Latest news with #RallyPickleball
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Best pickleball paddles for every type of player, from beginners to pros
Pickleball may have started as a casual backyard game but it's quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the US, with pro tournaments, competitive leagues, and packed rec centers across the country. With the rise in popularity has come an explosion of new paddle technology, from affordable beginner sets to pro-level carbon fiber options. Today's paddles are lighter, more durable, and more precise than ever. You'll find models designed to prioritize spin, power, control — or a combination of all three. Factors such as shape, handle length, weight, balance, and core materials all affect how a paddle feels in your hand (and how well it performs on the court). Whether you're a first-time player or dialing in your tournament setup, the paddle you select can make or break your game. Former pickleball pro and co-owner of Rally Pickleball Megan Charity says: 'I always tell players to start with how the paddle feels in your hand. Comfort and balance are everything.' From there, 'it's about knowing your strengths — if you're naturally consistent and have good touch, lean into a paddle that gives you more power. If you rely more on precision, look for something that offers control and stability', adds Charity. Meanwhile, co-founder of PickleballMAX Todd Jungling emphasizes that choosing the right paddle is less about finding a universal 'best' and more about matching it to your specific needs, preferences, and style of play. 'If you are given the opportunity to demo a paddle at your local club or from a friend, do so. It's best to test drive a paddle before buying it.' With all that in mind, keep scrolling to find top-rated paddles for different preferences and levels of play. How we tested Testing took place during indoor and outdoor pickleball sessions to see how each paddle performed across different environments. We recruited a diverse mix of testers, from complete newbies (one had never played before) to advanced players, as well as a handful of intermediate players. Players swapped paddles throughout the process, to ensure everyone got hands-on time with each one. Balance, grip, quality and value for money were all considered before drawing up a list of the very best. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews The Independent 's dedicated shopping section, IndyBest is committed to providing unbiased reviews and expert advice. All the products featured have been tried and tested by our expert reviewers, in the same type of real-world environment you would use them. Our reviewers always offer their honest opinions and will only recommend products they believe are worth your money. The best pickleball paddles for 2025 are:
Axios
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Weekender: 34 things to do in Charlotte this Mother's Day weekend
This Mother's Day weekend, there are plenty of sweet events, from brunch to bouquet building. Friday, May 9 👩🍳 Learn how to make laminated dough for classic croissants, pain au chocolate and almond croissants at Sweet Spot Studios. | $75 | 6pm | Details 🏃♂️ Meet at Rally Pickleball every Friday for a 3.5-mile run and stick around for post-run outdoor games, followed by an outdoor screening of "Remember the Titans." | Free | 6pm | Details 🛍️ Buy a limited-edition "Unstoppable Vibes" t-shirt from 704 Shop. Proceeds benefit nonprofit Girls on the Run. | Free | Time | Details 👯♀️ Watch a cabaret show at the Old Courthouse Theatre in Concord. | $18-$23 | 7:30pm | Details 🎤 Step up to an open mic night, with poetry, live music and wine at Dupp & Swatt in Camp North End. | $19.14 | 6pm | Details 🐐 Practice yoga with a goat and enjoy a post-flow beer at Triple C Brewing. | $36.37 | 6:30-7:30pm | Details 🧠 Test your knowledge of romantic comedy movies with trivia at Suffolk Punch Brewing South End. | Free | 7-9pm | Details 🏒 Cheer on the Charlotte Checkers as they take on the Providence Bruins at Bojangles Coliseum. | $34.20+ | 7pm | Details ⚽️ Watch Crown Legacy FC play against Inter Miami CF II at Sportsplex in Matthews. | $14+ | 7pm | Details 🎪 Take the entire family to see the UniverSoul Circus at the Route 29 Pavilion in Concord. | $41+ | 7pm | Details ⚾️ Grab a beer and hot dog while you watch the Charlotte Knights knock it out of the park when they play against the Memphis Redbirds at Truist Field. | $36.97+ | 7:04pm | Details 🎵 Vibe to singer Victor Manuelle live in concert at Ovens Auditorium. | $65.40+ | 8pm | Details 🩰 Watch a ballet performance at Knight Theater accompanied by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. | Runs through Sunday | Details Saturday, May 10 🫖 Have a mother-daughter afternoon tea at The Ballantyne Hotel with seasonal treats and a glass of sparkling wine. | $35-$70 | 1pm | Details 🐶 Meet adoptable dogs at Vaulted Oak Brewing's dog adoption event. | Free | 3-7pm | Details 🍷 Sip unlimited samples of wine and craft beer at Pop N Pour Wine Festival in Charlotte with 20+ drink stations, live music and local vendors. | $25-50 | 1pm | Details 🎨 Paint a vinyl and sip wine with your mom at Southern Lion in Pineville. | $42.50 - $50 | 2pm | Details 🗝️ Grab your friend and try to solve puzzles in an escape room in Concord. | $35.99+ | 8:20am | Details 🛍️ Shop for craft goods from an artisan alley at Fonta Flora Brewery in Optimist Hall. | Free | Times vary | Details 🤣 Laugh at jokes from local comedians at Monarch Market in Uptown. | Free | 7pm | Details 🏺 Shop for handmade goods from 100 local artists at Camp North End's pottery festival. | Free | 10am-5pm | Details 🎷 Listen to saxophonist Kim Waters at Middle C Jazz. | $49.65-$60.65 | 6:30pm | Details 🏃♂️ Run, walk, skip, or dance your way through Memorial Stadium as part of the Meck Mile. | $35+ | 2pm | Details 🎤 See R&B artists Joe, Musiq Soulchild and Eric Benét perform at Bojangles Coliseum. | $83.40+ | 8pm | Details 🎶 Hear rapper and producer G-Eazy perform during his tour stop at The Underground. | $48 | 8pm | Details 🎵 Listen to sounds from Charlotte-based indie rock band Evening Elephants at The Music Yard. | $21.54 | 6pm | Details Sunday, May 11 🛍️ Treat your mom to a shopping spree at Birkdale Village Commons Market with local vendors and don't leave without taking a professional photo for memories. | Free | 11am | Details ☕️ Celebrate Mother's Day over a latte, a list of local vendors and snag a bouquet while supplies last at Night Swim Coffee. | Free | 10am | Details 🍩 Enjoy a Mother's Day brunch at The Chamber by Wooden Robot with gluten-free donuts, espresso martinis, coffee, mimosas and beer. | Free | 10am | Details 🧘♀️ Start your day with a yoga session followed by brunch at Whitewater Center. | $50 | 9:30am | Details 👗 Shop for vintage finds from Thrift Pony's outdoor market in front of the Ford Building. | Free | 11am-5pm | Details 🍽️ Indulge in an all-you-can-eat variety of hot and cold Spanish-style tapas at Catalú in South End. | $29-$68 | 11am-3pm | Details 🕯️ Take your mom to make a custom candle while you sip on a complimentary glass of champagne at Paddywax. | $50 | 11am-5pm | Details 🌸 Stroll through Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden with live music, build bouquets and grab a meal from local food trucks onsite. | $8-$20 | 10am-5pm | Details
