PICKLEBALL PADDLES, THE NEXT GENERATION PART 3/4

PICKLEBALL PADDLES THE NEXT GENERATION, Part 3/4

Coach Joe Palmere Jr. ©

PICKLEBALL PADDLE SURFACE OR FACING MATERIAL

Most paddles are made with one of three types of facing: fiberglass (aka composite), graphite and carbon fiber.

ü Any one of these facings can be applied to one of the cores mentioned above.

ü Fiberglass is the most common facing on the courts.

ü Fiberglass is not as strong as graphite or carbon fiber but has more power (pop).

ü Graphite is also very common, graphite is strong and provides great ball control but you’ll sacrifice a bit of power.

ü Carbon Fiber is similar to graphite but more durable, this material provides the ultimate in ball control and will lose a bit of power.

As part of my “futuristic paddle,” I researched a long list of  “superpolyamides” primarily developed for the aero-space industry, but have found homes in the auto racing, road racing bike industry, canoe, keyak, surf board, snow board, skate board and any other industry where light, high performance polymers and synthetic are used to replace heavy metal. The application for “superpolyamides” are legion.

The pickleball paddle industry is has been fossilized with the use of Nomex, Polymer and Aluminum Honeycomb Design Cores. The honeycomb core design paddles will be replaced by thinner solid core module that will out perform traditional cores, with a predictable, consistent, response to ball impact, affording much improved ball control, shot placement, and changing of pace.

The “sands in the hour glass have also run out” on Fiberglass, Graphite and Carbon Fiber surface material. These “three amigos” have been around longer than dirt. And it’s time to bury them with their deceased fast-draw polymers on “Boot Hill.”

You would think that by the 21st Century, paddle makers will have terminated the protrusive edge guard around the face of the paddle. Epoxies, resins or industrial putties, would neatly fill and seal off the outer edges, adding a finished customized look. The entire paddle surface should be ball friendly, with a full surface size sweet spot.

Then there’s the six (6) sided hexagon traditional balsa wood handle. The handle is cut in half longitudinally in two (2) parts. The same core material is used to separate the wood. The outer edge between the two wood halves is termed a black material that will bend without breaking.

This trim also hides the core material in between the wood. The entire assembly is held in place with epoxy. The wood handle is then wrapped with a commercial brand wrapping. I believe that this old style handle design does little to transmit ball feel from the face to the hand.

Now for the “piece de resistance,” appropriately named the “butt cap.” The “butt cap” is ornamental, and a total waste of handle length space. The average butt cap adds another ¾” of handle. I guess it was intended to keep the paddle from flying out of the hand. Without it, you can shorten the handle, reduce weight, and add that ¾” to face height or face width, and still be in compliance with OAL paddle rules.

END PART THREE