If you’ve ever browsed the paddle wall at your local court or scrolled through page after page online, you already know the options are overwhelming. The list goes on: Graphite, fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, composite. But here’s the truth: not all pickleball paddle materials perform the same. And not every paddle you pick up will feel like a natural extension of your hand.
At Salted City Sports, we’re not interested in paddles that make you compromise. You shouldn’t have to choose between performance and personality, or pay $200+ to get both. That’s why we designed the Evo-Lite Series paddle with purpose, using top-tier materials to create a paddle that delivers real-world control, effortless spin, and undeniable power—all at a price that won’t make your wallet sweat.
Let’s break down the most common materials you’ll see out there, how they stack up, and why our fiberglass-core Evo-Lite paddle might just be the best custom pickleball paddle you’ll ever play with.
What Makes Paddle Materials So Important?
Paddle material doesn’t just influence the price tag; it changes everything. From how the ball pops off the face, to the amount of control you feel in your hand, to how much spin you can generate on your serve, material choice shapes performance.
Many paddles force you to pick a lane. You want power? You sacrifice touch. Want control? You give up spin. We think that’s a broken system. Our goal with the Evo-Lite Series was to take what players love about premium pickleball paddle materials and bring them together in one high-performance design.
Graphite Paddles: Fast but Sometimes Flat
Graphite is known for being feather-light, which is great for speed and net play. But its stiff face often leaves players wanting more feel and finesse.
The good:
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Light and responsive
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Great for control players who stay close to the kitchen
The not-so-good:
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Lower spin potential
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Can feel stiff and “pingy”
Graphite paddles work well for some players, but they’re not always the best custom pickleball paddle if you like to mix power with precision or add serious spin to your shots.
Fiberglass Paddles: Where Power Meets Personality
Fiberglass is where things start to get interesting, especially if you play with confidence and crave versatility. That’s why it’s the core of our Evo-Lite paddle design.
The premium fiberglass face on our Evo-Lite Series offers a generous sweet spot and a touch-responsive feel. It delivers a satisfying level of pop without sacrificing control. What really sets it apart, though, is the high-grit surface coating that allows for maximum friction on the ball; that means more spin, better placement, and less effort behind every shot.
What makes our fiberglass paddle stand out:
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USA Pickleball-approved high-grit surface for unmatched spin
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Extra-large sweet spot for confident, consistent hits
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Lightweight design for smooth swing control
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Sweat-absorbing comfort grip that stays locked in place
And we’ve paired it all with a 13mm high-density polypropylene honeycomb core—a material that offers the perfect blend of stability and energy return. Translation: you get the touch you need for dinks, and the power you want for baseline slams.
Composite and Carbon Fiber: High Price, Mixed Results
Composite paddles are a catch-all term for paddles that combine various materials. Carbon fiber, often used in higher-end paddles, is strong and sleek, but tends to come with a high price and a very stiff face feel.
Composite and carbon fiber pros:
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Durable, premium look
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Great vibration dampening
The drawbacks:
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Higher cost without always delivering better performance
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Can dull spin and soften power unexpectedly
Some players love the feel of carbon fiber. Others find it unforgiving. That’s why we focus on maximizing fiberglass’s natural strengths, offering players a consistent, accessible upgrade path without the overhype.
Why Salted City Sports Chose a Fiberglass Build
After testing nearly every material out there, we found that fiberglass gave our paddles the best all-around feel, whether you’re tapping a third-shot drop or ripping a passing shot down the line.
But we didn’t stop at the surface. Every Evo-Lite paddle is built with:
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13mm high-density polypropylene honeycomb core for balance and quiet impact
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Durable edge guards to protect against chips and scuffs
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Sweat-wicking grip for all-day playing comfort
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Lightweight frame (16.5" x 7.5") for fast hands and quick resets
It’s not just a paddle. It's a full-body experience tailored for players who want to feel every shot and never second-guess their gear.
Play Better Without Compromise
Pickleball shouldn’t force you to choose between feel and firepower. With Salted City Sports’ Evo-Lite Series, you get the best of both worlds: premium pickleball paddle materials built for performance, engineered for spin, and priced for real players.
Ready to feel the difference a better paddle makes? Reach out today or explore the Evo-Lite Series to find the best custom pickleball paddle that plays the way you do.
FAQs
What’s the difference between graphite and fiberglass paddles?
Graphite is ultra-light and stiff, offering speed but less spin; fiberglass adds more power, spin potential, and touch for all-around play.
Why does Salted City Sports use a fiberglass face?
We found fiberglass gives players better feel, more spin, and a bigger sweet spot without sacrificing power or control.
Is the Evo-Lite paddle good for beginners?
Absolutely. It’s designed to grow with your game, offering forgiveness for new players and high-end features that even advanced players appreciate.
How does the paddle generate more spin?
The USA Pickleball-approved grit coating on the face creates friction, allowing the ball to grip longer and spin more off each shot.
Will fiberglass hold up over time?
Yes. Paired with our protective edge guards and honeycomb core, fiberglass is both durable and high-performing over the long haul.
Is the Evo-Lite Series paddle worth it?
If you’re looking for the best custom pickleball paddle without spending a fortune, Evo-Lite delivers on every front, feel, performance, and durability.
