Why Pay $37 for Pickleball Paddle Weights When Loose Change or Amazon Disks Work Just as Well?
Recently, I stumbled upon Flick Weight’s website, and I couldn’t help but laugh. They charge $37 for four copper weights designed to "enhance your pickleball paddle’s performance." While the idea of adjustable weights is valid, pricing and marketing are massive gimmicks. Let’s break it down with realistic numbers and comparisons.
Flick Weight Pricing and Dimensions
Flick Weight offers copper weights with a 28 mm diameter. Using copper’s density (8.96 g/cm3), we calculate their corresponding thickness:
- 6 g Weight: Thickness = 1.09 mm
- 9 g Weight: Thickness = 1.63 mm
- 18 g Weight: Thickness = 3.26 mm
At these prices:
- Full Set (4 Weights, 36 g total): $37
- 2 Weights – 18g: $24
- 2 Weights – 9g: $18
- 2 Weights – 6g: $17
While these weights and thicknesses seem reasonable, the price is exorbitant for what are essentially small copper disks.
DIY Alternatives: Coins and Amazon Metal Disks
You can achieve the same results with coins or affordable disks online. Here’s how they compare:
Coins:
- Quarter (25¢): Weight = 5.67 g, Thickness = 1.75 mm, Diameter = 24.26 mm
- Dollar Coin ($1): Weight = 8.1 g, Thickness = 2.00 mm, Diameter = 26.5 mm
- Half Dollar (50¢): Weight = 11.34 g, Thickness = 2.15 mm, Diameter = 30.6 mm
Amazon Metal Disks:
Amazon offers affordable metal disks that align with Flick Weight’s dimensions:
- Stainless Steel Disc (28 mm x 1.8 mm): Weight = 8.9 g Price: $19 for 40 pieces (Amazon Listing)
Existing Butt Cap Adjustment:
If your current paddle’s butt cap weighs 7–7.5 g, you can effortlessly increase its weight by attaching coins with super glue.
15–16 g Butt Cap: Use a dollar coin (8.1 g) on existing butt cap (7 g). Total 15.1 g
20–21 g Butt Cap: Use a dollar and a quarter coin (8.1 g + 5.67 g) on existing butt cap. Total 20.77 g
25–26 g Butt Cap: Use a combination of a dollar and a half-dollar coin (8.1 g + 11.34 g). Total 26.44 g
These DIY methods are cheaper and more versatile than Flick Weight.
Why Flick Weight is a Gimmick
- Overpriced Material: At $37 for 36 g of copper, you’re paying almost $1 per gram when raw copper costs less than $0.01 per gram.
- Limited Innovation: Adding weight to paddles isn’t new, coins, lead tape, or affordable disks do the same job.
- Excessive Pricing: Amazon offers 40 brass disks for $19, each with a similar weight (9.42 g) and thickness (1.8 mm), providing better value.
- DIY Works Better: With coins or affordable disks, you can hit your target weights and customize easily.
Conclusion: Save Your Money!
Instead of spending $37 on Flick Weights, use spare change or affordable disks from Amazon. Whether you need a slight weight increase (14–15 g) or a substantial one (27–28 g), coins or metal disks provide the same result at a fraction of the cost.
Don’t fall for overpriced marketing. DIY your paddle upgrade and keep your game strong without breaking the bank!