How important is pickleball paddle twisting weight

We’ve all experienced mishits where the ball either falls into the net or flies out of bounds. A key factor causing these errors is the paddle face twisting around its longitudinal axis (the handle). These twists occur due to off-center hits, causing the paddle to either torque up or down. An important factor in preventing this is twist weight.

Twist weight, also known as torsional stability, measures a pickleball paddle’s resistance to twisting when the ball is hit off-center. When the ball is not struck in the center of the paddle face, the paddle can twist due to the impact. Twist weight evaluates the paddle’s stability during these off-center hits. Imagine you’re in an intense rally and your shot misses the sweet spot slightly. In this scenario, some of the energy is not effectively transferred to your shot but is lost in the paddle’s twisting motion. Paddles with higher twist weight minimize this rotation upon contact, effectively channeling more energy back into your shot. This results in a larger sweet spot and greater forgiveness, providing a smoother playing experience. Hence, paddles with high twist weight are often described as having a large sweet spot.

Using a Briffidi SW1 machine with a 5 cm pickleball adapter, twist weight is measured. The twist weight values range from 5 to 8.

Low Twist Weight (<6.0): These paddles have smaller sweet spots and are more prone to twisting upon impact. They suit players seeking agility.
High Twist Weight (>7.0): These paddles have larger sweet spots and are more stable, reducing unwanted twists during off-center hits. They are ideal for players seeking stability and larger sweet spots.

Stability: High twist weight paddles offer greater forgiveness for off-center hits, helping players maintain accuracy and control.

Shot Recovery: High twist weight allows for quicker recovery after a hit, enabling players to prepare for the next shot more efficiently.

The perimeter weighting and paddle face width significantly influence twist weight. Thicker and wider paddles are among the most stable, while thinner and narrower paddles are the most maneuverable, with balanced paddles falling in between.

Wider Paddles: Offer more lateral hitting area and are less prone to unwanted twisting, providing several benefits for beginners to intermediate players: Larger lateral area for hitting. Reduced unwanted twisting when the ball is hit off-center due to higher twist weight. As players become more skilled at hitting the ball with the paddle’s center, they might consider using narrower paddles for extra power and reach, but with reduced accuracy on off-center hits.

To increase the twist weight of a paddle, consider adding lead or tungsten tape to the edges. Testing has shown that adding 10 grams of lead tape to the paddle’s top and bottom can increase twist weight by about 10.5%, while adding it to the middle can increase twist weight by about 15%. Maintaining proper balance is crucial, as adding weight may inadvertently reduce paddle speed and maneuverability. Experimentation is key to finding the best setup for your playing style.

• High Twist Weight: Best for players seeking consistency and stability, particularly those focused on shot placement.
• Low Twist Weight: More suitable for experienced players who consistently find the sweet spot and prefer lighter, more maneuverable paddles.
• Beginners/Intermediate Players: Higher twist weight can help improve consistency and forgiveness while developing skills.
• Advanced Players: Advanced players may prefer lower twist weight for better maneuverability as they are more likely to hit the sweet spot consistently.

Whenever possible, test paddles with different weights and designs to find the one that best suits your playing style. Demo days or borrowing a friend’s paddle can provide valuable insights.