Dwell Time For Your Pickleball Paddle—And Why It Matters for Your Game

Ever hit a shot that felt like it melted off your paddle? Or one that rocketed off before you had time to blink? That split-second difference is called dwell time, and it can totally change how your paddle feels and performs.

Dwell time refers to the duration the ball remains in contact with your paddle face during a shot. It’s usually just a few milliseconds, but it can make a huge difference in spin, control, power, and overall playability.

So, how do you know if you need more or less dwell time? And what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.

Long vs. Short Dwell Time: What's the Difference?

🔍 Feature	Longer Dwell Time	Shorter Dwell Time
Control/Touch	✅ Higher	❌ Lower
Spin Potential	✅ Higher	❌ Lower
Power/Pop	❌ Softer feel	✅ Quicker rebound
Best For	Dinks, drops, resets	Drives, volleys, power shots
Paddle Thickness	16mm+	12–13mm
Impact Sound	"Thud"	"Pop"

Longer dwell time means the ball stays on the paddle just a touch longer, giving you more control and spin. Shorter dwell time means the ball pops off quickly, giving you more speed and power.

What Affects Dwell Time?

Several factors influence how long the ball stays on your paddle:

Paddle Thickness: Thicker paddles (16mm or more) generally have more dwell time.
Core Material: Foam or low-density polymer cores = increased dwell time. High-density cores = snappier feel.
Surface Texture: Gritty surfaces (like raw carbon fibre) increase dwell time slightly and help with spin.
Paddle Stiffness: Softer constructions allow more compression and dwell. Stiffer builds have a faster rebound.
Paddle Shape: Wide-body paddles offer more stable contact and longer dwell times. Elongated shapes often release the ball faster.
Grip Pressure: Loose grip = more dwell. Tight grip = faster pop.

As Selkirk Labs explains, "Paddles with longer dwell time give players more opportunity to control spin and placement, while those with shorter dwell time provide faster pop for aggressive shots." (Selkirk Labs)

How Do You Know What You Need?

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to measure anything. You just need to know how you like to play.

If you rely on touch shots like dinks, drops, and resets, you’ll probably love a paddle with more dwell time.
If you love speed and drives, or dominating net battles with quick reactions, a paddle with less dwell time might suit you better.
And remember, your grip and swing can also affect dwell—it’s not just the paddle.

Ultimately, it comes down to feel—and the best way to know is to try a few out.

Paddle Buyer’s Guide: Choosing Based on Dwell Time

Not sure where to start? Here are some popular paddles categorized by longer or shorter dwell time, plus tips on how to choose based on your game.

Paddles with Longer Dwell Time (More Control, Spin, Touch)

These are typically thicker (16mm+), with raw carbon fibre surfaces and softer core construction.

Paddle	Notable Features
Joola Perseus 16mm	Carbon surface, soft feel, excellent spin
Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 16mm	QuadFlex face, polymer core, smooth control
Six Zero Black Diamond 16mm	Raw carbon fibre, longer dwell for finesse
CRBN 1X (16mm)	High dwell, soft reset game, top-tier control

Great for: Dinkers, strategic players, and anyone who enjoys feeling the ball on the paddle.

💥 Paddles with Shorter Dwell Time (More Power, Pop, Quick Hands)

These are usually thinner (12–13mm), stiffer, and have a faster rebound off the face.

Paddle	Notable Features
Acorn Infinity	High level of control, spin and power
Joola Hyperion CFS 13.5mm	Ben Johns' signature, hybrid thickness
Paddletek Bantam TS-5	Lightweight, very poppy, power-friendly
Holbrook Power Pro 13mm	Designed for fast play and net battles

Great for: Power players, counters, quick volleys, and aggressive baseline shots.

✅ How to Choose Your Paddle Based on Dwell Time

You want…	Look for…
More control and spin	Thick (16mm+) paddle, carbon surface
More speed and pop	Thin (12–13mm) paddle, firm core
A balanced all-around feel	14mm–15mm paddle, hybrid materials
The right feel for you	DEMO different paddles before buying!

Come Demo Paddles at IPOP's Pro Shop!

Ready to find your perfect paddle? Whether you're craving more spin, more control, or more pop, our team can help.

The IPOP Pro Shop is open with expert staff ready to guide you. You can demo paddles on the court before you buy, ask questions, and get hands-on help.

Prefer to shop from home? No problem.

🔗 Check out our online store: ipop.fun/collections
Browse, learn, buy, and pick up your paddle at IPOP, ready to rip.