Paddles! PEPA Board Updates & More

Jun 19
7 min read

Updated: Jun 20

Paddles lined up for play at Don Haskins Rec Center. Photo by Fred Hua. — Paddles lined up for play at Don Haskins Rec Center. *Photo by Fred Hua.*

How do you choose the perfect paddle? Some lucky players know exactly what they like right away. However, because everyone is different, finding your perfect match takes time. Knowing the basics helps. To break it down, I reached out to PEPA member and paddle ambassador John Dodson to learn exactly what to look for.

Paddle Up!

By John Dodson

Ready for a new paddle? If you want to upgrade that beginner version you bought at Amazon or Dick's Sporting Goods when you first started playing, you might wonder what to do next. With so many brands selling different types, how do you choose the right one?

I’ll give you the bottom line first, so you can skip the rest of the article. How a paddle feels is subjective. The best way to choose a paddle is to try out several, or at least as many as possible.

In case you need a few more pointers, here is a bit more info. You’ve eyed a few paddles in your price range… how would one go about trying them out?

Use Trial Periods: Many or most companies offer trial periods, usually a month. If you don’t like the paddle, send it back. Don’t be shy about doing this; paddle companies depend on sending out demos for sales. Some may charge a fee of $5 or $10 to cover shipping, but that’s a bargain compared to being stuck with a paddle you end up not liking.
Find a Local Paddle Ambassador: The private clubs usually know who has demo paddles to try out, or you can ask around.
Ask a Friend: Ask a friend if you can try their paddle. The pickleball community is a friendly group—most folks will let you try their paddle for a game or two.

Here are a few basics to keep in mind while shopping. Much of the detail, if you want to do a deeper dive, is searchable online.

Shapes & Dimensions

Paddles, by rule, are restricted to certain dimensions. Generally, paddles come in three basic shapes: Standard, Elongated, and Hybrid (a compromise). There are some wild-looking paddles out there, but most of the many variations come from these basic shapes. For example, if a paddle is even 1/4” wider than a standard shape, it is often called a wide-body.

Understanding Paddle "Generations"

Paddles are made up of a “core” (such as polypropylene or foam) and the face of the paddle is made up of layers of different types of carbon and/or fiberglass. Paddle "generations" refer to the manufacturing process, not the year of release. We are currently on fourth-generation paddles. Gen 0 was the heavy wooden paddle made out of plywood by the founders of the game. Gen 4 paddles feature full-foam and variable-density cores.

Paddle companies aim not only to improve playability but also durability. Earlier generations produced some fine paddles—there is nothing wrong with Gen 1 through Gen 3—but later generation paddles will generally be more durable. Competition is fierce; some companies offer Gen 4 paddles for $100 or less.

The Grit Factor

One durability issue that Gen 1 through Gen 4 paddles have shared in the past is grit, the roughness on the face of the paddle which helps impart spin. That surface can smooth out in a matter of months if you play a lot. Beginning in 2026, paddle companies started offering durable grit on Gen 4 paddles. We now have HexGrit, Crystal Blue, Diamond Tough, PermaGrit, InfiniGrit, and Raw + Coat (Clear Fusion). Whew!

This guide is aimed at amateur players. If you play sanctioned tournaments or play at a pro or semi-pro level, there are many other considerations. Hopefully, that will give you some confidence to find your next saber.

May the Force be with you.

About the Author

Having first picked up a paddle back in 2019, John is an avid pickleball player who stays active on and off the court. You might spot him playing at Pat O'Rourke, Haskins, Armijo, or UTEP. When he isn’t playing pickleball, you can find him gardening, tackling an IT or woodworking project, or enjoying a cold beer with friends.

Big News: We’ve Expanded Our Pickleball El Paso Leadership Team!

As Pickleball El Paso continues to grow, we are thrilled to announce two exciting additions to our leadership team. These changes will help us continue to deliver high quality clinics, and community programs for everyone.

Welcome Linda Wade to the Board

Please join us in celebrating the appointment of Linda Wade to the Pickleball El Paso Board! Linda is stepping into the newly created board position of Volunteer Coordinator.

As an avid player and deeply committed volunteer, Linda already knows our community inside and out. In her new official role, she will oversee all volunteer operations, recruit volunteers, and ensure our supporters have a rewarding experience.

Welcome Darnell Applewhite to Volunteer Leadership

Darnell is stepping into a brand-new volunteer leadership role that is currently being tailored to support our expanding community. Darnell will be working alongside Linda in a high-level capacity. You can expect to see Darnell in a lead role at clinics and events, managing logistics, and keeping things running smoothly on the courts.

As one of their first joint tasks, Linda and Darnell will be reaching out to El Paso rec centers as well as other pickleball facilities to verify open play schedules to ensure that our Where to Play page is continuously updated with the most current information possible.

We are incredibly grateful to both Linda and Darnell for their dedication to our sport and the Pickleball El Paso mission.

Please join us in welcoming them to their new roles next time you see them out on the courts!

Dinks for the Brave Delivers

The recent Dinks for the Brave Tournament held at Pat O'Rourke Rec Center proved that the El Paso pickleball community has heart and a strong commitment to supporting our veterans. Thanks to the player's incredible generosity, an impressive amount of essential hygiene and toiletry products were collected. Omar Jimenez and Eddie Gonzales personally delivered the donations to the Ambrosio Guillen Veterans Home.

Paddle of the Brave Awaits!

Get ready for the similarly themed Paddle of the Brave Tournament happening next month on Monday, July 13 at Wayne Thornton Community Center at Grandview; entry fee will be personal care and hygiene products.

El Paso Rec Centers: Who are these people?

Many of the rec centers we play at are named after local legends, sports figures, and pioneers. We say their names all the time, but do we actually know who they were? Starting this month, we’ll take a brief look at these namesakes' stories.

Armijo Rec Center

Located in the historic Segundo Barrio, this center's name honors an El Paso soldier remembered for his incredible bravery during World War I. Private Marcos B. Armijo served on the front lines in France. On August 5, 1918, during intense combat, Private Armijo was struck by an enemy shell—losing both of his legs. Witnesses recounted that despite being mortally wounded, he calmly propped himself up on his elbow and smoked cigarettes in an attempt to keep his comrades' spirits up and convey a spirit of fearlessness. He died that day at 25 years of age and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second-highest military decoration for valor. Private Armijo is buried in El Paso's historic Evergreen Cemetery. Armijo Rec Center, Park, and Library honor the memory of this brave man who died in service to his country.

Tournaments, Leagues and Clinics

🥇Gold: Rafa, Ana, Patty, and Rick

🥈Silver: Margie, Federico, Ellen, and John

🥉Bronze: Jim, Anita, Mary, and Beco

Don Haskins Rec Center wrapped up its spring Mixed Pickleball League with playoffs and championships on Monday, June 8. Kudos to Recreation Specialist Jack Castro for organizing another wonderful season. Players enjoyed great camaraderie and excellent competitive play.

Congratulations to all of this season's champions!

Beginner Clinics

June 5, 2026 from PEPA Vice President Ben Avalos:

Wonderful group of new pickleball players at the Nolan Richardson Rec Center in Northeast El Paso! Truly a multigenerational group from 9 years old to 80+ years old! Everyone had a fun morning learning how to play. Thank you to Stan, Dave, Bob, Andre, and John for always taking the time to volunteer and teach the new players! Thank you, Jesus, and the recreation center staff for offering the beautiful facility every month!

Gary del Palacio

June 9, 2026 from PEPA President Ida Chavira:

Welcome new players! Thank you PEPA Members for making this possible! Thank you East Side Pickleballers for giving your time and energy, enthusiasm and expertise! Thank you Amilcar Galindo and the wonderful staff at Gary del Palacio for your continued support. Thank you Fyzical El Paso Therapy Balance & Hand Center for sponsoring PEPA Beginners Clinics!

Upcoming clinic at Pat O'Rourke with Ben Avalos

🗓️❌IMPORTANT: The Friday, July 3rd clinic at Nolan Richardson Rec Center is canceled because rec centers will be closed for the 4th of July.

Other Schedule Alerts: Many rec center hours have changed for the summer, be sure to check the Where to Play page or call directly before you head out.

Fee Increase: The fee for open play on Sundays at Haskins Rec Center will be going up to $3 beginning in July. At this time, Haskins is the only rec center offering indoor open play on Sundays.

Your Membership Matters

People ask me all the time: "What does my annual $17 membership ($20 for couples) go toward?" Pickleball El Paso is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that functions as an all-volunteer community organization focused on advancing the growth of our sport, expanding public facilities, and promoting social wellness.

Your membership: