Should I Add Weight to My Pickleball Paddle?
Short answer: maybe. Long answer? Let’s explore all the angles.
Adding weight to your paddle is a popular method for enhancing power, control, and stability during play. But whether or not you should do it depends on your style, your goals, and your current gear.
The Benefits of Adding Weight
Let’s start with the upside. When done right, a little extra weight can lead to:
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More power: Heavier paddles pack more punch on drives and smashes.
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Better stability: Less vibration and more solid contact.
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Improved balance: Customize where the weight sits—head, middle, or handle.
You’ll often hear advanced players say their shots feel “cleaner” and more deliberate after weighting their paddle.
The Downsides of Adding Weight
Of course, it’s not all upside:
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Fatigue: Heavier paddles can wear out your arm faster.
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Reduced maneuverability: Quick flicks or reaction shots can suffer.
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Injury risk: Over time, repetitive use of a heavy paddle could strain your wrist or elbow.
If you’re new to the game or struggle with tennis elbow, proceed with caution.
How to Add Weight Properly
Most players use lead tape or tungsten tape to experiment with paddle weight. Start small:
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Add tape near the edge of the paddle face for more head weight (power)
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Add tape at the throat or handle for stability and control
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Balance both ends for an even feel
Pro tip: mark your paddle with a Custom Paddle Band so you always know which paddle has added weight—and which doesn’t.
How Much Weight Is Too Much?
Most paddles range from 7.3 to 8.4 oz. When you start adding tape, aim to increase weight by 0.1 to 0.3 oz at a time. Anything beyond that should be tested carefully.
Too much weight can:
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Slow your swing
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Throw off your timing
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Create inconsistent shots
Test and tweak. Every small change can impact your play.
Who Should Try It?
Adding paddle weight is a great experiment if you:
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Want more power on drives
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Are missing your target from lack of paddle control
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Play outdoors in windier conditions
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Are ready to fine-tune your equipment for competitive play
If you’re just starting out, it’s usually best to focus on footwork, strategy, and confidence first.
What the Pros Do
Many pro players adjust the weight and balance of their paddles. But they also have:
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Coaches helping with setup
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Arm strength from years of training
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Time to practice and adjust
So don’t feel pressure to follow suit. Instead, use their habits as inspiration to test and tune your setup based on your needs.
What to Try First
Before you start layering tape onto your paddle:
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Try adding a Jet Black Paddle Band for improved grip and subtle feel difference.
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Add a keychain or lightweight marker for paddle identification.
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Read through player tips on the Pickleball Blog.
These tweaks offer instant feedback without permanent changes.
Final Verdict
So—should you add weight to your pickleball paddle?
If you’re an intermediate player looking for more punch or control and willing to experiment, it’s worth a try. Start small. Test. Adjust. And always listen to your body.
And if you’re just dipping your toes into customization, accessories like Custom Paddle Bands give you that extra edge without committing to weight mods.
Check out the full collection of performance-boosting accessories at CustomPickleballBands.com and get ready to upgrade your game, your style, and your confidence.
Because sometimes a small tweak makes a big impact.