game.

I’ve seen advice for beginners to get super cheap paddles, but I recommend investing in USA Pickleball Approved paddles.

Yes, you can play a decent game with any paddle whether USA Pickleball Approved or not. But it doesn’t cost you a lot more for a paddle has been inspected for safety and fairness.

But now the question, there are so many paddles out there, which one works best? And how do you know what pickleball paddle size you need?

If you have small hands, you might find paddles with a smaller grip size more comfortable and easier to hold.

But, I recommend that you look for a paddle with a holistic view and not only look at one aspect of a paddle, such as the grip size. Weight and thickness matter too.

Paddle Specs for Women with Small Hands

After testing several options, I’ve narrowed down the top picks for women with small hands. These paddles are sold by brands I trust. They are reasonably priced, USA Pickleball Approved, and most suitable for recreational use.

As you move down the list, you will see more advanced beginner paddles that offer a combination of precision, power, comfort, and control.

If you are considering a brand not included here, refer to the following specifications as a guide. So long the paddle you are looking at matches these measurements, you can be good to go.

Paddle Weight 7.5 to 8.3 Oz	Paddle Length 15″ to 16.5″	Paddle Width 7.5″ to 9″
Handle Length 4.8″ to 5.3″	Grip Circumference 4″ to 4.25″	Face Material Carbon Fibre, Graphite, Fibreglass
Core Thickness 0.51″ to 0.65″	Sweet Spot Large	Price USD$30 to $90

Do be mindful that even if you are willing to spend a lot on a paddle, a higher-priced paddle doesn’t mean it’s a good paddle for you.

Top Paddles For Beginners

As a female pickleball player with small hands or at least much smaller than most men’s, using the right paddle allows me to enjoy the game and not suffer from injuries.

I believe the best way to find your perfect paddle is to try holding and swinging different paddles to see which feels the most natural and comfortable in your hand.

However, not all of us have the luxury of finding a store nearby with all the paddles available for us to test before buying.

The first step is to browse through each brand below to view the individual specifications of the paddles and start with one that matches your needs.

1. Vinsguir Aurora Wave: Pretty Paddle Set To Start

I love the Vinsguir set because it comes in a set of 4 paddles and 4 balls. It’s easy to get the game going with your family or friends who don’t have pickleball paddles and balls to start with.

The Vinsguir Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for women with small hands who want a stylish option.

The paddle’s smaller grip size and lightweight design make it easy to handle, while the fiberglass face provides excellent control and spin. The paddle also has a colorful and eye-catching design, making it a fun addition to any game.

As for the price, it’s the best I can find for such great quality and comfort. You can get the same set at $5 cheaper from Amazon.

2. Joola: Ben Johns Pickleball Set

Yes, you see this right. This set of paddles is born out of a partnership between JOOLA and Ben Johns, a pro pickleball player since 2016.

This paddle is great for beginners because of its well-balanced specifications, such as weight, control, and power.

It also feels more solid than many beginner paddles I’ve used before even though it’s lighter than most.

The sweet spot covers a larger area than many other paddles hence you don’t need too much effort to hit the ball.

3. Friday: Affordable Price

If you don’t need to go for a set of 2 or 4, the paddle by Friday is a budget-friendly option that still provides excellent performance.

While this paddle has an average-sized grip, it’s core is quite thick at 16mm. Hence, its weight is slightly heavier than most beginner paddles at 8.3 oz.

4. Niupipo: Lightweight with Good Grip

The Niupipo Pickleball Paddle is a lightweight option with a smaller grip size and longer handle. This helps you get a better reach and allows you to hold it with two hands like how you would hold a tennis racket.

The paddle’s honeycomb polymer core provides excellent control and power, while the carbon fiber face adds durability. The paddle also has a cushioned grip, which provides a comfortable and secure hold.

I love to practice dinks and drop shots with this paddle. I feel more in control since it’s not too light, yet it’s heavy enough for me to feel the ball just touching the paddle surface. I can return the ball more precisely with this paddle.

5. Onix Graphite Z5: Power and Agility

The Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is a popular choice among female players, so I can’t leave this one out.

The paddle’s graphite carbon fiber face provides power and agility, while the weight is also balanced, making it easy to control and maneuver.

6. Selkirk: Precision and Quality

The Selkirk brand paddles are pretty awesome, made in USA and great in performance, yet suitable for women with small hands.

The SLK Latitude 2.0 paddle’s slim design and smaller grip size make it easy to handle, while the SpinFlex face provides excellent control and precision. The paddle is also lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and swing with speed.

This paddle is designed with a larger sweet spot and a midweight construction, making it a great option for beginners who want a little more power.

Design Features for Women Beginners

For those of you ladies out there, here are some key design features to look for when choosing a pickleball paddle:

Finding the Perfect Fit: Comfort and Grip

Pickleball paddles come in various grip sizes, typically ranging from 4 inches to 4 ½ inches in circumference.

Also, some paddles have thinner grips or are specifically designed for players with smaller hands, offering better comfort and control.

Since there isn’t any restriction on grip circumference based on USA Pickleball, you can use one that is as thin as you like.

To determine the best grip size for your hand, you can measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. This measurement can give you a good starting point for selecting a grip size.

For example, since my hand measurement is about 3.7 inches or 9.4 cm, I chose a paddle with a grip circumference of 4 inches or 10.18 cm. I will avoid those bigger than 4.25 inches or 10.8 cm.

However, don’t just focus on grip sizes. There are other factors to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle, such as material, weight, handle length, and budget.

Ergonomic Handles for Smaller Hands

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a pickleball paddle is the handle shape.

A handle that is too large or too small can cause discomfort and affect your grip on the paddle. Personally, I prefer paddles with ergonomic handles that allow me to hold the paddle at a natural angle.

I previously suffered a lot of pain and aching sensation in the muscle between my thumb and index finger. Switching to another paddle with an ergonomic handle helped to alleviate that pain.

Cushioning and Grip Texture

Another important factor to consider when selecting a pickleball paddle is the cushioning and grip texture.

A paddle with a comfortable grip can help reduce hand fatigue and improve your overall performance.

Look for paddles with a cushioned grip that provides a soft, comfortable feel.

Additionally, the grip texture should be tacky enough to provide a secure grip, even when your hands are sweaty.

When it comes to grip thickness, it is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer thicker grips, while others prefer thinner ones.

I recommend trying out different grip thicknesses to find the one that feels most comfortable and secure in your hand.

Sweet Spot and Paddle Shape

The sweet spot is the area on the paddle that provides the most power and control.

For women beginners, it’s important to choose a paddle with a larger sweet spot, as it will be easier to make contact with the ball.

A paddle with a wider shape will also provide more surface area for hitting the ball, which can be helpful for beginners who may not have as much control over their shots.

Edge Guard and Surface Texture

The edge guard is the protective strip around the edge of the paddle.

As a beginner, you may find yourself hitting the edge of the paddle more often, so it’s important to choose a paddle with a durable edge guard.

Additionally, the surface texture of the paddle can affect your grip and control over the ball.

A paddle with a rougher surface can provide more spin and control, while a smoother surface may be easier to grip.

Final Thoughts

At this stage, you don’t have to worry about the granular details of a paddle, such as what helps you hit an overhead smash with more power, etc. You will be concerned about that as you become more advanced or turn pro.