Apparently, there's a new rule in the world of pickleball: your paddle must match your skill level. I know, right? I posted about this on Instagram—go watch it—and the comments were... colorful.
Truth is, I’m a 2.5 with a paddle collection that could double as a museum exhibit. And yes, I'm buying another one.
Look, I know there's technology in my paddle that might as well be magic. But you know what else I own that's similar? My phone. My computer. The fancy wine opener I use for my $12 bottle. Nobody stands outside Best Buy demanding my tech fluency before I buy a smartphone.
Why do some folks insist beginners don't "deserve" the high-end paddles? Do we have a secret society badge system I missed?
Beginners are allowed to like nice things. If someone asks if they need a $250 paddle to start, tell them no. But that’s a far cry from judging them for wanting one.
Maybe they love how it looks. Maybe it makes them feel like Serena Williams on the court. Or maybe they just want to treat themselves because, well, why not? At 45, they have adult money. They don't need to submit a DUPR ranking with their credit card.
And let's not pretend equipment doesn't matter. Beginners can feel differences. You don't have to be an F1 racer to notice a Tesla drives differently than a minivan. Same applies here.
Will the paddle magically bump my skill level to 4.0? I’ve conducted thorough research, and I’m sad to report: no. But if I enjoy the game more with my shiny, expensive paddle, who cares?
Here's actual advice beginners need: explain what they’re buying. What’s marketing fluff and what isn’t? Will that paddle make the game tougher for them? That’s useful info.
But "you're not skilled enough for that paddle?" Please. Pickleball already has rankings, ratings, and more ways to compare players than anyone needs.
So yeah, I'm a 2.5 with paddles that could sponsor their own tour. And I'm okay with that.
Catch you on the court with my paddle museum.
P.S. The Boomstik in the photo is from Temu. I’m a 2.5, not an idiot.