Fibreglass vs Carbon Paddle: What’s best for new players?

If you’re new to pickleball, one of the first big questions you’ll hit is this: Should I get a fibreglass paddle or a carbon fibre one? Both sound cool. Both are used by “serious” players. But only one is beginner-friendly.

Here’s the full breakdown, without the jargon, so you can choose your first paddle with confidence (and maybe a little flair).

Photo: House of Tembusu, 2025

🧪 Material Matters

Pickleball paddles aren’t just painted wood slabs anymore. Today, you’ll find three main materials:

• Wood: Heavy and cheap. Not great for long-term use.

• Fibreglass: Lightweight, responsive, affordable. Great for beginners.

• Carbon Fibre: Advanced, stiff, powerful. Better for pros than first-timers.

Let’s focus on the two most common for players who are ready to level up: fibreglass vs carbon fibre.

🪶 Fibreglass Paddles: A Beginner’s Best Friend

Fibreglass paddles have a softer face, meaning the ball stays on the paddle for a split second longer. This gives you more control and touch on your shots. It's basically like your paddle’s helping you figure things out as you go.

Why beginners love fibreglass:

• 🎯 Forgiving - helps with control and accuracy

• 🪶 Lightweight - easier on your wrist

• 🎨 Printable surface - custom paddles? Yes please

• 💰 Affordable - without feeling “cheap”

At House of Tembusu, we use fibreglass for all our paddles. It's the sweet spot between function and form, perfect for printing bold Southeast Asian designs while keeping the paddle beginner-friendly.

⚡ Carbon Fibre Paddles: Built for Power (and Pros)

Carbon fibre is super stiff and ultra-strong. That’s why it’s often used by competitive players who want precise, snappy returns and more speed off the paddle face.

Carbon is not always best for beginners:

• ⛔️ Less feel - ball bounces off quickly

• ⚖️ Can be heavy - wrist fatigue is real

• 💵 More expensive - sometimes overkill for casual play

• 🖨️ Hard to print on - less visual personality

If you’re new, using a carbon paddle can feel like driving a sports car with no driving license. Fun, but a bit dangerous.

🏁 The Verdict: Choose What Helps You Grow

If you’re just starting out, the goal isn’t to hit like a pro. It’s to have fun, rally longer, and fall in love with the game. That’s where fibreglass shines.

Feature	Fibreglass	Carbon Fibre
Control & Feel	✅ Great	❌ Less forgiving
Power	⚪ Moderate	✅ High
Weight	✅ Lightweight	⚪ Varies
Price	✅ Affordable	❌ Expensive
Print-friendly	✅ Yes	❌ No
Beginner-friendly	✅ 100%	❌ Not ideal

💬 Final Rally

When you’re learning, you want gear that supports you, not overwhelms you. That’s why House of Tembusu paddles are made with fibreglass, for a light, strong, and stylish start.

Begin with a paddle that’s made for your first win.Because your first game should feel good, and look good too.

👉 Preorder your paddle