Two Little-Known but Game-Changing Secrets About Paddle Cores That Define Performance

When requesting quotes from various suppliers, many customers often encounter significant price differences for the same paddle configuration—sometimes as much as $5 or more. Faced with such discrepancies, customers frequently ask the higher-priced suppliers why their quote is higher. The common response is, “Our quality is better.” However, when pressed for details on why their quality is superior, many suppliers struggle to provide clear explanations.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the key factors, such as PP honeycomb core material and density, to explain how these elements affect the overall price and quality of the paddle. By understanding these factors, you will see why some paddles cost more than others and what this means for performance and durability.

The PP honeycomb core is the central part of the paddle, hidden inside the structure and not visible from the outside. Its quality directly affects the paddle’s performance and durability, yet it is often overlooked during evaluations. Many people focus on the core’s thickness (such as 11mm, 13mm, 14mm, or 16mm) or cell size (such as 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm) when assessing a paddle. However, the material choice and honeycomb density are often the factors that create the most significant differences in quality and price.

PP honeycomb cores can be produced using virgin PP material or recycled PP material. While these two materials may appear similar at first glance, their performance diverges noticeably over time.

• Virgin PP (Virgin Polypropylene): Provides higher purity and stability, ensuring a longer lifespan and better elasticity.
• Recycled PP (Recycled Polypropylene): Due to the material’s regeneration process, its molecular structure is compromised, leading to lower performance. While it reduces cost, it significantly impacts the paddle’s durability and elasticity.

Beyond the material, honeycomb density also plays a critical role in determining paddle performance. Higher density means a stronger and more elastic honeycomb structure, while lower density reduces costs but compromises durability and performance over time.

• Price: $3.5 – $4.5 per core
• Elastic Modulus: 1800-2200 MPa
• Lifespan: Over 18 months
• Performance: Virgin PP offers superior elasticity and fatigue resistance. Even after long-term, high-intensity use, the honeycomb structure remains intact, maintaining paddle elasticity. This makes it ideal for professional athletes and frequent players.

• Price: $2.0 – $3.0 per core
• Elastic Modulus: 1200-1600 MPa
• Lifespan: 6-9 months
• Performance: Due to the material’s recycling process, its elasticity and durability are inferior to virgin PP. After prolonged use, the honeycomb structure is prone to breaking down, resulting in decreased paddle performance.

Data Comparison: Virgin PP clearly outperforms recycled PP in terms of elasticity, durability, and lifespan. This explains why high-end paddles use virgin material, while lower-cost paddles often rely on recycled materials.

Honeycomb density refers to the number of honeycomb structures per unit volume. A higher density indicates better structural support and elasticity for the paddle.

• Price: 20%-30% higher than low-density cores
• Performance: High-density cores provide more stable elasticity and support, reducing vibration during hits and giving the paddle a more comfortable feel. The vibration damping speed of high-density cores is 30% faster than low-density ones, making them ideal for precise shots and high-performance paddles.

• Price: Lower, suitable for price-sensitive products
• Performance: Although cheaper, low-density honeycomb cores are more prone to structural collapse during high-intensity use, reducing the paddle’s elasticity and durability.

Data Comparison: High-density honeycomb cores offer superior stability and feedback during hits, making them ideal for professional paddles. Low-density cores are more suitable for entry-level paddles but perform poorly over long periods of use.

The analysis of PP honeycomb core materials and density shows that virgin PP material and high-density honeycomb cores have significant advantages in terms of performance, quality, and lifespan. We are committed to using virgin PP and adhering to strict industry standards for producing high-density honeycomb cores to ensure our paddles offer the best elasticity, durability, and stability.

Although our prices may be higher than some low-cost suppliers, this is a reflection of our commitment to quality. Choosing us means choosing a paddle that not only performs well but also offers long-term reliability. We believe that high-quality materials and precise craftsmanship are the key to creating products that stand out in the market.