Pickleball Paddle Core Materials Ultimate Guide: What’s REALLY going on inside your paddle?

Pickleball Paddle Core Materials Ultimate Guide: What’s REALLY going on inside your paddle?

When choosing a pickleball paddle, the core material is one of the most critical factors that determines how the paddle feels, performs, and interacts with the ball. Whether you’re a control-first player, a power banger, or a balanced all-arounder, understanding the different core types and their best use cases will help you find the paddle that fits your style.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most commonly used and innovative core materials to highlight some popular paddles for each type.  The hope is to give you a base understanding of what materials and technology is being used for your paddles, so you can make informed decisions for your future pickleball purchases!

Comparing the Selkirk LUXX Control Air to the Selkirk LABS Project 003

1. Polymer Core (Honeycomb Core)

The Versatile Favorite

Polymer cores are the most widely used in pickleball paddles today, thanks to their balanced performance. Made from soft plastic arranged in a honeycomb structure, they offer excellent control and durability.  There are a lot of keywords being thrown around for different types of Polymer cores, but the fundamental material and structures remain similar in nature.

Key Features:

  • Quiet play, suitable for noise-sensitive areas.
  • Soft feel for precise control during dinks and volleys.
  • Durable, making them perfect for everyday players.
  • Customizable, being able to tweak the power and control elements to preferences

Popular Paddle Example:

  • Joola Ben Johns Perseus: A popular paddle sponsored by Ben Johns with a carbon fibre surface and well known for its quality, control, and feel.
  • Selkirk LUXX Control: Selkirk is a household name in competitive pickleball and this paddle is especially known for its control and ability to produce spin.

Best For:
Everyone.  As this is the dominant core material in the game it is harder to find paddles without it than with it.  It is also very flexible in its specs allowing manufacturers to design paddles to the desired characteristics. 

2. Nomex Core

For Pure Power 

Nomex cores are lightweight, rigid, and built for speed and energy transfer. This core type was originally developed for aerospace applications and was once a favorite among aggressive players.  While it has fallen out of favor for other materials, some enthusiasts swear by this as a classic pickleball feel. 

Key Features:

  • High power output for hard-hitting shots.
  • Lightweight construction for quick maneuverability.
  • Louder impact, which might not suit noise-sensitive environments.

Popular Paddle Example:

  • Onix Z5: A Nomex-core paddle that combines power with precision, favored by advanced players for its superior responsiveness.

Best For:
Power players who love driving the ball hard and fast.

3. Aluminum Core

For Precision and Control

Aluminum cores provide a softer, lighter feel that excels in control and touch. These paddles are ideal for strategic players focused on ball placement.  This is not a common core material but some players like to play with it for its unique sound and play style.

Key Features:

  • Unique metallic sound when striking the ball
  • Lightweight construction to reduce fatigue.
  • Softer impact but less power compared to other cores.

Popular Paddle Example:

  • Franklin Sports Revel: This paddle has a dual-plated aluminum design, which creates a strong base for pro play quality.

Best For:
Players who excel at net play and value control over power.

Image of a infographic displaying the specifications for the JOOLA Perseus Mod-TA-15 14mm Pro Player Edition pickleball paddle.

4. EVA Foam-Injected Core

Revolutionary Power and Shock Absorption

EVA foam-injected cores are a cutting-edge innovation, offering unmatched vibration dampening and control. This core type enhances comfort while providing precise touch, making it a favorite among players who prioritize power.

This is also one of the most controversial core materials in pickleball today.  With a number of new paddles being banned from tournament play from the USAP, manufacturers are constantly tweaking their designs to remain compliant to the governing pickleball bodies.

Key Features:

  • Extreme potential for elevated power.
  • Exceptional shock absorption for reduced arm strain.
  • Soft impact with good control.
  • Great for finesse shots and extended play sessions.

Popular Paddle Examples:

  • JOOLA TA-15: Was well reviewed and renowned for its incredible power and pop in hitting the ball.  While it has since been banned from tournament play beginning on July 1, 2025, it is still popular and being used in casual play.
  • Diadem VICE: A unique design with holes in the paddle face similar to the upcoming sport Padel.  This paddle also utilizes a EVA foam core and is not approved for tournament play.

Best For:
Players looking for paddles that reduce joint fatigue, have a lower sound impact, and revolutionary power.  For players not looking to enter into tournament play.

5. SST Carbon Fiber Rib Structure (Gearbox Paddles)

Durability and Performance Consistency

The SST (Solid Span Technology) Carbon Fiber Rib Structure, developed by Gearbox, eliminates traditional honeycomb cores. Instead, the paddle is made with a one-piece carbon fiber structure, featuring internal ribs for strength and consistency.  It is their own patented paddle design and has been praised for its unique power generation.

Key Features:

  • Long-lasting durability with no honeycomb core to degrade.
  • Uniform performance across the paddle face.
  • Lightweight construction with excellent control and spin potential.

Popular Paddle Example:

  • Gearbox Pro Ultimate: A premium SST paddle offering advanced control, spin, and consistency for serious players.

Best For:
Advanced players who want top-tier technology and durability in their paddle.

Which Core Type is Right for You?

Polymer Honeycomb Cores for most of us - typically, the decision of which core material to use is a simple choice.  The majority of the paddles on the market right now feature Polymer Honeycomb Cores with varying characteristics.  Finding the Polymer paddle that suits your play style or skill level will be your biggest decision point.

Novex and Aluminum for something nostalgic or unique -  while they are not as popular anymore, many pickleball players like to grab these types of paddles for the experience of using something different.  They have some characteristics that you might find interesting and fun to play with.

EVA Foam or SST Carbon Fiber for the modern technology - with pickleball technology evolving by the day we find ourselves interested in the future of pickleball.  EVA may not be fully legal to play with now but its advancements in technology are worth playing around with!

EdgeTech Sports: Pro Pickleball Technology, NO BS MARKUPS

At EdgeTech Sports, we’re committed to educating everyone who loves pickleball.  With more information, you are better equipped to make informed purchases when choosing the pickleball equipment for your game.

NO BS - We are uncovering paddle technology so that we can learn from the best paddles available and offer this to customers at prices we think are reasonable and fair without compromising quality.

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Visit edgetechsports.com to find your next pickleball paddle and take your game to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, we have the paddle that’s perfect for you.  Pro Pickleball Technology, NO BS MARKUPS

 

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