Power vs pop — Understanding the difference in pickleball paddle feel

In pickleball, power and pop aren’t the same thing, and knowing the difference can help you choose the right paddle for your game. 

Power refers to how well a paddle drives a ball that’s at rest or moving slowly, like on serves, high putaways, or drives. Pop, on the other hand, is about responsiveness when the paddle is given pace, such as countering a hard shot or returning a fast serve with minimal effort.

Even paddles in the same performance category can feel very different — like the Project 008 in 16 mm (more power, less pop) versus 10 mm (more pop, still good power).

Understanding whether you need quick-reacting pop for hand battles or pure putaway power for finishing points will help you find a paddle that truly matches your style.

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