The Rise of Raw Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles

The raw carbon fiber pickleball paddle is hotter than a Georgia Summer. But what is it? And is it actually better than traditional paddles? We’re here to help.

When a few dads on Bainbridge Island, Washington invented pickleball in 1965, they used wooden paddles. These tree-based paddles were heavy, prone to cracking, and didn't provide a ton of power. 

Then along came the fiberglass paddle. Arlen Paranto, a Boeing Industrial Engineer, created the first composite pickleball paddle using fiberglass and nomex honeycomb panels that commercial airplanes used. 

Fiberglass paddles quickly caught on as a paddle that could generate more pop on the ball. But there was still room to help pickleball players gain spin and control of the ball. That’s where the raw carbon fiber paddle comes into play. 

Raw carbon fiber is one of the newest face materials featured on pickleball paddles. Carbon fibers are thin strands of carbon atoms that are tightly woven together, creating a strong yet incredibly lightweight structure. The lightweight, high-strength material has revolutionized pickleball paddles. Here are three main benefits of using raw carbon fiber paddle vs other face materials.

Better spin and control

The texture on a raw carbon fiber paddle provides much higher spin and control than other surfaces. The grit on a raw carbon fiber paddle allows you to manipulate the ball and increase RPMs when compared to fiberglass paddles. 

Carbon fiber also distributes contact across the entire surface of the paddle better than other paddle surfaces. Every shot will feel more firm and crisp, allowing you to hit with more confidence and precision. 

The lightweight nature of raw carbon paddles also gives players more maneuverability. The increased agility translates to faster hands and greater control. With reduced paddle weight, players can react quicker — an advantage in competitive games with slim margins. 

More durable

The strong carbon fiber construction ensures resistance against impact and wear, allowing the carbon fiber paddle to be resilient through intense gameplay. Unlike other materials that may chip, crack, or deform over time, raw carbon fiber paddles bring longevity and consistent performance, making them a worthwhile investment for serious players.

The grit is more durable and wears slower than most applied grits. The quality of your carbon fiber determines how quickly the fibers will fray and how long the paddle stays in premium condition. 

Our Pro Series paddles feature Toray T700 grade carbon fiber. T700 is a grade of carbon fiber measured with tensile strength. T grades range from 300 to 1100. The higher the T rating, the higher percentage of carbon and the stronger it will be.

Less Vibration

Carbon fiber paddles effectively absorb and disperse vibrations when the ball hits the face of the paddle. The displacement of energy gives you the feeling of better touch and more control because you won’t feel as much shock to your hand when you hit a ball.

PCKL Pro Series 13 & 16 Paddles