Methodology
How we score every paddle
29 paddles, one test protocol, 15 traits each. Here's exactly what goes into a Pickleball Lookup score — and what never does.
- Step 1
Structured intake
Every paddle enters the database as an object: brand, specs, measured swing weight and twist weight, retailer pricing. Nothing is free text.
- Step 2
On-court testing
Each paddle is played in the same drill set — dinks, resets, drives, serves, hands battles — by testers across skill bands.
- Step 3
DNA normalisation
Results are normalised to a 0-100 scale per trait, so a 2026 flagship and a $79 starter are directly comparable on the same axis.
- Step 4
IQ score
The IQ score is a weighted blend of DNA traits, biased toward the traits that decide points at the kitchen line: control, forgiveness and spin, then power.
The 15 Paddle DNA traits
- Power
- Control
- Spin
- Forgiveness
- Sweet spot
- Stability
- Maneuverability
- Pop
- Touch
- Consistency
- Swing weight
- Twist weight
- Launch angle
- Plow through
- Softness
Independence
Brands cannot buy a score, a placement or a review. Retailer links may earn us a commission, and that commission never touches the testing data — the score is computed from the DNA profile before any pricing is attached to the record.
Browse the scored database