Per that link, I could be 3.0, but in reality I’m surely not.
I watched a lot of this today (not all, it’s 12 minutes). If accurate, then my gang is probably higher than 2.5
Impulse paddle purchase today from FB Marketplace. I think it is this one - https://www.amazon.com/stores/LITMON/page/A507BD1D-64F1-4AEB-B43A-F9FAB3CF241F?lp_asin=B0CPP8GKK7&ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_ast_store_MZVWAWXH1GPVVHEQW56X&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto
List price $96.99, but Amazon has it marked down to $59.99. I paid $45, new in box. Eventually I want to upgrade to a nicer paddle, and in the meantime I have this one to use / learn more about priorities. Then my old starter paddle can be used with daughter or friends curious to try PB with me. Decided to help the seller PB family declutter, learn more about what I’ll want someday in ultimate choice. If it’s bust, I can resell.
Silly detail that made me go for it. Seller has the same (and fairly unusual) name as my daughter.
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This is me….. just kidding. Fun to watch!
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I’ve been “managing” a PB group for close to 3 years. We’ve lost and gained some people along the way, but many of the original players are still in the group. 2 of the most regular ones are going to be moving to another state soon. Another who we knew was going to only play with us for several months is moving to another state. I hope we can find some new people who are a good match for our group. We are pretty picky with who we let in, and we’ve had zero drama since we kicked out one person soon after we started. She was just too cranky and several people complained about her, so she had to go.
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It’s nice you have a regular group. I slide into opportunities in several overlapping groups (varying communication methods), so no regular scheduled timeslot. That means I need to be VERY careful about calendaring each game, with cc to husband for awareness.
Played today in the 50 and up group. They are really good players mostly. On Friday I play with a 18 and up group but mostly 30-45 year olds with some older in our 60s. I come home drenched with both groups lol.
So there is a younger guy that is a paddle rep. I have cheap Amazon paddles that we got on sale for $25.00 2 year’s ago. He is selling one of his rarely used paddles for $50.00. It’s a $155. 00 new. I looked it up and I guess a really good paddle. He said he’s getting one of the ones just coming out and doesn’t need this one. I hope he didn’t sell it yet. I thought it was strange but then looked it up. He’s really a nice guy also.
I will find out on Friday. SWORD & SHIELD J2k - HONOLULU PICKLEBALL COMPANY
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Looks like a nice paddle. Maybe it will improve your game if you get it?
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The only thing to check is if the weight is right for you. A friend had me demo a paddle that was heavier than the one I use and my elbow started hurting after about 15 min.
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I also thought about this. I would play with it first. He lent it out to someone last week that ordered a paddle and didn’t bring one. She was asking if others had an extra paddle and how this started. I play at our community center. It’s like $10.00/10 weeks. Can’t beat that. Lol. It’s a great group of people. But as you can imagine it sells out quickly. I might want to take lessons also. I kinda want to elevate my game and get more consistent.
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That is a great deal! I play at a private club but it’s not fancy. $40/mon includes 2 hours of open play a day and clinics/lessons from $15 up to $120. I do think lessons have helped improve my game. Also I sometimes watch YouTube videos on how to improve different skills or strategies.
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I am watching you tube now. Lol. We have clubs but have to do a deeper dive. Chicago is expensive and have to figure out how committed I will be. Many of the “regulars” do get together to play outside and many of us work part time. Have to figure this out. Just know I have to get better at staying up front. I am 6 ft and have a good reach so I think I can stay back. Each time I play I am trying to force myself to stay up. Last game yesterday was the first time I felt good doing it. I am getting there. Lol 
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Paddles can be very expensive, and different ones definitely feel different. Weight is also important to consider. In my case sound is also important - some of them make a noise I have a hard time dealing with.
Before investing in a “good” paddle I suggest you try several.
I know I have to be careful because I have a “bad shoulder” and tennis elbow could become a problem for me. There are paddles better for some things than others.
I’ve never heard of the brand of paddle you’re looking at, but that means nothing. Joola is a very popular brand of paddle. I play with an Engage (brand) paddle. It’s pretty expensive ($279), but I got it for half price. Another one I like is made by Diadem. The first paddle I bought was made by Gamma, because the guy I took lessons with had a bunch of different models he let us try, and he gave us 25-30% off. If you go to a Pickleball club, they will likely let you try several paddles for free or very inexpensively.
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Good suggestions. I guess this paddle is highly regarded. It won some awards etc etc. I have held it and it’s a great grip. I am a bigger guy so the weight shouldn’t bother me. “if” he still has it tomorrow then I will play with it and see how it goes. I have looked up paddles and the one thing I read about is the “core” breaking down with some of them. It has a really nice surface /grippy to spin. I spin with a smooth surface but I read this paddle can also have a lot of power. Will see. If it’s available I hope I like it. I like easy, and that is about as easy as it gets to get a paddle. He is a paddle rep whatever that means. I will take his extras for now. I am not that good yet but have my moments 
… And don’t want to have a large investment until I get better, which is coming. Lol
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I hope it works out for you. Pickleball is very fun, and almost everyone I’ve met through PB has been pretty welcoming and nice.
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Thx. It’s funny you say that. We are finding the pickleball people are super nice. It’s such a fun group.
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For the most part the many PB players I have met have been really nice. Of course most of us are retired, fairly healthy… keeps us cheerful. At our level of play, there is a lot of laughter and not too much competitive zeal.
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I am sooooo bummed. The pickle ball paddle rep dude just sold the paddle two days ago. Bummer. Now I have to research a better paddle and find sales like normal people do 
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A big bunch of us retired ladies like to play (in various combinations of 4, 8 or eve 12 players) once or twice a week at the 7am indoor $10/court deal. We’ve noticed that it is less crowded now that folks have nice weather and outdoor options. Once it gets hot out, perhaps this will change
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Now that H and I have decided we really enjoy playing pickleball it’s time to invest in some shoes. Do any of you have certain brands of pickleball shoes that you have liked more than others? I know shoes can be tricky based on each persons foot, but I’d love to hear what those of you that play a lot like. We only play outdoors. We are planning to spend around $150 each, but would spend more if the shoes are really great.. Thank you in advance.
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