Total: $99.00
Forste — Power Paddle
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In stock
Size breakdown
Length Breakdown
Total length: 16.0 inches
The Forste measures 16.0 inches from butt cap to top of paddle face — the standard length for traditional pickleball paddles. A full inch shorter than maximum legal length, and a half-inch shorter than the Stillvann.
The shorter length gives you faster reaction time at the kitchen and easier maneuverability at the net. You give up a small amount of reach in exchange for quicker hands.
Face length: 11.0 inches
The hitting surface measures 11.0 inches from throat to tip — half an inch shorter than the Stillvann. This places the sweet spot lower on the paddle face, closer to where most players naturally make contact.
Handle length: 5.0 inches
The handle is 5 inches long — identical to the Stillvann. This consistency is intentional. Players trying both Fjara paddles shouldn't have to relearn handle position. Whether you choose the Forste or the Stillvann, your two-handed backhand grip stays the same.
Width Breakdown
Face width: 8.0 inches
The face is 8.0 inches at its widest point — a half-inch wider than the Stillvann, falling into the traditional widebody category.
The extra width does specific work. It expands the sweet spot, making off-center hits more forgiving. The energy transfer from paddle to ball stays consistent across a larger contact zone, which means cleaner shots when your timing isn't perfect.
This is the paddle shape most professional players started with. The reason: it teaches good contact before it teaches reach.
Thickness: 16mm vs 14mm
The Forste is offered in two thicknesses, sharing identical face dimensions and shape. The choice between them is about feel and play style, not about size.
Forste 16 (16mm core)
The thicker core delivers softer hands at the kitchen — the dink lands where you place it, not where the paddle rebounds it. The 16mm Forste is the paddle for players still developing touch, or for players who already know they want a control-first feel.
Forste 14 (14mm core)
The thinner core delivers more pop on drives and serves. You give up a small amount of touch at the kitchen in exchange for more raw power. The 14mm Forste suits players coming from tennis or racquetball who want the extra punch on drive shots.
Both versions use the same T700 thermoformed carbon face and the same 16-inch silhouette. The only real difference is the 2mm of core material — and how that core changes the feel in your hand.
Weight & Balance
Standard weight: 7.9 oz (224 grams)
The Forste sits slightly lighter than the Stillvann at 7.9 oz — a deliberate choice. The lighter weight makes the paddle easier to maneuver, especially at the net. New players adapt faster to lighter paddles. Established players who switch from heavier paddles often comment on the reduced fatigue across long sessions.
Each individual paddle may vary by ±0.1 oz due to manufacturing tolerances.
Swing weight: 110
Swing weight measures how heavy the paddle feels mid-swing — higher numbers mean more momentum, lower numbers mean faster reaction time. The Forste's 110 swing weight is on the lower end of the premium range, prioritizing maneuverability over drive power.
Twist weight: 7.1
Twist weight measures stability on off-center hits — higher numbers mean less torque on mishits. The Forste's 7.1 twist weight is high, partly because of the wider face shape. Off-center hits stay closer to where you intended, even when your contact isn't centered.
This is the most forgiving paddle in the Fjara line.
Balance point: 9.4 inches from the butt cap
The balance point sits closer to neutral — neither aggressively head-heavy nor handle-heavy. This middle balance favors quick exchanges and consistent control over driving power. If you prefer a more head-heavy paddle for stronger drives, the Stillvann's 9.6-inch balance point will feel different in hand.
Grip Circumference
Standard grip: 4.25 inches (108mm)
The Forste ships with the same 4.25-inch grip circumference as every Fjara paddle. Consistency across the line means players can switch between Fjara paddles without grip adjustment.
If you prefer a thicker or thinner grip, this is easily adjusted:
- For a thicker grip: Add a Fjara Grep overgrip on top of the stock wrap. Each layer adds approximately 1/16 inch to the circumference.
- For a thinner grip: Remove the stock wrap entirely and replace with a single overgrip. This reduces circumference by approximately 1/8 inch.
Most players find the stock 4.25-inch grip comfortable as-is. Only adjust if you have specific preferences from previous paddles.
Forste vs Stillvann
The Forste and Stillvann are the two paddles in the Fjara line, designed to serve different play styles. Here's how they compare:
ForsteStillvannLength16.0"16.5"Width8.0"7.5"ShapeStandard widebodyElongatedSweet spotLargerSmaller, more concentratedReachStandardExtendedForgivenessHigherLowerPowerBalancedHead-heavy driveBest forBuilding consistent contactReaching stretch volleys, topspin drives
Choose the Forste if:
- You're building consistent contact and want a forgiving paddle that rewards good form
- You prefer a balanced, neutral feel over a head-heavy drive paddle
- You play at the kitchen frequently and value sweet-spot size over reach
- You're transitioning from racquetball or tennis and want a familiar widebody shape
Choose the Stillvann if:
- You've played pickleball for at least a season and have developed consistent contact
- You want extended reach for stretch volleys and topspin drives
- You prefer a head-heavy paddle for aggressive third-shot drives
- You've outgrown a widebody shape and want more precision
How the Forste Compares (Industry Context)
Most premium paddles fall into one of three shape categories. Here's where the Forste sits:
Standard widebody (8.0" wide × 15.75-16.0" long) ← The Forste
The traditional pickleball paddle shape. Maximum forgiveness, large sweet spot, less reach. Examples: Fjara Forste, Selkirk SLK Halo XL, JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16, CRBN 1X.
Elongated (7.5" wide × 16.5" long)
The middle ground. Better reach than standard, more forgiveness than aggressive elongated. Examples: Fjara Stillvann, Selkirk Vanguard Power Air, JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion.
Aggressive elongated (7.0" wide × 17.0" long)
Maximum reach, smallest sweet spot, most demanding to play with. Built for advanced players. Examples: Engage Pursuit MX 6.0, Diadem Edge 18K.
The Forste's 8.0" × 16.0" shape is intentional. It's the silhouette most players start with — and the silhouette many tournament players return to when they want forgiveness over reach. Both casual and competitive players choose this shape for different reasons. Both are legitimate.
Sizing Notes for Specific Players
For new players — The Forste is the easier learning paddle in the Fjara line. The wider face makes it harder to mishit, and the lighter weight reduces fatigue across long practice sessions. Most new players adapt to the paddle within a single session.
For tennis converts — The 8.0-inch face width feels familiar to tennis players accustomed to a larger hitting surface. The 5.0-inch handle gives room for two-handed shots. Tennis-to-pickleball transitioners often prefer the Forste over the Stillvann initially.
For players with smaller hands — The 4.25-inch stock grip may feel large. Consider removing the stock wrap and using just a Fjara Grep overgrip for a slimmer profile.
For players with larger hands — Add a Fjara Grep over the stock wrap to build up the grip circumference comfortably.
For players coming from a heavier paddle — The Forste's 7.9 oz weight will feel notably lighter. Expect a 1-2 session adjustment as your swing recalibrates. Many players never go back to heavier paddles after this transition.
For players considering an upgrade later — The Forste and Stillvann share identical handles, grips, and materials. If you start with the Forste and want to upgrade to the Stillvann's elongated shape later, you won't have to relearn fundamentals. The transition between Fjara paddles is intentional.
USAPA Compliance
The Fjara Forste is built to USAPA outdoor specifications — total length plus width does not exceed 24 inches, surface roughness within tournament limits, no embedded electronics or rebound devices.
Note: Official USAPA certification testing is currently in process. If tournament approval is critical for your specific competition, check with your tournament director before purchase. Most recreational and league play does not require certified equipment.
Product details
Forste — Power Paddle
Forste is Norwegian for first. The starting point. The ground beneath everything else.
This paddle is exactly that - stripped to essentials. A clean unbranded carbon face. A 16mm core. A grip that softens with use. No graphics, no decals, no marketing on the face of the paddle. Just construction, built well, ready to play.
We made the Forste for the player who's getting serious. Maybe you've moved past your first wood paddle and you want something real, but you're not ready to commit to a $250 tournament paddle yet. Maybe you're a serious player who values restraint over branding. Either way, this is the paddle that earns its place by what it does, not what's printed on it.
Where the line begins. Where the noise stops.
The Fjara Forste is constructed from Toray T700 carbon fiber - the same material grade we use across the Fjara line. Heat-pressed manufacturing creates a consistent structure across the entire face, with a 16mm polymer honeycomb core that delivers a forgiving sweet spot and balanced control-to-power ratio.
The unbranded matte finish isn't a cost-cutting decision - it's a design one. The carbon face is the part of the paddle that matters. Everything else is decoration. We left the surface clean so the paddle could speak for itself.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Core thickness | 16mm (14mm available) |
| Face material | Toray T700 carbon fiber |
| Surface | Matte unbranded finish |
| Shape | Standard (other shapes available — see options) |
| Weight | 8.1 oz / 230g (±5g) |
| Dimensions | 16.5" x 7.5" (418mm x 190mm) |
| Handle length | 5.0" |
| Handle circumference | 4.25" |
| Construction | Heat-pressed unibody |
| Approval | USAPA approval currently in process |
Built For
- Players upgrading from a starter paddle who want real construction without the price tag of a tournament model
- Minimalists who appreciate gear without graphics
- Serious recreational players ready for their first carbon paddle
- Players who want to feel the paddle, not see it
- Gift-givers buying for someone new to the game
What's In The Box
- 1× Fjara Forste paddle
- Fjara protective sleeve
- Welcome card with care guide
- Recyclable packaging
The Fjara Promise
- Free U.S. shipping on orders over $50
- 30-day on-court trial — return it free if it isn't right for you
- Lifetime craftsmanship warranty — if it fails on the face or core under normal play, we replace it
Size breakdown
Length Breakdown
Total length: 16.0 inches
The Forste measures 16.0 inches from butt cap to top of paddle face — the standard length for traditional pickleball paddles. A full inch shorter than maximum legal length, and a half-inch shorter than the Stillvann.
The shorter length gives you faster reaction time at the kitchen and easier maneuverability at the net. You give up a small amount of reach in exchange for quicker hands.
Face length: 11.0 inches
The hitting surface measures 11.0 inches from throat to tip — half an inch shorter than the Stillvann. This places the sweet spot lower on the paddle face, closer to where most players naturally make contact.
Handle length: 5.0 inches
The handle is 5 inches long — identical to the Stillvann. This consistency is intentional. Players trying both Fjara paddles shouldn't have to relearn handle position. Whether you choose the Forste or the Stillvann, your two-handed backhand grip stays the same.
Width Breakdown
Face width: 8.0 inches
The face is 8.0 inches at its widest point — a half-inch wider than the Stillvann, falling into the traditional widebody category.
The extra width does specific work. It expands the sweet spot, making off-center hits more forgiving. The energy transfer from paddle to ball stays consistent across a larger contact zone, which means cleaner shots when your timing isn't perfect.
This is the paddle shape most professional players started with. The reason: it teaches good contact before it teaches reach.
Thickness: 16mm vs 14mm
The Forste is offered in two thicknesses, sharing identical face dimensions and shape. The choice between them is about feel and play style, not about size.
Forste 16 (16mm core)
The thicker core delivers softer hands at the kitchen — the dink lands where you place it, not where the paddle rebounds it. The 16mm Forste is the paddle for players still developing touch, or for players who already know they want a control-first feel.
Forste 14 (14mm core)
The thinner core delivers more pop on drives and serves. You give up a small amount of touch at the kitchen in exchange for more raw power. The 14mm Forste suits players coming from tennis or racquetball who want the extra punch on drive shots.
Both versions use the same T700 thermoformed carbon face and the same 16-inch silhouette. The only real difference is the 2mm of core material — and how that core changes the feel in your hand.
Weight & Balance
Standard weight: 7.9 oz (224 grams)
The Forste sits slightly lighter than the Stillvann at 7.9 oz — a deliberate choice. The lighter weight makes the paddle easier to maneuver, especially at the net. New players adapt faster to lighter paddles. Established players who switch from heavier paddles often comment on the reduced fatigue across long sessions.
Each individual paddle may vary by ±0.1 oz due to manufacturing tolerances.
Swing weight: 110
Swing weight measures how heavy the paddle feels mid-swing — higher numbers mean more momentum, lower numbers mean faster reaction time. The Forste's 110 swing weight is on the lower end of the premium range, prioritizing maneuverability over drive power.
Twist weight: 7.1
Twist weight measures stability on off-center hits — higher numbers mean less torque on mishits. The Forste's 7.1 twist weight is high, partly because of the wider face shape. Off-center hits stay closer to where you intended, even when your contact isn't centered.
This is the most forgiving paddle in the Fjara line.
Balance point: 9.4 inches from the butt cap
The balance point sits closer to neutral — neither aggressively head-heavy nor handle-heavy. This middle balance favors quick exchanges and consistent control over driving power. If you prefer a more head-heavy paddle for stronger drives, the Stillvann's 9.6-inch balance point will feel different in hand.
Grip Circumference
Standard grip: 4.25 inches (108mm)
The Forste ships with the same 4.25-inch grip circumference as every Fjara paddle. Consistency across the line means players can switch between Fjara paddles without grip adjustment.
If you prefer a thicker or thinner grip, this is easily adjusted:
- For a thicker grip: Add a Fjara Grep overgrip on top of the stock wrap. Each layer adds approximately 1/16 inch to the circumference.
- For a thinner grip: Remove the stock wrap entirely and replace with a single overgrip. This reduces circumference by approximately 1/8 inch.
Most players find the stock 4.25-inch grip comfortable as-is. Only adjust if you have specific preferences from previous paddles.
Forste vs Stillvann
The Forste and Stillvann are the two paddles in the Fjara line, designed to serve different play styles. Here's how they compare:
ForsteStillvannLength16.0"16.5"Width8.0"7.5"ShapeStandard widebodyElongatedSweet spotLargerSmaller, more concentratedReachStandardExtendedForgivenessHigherLowerPowerBalancedHead-heavy driveBest forBuilding consistent contactReaching stretch volleys, topspin drives
Choose the Forste if:
- You're building consistent contact and want a forgiving paddle that rewards good form
- You prefer a balanced, neutral feel over a head-heavy drive paddle
- You play at the kitchen frequently and value sweet-spot size over reach
- You're transitioning from racquetball or tennis and want a familiar widebody shape
Choose the Stillvann if:
- You've played pickleball for at least a season and have developed consistent contact
- You want extended reach for stretch volleys and topspin drives
- You prefer a head-heavy paddle for aggressive third-shot drives
- You've outgrown a widebody shape and want more precision
How the Forste Compares (Industry Context)
Most premium paddles fall into one of three shape categories. Here's where the Forste sits:
Standard widebody (8.0" wide × 15.75-16.0" long) ← The Forste
The traditional pickleball paddle shape. Maximum forgiveness, large sweet spot, less reach. Examples: Fjara Forste, Selkirk SLK Halo XL, JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16, CRBN 1X.
Elongated (7.5" wide × 16.5" long)
The middle ground. Better reach than standard, more forgiveness than aggressive elongated. Examples: Fjara Stillvann, Selkirk Vanguard Power Air, JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion.
Aggressive elongated (7.0" wide × 17.0" long)
Maximum reach, smallest sweet spot, most demanding to play with. Built for advanced players. Examples: Engage Pursuit MX 6.0, Diadem Edge 18K.
The Forste's 8.0" × 16.0" shape is intentional. It's the silhouette most players start with — and the silhouette many tournament players return to when they want forgiveness over reach. Both casual and competitive players choose this shape for different reasons. Both are legitimate.
Sizing Notes for Specific Players
For new players — The Forste is the easier learning paddle in the Fjara line. The wider face makes it harder to mishit, and the lighter weight reduces fatigue across long practice sessions. Most new players adapt to the paddle within a single session.
For tennis converts — The 8.0-inch face width feels familiar to tennis players accustomed to a larger hitting surface. The 5.0-inch handle gives room for two-handed shots. Tennis-to-pickleball transitioners often prefer the Forste over the Stillvann initially.
For players with smaller hands — The 4.25-inch stock grip may feel large. Consider removing the stock wrap and using just a Fjara Grep overgrip for a slimmer profile.
For players with larger hands — Add a Fjara Grep over the stock wrap to build up the grip circumference comfortably.
For players coming from a heavier paddle — The Forste's 7.9 oz weight will feel notably lighter. Expect a 1-2 session adjustment as your swing recalibrates. Many players never go back to heavier paddles after this transition.
For players considering an upgrade later — The Forste and Stillvann share identical handles, grips, and materials. If you start with the Forste and want to upgrade to the Stillvann's elongated shape later, you won't have to relearn fundamentals. The transition between Fjara paddles is intentional.
USAPA Compliance
The Fjara Forste is built to USAPA outdoor specifications — total length plus width does not exceed 24 inches, surface roughness within tournament limits, no embedded electronics or rebound devices.
Note: Official USAPA certification testing is currently in process. If tournament approval is critical for your specific competition, check with your tournament director before purchase. Most recreational and league play does not require certified equipment.
Returns & Exchange
Returns
Return window: 30 days from delivery
If your purchase isn't right, send it back within 30 days for a full refund. No restocking fees. No questions about why.
Condition requirements
Returned items should arrive in the same condition they were sent - unused or only lightly tested. Paddles that have been used in competitive play, show signs of impact wear, or have been modified (custom grip, edge guard alterations) are not eligible for return.
Light test use is fine. We understand pickleball paddles need to be felt before they're committed to. A few hits in your driveway or local court won't disqualify a return.
How to return
Email us at info@fjarasports.com with your order number and a brief note about the return. We'll send you a prepaid return label within one business day. Drop the package at any USPS, UPS, or FedEx location - whichever is convenient.
Return shipping is free for U.S. customers. We cover the cost of getting the product back to us.
Refunds
Refund processing: Within 10 business days
Once we receive your return, we inspect the item and process the refund within 10 business days. Refunds go back to the original payment method - Visa to Visa, PayPal to PayPal, Klarna to Klarna.
Most refunds appear in your account within 3–7 business days after we process them, though some banks take longer to post pending transactions.
Partial refunds
If a returned item shows wear beyond light test use, we may issue a partial refund proportional to the condition. We'll always email you before issuing a partial refund — never as a surprise.
Exchanges
We don't process exchanges automatically. If you want a different paddle, colorway, or size, return the original for a full refund and place a new order separately. This is faster than a traditional exchange and gives you the chance to use any current promotions on the new order.
Order Tracking
Every order receives a tracking number by email the moment your package leaves the warehouse. Click the link in the email to follow your package across the country in real time.
If your tracking hasn't updated in more than 3 business days, email us. Carrier delays happen, but extended silence usually means something needs attention. We'll investigate and get you answers.
Lost or Damaged Packages
If your package arrives damaged
Take photos of the packaging and the product before unpacking further. Email us at info@fjarasports.com with the photos and your order number. We'll arrange a replacement immediately — no need to return the damaged item first.
If your package goes missing in transit
If tracking shows "delivered" but your package isn't at your door, check with neighbors, building managers, and household members first. Most "missing" packages turn up within 24 hours.
If 48 hours pass and the package hasn't appeared, email us. We'll file a carrier claim and either replace your order or issue a full refund. You won't be left in the middle of a carrier dispute.
Questions
Email is the best way to reach us, and the only way for now. Send us a note at info@fjarasports.com for any shipping, payment, or return questions. We read every email personally and aim to respond within 1–2 business days.
More questions?
Contact us under: info@fjarasports.com
Next Level
Elevate your game to new heights
Signature details
Turn your space around with Fjara's curated designs
Aftermath
Leave the court with confidence. Premium gear that performs as beautifully as it looks.
Fjara expirience
Product philosophy
Carbon faces with real spec. Bags built for a decade. Nine considered products, no replacements every six months.
FAQ
Do I need to break in my new paddle?
Not in the traditional sense. Thermoformed carbon paddles don't soften or change feel the way some older constructions did. What changes is you.
The first few sessions with a new paddle are about your hands learning the sweet spot, the swing weight, the response off the face. Most players feel locked in by session three or four. Hit drills, not games, for the first hour. Dink rallies are the fastest way to learn a paddle — you'll feel exactly where the face is most consistent.
The paddle you take home today is the paddle you'll have in a year. It's already broken in. You're the variable.
What is thermoformed construction?
A standard pickleball paddle is built by gluing the face, core, and edge together as separate pieces. A thermoformed paddle is built as a single sealed unit — the carbon face wraps around the polypropylene core under heat and pressure, then the edge is fused rather than glued.
The result is a stiffer, more responsive paddle with a larger sweet spot and a consistent feel from center to edge. You'll feel it most on off-center hits — where a glued paddle goes dead, a thermoformed one still has life.
It's the construction the top brands have moved to over the past two years. It's the only construction we build.
How much spin can the T700 carbon face generate?
A lot. T700 raw carbon is the gritty, textured surface you see on every spin-first paddle on tour right now. Tested on a standard spin meter, our Stillvann face produces 2,200–2,400 RPM on a clean topspin drive — well within tournament-paddle range and noticeably above molded fiberglass faces.
That said, spin is a player skill before it's a paddle spec. The face gives you the friction. The contact angle and follow-through do the rest. A good carbon face won't make a flat hitter spin the ball. It will reward the player who already knows how.
How do I clean and care for my paddle?
Wipe the face with a damp microfiber cloth after long sessions — sweat, sunscreen, and ball residue dull the carbon texture and reduce spin over time. For deeper cleaning, a paddle eraser or melamine sponge restores the gritty surface.
Don't use solvents, alcohol, or abrasive scrubbers. Don't leave the paddle in a hot car — heat softens the polypropylene core and can warp the face. Store it in a paddle cover or bag, not loose where zippers and edges can chip the bevel.
Re-grip when the wrap loses tack. Most players replace overgrips every three to six months depending on play frequency.
What does sustainability mean to Fjara?
Mostly, it means we don't replace the catalog every six months. The biggest environmental cost of pickleball gear isn't the materials — it's the cycle. New paddle every season, new bag every year, last year's gear in a landfill.
We design products to outlast that cycle. The Stillvann you buy this year is the same paddle we'll be selling in three years. Same spec, same shape, same name. When something needs to be improved, we improve it. We don't relaunch it.
Where it makes sense we use recycled materials — our bags are built from 600D recycled polyester, and our packaging is unbleached cardboard with no plastic inserts. But the real work is in the longevity. A paddle you keep is worth more than any spec sheet.
What does the Fjara warranty cover?
Twelve months from purchase, against manufacturing defects — delamination of the face, core failure, edge separation, or any structural issue not caused by impact damage. If your paddle fails under normal play within the first year, we replace it.
What's not covered: cracks from paddle clashes, edge chips from court contact, grip wear, or surface dulling from heavy use. These are normal wear-and-tear on any paddle and aren't unique to Fjara.
To file a claim, email us at info@fjarasports.com with your order number and a photo of the issue. We respond within one business day and ship replacements within three.