Expert guidance from Simona Moore, former professional tennis player and founder of PBPRO.
Adding a small amount of weight can change how your pickleball paddle feels—more power, greater stability, or a more solid response on contact. The key is choosing the right placement and starting with a very small adjustment.
Quick Answer: Where Should You Add Weight?
| Your Goal | Placement | What Changes |
|---|---|---|
| More power | 11, 12 and 1 o’clock | Higher swing weight and more momentum |
| More stability | 3 and 9 o’clock | More control on off-center hits |
| More overall weight with less effect on head speed | 5 and 7 o’clock | A more solid feel while preserving maneuverability |
Best starting point: Add approximately 2–4 grams total, test the paddle, and adjust gradually.
Customize This Paddle—or Choose a Better Fit?
Weight strips are ideal when you already like your paddle and only want a small adjustment. If you want a different feel, compare these three PBPRO starting points:
- Signature Plus — $54.99: A controlled 16mm option for improving and intermediate players.
- Falcon Lite — $89: Lightweight, elongated and thermoformed for quicker hands and advanced performance.
- Gen-X5 — $129: The most powerful and stable option for advanced and competitive players.
Table of Contents
- When should you add weight?
- Lead tape or tungsten tape?
- How much weight should you add?
- Placement for more power
- Placement for stability
- Placement for control and balance
- Frequently asked questions
When Should You Add Weight to Your Pickleball Paddle?
You do not need to add weight simply because other players do. Consider customizing your paddle when you already like its basic shape and feel but want to fine-tune one specific characteristic.
You want more power
Adding weight near the top of the paddle increases swing weight and momentum through the ball. This can help produce deeper serves, stronger drives, and more power from the baseline.
You want more stability
If the paddle twists or feels unstable on off-center contact, a small amount of weight on both sides of the paddle can make the face feel steadier through impact.
You want a more solid feel
Some players like their paddle but want slightly more overall mass. Adding a small, balanced amount of weight can create a more substantial feel without requiring a completely different paddle.
You want to preserve fast hands
If quick reactions at the kitchen are important, place additional weight lower on the paddle rather than at the top. This can increase total weight while limiting the change in head-heavy swing feel.
What Should You Use?
Lead tape
Lead tape is affordable, widely available, and easy to apply in small increments. If you use lead, avoid direct skin contact when possible, wash your hands after handling it, and cover the applied tape with edge-guard tape.
Tungsten tape
Tungsten tape provides a similar customization option without lead. Many players choose it as a lead-free alternative.
Ready to customize your paddle?
Shop PBPRO Weight Strips →
How Much Weight Should You Add?
Start small. Approximately 2–4 grams total is enough for many players to notice a difference. Use a small digital scale to confirm the amount you add because tape and pre-cut strips can vary by product.
- Add the same amount to both sides when using symmetrical placement.
- Test the paddle before adding more.
- Increase weight gradually rather than making one large change.
- Stop if the paddle feels slow, tiring, or uncomfortable.
Placement for More Power
Place weight near the 11, 12 and 1 o’clock positions. Weight at the top of the paddle increases swing weight and creates more momentum through the ball.
This placement is most useful for players seeking stronger serves, deeper drives, and additional baseline power. Because top placement changes swing feel the most, begin with a very small amount.
Placement for Stability and a More Forgiving Feel
Place equal amounts at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. This increases stability across the paddle face and can reduce twisting on off-center hits.
It is a useful setup for volleys, blocks, resets, and fast exchanges at the kitchen. It may also add a modest amount of power without feeling as head-heavy as top placement.
Placement for Control and Balance
Place equal amounts at the 5 and 7 o’clock positions. Lower placement can make the paddle feel more solid while preserving more of its natural hand speed.
This option is well suited to players who want additional stability for blocks and soft shots without substantially increasing the head-heavy feel of the paddle.
Should Every Player Add Weight?
No. Beginners are usually better served by first learning the paddle’s natural feel. Intermediate players may benefit from small stability or balance adjustments. Advanced players often experiment more because they understand exactly what they want to change.
| Player Type | Add Weight? | PBPRO Option |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Usually unnecessary | PB Signature |
| Intermediate | Sometimes | Signature Plus |
| Advanced | Often customized | Infinity Series |
Final Thoughts
Adding weight is one of the simplest ways to personalize a paddle you already enjoy. Decide what you want to improve, select the matching placement, and make one small adjustment at a time. The best setup is the one that feels comfortable and performs consistently during real play.
Already like your paddle and want to fine-tune it?
Shop PBPRO Weight Strips →
Not sure whether you have the right paddle?
Compare PBPRO Paddles →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight should I add?
Start with approximately 2–4 grams total. Test the paddle before adding more.
Does adding weight increase power?
It can. Weight near the top of the paddle increases swing weight and can generate more momentum on serves and drives.
Can added weight improve the sweet spot?
Weight at 3 and 9 o’clock can improve stability on off-center contact, making the usable hitting area feel more forgiving.
Is tungsten better than lead?
Both can change paddle balance. Tungsten is a lead-free alternative and avoids the handling concerns associated with lead tape.
Will added weight slow down my paddle?
It can, especially when placed at the top. That is why small, gradual adjustments are important.
