Trends in Paddles Used by Top International Pros | Why Raw Carbon x Thick Core?

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2026年6月12日

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Trends in Paddles Used by Top International Pros | Why Raw Carbon x Thick Core?

"What's different about the paddles pros use?" This is a question that always comes to mind when watching matches, right?

Hi, I'm Coach Yoshi. I've been playing tennis for 15 years and started pickleball in 2026. From my experience agonizing over tennis racket selection, I can tell you that choosing a paddle is easy once you understand the "principles." While professional players' paddles may differ in brand, there are common threads in the direction of their choices. Today, I'll technically organize these trends and discuss how we amateurs should incorporate them.

Trend 1: Raw Carbon Face

Overwhelmingly, top pros in recent years favor raw carbon faces. The rough surface firmly grips the ball, generating spin and control.

In pickleball, where rallies are long, precision in "placing the ball with spin in the intended spot" matters more than "hitting it hard" to win points. That's why pros choose a grippy surface over a smooth one. The mechanism is explained in detail in What is Raw Carbon? The Secret Behind Paddle Material That Transforms Spin.

Trend 2: Thicker Core (Control and Stability)

Another commonality is a standard to thick core (around 16mm is mainstream). While thinner paddles offer more rebound, pros tend to deliberately choose thicker ones.

A thicker core allows the ball to "stay" on the paddle face longer upon impact, leading to better control.
The sweet spot expands, making it more forgiving of errors.
In recent years, foam-based designs that provide consistent feel across the entire face have also become mainstream.

It's often thought that "pros prioritize power," but in reality, many players build their game on control. For more on this, please also see What is a Foam Core?.

Trend 3: Elongated Shape

In terms of shape, many pros choose elongated (vertically long) paddles.

The longer face provides extended reach.
The sweet spot is closer to the tip, making it easier to generate power and spin.
However, the narrower face means it requires getting used to.

This is a choice for advanced players seeking reach and power. Conversely, if ease of handling is a priority, a standard shape is generally safer. The feel of different shapes is easier to understand when considered alongside the difference between control-oriented and power-oriented paddles (discussed later).

Why isn't it all about "power"?

This is where it gets interesting. We often think "pros use the most powerful paddle" based on the image of hard-hitting tennis, but in reality, many choices lean in the opposite direction.

In pickleball, points are often decided by delicate exchanges at the kitchen line. A paddle that's too powerful leads to more outs and makes dinks (soft touches) difficult. That's why top players adopt a philosophy of building on control and adding necessary power. The difference between control-oriented and power-oriented paddles is explained in Control vs. Power Paddles.

💡 Coach Yoshi's Point Pro gear is not about being the "strongest" but the result of being "optimized for their own play." What you should emulate is not the "model name" but the thinking behind their selection.

How Amateurs Should Apply This

So, what should we do? What's right for a pro isn't necessarily right for us.

Prioritize ease of handling (control) first. Learning is faster if the ball doesn't fly too far.
Raw carbon faces are recommended even for beginner to intermediate players (they offer both spin and control).
For shape, start with a standard shape. Once you're comfortable, try an elongated one.
If aiming for tournaments, check for certifications. The differences between USAP and UPA-A are summarized in this article (Our store's paddles clearly state their certification status on each product page).

Summary

Top pros' trend: Raw carbon face x Thicker core x Elongated shape.
Common philosophy: "Build on control, add necessary power."
Emulate the thinking behind the selection, rather than the model name.
Amateurs should prioritize ease of handling. Raw carbon is a good match even for beginner to intermediate players.

Understanding the rationale behind pro gear helps establish a clear direction for choosing your own paddle. For insights into the professional scene, check out What are the MLP and PPA Tours?.