Pickleball Paddle Cores Guide

When it comes to pickleball paddles, their core is the heart and soul that powers your game. Lucky for you, it’s a breeze to choose the right core material. Let’s take a journey through the most popular core options and discover why polymer reigns supreme.

• Polypropylene(Polymer)
• Nomex
• Aluminum

Polypropylene (Polymer or PP)

A versatile thermoplastic polymer, boasts a honeycomb structure crafted into consistent hexagonal or cylindrical cells. While not as rigid as aluminum or phenolic-coated Nomex, it outshines them in shock resistance and vibration damping. Paddles with polypropylene cores offer superior rebound and transmit less vibration to the player’s arm compared to their aluminum or Nomex counterparts. Polymer core is the material of choice for 90% of pickleball paddles produced today.

Touch & Power: Polymer offers a blend of touch and power without leaning too heavily in either direction. Noise: Polymer cores can provide a quieter playing experience, but this largely depends on the player’s hitting intensity. Durability: Durability is one of the polymer’s standout features, with some polymer cores even being recyclable. The material’s strength and flexibility are also notable.

However, not all polymer cores are the same across manufacturers. The size and number of cells in the honeycomb-like structure determine core density and different densities provide varying advantages. Smaller cells result in a denser core that delivers more power, durability, and hardness. Larger cells offer greater control but can develop dead spots sooner due to their decreased durability and less material usage.

Nomex

Nomex was the star of the show before Polymer’s rise to fame. You’ve probably played against someone wielding a Nomex-core paddle. Despite its waning popularity, the Onix Z5, a beloved paddle, still uses Nomex. The material packs a powerful punch, but it falls short in terms of touch and feel. Plus, it’s quite noisy—something your neighbors may not appreciate.

Aluminum

Since the 1940s, aluminum has been employed in lightweight honeycomb aircraft panels. Among the three materials mentioned, it possesses the highest shear strength, rigidity, and strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum can handle and absorb significant impact loads, but if the loads exceed its capacity, the aluminum webs could buckle, leading to the core detaching from the face sheets. Paddles crafted with aluminum honeycomb cores are generally stiff, allowing for thinner paddle designs due to the increased rigidity.

Aluminum cores had their moment in the sun due to their lightweight nature. But, they fell out of favor because they lacked power, were noisy, and dented easily. You’ll be hard-pressed to find an aluminum-core paddle these days, and it’s best to steer clear of them.

Material	Advantages	Benefits	Price Range	Suitable Customer Groups
Polymer	Softer and quieter, reduce vibration and shock to the hand	Offers excellent comfort and reduces the risk of hand and wrist injuries, making it a great option for players who are prone to joint problems.	Budget-friendly	Beginners and casual players
Nomex	Provides excellent power and control, and is highly durable	Offers a high level of responsiveness to the ball and is particularly well-suited to players who like to hit with power and spin.	High-end	Advanced players
Aluminum	Offers excellent power and durability	Provides a high level of performance and is particularly well-suited to players who like to hit hard and fast.	High-end	Advanced players