[Packer Fan]

I am wondering where is a good place to go to try out a bunch of different paddles. I don't mind driving an hour or two to try out a variety. Also, I have heard there are tournaments in the area where sponsors show paddles and you can try them out. I know about engage in Oxford, but they just sell one brand is my understanding. Thoughts?

[npwalters]

Originally Posted by Packer Fan

I am wondering where is a good place to go to try out a bunch of different paddles. I don't mind driving an hour or two to try out a variety. Also, I have heard there are tournaments in the area where sponsors show paddles and you can try them out. I know about engage in Oxford, but they just sell one brand is my understanding. Thoughts?

Engage does only sell Engage brand paddles. They will let you try what you may want as a demo. PGA superstore sells various paddles but there is no demo program.

I don't work for Engage but I like them because they are local, have quality paddles (and some low end stuff), and they have a lifetime warranty on most paddles. The time I needed to use the warranty it was as simple as taking it into the store, having the paddle checked, and then given a replacement.

[Altavia]

Yellow Dot indoor Pickleball in Leesburg has a selection of demo paddles from Pickleball Central.

Yellow Dot


https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CC...ibextid=wwXIfr

[Topspinmo]

I have hard time changing paddles due to weight and swing feel. Some paddles have little head weight and some you can’t feel head coming through. I changed couple time and it takes month or more to get good feel for me. I always seem to come back to brand I’ve been playing with for few years. I tend to like the heavier paddles. With that said I have played with engage paddle for years and always go back to same model when I tried to switch paddles. I can play with the others but the feel and drive shots are different producing more error due to feel.

Use to be sports store off cr466 by H & R Blocks in southern trace had demo paddles, but I think they closed now ?

[village dreamer]

i love engage paddles , i will buy a demo , or blemish one for more than half off.

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by village dreamer

i love engage paddles , i will buy a demo , or blemish one for more than half off.

It's hard to do better than the engage demo paddles. Spend the savings on instruction. Engage have (at least in the past) replaced paddles if a defect started to develop.

I don't know the style/level of the OP but in general:
thinner = more power,
thicker = more control.

As a lower level player, I find the thinner power paddles amplify my mistakes so prefer a thicker paddle.

[Sledneck]

you would think with over 250 courts there would be a yearly convention with all manufacturers represented

[bowlingal]

paddles for? pickleball? ping pong? platform tennis? you don't say which

[nhkim]

The store off of 466 was called Softball's R Game and sold softball and pickleball equipment. It was the perfect complement to Engage in Oxford because you could demo many different paddles between the two. I'm not surprised Kelly closed it because I'd been in there when she had to deal with some truly awful customers. This falls into the You Don't Know What You've Got Till It's Gone category.

Try as I might, the Engage paddle doesn't work for me. I love that they're local, convenient, helpful, high quality, and have great customer service and great prices on less-than-perfect new paddles. But their paddles are just not a good fit for me.

It's good to know that Yellow Dot has a variety of paddles. I'm going to be there for an event next week, so I'll check that out.

I've got two suggestions for trying out a variety of paddles. The first is, I think Orlando has a big pickleball tournament in the spring, and I would think that the major manufacturers would be there with the opportunity to try out their products. The second is, I've had times when I'm playing with a group and discussing paddles, I've tried other folks' paddles (with their permission, of course), and if I found one I liked, I went online and ordered it.

[Packer Fan]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

paddles for? pickleball? ping pong? platform tennis? you don't say which

I have the incredible urge to be sarcastic, but my better instincts tell me to be nice. This is the villages. Since this is the pickleball forum, I am inquiring about pickleball paddles.

[Packer Fan]

Originally Posted by nhkim

The store off of 466 was called Softball's R Game and sold softball and pickleball equipment. It was the perfect complement to Engage in Oxford because you could demo many different paddles between the two. I'm not surprised Kelly closed it because I'd been in there when she had to deal with some truly awful customers. This falls into the You Don't Know What You've Got Till It's Gone category.

Try as I might, the Engage paddle doesn't work for me. I love that they're local, convenient, helpful, high quality, and have great customer service and great prices on less-than-perfect new paddles. But their paddles are just not a good fit for me.

It's good to know that Yellow Dot has a variety of paddles. I'm going to be there for an event next week, so I'll check that out.

I've got two suggestions for trying out a variety of paddles. The first is, I think Orlando has a big pickleball tournament in the spring, and I would think that the major manufacturers would be there with the opportunity to try out their products. The second is, I've had times when I'm playing with a group and discussing paddles, I've tried other folks' paddles (with their permission, of course), and if I found one I liked, I went online and ordered it.

It is a shame that some people have to be so annoying. I just don't understand that. I am currently playing with a Friday original paddle, which I actually like. I just want to try 3rd and 4th generation foam paddles. Engage mostly has similar paddles to the Friday paddles.
Let us know how your trip to yellow dot goes. I am curious if they let you try them on their courts or borrow them to try for a week or something. It does look like they have a very good selection.

I am thinking about writing to the rec center board and suggesting they host an annual manufacturer demo day. I mean we have whole facilities dedicated to golf manufacturers, and there are probably more pickleball players in the villages than golfers! We are obviously being discriminated against 🤣🤣

[danglanzsr]

Originally Posted by Packer Fan

I have the incredible urge to be sarcastic, but my better instincts tell me to be nice. This is the villages. Since this is the pickleball forum, I am inquiring about pickleball paddles.

To be even nicer, I didn’t realize you were referring to pickleball paddles. I was thinking you were asking about kayak/canoe paddles. This area is also lake and canal country.

[maistocars]

Pickleball Central, Selkirk, B&B, ProXR all let you try any of their paddles and return used within 30 days for your money back if you don't like. Free shipping on most. It's the way to go.

[Teemotay]

Originally Posted by Packer Fan

I am wondering where is a good place to go to try out a bunch of different paddles. I don't mind driving an hour or two to try out a variety. Also, I have heard there are tournaments in the area where sponsors show paddles and you can try them out. I know about engage in Oxford, but they just sell one brand is my understanding. Thoughts?

Here’s a source for you in Lady Lake. He’s an Ambassador for Diadem paddles and gear. He formerly worked at the pickleball store that closed. He’s a good guy. I’ve played him a time or two last year. If you’re interested send me a private message and I’ll share his phone number.


🏓 Premium Pickleball Paddles & Gear – Perfect Valentine’s Gift! ❤️
Looking for top-quality pickleball paddles and equipment? I’m proud to offer Diadem Pickleball paddles and gear — some of the best paddles I’ve ever used after 5 years of retail experience selling pickleball equipment.

As a Diadem Ambassador, I can provide:
✅ Exclusive discounts
✅ Drop shipping straight to your door
✅ A wide variety of paddles & gear at different price points
✅ Expert help choosing the right paddle for your game

🎁 Makes an awesome Valentine’s Day gift for the pickleball lover in your life!

📍 Local to Lady Lake, Florida?
I have demo paddles available so you can try before you buy!

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, I’ll help match you with the perfect paddle.

💬 Message me for pricing, availability, or to schedule a demo.
Play better. Hit harder. Love your paddle.

Kurt N.

[Topspinmo]

I find retail price of pickleball brand paddles are outrageous 2 to 4 hundreds dollars, Tesla brand 600 dollars, I find them on eBay for at least 1/2 or 3/4 less, little used don’t bother me, what do they think there sell Nada babalot tennis rackets?