1. Product data
Each paddle record stores published specifications: weight, length, width, core thickness, core and face materials, handle length, grip circumference, and where available swingweight, twistweight and balance point. Every record carries a data status and a last verified date. Records marked "Placeholder data" were entered from public listings during development and have not been checked against manufacturer data. They are labeled everywhere they appear.
2. Performance ratings are estimates, not tests
We do not currently perform physical testing. Instead, five scores on a 1–10 scale are derived from the specs with a fixed formula. This is useful because the physics are well understood: thinner cores and higher swingweights hit harder; thicker cores and wider faces absorb pace and forgive; raw carbon faces produce more spin than fiberglass. It is limited because two paddles with identical specs can feel different, and because manufacturers' listed numbers vary in accuracy.
| Score | Main inputs |
|---|---|
| Power | Core thickness (thinner = more), static weight, swingweight, elongated shape, fiberglass face, thermoformed construction |
| Control | Core thickness (thicker = more), wide shapes, raw carbon face; reduced by thermoforming |
| Spin | Face material: raw carbon > textured carbon ≈ kevlar > composite > fiberglass > graphite |
| Sweet spot | Shape (widebody > standard > hybrid > elongated), twistweight, core thickness |
| Hand speed | Swingweight (lower = faster) |
The exact formula lives in src/lib/recommend.ts and is versioned with the site. Example, using the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control 16mm:
When we begin physical testing, tested values will be stored separately from derived estimates and labeled as such. We will never blend the two.
3. The Paddle Finder
The finder turns your answers into weights over those scores and the record's declared attributes. Budget is the strongest factor: paddles over your budget by more than 10% are pushed to the bottom. The price used is the lowest in-stock price we have checked at Amazon or JustPaddles in the last 14 days, shown with the date we checked it; if we have no recent store price, we use the brand's list price. Skill level match, play-style match, shape, weight band, handle length (for two-handed backhands), format and arm-health preferences add or subtract points. Every result lists the reasons that contributed and any cautions. Brand preference is a small bonus, never a filter.
4. Comparisons and guides
The compare tool shows raw specs side by side and generates a plain-English verdict from the same scores. Buying guides are saved filters over the database, ranked by the score most relevant to the guide's intent. There are no hand-written "top 10" lists; if a paddle is not in the database, it cannot be in a guide.
5. Editorial standards
- Facts (specs, rules, dimensions) cite a source and a date.
- Opinions (who a paddle is for) are labeled as editorial judgment.
- We do not accept payment for placement in the database, the finder, comparisons or guides.
- Affiliate links are disclosed on every page that has them. Read the disclosure.
- Corrections are welcome and acted on. Contact us.