Two terms you've probably heard in connection with pickleball rackets and racket surface construction are carbon fiber and fiberglass. But what are the differences between carbon fiber and fiberglass, and which composition is right for your game?
carbon fiber
Carbon fiber is a stiff, durable material that offers a better feel because it absorbs the energy of the pickleball upon impact and distributes it more evenly across the paddle surface. The result is less deformation on impact, leading to greater control and shot accuracy.
The original price was: 279.00 CHF. 179.00 CHF The current price is: CHF 179.00 incl. VAT
In the Swiss camp
The original price was: 230.00 CHF. 119.00 CHF The current price is: CHF 119.00 incl. VAT
Upon request
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a composite material that is less stiff than carbon fiber, meaning it is more flexible upon contact, or in other words, provides more rebound when the ball hits the paddle surface. The result is greater energy return to the ball, leading to a more powerful response.
The original price was: 139.00 CHF. 129.00 CHF The current price is: CHF 129.00 incl. VAT
In the Swiss camp
The original price was: 55.00 CHF. 45.00 CHF The current price is: CHF 45.00 incl. VAT
In the Swiss camp
The original price was: 200.00 CHF. 75.00 CHF The current price is: CHF 75.00 incl. VAT
In the Swiss camp
Hybrid mixture of carbon fiber and fiberglass
The choice would be too simple if there weren't also a combination of the two options. A few manufacturers offer very good paddles with a hybrid surface.
The original price was: 149.00 CHF. 109.00 CHF The current price is: CHF 109.00 incl. VAT
In the Swiss camp
The original price was: 250.00 CHF. 153.00 CHF The current price is: CHF 153.00 incl. VAT
In the Swiss camp
The original price was: 250.00 CHF. 170.00 CHF The current price is: CHF 170.00 incl. VAT
In the Swiss camp
The original price was: 170.00 CHF. 129.00 CHF The current price is: CHF 129.00 incl. VAT
In the Swiss camp
Other names
JOOLA, for example, has a large selection of paddles with carbon fiber surfaces. Within JOOLA's range of carbon fiber paddles, there are several surface types that are still currently available:
Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) – a textured surface made from durable Carbon Flex 5 material. It offers optimal performance with high spin, superior feel, and raw power. Found in the Hyperion , Perseus , and Scorpeus paddles.
Carbon Grip Surface (CGS) – a high-quality surface made of durable, long-lasting Carbon Flex3 material for a textured surface that offers optimal ball grip, feel, and spin production. Found on the Radius Paddle.
Sources: Joola USA and own
