When it comes to choosing the perfect pickleball paddle, there’s no shortage of options. One of the most talked-about debates in the pickleball community revolves around the choice between edgeless and edged paddles. Both types have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and your playing style and preferences can help guide you toward the right one for your game.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between edgeless and edged pickleball paddles, along with their benefits, drawbacks, and what to consider before making your purchase.
What Are Edged and Edgeless Pickleball Paddles?
Before diving into the pros and cons, it's helpful to understand what exactly we mean by "edged" and "edgeless."
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Edged Paddles: As the name suggests, these paddles feature a protective edge guard that runs along the perimeter. The edge guard protects the paddle from damage, providing an additional layer of durability. The edge also provides some structure and consistency to the paddle’s frame.
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Edgeless Paddles: In contrast, edgeless paddles don’t have that protective edge guard. The surface of the paddle extends all the way to the edges, creating a smooth, seamless design. While the lack of an edge guard can affect durability, it is often praised for improving the paddle’s sweet spot.
The Pros and Cons of Edged Pickleball Paddles
Pros:
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Durability: The edge guard on an edged paddle serves as an additional layer of protection. It helps prevent damage from accidental hits against the ground or other hard surfaces. If you're prone to clashing paddles or have a habit of dropping them, the added protection may be a big benefit.
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Consistency: The edge guard helps maintain the structural integrity of the paddle. This can lead to a more consistent performance over time, as the frame is less likely to warp or lose its shape.
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Customizable Feel: Some players enjoy the added stability and slightly increased weight distribution that comes with an edge guard, which can provide a unique feel during play.
Cons:
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Reduced Sweet Spot: One of the main drawbacks of an edged paddle is that the edge guard takes up valuable real estate on the paddle’s surface. This means that the "sweet spot" — the area that delivers the best power and control — is often slightly smaller than that of an edgeless paddle.
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Possible Interference with Shots: For some players, the edge guard can interfere with their shots. If you're a player who often makes contact with the very edge of the paddle (like on off-center hits or mishits), the edge guard may disrupt the ball’s trajectory, reducing your control.
The Pros and Cons of Edgeless Pickleball Paddles
Pros:
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Larger Sweet Spot: Without an edge guard taking up space, the entire surface of the paddle can be utilized for ball contact. This results in a larger sweet spot, which can translate into better control and more powerful shots — especially on off-center hits. If you tend to hit toward the edge of the paddle, an edgeless design can be more forgiving.
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Sleek Design: Edgeless paddles often have a sleek, streamlined look that appeals to players who value aesthetics. The continuous, clean design also provides a smoother feel when holding the paddle, without any noticeable bumps or ridges.
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Improved Touch: Because there is no edge guard, the paddle's surface often feels a little more responsive and gives players a heightened sense of touch. This can be beneficial for net play and soft shots like dinks or drop shots.
Cons:
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Durability Concerns: Without an edge guard, edgeless paddles are more prone to damage, especially in cases of accidental drops or collisions. The lack of protection on the perimeter can cause the paddle’s surface to chip or crack more easily.
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Less Structural Support: While the lack of an edge guard offers a more flexible feel, it can also leave the paddle more vulnerable to warping over time, especially with regular use or exposure to extreme temperatures. This can impact the paddle’s longevity and consistency in performance.
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Slightly More Fragile: If you’re an aggressive player who frequently engages in fast exchanges or takes hard swings at the ball, you may find that edgeless paddles are a bit more susceptible to wear and tear compared to edged paddles.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between an edged and edgeless paddle ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, playing style, and priorities.
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If you value durability and are prone to mishits, an edged paddle may be a better choice for you. The edge guard provides extra protection, ensuring the paddle can withstand the rigors of regular play.
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If you’re looking for a larger sweet spot and better touch, especially if you play a more finesse-oriented style, an edgeless paddle could be the right fit. The design offers a larger hitting surface and smoother play, which can improve accuracy and control.
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If you tend to play with a more aggressive style, where power and durability are more important, edged paddles might be your best bet. They can handle the wear and tear of hard shots and fast exchanges.
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If you want a sleek, modern design and appreciate a cleaner, more consistent feel when making contact with the ball, an edgeless paddle may appeal to you aesthetically and functionally.
Final Thoughts
Both edged and edgeless pickleball paddles offer unique benefits, so the right choice ultimately depends on your playing style and what you prioritize in a paddle. Whether you prefer the durability and consistency of an edged paddle or the expanded sweet spot and touch of an edgeless design, there’s a paddle out there to suit your needs.
Before making your final decision, it’s worth testing out both types to see which one feels most comfortable in your hand and performs best during actual play. Many retailers offer demo programs or try-before-you-buy options, allowing you to get a feel for both designs before committing.
Happy playing, and may your choice of paddle elevate your game to new heights!