Choosing a Friday pickleball paddle starts with a simple question: what do you want your paddle to help you do on court? A player buying their first proper paddle may want an approachable all-court option. Someone competing regularly may want more pop for drives and counters, or a particular shape for their style of play.

At PKBR Sports, we stock the Friday Original and the Aura Pro in Hybrid, Elongated and Widebody shapes. Here is how we would help a UK player narrow down the choice.

The quick answer

If you are looking for... Start with... Why
Your first proper paddle or a lower-cost upgrade Friday Original An approachable all-court paddle with a controlled feel.
A performance paddle for a varied game Aura Pro Hybrid A middle ground between reach and quick handling.
More reach and leverage for drives Aura Pro Elongated Its longer profile suits fuller swings and attacking play.
Quick reactions and a forgiving face in doubles Aura Pro Widebody Its wider shape favours fast exchanges and off-centre contact.

These are starting points, not strict rules. The right choice depends on how you swing, where you spend most of a rally and how the paddle feels in your hand.

Friday Original: a first proper paddle you can keep playing with

If you are new to pickleball, play socially, or are upgrading from a basic starter set, the Friday Original is the easiest place to start. It combines a carbon-fibre face with a 16 mm construction and a balanced shape. It offers room to develop your serves, returns, volleys and touch shots without asking you to commit to a specialist paddle shape.

We would also consider it for someone who plays regularly but simply prefers a more controlled response. You do not need the most powerful paddle in the range to enjoy competitive club games. The Original currently costs £69.99 on PKBR Sports; check the product page for the latest price and colour availability.

Aura Pro: when you want a more responsive paddle

The Aura Pro range is aimed at players who want a livelier response for drives, counters and attacking shots. The three standard shapes share the Aura Pro name, but their dimensions change how they move and feel.

If you are improving quickly, coming from tennis or playing competitive doubles, an Aura Pro may be worth considering. A more responsive paddle still asks for good touch: you will need to manage grip pressure, paddle angle and swing size on drops and resets. Beginners can choose one, but there is no need to rush the upgrade if you are happy with your current control.

Aura Pro Hybrid: the all-court starting point

The Aura Pro Hybrid is the shape we would show an improving player who wants one paddle for a bit of everything. It balances reach for serves and drives with manoeuvrability for volleys and counters. If you want an Aura Pro but do not yet know which shape suits you, start here.

Aura Pro Elongated: for reach and longer swings

The Aura Pro Elongated is worth a look if you like to drive from the baseline, use a two-handed backhand or value extra reach. Tennis players who take fuller swings may find its shape familiar. The trade-off is that an elongated paddle may feel less quick in close-range hand battles than a shorter, wider one.

Aura Pro Widebody: for fast doubles exchanges

The Aura Pro Widebody suits players who value quick handling, stability and a forgiving hitting area. Think counters, blocks and rapid exchanges at the kitchen line. If your doubles game relies on compact movements and getting the paddle into position early, this is the shape to compare with the Hybrid.

Want a closer look at the shape differences? Read our Aura Pro Elongated versus Widebody guide or our comparison of all three Aura Pro shapes.

What about the Aura Pro Metallic?

The Aura Pro Metallic is a limited-edition option in the Aura Pro range. Choose your preferred shape first, then look at the available Metallic colours and specifications on the product page. A finish that catches your eye is a great bonus; the paddle still has to suit your game.

Our recommendation

If you are buying your first serious paddle, begin with the Friday Original. If you already know you want the livelier Aura Pro feel, choose Hybrid for an all-court game, Elongated for reach and longer swings, or Widebody for quick doubles exchanges. If possible, try the shapes before deciding: a few minutes of serves, returns, resets and counters will tell you more than a specification sheet alone.

Browse Friday pickleball paddles at PKBR Sports, the official UK distributor, or contact us if you would like help choosing.

Frequently asked questions

Which Friday pickleball paddle is best for beginners?

The Friday Original is a sensible starting point for most new players because of its balanced all-court feel and lower price. An improving beginner with racket-sport experience may also want to try the Aura Pro Hybrid before deciding.

Which Aura Pro shape should I choose if I am unsure?

Start with the Hybrid. It sits between the reach-focused Elongated and the quick-handling Widebody. Your own preference after trying them should decide.

Where can I buy Friday pickleball paddles in the UK?

You can shop the Friday range at PKBR Sports, the official UK distributor. Check individual product pages for current stock, colours and prices.

Find similar articles:

Aura pro hybrid uk Friday Pickleball UK

Mentioned in this article

More stories

Friday Pickleball Paddles Now Available on Decathlon UK Marketplace

Friday Pickleball Paddles Now Available on Decathlon UK Marketplace

Friday Pickleball has officially arrived on the Decathlon UK Marketplace, making it easier than ever for UK players to discover and purchase one of...

Dan Osben ·