This paddle is small and compact, but good quality. It has a firm center, so it’s not nearly as flimsy as paddles that look similar to it. I love how easy it is to travel with this paddle and how lightweight it is while still having a nice impact. You can get a good, stingy feeling with a quick, hard swing. I love that it has a strap so that I can hang it on my wall. It also looks super cool because of the red color and cool pattern. It is slightly padded from the material that is used on top of the firm base. I believe the firm base may be a firm plastic.