Why Are Hollow Design Pickleball Paddles Getting More Attention?

Hollow design pickleball paddles offer a distinctive look in a crowded equipment market. From open throat paddles to carbon fiber paddles with integrated cutouts, these designs give players and brands another aspect of paddle construction to explore. For businesses developing custom pickleball paddles, the opportunity is to combine a recognizable design with comfortable handling and reliable performance.

But what does a hollow design actually change—and what should buyers look for beyond its appearance?

A Growing Sport Creates Room for New Designs

According to SFIA’s 2026 Pickleball Single Sport Report announcement, 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025, compared with 4.2 million in 2020. That growth provides context for the expanding equipment market, although it does not measure demand for hollow designs specifically.

For brands and retailers, an unusual paddle profile can help a product catch a shopper’s eye. For players, it creates a practical question: does the design suit the way they play?

What Does “Hollow Design” Mean?

In this article, hollow design refers to visible openings or cutouts incorporated into a paddle’s throat or frame. It does not necessarily mean the paddle has an empty core.

Open throat paddles typically feature an opening between the handle and the hitting surface. Other designs may incorporate cutouts in different locations, so buyers should look closely at the actual structure.

For example, Selkirk’s explanation of its open throat design describes an opening intended to improve airflow and allow flex. These are design objectives for that manufacturer’s construction, rather than proof that every paddle with an opening will perform the same way.

More Than Just Appearance

A hollow design may influence weight distribution and how a paddle moves through the air. However, an opening alone does not tell you whether a paddle will feel lighter, faster, or more stable.

When comparing models, consider:

• Overall weight: Does it feel manageable through a full session?
• Balance: Does the paddle feel heavier toward the head or closer to the handle?
• Contact feel: Are centered and off-center shots comfortable and predictable?
• Grip: Does the handle feel secure without requiring excessive squeezing?

Try the paddle through serves, drives, blocks, and soft shots. A distinctive profile should still work comfortably across the shots you use most.

Materials and Construction Still Matter

Cutouts are only one part of the design. Face material, core structure, thickness, and frame reinforcement also deserve attention.

For example, the FISTO Aero Base T700 Carbon Pickleball Paddle combines a hollow cutout design with a T700 carbon fiber face, polypropylene honeycomb core, and hot-pressed construction. Its listed specifications include a 13.5mm thickness and a weight of 220 ± 10 grams, giving buyers concrete details to compare alongside its appearance.

For product development, evaluate sample durability and consistency as well as playing feel. Openings should be considered as part of the complete structure.

What This Means for Brands and Wholesale Buyers

Custom pickleball paddles give brands opportunities to coordinate shape, graphics, materials, and grip details around a target customer.

Before selecting a design, establish the intended player, price range, preferred handling, and quality requirements. These decisions make sample comparisons more useful.

Brands exploring this process can learn more about FISTO’s sports equipment manufacturing capabilities, including OEM and ODM support for materials, paddle structures, grips, surface finishes, logos, and packaging.

A hollow design can attract attention. Comfortable handling, consistent construction, and a clear fit for the intended player give buyers stronger reasons to choose it.