Ever hit a shot that felt like it melted off your paddle? That split-second difference is called dwell time, and it can totally change how your paddle feels and performs.
Long vs. Short Dwell Time: What’s the Difference?
Longer dwell time means more control and spin. Shorter dwell time means more speed and power.
What Affects Dwell Time?
- Paddle Thickness: Thicker paddles (16mm or more) generally have more dwell time.
- Core Material: Foam or low-density polymer cores increase dwell time.
- Surface Texture: Gritty surfaces like raw carbon fibre increase dwell time.
- Paddle Stiffness: Softer constructions allow more compression and dwell.
- Grip Pressure: Loose grip = more dwell. Tight grip = faster pop.
How Do You Know What You Need?
- If you rely on touch shots — you’ll love a paddle with more dwell time.
- If you’re a banger — you’ll want a paddle with less dwell time.
- If you’re somewhere in between — a mid-thickness paddle in the 14–16mm range gives you a balanced feel.
Find Your Perfect Paddle at IPOP
Come in and try our demo wall — $5 for a 2-hour session to test paddles before you buy. Visit ipop.fun to learn more.
