Mint Sport Blog

Why Am I Popping the Ball Up in Pickleball?
Why Am I Popping the Ball Up in Pickleball?
Pop-ups usually come from six habits: a tight grip, wrist flicks, an open paddle face, a big backswing, late contact and standing up early. Here's how to fix each. Read more...
Pre-Order Sale: 20% Off Our Three New Unleash Paddles
Pre-Order Sale: 20% Off Our Three New Unleash Paddles
Pre-order the new Sigma Super, Sender Pro X or Carbon Flow Foam and take 20% off with a code. Limited time. Here's how to pick the right one for your... Read more...
Do Thicker Pickleball Paddles Play Better?
Do Thicker Pickleball Paddles Play Better?
Thicker pickleball paddles forgive mishits, soften pace and cut pop-ups. Here's why amateurs often play better with a 16mm+ core, and what you give up. Read more...
How to Choose a Pickleball Bag: Pack for the Day You Actually Play
How to Choose a Pickleball Bag: Pack for the Day You Actually Play
Not sure which pickleball bag to buy? Compare backpacks, tournament bags and belt bags by what they carry, who they suit and which features are worth paying for. Read more...
Surlyn vs Urethane Golf Balls: Golf Ball Construction Explained
Surlyn vs Urethane Golf Balls: Golf Ball Construction Explained
Surlyn vs urethane golf balls explained: spin, feel, distance, durability and price. Learn which cover suits your game and where 3-piece and 4-piece balls fit. Read more...
Pickleball Paddle Edge Weights: Where to Put Them and What Actually Changes
Pickleball Paddle Edge Weights: Where to Put Them and What Actually Changes
Where to put edge weights or lead tape on a pickleball paddle, how much to add, what each position changes, and when adding weight is the wrong fix. Read more...
Three New Gen 4 Foam Core Pickleball Paddles Are Coming: Sigma Super, Sender Pro X and Carbon Flow Foam
Three New Gen 4 Foam Core Pickleball Paddles Are Coming: Sigma Super, Sender Pro X and Carbon Flow Foam
Meet the Sigma Super, Sender Pro X and Carbon Flow Foam: three new Gen 4 foam core pickleball paddles from Mint Sport. Specs, feel and who each one suits. Read more...
Pickleball Sunglasses Guide: Lenses, Fit & Mente Frames
Pickleball Sunglasses Guide: Lenses, Fit & Mente Frames
What to look for in pickleball and sport sunglasses: lens material, polarization, tint and fit. Plus a model-by-model look at Mente, handmade in Japan. Read more...
Unleash Tournament Bag: A Pickleball Bag Built for Everything
Unleash Tournament Bag: A Pickleball Bag Built for Everything
The new Mint Sport Unleash™ Tournament Bag is built to carry everything you need for a day on court, with dedicated paddle, shoe, ball, and hydration storage. Read more...
The PPA Tour: Pro Pickleball's Biggest Stage, the Las Vegas Open, and What's Next
The PPA Tour: Pro Pickleball's Biggest Stage, the Las Vegas Open, and What's Next
What is the PPA Tour? How pro pickleball's top circuit works, what's at stake at the 2026 Rate Las Vegas Open, and the upcoming PPA events to watch. Read more...
Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleballs: Key Differences Explained
Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleballs: Key Differences Explained
26-hole vs. 40-hole pickleball comes down to more than hole count. Explore how indoor and outdoor balls differ in construction, performance, durability, and play. Read more...
Cannonballz Padel Balls Are FIP Approved: What That Means for Your Game
Cannonballz Padel Balls Are FIP Approved: What That Means for Your Game
Cannonballz padel balls are now officially FIP approved. See what approval requires, how balls are lab-tested, and what it means for your matches. Read more...
Best Beginner Pickleball Set: What to Buy in 2026
Best Beginner Pickleball Set: What to Buy in 2026
New to pickleball? This beginner's guide breaks down what to look for in a pickleball set, including paddle materials, core thickness, weight, grip size, indoor vs. outdoor balls, and what... Read more...
Carbon Fiber Paddle Comparison: Raw, Toray, and 18K Explained
Carbon Fiber Paddle Comparison: Raw, Toray, and 18K Explained
Not all carbon fiber pickleball paddles are built the same. Learn how raw carbon, Toray T700, and 18K carbon fiber weave differ in spin, feel, durability, and overall performance—and how... Read more...
What Makes a High-Performance Pickleball Paddle?
What Makes a High-Performance Pickleball Paddle?
Learn how to evaluate a high-performance pickleball paddle by understanding the eight specs that actually matter—from core material and thickness to spin, swing weight, shape, grip, and edge design. Read more...
Padel vs. Pickleball: Which Should You Play?
Padel vs. Pickleball: Which Should You Play?
Padel and pickleball look alike, but play very differently. Compare courts, rules, gear, cost and learning curve to pick the one that fits you. Read more...
How to Choose a Padel Racket: Mint Sport's Five Rackets Compared
How to Choose a Padel Racket: Mint Sport's Five Rackets Compared
Five padel rackets, same price. Here's how shape, core density, and carbon weight actually differ across Maitre, Majeste, Manouvre, Merite, and Merveille. Read more...
What Are Gen 4 Pickleball Paddles? A Full Guide
What Are Gen 4 Pickleball Paddles? A Full Guide
Gen 4 pickleball paddles bring a major shift in paddle construction, replacing traditional polymer honeycomb cores with continuous foam-based designs. This guide explains what Gen 4 means, how it compares... Read more...
The Coolest Pickleball Paddles of 2026
The Coolest Pickleball Paddles of 2026
Cool pickleball paddles should be more than eye-catching. Explore the most stylish paddle trends of 2026, from graphic designs and artist collaborations to character-driven paddles built around specific playing styles.... Read more...
Does a Pickleball Paddle Need a Break-In Period? What's Real and What's Myth
Does a Pickleball Paddle Need a Break-In Period? What's Real and What's Myth
Does a pickleball paddle really need to be broken in? Learn what changes during the first few sessions, what’s normal wear, and how to tell when your paddle has a... Read more...
Pickleball Paddle for Beginners: What You Need to Know
Pickleball Paddle for Beginners: What You Need to Know
Choosing your first pickleball paddle doesn't have to be complicated. Learn which specs actually matter for beginners—from weight and grip size to core, shape, and price—and avoid the common mistakes... Read more...
Is a Used Pickleball Paddle Worth It? A Buyer's Guide
Is a Used Pickleball Paddle Worth It? A Buyer's Guide
Buying a used pickleball paddle can save serious money—but only if you know how to spot hidden wear, test the core, and judge whether the price is actually worth the... Read more...
What to Know Before Buying a Pickleball Paddle
What to Know Before Buying a Pickleball Paddle
The complete guide to choosing a pickleball paddle, covering materials, core thickness, weight, grip size, shape, price, and how to match each spec to your playing style. Read more...
7 Top Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players Worth Buying
7 Top Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players Worth Buying
Shopping for a pickleball paddle at the 3.0–3.5 level? Learn which specs matter, how to match paddle character to your playstyle, and seven intermediate-friendly options worth considering. Read more...
Pickleball Elbow: How Much Does Your Paddle Actually Matter?
Pickleball Elbow: How Much Does Your Paddle Actually Matter?
Pickleball elbow isn't only about your swing. Here's how vibration actually travels up your arm, and which paddle features genuinely help. Read more...
What Makes a Great Pickleball Paddle Brand Stand Out
What Makes a Great Pickleball Paddle Brand Stand Out
What separates the best pickleball paddle brands from generic options? Explore paddle technology, Gen 3 vs. Gen 4, play-style identity, pricing, and the brands shaping the 2026 market. Read more...
How Pro Pickleball Players Train, Compete, and Gear Up
How Pro Pickleball Players Train, Compete, and Gear Up
Learn how professional pickleball works, what separates pros from recreational players, and how elite tactics, shot selection, and paddle design shape performance. Read more...
My Pickleball Paddle Got Wet — Now What? What's Actually Happening Inside
My Pickleball Paddle Got Wet — Now What? What's Actually Happening Inside
A wet paddle isn't automatically ruined, but the wrong fix can finish the job. Here's what water actually does to a Gen 3 vs. Gen 4 core, and how to... Read more...
Best Pickleball Paddle Brands: A Complete Guide
Best Pickleball Paddle Brands: A Complete Guide
Choosing among the top pickleball paddle brands can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the leading brands, their engineering philosophies, price ranges, and the playing styles they're built to support. Read more...
How to Choose a Power Pickleball Paddle: Key Specs Explained
How to Choose a Power Pickleball Paddle: Key Specs Explained
Looking for pickleball paddles for power? Learn how core thickness, face material, swing weight, and paddle shape work together to create more pop, plow-through, and pace on the court. Read more...
Doubles vs. Singles: Does Your Paddle Choice Matter?
Doubles vs. Singles: Does Your Paddle Choice Matter?
Most players own one paddle and never think about it twice, since most pickleball is doubles anyway. But doubles and singles ask genuinely different things of your gear: one rewards... Read more...
How to Pick the Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddle
How to Pick the Best Intermediate Pickleball Paddle
Shopping for the best pickleball paddle as an intermediate player? Learn which weight, core thickness, face material, and grip size match your game, plus top paddle picks for 3.0–3.5 players... Read more...
Paddle Set vs. Premium Single Paddle: What's Worth Buying?
Paddle Set vs. Premium Single Paddle: What's Worth Buying?
Should you buy a pickleball paddle set or invest in a single premium paddle? Compare cost, durability, performance, and skill level to find the option that makes the most sense. Read more...
What Is Paddle Balance Point? Head-Heavy vs. Handle-Heavy Explained
What Is Paddle Balance Point? Head-Heavy vs. Handle-Heavy Explained
Two paddles can weigh the exact same and still feel totally different in your hand. Here's why balance point matters just as much as total weight, and how to figure... Read more...
SiliGrip Ringz: The Grip Upgrade Built Into Every Unleash Paddle
SiliGrip Ringz: The Grip Upgrade Built Into Every Unleash Paddle
Every paddle in the Unleash Series comes with SiliGrip Ringz built in from day one. Here's what they do, how to set them up Pro vs. Elite style, and what's... Read more...
How to Choose a Control Pickleball Paddle
How to Choose a Control Pickleball Paddle
Control isn't about swinging softer. It's about choosing a paddle that helps you place the ball with precision. Learn how core thickness, face material, grit, swing weight, and paddle shape... Read more...
The Most Popular Pickleball Paddles Used Today
The Most Popular Pickleball Paddles Used Today
Buying used pickleball paddles can save you money, but only if you know what to look for. Learn where to buy, how to judge paddle condition, what popular models cost... Read more...
7 Things Amateur Players Can Learn from Professional Players
7 Things Amateur Players Can Learn from Professional Players
Professional pickleball players approach paddle selection differently. Learn 7 lessons from the pro game about play style, swing weight, core thickness, paddle technology, and finding the right gear for your... Read more...
Power, Speed, Control: Top Paddles for Aggressive Pickleball Players
Power, Speed, Control: Top Paddles for Aggressive Pickleball Players
Aggressive pickleball players need more than raw power. Learn how swing weight, core thickness, spin, edge design, and paddle shape work together to help you choose a paddle that matches... Read more...
USA Pickleball vs. UPA-A: What's the Difference?
USA Pickleball vs. UPA-A: What's the Difference?
USAP and UPA-A get used interchangeably, but they govern different parts of the sport. Here's who's who, what each organization actually does, and which certification matters for your paddle. Read more...
Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players in 2026
Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players in 2026
Choosing a pickleball paddle for advanced play starts with more than price or brand. Learn how surface texture, core density, swing weight, and edge construction work together to match your... Read more...
The Complete Guide to Pickleball Paddles
The Complete Guide to Pickleball Paddles
A practical guide to pickleball paddle construction, specs, pricing, and play styles—so you can choose a paddle based on how you actually play, not just the numbers. Read more...
The Pickleball Sweet Spot, Explained
The Pickleball Sweet Spot, Explained
A clean hit feels effortless, a mishit stings — here's the real mechanism behind that gap, and how GhostX and Fast Flow Pro each expand their sweet spot in opposite... Read more...
Signs You've Outgrown Your Beginner Pickleball Paddle
Signs You've Outgrown Your Beginner Pickleball Paddle
Upgrading from a beginner pickleball paddle? Learn the signs it's time, which specs matter most, and how to choose the right paddle for your playing style. Read more...
16mm vs 14mm Pickleball Paddle: Which One Fits You?
16mm vs 14mm Pickleball Paddle: Which One Fits You?
The difference between a 14mm and 16mm pickleball paddle goes far beyond a number on the spec sheet. Learn how core thickness affects pop, control, feel, vibration, and which thickness... Read more...
Pickleball Paddle Cores: Foam, Poly, and Gen-4 Explained
Pickleball Paddle Cores: Foam, Poly, and Gen-4 Explained
Most players obsess over face texture and paddle shape when shopping for an upgrade. The core deserves more of your attention. Understanding paddle core technology in pickleball is the single... Read more...
Upgrading Your Pickleball Gear: The Smart Player's Guide
Upgrading Your Pickleball Gear: The Smart Player's Guide
Your skills can outgrow your equipment. Learn how to recognize when your paddle, shoes, grip, or balls are holding back your game—and how to make a smarter pickleball gear upgrade... Read more...
SiliGrip Ringz: One Grip, Four Sports (And Counting)
SiliGrip Ringz: One Grip, Four Sports (And Counting)
SiliGrip Ringz™ started with pickleball, but the grip problem it solves goes far beyond the court. See how one simple silicone ring helps improve grip and reduce vibration across four... Read more...
Pickleball Paddle Performance Tips to Boost Your Game
Pickleball Paddle Performance Tips to Boost Your Game
Your paddle can help or hinder your game. Learn how swing weight, grip size, core and face materials, customization, and maintenance can improve performance. Read more...
High Performance Pickleball Paddles: Top Picks for 2026
High Performance Pickleball Paddles: Top Picks for 2026
High-performance pickleball paddles are about more than price and hype. Learn which specs matter, how to match a paddle to your game, and which models are worth considering in 2026. Read more...