Best Pickleball Paddle For Small Hands: Our Picks for 2023
Are you looking for the best pickleball paddle for small hands? You are in the right place because, in this article, we cover all the points that you need to know before choosing the pickleball paddle for small hands. Furthermore, we have also designed a guide that you need to consider before buying.
There are 4.1 million pickleball players worldwide, and a lot of them have small hands which, simply means that you are not alone. There are even some professional pickleball players who have smaller hands.
So your hand size, simply, just does not matter when it comes to playing pickleball. However, what matters is the pickleball paddle you choose. If the size of your paddle doesn’t match that of your hand, you might have a hard time playing pickleball.
Although there are hundreds of options available in the market, you don’t have to go and review all of them. After hours of research, we have made the list of the top 7 pickleball paddles with small grip sizes.
Table of Contents
- How To Find Out Pickleball Paddle Grip Size?
- Factors To Consider Before Buying Pickleball Paddle
- The 7 Best Pickleball Paddle For Small Hands
- The Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Question / FAQs
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- GRAPHITE Z5
- SUPERIOR CONTROL
- Nomex, paper honeycomb core and graphite face
- WIDEBODY SHAPE
- Small Grip Size
- HIGH-LEVEL PERFORMANCE
- UNBEATABLE CONTROL
- BALANCE YOUR PLAYSTYLE
- READY FOR PLAY
- USAPA Approved
- Improved Strength by The Honeycomb Core
- Ideal Balance with Graphite Carbon Fiber
- Premium Grip
- Comes with 1 Bag and 4 Balls
How To Find Out Pickleball Paddle Grip Size?
To choose the best pickleball paddle, first, you need to find your grip size. Two methods will help you to identify your grip size.
The first method to identify your grip size is with the help of your old pickleball paddle. Just hold your pickleball paddle faced upward in eastern forehand grip style. Then place the index finger in between your palm and fingers. If there is too much space between them, the grip size is too big; if there is no space, the grip is too small.
If you are buying a paddle for the first time, you can use this method to measure your grip size.
Take a ruler and open your hand. Put the ruler-straight to your ring finger and measure the size from your ring finger to the lower long crease.
Remember: Grip size can be increased, but not decreased. A small grip size will also allow you to swing easily.
Factors To Consider Before Buying Pickleball Paddle
Although, we have made a top seven paddles list for you. But the choice of each player varies. So you need to keep these points in your mind to make a final purchase. For more information on choosing the paddles, read our pickleball paddle buying guide.
Weight
Most professional players agree that the paddle weight should be the first factor you need to consider before buying a paddle.
Pickleball paddle weight ranges from 6 to 14 ounces. Although it does not sound like much of a difference, swinging these paddles for a couple of hours can surely make you feel the difference.
Generally speaking, paddles under 7.3 ounces are considered lightweight, and those above 8.2 ounces are heavy paddles. Mid-weight paddles weigh between these two.
Paddle weight directly impacts your performance and your skills. But, both lightweight paddles and heavy paddles have their pros and cons. After reading these pros and cons, you should be able to decide which one should you go for.
Lightweight paddles put less stress on the elbow, are easier to swing, and offer more control. They also provide a better grip but reduce the power.
On the other hand, heavy paddles make it easy to add power to your shots with little effort. It’s easier to hit deep with them, but they can increase the stress on your elbow and shoulders.
To decide which weight range is right for you, check out our post on the ideal weight of a paddle.
Grip Size
Grip size is the second most important factor you need to consider, especially if you have small hands. First, you need to identify your grip size, as we have already told you above.
Paddle’s grip size has a direct impact on your comfort and ability to swing.
This table will help you to identify your grip size according to your height. But it’s a general guideline. The best way is to measure your grip size.
Paddle Material
It’s more than obvious to check your paddle material before buying. Paddles come in a variety of materials, and each has its pros and cons.
| Player Height | Grip Size |
| Under 5’3″ | 4″ circumference |
| 5’4″-5’8″ | 4 1/8″ to 4 ¼” circumference |
| 5’8″ and above | 4 ½” circumference and above |
Wooden Pickleball Paddles
If you are a beginner, buying wooden pickleball paddles can be an option, though it’s not recommended. They are much cheaper than other materials. Once you’ve identified your playing style and preferences, you can buy better graphite or composite paddle.
Composite Pickleball Paddles
The composite paddles are made up of a mix of materials. The core of the composite paddle is made up of aluminum or sometimes polymer. They are popular because the outside texture helps to spin the ball easily.
Graphite Pickleball Paddles
Graphite pickleball paddles are one of the best sellers in the market. Its core is also made up of aluminum or polymer. Their weight is around 6 to 9 ounces, which makes them super easy to hold and play for long hours.
The 7 Best Pickleball Paddle For Small Hands
Here are our picks for the top paddles with small grip sizes.
1. Gamma Sports Fusion 2 Paddle
Weight
The weight of the Gamma Sports Fusion 2 Paddle is around 8 ounces. If you are looking for a midweight paddle, then this might be perfect for you.
Grip Size
The grip size of Fusion 2.0 is around 4”, which makes it perfect if you have small hands. It is designed with a honeycomb cushioned grip. This grip will help you to hit the ball faster and with full confidence and comfort.
Paddle Material
Fusion 2 comes with a textured fiberglass face that makes this paddle smooth and easy to hit with. The fiberglass not only gives you good power but also the ARAMID honeycomb grip makes it perfect for beginners.
Pros
- USAPA approved
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor
- Budget-friendly
- Fiberglass helps in spinning
- Edge guard protects it from fragmenting
Cons
- No paddle cover comes with this
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a mid-weight paddle that not only offers a beautiful design but also has a strong core and fiberglass surface, Gamma Sports Fusion 2 might be the perfect fit for you.
2. Champion Graphite Eclipse Paddle
Weight
Champion Graphite Paddle comes in different varieties ranging from 7.3 to 7.8 ounces. It is one of the lightest graphite paddles available in the market. Due to its lightweight, you will be able to match the speed of the ball and increase your reaction speed as well.
Grip Size
Champion Graphite Eclipse paddle comes with the 4” inch grip size, which is specially made for small hands. It comes with the universal comfort grip, which is specially designed to absorb moisture when you are playing. So, your paddle would not slip from your hand, and you can play shots easily.
Paddle Material
Due to its solid and reliable build quality, the Champion Graphite Eclipse paddle not only has been approved by USAPA but also comes with a 1 year of the warranty period. It has a high-quality polymer honeycomb core and dampens vibration. The reinforced neck makes it a durable option.
Pros
- USAPA approved
- Durable Material
- 1-year warranty
- Moisture absorbing surface
- Budget-Friendly
- Comes with the Paddle Cover
Cons
- Not ideal for power hits
Final Verdict
If you are looking for the pickleball paddle for small hands that checks all the boxes, this is the perfect fit for you. Not only it offers a sleek design, but also is lightweight with a moisture-absorbing surface as well.
3. Gamma Poly Core Pickleball Paddle
Weight
Gamma Poly Core is a middleweight pickleball paddle. It weighs 8 ounces which is perfect for both beginners and intermediate players.
Grip Size
Gamma Poly Core Pickleball Paddle comes with a 4” grip size, making it ideal for small hands. It offers a honeycomb cushion grip which provides comfort during long hours of play.
Paddle Material
Gamma Poly core is a composite pickleball paddle and comes with a textured surface. Thanks to this surface, you can spin the ball easily.
Pros
- USAPA approved
- Top-rated product
- Comes with 1 year of warranty
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
Final Verdict
Well, if you are a player with small hands and have a budget to spend on the best pickleball paddle, then I’ll recommend you to consider the Gamma Poly Core paddle.
4. Head Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle
Weight
Head Fiberglass weights 8.1 ounces. Its thickness is just 13.0 mm, which makes it ultra-slim.
Grip Size
Head Fiberglass pickleball paddle has a grip size of 4.25 inches, making this ideal for players with small or medium-sized hands. The radical color makes it stunning.
Paddle Material
These paddles are made up of fiberglass, which makes them extremely lightweight. The fiber surface used in these paddles is very impressive and makes it a good choice for professional pickleball players with small hands. It offers minimal vibration due to the honeycomb core with Ergo grip.
Pros
- USAPA approved
- Lightweight Paddle
- Designed for professionals
- Texture surface for spinning
Cons
- Doesn’t offer much control
Final Verdict
Well, if you are an advanced player who’s looking for small-grip paddles, it’s worth considering it.
5. Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
Weight
Due to its ideal weight, it offers a balance between power and control. Its weight is around 7.5 to 8 ounces.
Grip Size
Onix Graphite Z5 comes with a 4 1 ⁄ 4 ” grip size. So if you’ve small-to-midsized hands, this is a good option.
Paddle Material
Onix Graphite Z5 paddle core is made up of Nomex, a paper honeycomb core that comes with the graphite face. It has a texture on its face that helps the ball to swing freely and easily.
Pros
- Allows you to control the ball freely
- Ideal grip size for small hands
- Provides power
Cons
- Not ideal for beginner players
Final Verdict
If you are a hard hitter and looking for a paddle that offers ball control and has a graphite face, Onix Z5 is for you.
6. Gamma Compass NeuCore Pickleball Paddles
Weight
Gamma Compass NeuCore Pickleball Paddle is specially designed for professional players with an ideal weight of 7.75 ounces.
Grip Size
Gamma Compass NeuCore comes with a honeycomb cushion grip. This grip makes it easy to play for long hours and allows you to control the ball easily. The grip size is 4 1/8”.
Paddle Material
It is one of the few paddles for small hands that comes with the latest NeuCore technology. A 25% thicker large cell core gives a more responsive feel in the field. Due to its excellent build quality, it is approved by USAPA for professional matches.
Pros
- Provides power
- NeuCore Technology
- USAPA approved
- Provides sharp spin
Cons
- Expensive
Final Verdict
With a thicker and larger-cell core, this paddle checks all boxes. If you want a premium quality paddle for small hands, this is the best option for you.
7. Niupipo Pickleball Paddle- Graphite
Weight
Niupipo pickleball paddle weights 8 oz. It is medium weight, which is ideal for beginners as they’re unaware of their weight preferences.
Grip Size
It comes with a grip size of 4 1/2″ which is the ideal size for both small and medium-sized hands. Its grip also has a moisture-absorbing material to prevent slipping. It comes with a cushioned grip which is ideal for beginners.
Paddle Material
Niupipo Graphite Pickleball Paddle is USAPA approved, so you can expect high-quality material. The graphite lets you improve your play with better control and accuracy. It has a textured face that helps beginners to spin the ball easily.
Pros
- Ideal for beginners
- Offers more power on shots
- Comes with 4 pickleball and cover as well
- USAPA approved
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
- Not lightweight
Final Verdict
If you are a beginner with small hands and are looking for a graphite paddle that is lightweight and offers excellent ball control, the Niupipo Pickleball Paddle is perfect for you.
The Bottom Line
In this article, we have mentioned the top seven best paddles for small hands and discussed the importance of different factors such as weight, paddle material, etc.
Though after deep research, we have finally made a list of the top 7 pickleball paddles for small hands. But, we’ve shortlisted two models that are best in our opinion:
- Gamma NeuCore (For professionals)
- Onix Z5 (For beginners/budget-friendly)
Frequently Asked Question / FAQs
There is no definite answer to this question. It completely depends on your choice. Each weight range has its pros and cons.
Pickleball paddle’s weight has a great impact on your movements and performance. Heavier paddles can also cause injuries.
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