Best Pickleball Paddles

Playing pickleball is becoming more popular every year. It’s a fun, fast-paced game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Like any sport, having the right equipment can elevate your game, and the paddle is one of the most important pieces of gear in pickleball. Choosing the best pickleball paddle involves understanding your own skill level and playing style.

When shopping for a pickleball paddle, several key factors should be considered. Weight is crucial—paddles range from light (under 7.3 ounces) to heavy (over 8.3 ounces). Lighter paddles offer more control but require more strength, while heavier paddles provide more power but can be harder to maneuver. The material of the paddle—whether it’s made of wood, composite, or graphite—affects performance and durability. Grip size is also essential for comfort and control during play.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various pickleball paddles to identify the ones that enhance playing experience and performance.

Best Pickleball Paddles

We have researched and tested the top pickleball paddles available. Find the best paddle for your game from our carefully chosen list.

JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle

Our Rating: 8.7/10

This paddle is perfect for those looking to level up their pickleball game with great control and spin.

Pros

• Excellent grip
• Durable build
• Lightweight

Cons

• Pricier than some options
• Surface can gather dirt
• Spin capability fades with use

We recently tested the JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle, and it truly stood out with its lightweight yet durable build. The paddle’s Carbon Grip Surface feels fantastic, allowing for remarkable control and spin. This paddle lets us perform shots we didn’t think were possible before.

The elongated shape is another highlight, enabling faster swings and better reach. The handle provides a solid grip, reducing slips even during intense play. It’s easy to see why this paddle is a favorite among competitive players.

On the downside, the paddle is on the pricier side. The gritty surface tends to gather dirt, requiring extra maintenance, and the initial spin capability can diminish over time. Despite these minor issues, the JOOLA Vision remains a top choice for players looking to enhance their performance.

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS Pickleball Paddle

Our Rating: 8.9/10

The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS Pickleball Paddle is perfect for enhancing your game with great control, power, and spin.

Pros

• Excellent ball control
• Comfortable grip
• Impressive spin

Cons

• Pricey
• White grip can get dirty easily
• Limited color options

When we first tried the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS Pickleball Paddle, the control it offered was immediately noticeable. The thicker 16mm core reduced vibrations, letting us play for longer without arm fatigue.

The sandblasted surface is a fantastic feature. It creates an amazing amount of spin that caught our opponents off guard more than once. We felt like we had an edge with every shot.

The handle has a good grip that doesn’t slip, even if your hands get sweaty. Comfort was consistent throughout intense matches. Overall, this paddle could be a worthwhile investment for serious players looking to improve various aspects of their game.

JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pickleball Paddle

Our Rating: 8.8/10

Anyone looking for a high-performance paddle should consider the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus, thanks to its impressive power and control.

Pros

• Great power and pop
• Large sweet spot
• Durable construction

Cons

• Grip can get slippery
• Higher price point
• Not beginner-friendly

The paddle’s charged carbon surface technology immediately stands out. We felt an impressive pop with each shot, making our strikes both powerful and precise. The larger sweet spot provided us more accuracy, allowing us to play more confidently.

Durability is another strong point. The fully encased carbon construction proved to be very robust, even during intense play. This paddle holds up well and doesn’t damage easily, which is great for regular players.

However, we found the grip gets slippery during long sessions. Adding an overgrip might solve this issue. Also, this paddle is not the most affordable option, and it may not be the best choice for beginners. But for those dedicated to improving their game, it’s a worthy investment.

NorCal Sports Pro Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Our Rating: 8.5/10

This NorCal Sports paddle is a fantastic choice for players seeking an impressive balance of control and power.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Large, forgiving sweet spot
• Excellent vibration absorption

Cons

• Higher price point compared to generic paddles
• May feel too light for some players
• Limited color options

We’ve used the NorCal Sports Pro Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle, and it truly stands out with its lightweight frame and strong construction. The graphite materials make each swing feel effortless, allowing for precise shots without much strain.

One feature we really appreciated is the paddle’s large sweet spot. This helps improve shot consistency, even if you don’t always hit the ball perfectly. The vibration absorption works wonders, making each game more comfortable on the hands and wrists.

While the paddle offers a lot of benefits, it does come at a higher price. For beginners just getting into pickleball, this might be a hefty investment. However, its durability and performance make it worth considering for serious players.

For those who prioritize design and color, the limited options might be a drawback. Despite this, the overall quality and playability of the paddle more than make up for the minor cons. The NorCal Sports Pro Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a solid choice for both recreational and competitive play.

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle

Our Rating: 8.7/10

This paddle is perfect for those who want ultimate control and power in their pickleball game.

Pros

• Outstanding control and power
• Great balance for two-handed swings
• Durable construction

Cons

• May vibrate when not hitting the sweet spot
• Not suitable for beginners
• Higher price point

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddle stands out with its handcrafted quality and advanced technology. As soon as we picked it up, the balance and feel were impressive, making our two-handed swings smooth and powerful. It truly gave us an edge in the game.

When using it on the court, we noticed the paddle’s stiffness and stability. The QuadFlex 4 Layer Hybrid Face and FlexFoam Perimeter technology provided excellent control, helping with both power shots and precise placements. It really seemed like it was designed to meet the demands of serious players.

Though we loved the power and control, it’s important to mention that the paddle can vibrate if you miss the sweet spot. Also, beginners might find it challenging to handle due to its responsiveness and advanced features. Despite these minor drawbacks, this paddle is an excellent choice for players looking to elevate their game with high-quality equipment.

A11N SPORTS Carry C7 Pickleball Paddle

Our Rating: 8.7/10

An excellent choice for players seeking a balanced paddle with great control and power at a fair price.

Pros

• Great balance of control and power
• Sweat-resistant grip
• Extended sweet spot

Cons

• Handle thickness can vary
• May lack the pop compared to other paddles
• Some users report durability issues

We recently tried the A11N SPORTS Carry C7 Pickleball Paddle and found it to be an impressive option for both recreational play and competitive matches. The carbon fiber surface offers excellent responsiveness, which helped us execute precise shots with ease.

One feature we appreciated was the sweat-resistant grip. During intense rallies, our hands stayed dry, allowing for a firm hold on the paddle without worry. This is especially helpful in hot weather or during long games.

However, not everything was perfect. A few of us noticed that the handle thickness felt inconsistent compared to standard sizes. Additionally, there were concerns about its long-term durability, as some users reported cracks after extended use.

Overall, the C7 Paddle delivers impressive performance and control, making it a solid pick for most players. If you’re in need of a reliable paddle, it’s worth considering the A11N SPORTS Carry C7.

Brooklyn Pickleball Paddle

Our Rating: 8.6/10

For both new and seasoned players, this paddle offers a good mix of control and power.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Durable construction with carbon fiber
• Comfortable and non-slip grip

Cons

• Grip could be more cushioned
• Limited color options
• Handle may get dirty easily

Using the Brooklyn Pickleball Paddle has been a pleasure. The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, allowing us to place shots with precision. The carbon fiber face gives it a nice balance of power and control, which is essential during intense games.

We also appreciate the durability of the paddle. The polypropylene honeycomb core not only ensures long-lasting performance but also helps distribute impact evenly. This means we can play hard without worrying about the paddle wearing out too quickly.

One downside is the grip. Although it provides a good grip, it could be more cushioned for extra comfort. Also, we noticed that the handle gets dirty rather quickly, as it only comes in one color. Despite these minor issues, we find it to be a great paddle for both beginners and intermediate players.

Recess Pickleball Starter Set

Our Rating: 8.7/10

This starter set is perfect for beginners who want a reliable and fun way to start playing pickleball.

Pros

• Comfortable grip for long play
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Includes four paddles and balls

Cons

• Limited color options
• May not suit experienced players
• Not the cheapest set available

We were impressed by the balanced feel of the Recess Pickleball Starter Set. The lightweight honeycomb core really helps to control and balance each shot. It’s great for those just learning the ropes of the game.

Comfort was key with this set. The grip handles allow us to play for extended periods without feeling any strain on our hands. This makes it ideal for extended practice sessions or friendly matches.

One minor downside is the limited color variety. While it’s not a deal breaker, some might prefer more stylish options. Despite this, the set’s quality construction and included accessories make it a solid choice for any beginner looking to get started with pickleball.

JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle

Our Rating: 8.5/10

An ideal choice for both new and seasoned players looking to enhance their pickleball game.

Pros

• Comfortable grip
• Durable construction
• Lightweight for quick reactions

Cons

• May lack advanced control for experienced players
• Slightly stiff feel
• Some may find the grip size small

We recently tried out the JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle and were impressed by its performance. The grip felt comfortable even during long matches, making it easy to maintain control. This paddle also boasts durability thanks to the black edge guard and fiberglass surface, ensuring it stands up to intense play.

Lightweight and easy to handle, the paddle allowed us to move quickly and react swiftly during games. The generous sweet spot made hitting accurate shots more manageable. We noticed the ball control was quite good, offering a satisfying pop.

For those just stepping up their game or starting out, this paddle provides a solid mix of quality and affordability. While it may not offer the advanced control some experienced players seek, it remains a great choice for most skill levels.

Head Extreme Elite Pickleball Paddle

Our Rating: 8.5/10

This paddle stands out for its excellent balance of control, power, and comfort, making it ideal for players at all skill levels.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Excellent control and powerful hits
• Comfortable grip for extended play

Cons

• Grip may feel small for larger hands
• Fiberglass surface can show wear
• Not as much spin potential as other models

Using the Head Extreme Elite Pickleball Paddle felt like an upgrade from beginner paddles we’ve tested. It’s light, making it easy to maneuver, yet sturdy enough to deliver powerful shots. The fiberglass surface allows for smooth, consistent hits.

One of the highlights is the paddle’s control. We found it easy to place shots exactly where we wanted, whether smashing or dinking. Meanwhile, the Ergo grip provides a comfortable hold, even during lengthy games.

Despite its strengths, the grip size might not be ideal for everyone, particularly those with larger hands. Moreover, the paddle doesn’t offer as much spin as some advanced paddles. Still, for its price and performance, it’s a solid choice for players looking to improve their game.

Buying Guide

When choosing a pickleball paddle, several factors come into play. Let’s look at what to consider to help find the best paddle for your needs.

Weight:
Paddles come in three main weight categories: lightweight (6-7 oz), midweight (7-8.5 oz), and heavyweight (8.5-12 oz). Lightweight paddles are easier to maneuver, while heavy paddles provide more power.

Grip Size:

• Small: (4 to 4.25 inches) for smaller hands
• Medium: (4.5 to 4.75 inches) for average hands
• Large: (around 5 inches) for larger hands

Material:

• Composite: Offers a mix of power and control, often made from fiberglass or carbon fiber.
• Graphite: Known for being lightweight with high control.
• Wood: Typically the cheapest option but heavier and less durable.

Core Material:

• Nomex: Durable and hard, offering a lot of pop.
• Polypropylene: Softer, providing more control.
• Aluminum: Lightweight with good control but less power.

Shape:
Paddles come in different shapes such as widebody (more surface area) or elongated (longer reach). Choose based on your playing style.

Choosing the right paddle can make a big difference in your game. Evaluate each feature based on your preferences and playing style.