Best Pickleball Paddle for Spin

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Pickleball has surged in popularity, blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and as more players join in, the demand for high-quality equipment—especially paddles—has grown. A good paddle can significantly impact your game, particularly when it comes to adding spin to your shots. Spin is crucial for controlling the ball’s trajectory, making returns more challenging, and adding versatility to your play. Choosing the right paddle for spin involves considering factors like surface texture, core material, and weight distribution. We tested a range of pickleball paddles, evaluating their ability to generate spin while maintaining control and power, to find the best options for players who want to enhance their spin game.

  • CZRR Carbon Fiber Spin Master

    10

    We think this paddle is a great choice for players looking to add more spin to their game without breaking the bank.

    10

    We think this paddle is a great choice for players looking to add more spin to their game without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Textured carbon fiber surface for increased spin
    • Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue
    • USAPA approved for tournament play

    Cons

    • Heavier than some other paddles
    • May take time to adjust to the extra spin
    • Grip size may not suit all players

    We tested the CZRR Carbon Fiber Spin Master on the courts and were impressed with its spin-generating abilities. The textured surface really grabs the ball, letting us add extra rotation to our shots. This made our serves trickier and gave us an edge in dinking exchanges.

    The paddle feels solid in hand, though it’s a bit on the heavy side. We found this extra weight helpful for power shots, but it took some getting used to for quick exchanges at the net. The grip is comfy and didn’t slip even when our palms got sweaty during long games.

    One thing to note is that the extra spin can be a double-edged sword. Our shots had more bite, but it also meant we had to adjust our timing and aim. New players might need some practice to harness this added spin effectively. Still, for the price, we think this paddle offers great value for those wanting to step up their spin game.

  • Uteeqe Spin Master Paddles

    9.7

    We think the Uteeqe Spin Master Paddles are a great choice for players looking to add more spin to their game.

    9.7

    We think the Uteeqe Spin Master Paddles are a great choice for players looking to add more spin to their game.

    Pros

    • Textured graphite surface enhances spin
    • Lightweight and well-balanced for quick reactions
    • Comfortable grip reduces slipping

    Cons

    • May take time to adjust to the paddle’s feel
    • Slightly pricier than basic models
    • Grip size might not suit all hand sizes

    We tested these paddles on the court and were impressed by their spin potential. The rough texture on the graphite face really grabs the ball, letting us add extra rotation to our shots. This came in handy for serves and dinks alike.

    At about 7.8 ounces, these paddles felt light in our hands. We noticed we could react faster at the net compared to heavier options we’ve tried. The balance point seemed just right – not too head-heavy or handle-heavy.

    Grip comfort stood out to us during long play sessions. The cushioned, perforated design wicked away sweat and kept our hands from slipping, even on hot days. We liked the spiral contour, which gave us a secure hold without feeling too rough.

    FeatureOur Take
    WeightLight and nimble
    GripComfy and secure
    SpinTop-notch

    While we enjoyed using these paddles, they might not be for everyone. Players used to different textures or weights may need an adjustment period. The price is also a bit higher than entry-level models, but we think the quality justifies the cost for those serious about improving their spin game.

  • JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS

    9.5

    We think this paddle is a top choice for players seeking improved spin and power in their pickleball game.

    9.5

    We think this paddle is a top choice for players seeking improved spin and power in their pickleball game.

    Pros

    • Carbon friction surface enhances spin
    • Elongated handle for extra reach
    • Polypropylene core reduces vibration

    Cons

    • Heavier than some other paddles
    • May take time to adjust to
    • Higher price point

    We tested the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS paddle and were impressed by its spin-generating abilities. The carbon friction surface really grips the ball, letting us add extra spin to our shots. This made our serves trickier and our dinks more effective.

    The paddle’s elongated handle gave us a bit more reach, which came in handy at the net. We found it easier to get to those tricky balls just out of normal range. The polypropylene core did a good job of reducing vibration, making for a more comfortable playing experience.

    At 8.4 ounces, it’s a bit on the heavy side. This took some getting used to, but we found it added power to our shots once we adjusted. The extra weight also helped with stability. While pricier than some options, we think serious players looking to up their game will find it worth the investment.

  • JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS Paddle

    9.4

    We think this paddle is a great choice for intermediate players looking to add more spin to their game.

    9.4

    We think this paddle is a great choice for intermediate players looking to add more spin to their game.

    Pros

    • Textured surface for increased spin
    • Comfortable grip reduces moisture
    • Durable construction

    Cons

    • Heavier than some paddles
    • May take time to adjust to
    • Higher price point

    The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS paddle impressed us with its spin-friendly surface. We found the Carbon Abrasion Surface really helped us put more spin on our shots. This made a big difference in our dinking game and helped us keep opponents guessing.

    We liked how the paddle felt in our hands. The grip was comfy and stayed dry even during long, sweaty games. The extra length of the handle gave us more reach, which came in handy for those tough-to-get shots.

    While it’s a bit heavier than some paddles we’ve tried, we got used to the weight after a few games. The extra heft actually helped us put more power behind our drives. We think this paddle strikes a nice balance between control and power, making it a solid choice for players looking to step up their game.

  • JOOLA Vision CGS Paddle

    9.3

    We think the JOOLA Vision CGS Paddle is a great choice for players looking to add more spin to their game.

    9.3

    We think the JOOLA Vision CGS Paddle is a great choice for players looking to add more spin to their game.

    Pros

    • Textured carbon surface grips the ball well
    • Elongated shape for extra reach
    • Comfortable handle with good grip

    Cons

    • May lack power for some players
    • Takes time to adjust to the softer feel
    • Premium price point

    We tested the JOOLA Vision CGS paddle and were impressed by its spin-friendly design. The textured carbon grip surface really bites the ball, letting us put extra rotation on our shots. We found it easy to add topspin to drives and backspin to drop shots.

    The paddle’s longer shape gave us some extra reach, which came in handy at the net. We could stretch for balls that might have been out of range with a standard-sized paddle. The handle felt good in our hands, with a tacky grip that stayed secure even when we got sweaty.

    On the flip side, this paddle has a softer feel that took some getting used to. Players who like a lot of power might find it lacking at first. We had to adjust our timing to get the same pop we were used to with stiffer paddles. But once we adapted, we liked the extra control it gave us on touch shots.

  • JOOLA Hyperion CAS Paddle

    9.1

    We think this paddle is a top choice for players looking to add spin to their game.

    9.1

    We think this paddle is a top choice for players looking to add spin to their game.

    Pros

    • Textured surface for increased spin
    • Comfortable grip reduces slipping
    • Good balance of power and control

    Cons

    • Slightly heavy for some players
    • May take time to adjust to
    • Higher price point

    We tested the JOOLA Hyperion CAS paddle and were impressed by its spin-friendly design. The Carbon Abrasion Surface gives the face a nice texture that grabs the ball well. We found it easier to put topspin on our shots, which helped us keep the ball low over the net.

    The grip felt nice in our hands. It has a perforated surface that kept our palms dry during long games. We liked the slightly longer handle too. It gave us more leverage on serves and overhead smashes.

    This paddle has a good mix of power and finesse. The polypropylene core absorbed shock well, letting us place soft shots with accuracy. At the same time, we could still drive the ball hard when needed. It took us a few games to get used to the paddle’s weight, but once we did, we enjoyed the extra pop it gave our shots.

  • Selkirk SLK Neo 2.0 Pickleball Set

    9

    We recommend this paddle set for beginners and casual players looking for a quality, affordable option to start their pickleball journey.

    9

    We recommend this paddle set for beginners and casual players looking for a quality, affordable option to start their pickleball journey.

    Pros

    • Lightweight and well-balanced
    • Comfortable grip for extended play
    • Includes carry case and balls

    Cons

    • May lack power for advanced players
    • Limited color options
    • Carry case feels a bit cheap

    The Selkirk SLK Neo 2.0 bundle caught our eye with its sleek design and promise of performance. We found the paddles to be surprisingly lightweight at 7.5 ounces, making them easy to maneuver during quick exchanges at the net. The graphite face gave us good control, while the polymer core added a nice pop to our shots.

    We really liked the grip on these paddles. It’s cushioned and absorbs sweat well, which came in handy during longer games. The 4.25-inch circumference felt just right for our hands, and we didn’t experience any fatigue even after hours of play.

    The included balls and carry case are nice bonuses. While the case isn’t the sturdiest we’ve seen, it does the job of keeping everything together. We appreciated having extra balls to practice with right out of the box. For beginners or casual players looking to get started without breaking the bank, this Selkirk set offers good value and performance.

  • JOOLA Perseus Paddle

    8.7

    We think this paddle is a game-changer for serious pickleball players looking to add more spin and power to their shots.

    8.7

    We think this paddle is a game-changer for serious pickleball players looking to add more spin and power to their shots.

    Pros

    • Large sweet spot for improved accuracy
    • Carbon fiber construction for durability
    • Charged surface technology enhances spin

    Cons

    • May be too advanced for beginners
    • Higher price point
    • Grip may wear down with heavy use

    When we got our hands on the JOOLA Perseus paddle, we were excited to test it out. Right away, we noticed how light yet sturdy it felt. The carbon fiber construction gives it a solid feel without weighing you down on the court.

    We were impressed by the paddle’s large sweet spot. It made our shots more consistent and helped us place the ball where we wanted. The charged surface technology really stood out during play. We could generate a lot more spin on our serves and drives compared to other paddles we’ve used.

    One thing to note is that this paddle might be overkill for casual players. It’s designed for more advanced techniques and strategies. We found the grip comfortable, but after several intense games, it started to show some wear. For serious players looking to step up their game, though, we think the Perseus is hard to beat.

  • ProKennex Pro Spin Paddle

    8.7

    We think the ProKennex Pro Spin Paddle is a top choice for players seeking excellent spin and control in their pickleball game.

    8.7

    We think the ProKennex Pro Spin Paddle is a top choice for players seeking excellent spin and control in their pickleball game.

    Pros

    • Innovative 3-way spin technology
    • Shock-reducing Kinetic system
    • Durable graphite construction

    Cons

    • Heavier than some competitors
    • Smaller sweet spot
    • Grip quality issues reported

    When we tested the ProKennex Pro Spin Paddle, we were impressed by its spin capabilities. The textured surface and proprietary coating gave us great control over the ball. We found it easy to add topspin to our shots, which helped us keep the ball in play and put pressure on our opponents.

    The paddle’s graphite construction felt solid and durable in our hands. We appreciated the single-piece design, which seemed to enhance the overall stability during play. The Kinetic system was noticeable too – our arms felt less fatigued after long playing sessions.

    We did find the paddle a bit heavier than some others we’ve used. At 7.7 ounces, it took some getting used to. The sweet spot also felt smaller compared to other paddles. While this didn’t bother more experienced players on our team, beginners might struggle with it. We also noticed some concerns about grip durability, with a few testers reporting wear after limited use.

  • Jojolemon Shark Power Paddle

    8.6

    We think the Jojolemon Shark Power Paddle is a top pick for players seeking excellent spin and consistency in their game.

    8.6

    We think the Jojolemon Shark Power Paddle is a top pick for players seeking excellent spin and consistency in their game.

    Pros

    • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
    • Teflon coating for improved spin control
    • Comfortable grip reduces fatigue

    Cons

    • May be too light for some players
    • Higher price point
    • Limited color options

    When we first picked up the Jojolemon Shark Power Paddle, we were struck by its feather-light feel. At just 8 ounces, it’s a breeze to swing. This makes it perfect for quick reactions at the net or powerful serves from the baseline.

    The paddle’s Teflon coating is a game-changer for spin. We noticed a big boost in our ability to add topspin to our shots, giving us more control over ball placement. The T700SC carbon fiber frame adds to this control, giving a solid, stable feel on impact.

    We played for hours with this paddle and our hands didn’t tire. The 4.25-inch grip circumference fits nicely, and the sweat-absorbing handle kept things slip-free. The 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core made for whisper-quiet hits, which we really liked during intense rallies.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a pickleball paddle that enhances spin, we recommend focusing on a few key features:

Surface Texture

The paddle’s face texture is crucial for generating spin. Look for paddles with:

  • Textured surfaces
  • Carbon fiber faces
  • Gritty coatings

These allow more grip on the ball, increasing spin potential.

Core Material

The core affects the paddle’s feel and power. We suggest considering:

  • Polymer cores for control and spin
  • Nomex or aluminum cores for power

Weight

Paddle weight impacts maneuverability and spin. We find:

  • Lighter paddles (7-8 oz) offer more control
  • Heavier paddles (8-9 oz) provide more power

Shape

The paddle shape affects the sweet spot and spin generation:

  • Elongated paddles have a smaller sweet spot but more reach
  • Wide-body paddles offer a larger sweet spot

Grip Size

A comfortable grip is essential. We advise:

  • Measuring your hand from the middle finger to the palm crease
  • Adding 1/8 inch for a relaxed grip

Try different sizes to find what feels best.

By focusing on these aspects, we can choose a paddle that suits our playing style and helps maximize spin potential.