If you want to be the best at something, it helps to get the best equipment. So, if you’re wanting to step up your pickleball game, you need to get the best pickleball paddle.
What is Pickleball? It’s a game that combines many characteristics of tennis, table tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It can be played both indoors and outdoors, with a slightly modified tennis net.
It’s played with paddles that resemble a tennis racket, and a plastic ball with holes. The game can be played as singles or doubles.
A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court. In fact, four standard pickleball courts can fit on a tennis court. In such a competitive game, having the best pickleball paddle matters.
According to Pickleball Central, “Pickleball is an inclusive, accessible, non-elitist sport that transcends social and economic barriers. Playing styles vary widely, even at the highest levels. Many top players have no past racquet or paddle sport experience and have limited athletic abilities.
Pickleball is easy to begin but difficult to master.” Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island, right outside Seattle, Washington. The main goal of this game, then and now, is have a game that is fun for every member of the family.
Here is the scoop on the best pickleball paddles!
Finding A Paddle For You
The first thing you need to play pickleball is a paddle. How do you know which paddle is the best pickleball paddle to get and lessen your chances of getting a bad case of tennis elbow? Good News!
We are here to help find the best option for you. To save you a long time researching pickleball rackets, we have done the hard work for you. You want one with a good price point, but also a correct grip size and paddle weight for you.
Do you need a larger grip or maybe a heavy paddle? How about an elongated paddle? Is a thicker core good? Does a smaller size make a difference? Did you know that the combined length between your paddle and arm plays a huge factor? All of these are things to consider.
This is a comprehensive list of some of the best pickleball paddles on the market today in a wide price range for all skill levels. It is worth mentioning the different materials used in the paddle, weight of the paddle, the core material, it’s unique design, the style of play you intend to participate in, and the latest technology used to create each paddle.
It can be a hard time to figure out the perfect choice for your playing style. Finding the best choice of paddle is an important factor in your overall game. It’s an important thing to research new technology when buying your first paddles, so when the ball bounces, you want as much power as you can get.
1. Niupipo Pickleball Paddle
The Niupipo Pickleball Paddle is made from quality materials. It has a large sweet spot and rugged edge guard that withstands damage. This particular paddle offers a better grip, which is perfect for both beginner as well as intermediate players.
The grip is perforated, making it sweat-absorbent. This paddle is approved for tournament play and is a great choice for indoor and outdoor play. It is a lightweight paddle with excellent balance, supplying power without sacrificing control. It has a responsive honeycomb composite polymer core, increasing it’s durability.
2. Upstreet Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The Upstreet Graphite Pickleball Paddle is ideal for beginner to intermediate players. This paddle provides widespread ball control for players, is made from high end materials, and is very durable. The core is bonded to give protection from environmental damage and consists of a unique polypropylene honeycomb composite design.
The composite core reduces vibration providing better control and a much larger sweet spot. This paddle strikes a unique balance between power and control.
3. Onix Z5 Pickleball Paddle
The Onix Z5 Pickleball Paddle has a wide body shape, making it ideal for beginners. It offers outstanding ball control and has a larger sweet spot. This paddle’s weight offers the player looking for power an extra boost.
It is designed with high-performance composite materials, a wide hitting surface, and has great control. This paddle combines the precise control of a nomex core with the power supported by the medium weighted graphite face, making it one of the most popular paddles in the Onix product line.
4. GAMMA Micron 2.0 Pickleball Paddle
The GAMMA Micron 2.0 Pickleball Paddle has excellent control and optimizes your power shots, which is offered by the honeycomb core. It is the perfect paddle for those looking for a small grip and a mid-weight paddle.
Since it is one of the composite pickleball paddles, its core and textured fiberglass face promises good control and crisp feel. It features a soft, sweat absorbing honeycomb grip, giving a player a reliable control. This paddle complies with USAPA specifications and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.
5. Rally Graphite Power 2.0 Pickleball Paddle
The Rally Graphite Power 2.0 Pickleball Paddle has optimal balance of precision and power. The ball control and performance is enhanced by the graphite surface. It has an extra-large sweet spot and an accurate shot control.
This paddle’s graphite face makes it more resistant to damage and it’s solid periphery edge guard, Corner Shield, and Interlocking Neck guard make it highly durable. It’s ideal for beginners because it’s one of the wide-body paddles and has a lightweight design.
It’s also an excellent choice for elederly pickleball players. This paddle is designed to improve play for a reasonable price.
6. Selkirk Sport 30P XL Epic Graphite Paddle
Selkirk Sport 30P XL Epic Graphite Paddle is ideal for intermediate to advanced players. It’s a lighter paddle, has a pro-lite gamma grip, USAPA tested, and approved for tournament play. This paddle uses proven technology to absorb the hit, providing a more consistent feel.
The use of Ultra-Comfort Grip materials provides absorption for both perspiration and impact making it a very comfortable paddle. It is made from advanced materials, so it’s core is based on Polymer PowerCore Technology. This is an ideal paddle for the player who is ready to transition to the next level of competition.
7. Amazin’ Aces ‘BAINBRIDGE’ Pickleball Paddle
The Amazin’ Aces ‘BAINBRIDGE’ Pickleball Paddle offers maximum comfort because of the honeycomb core. It is a light weight, high performance paddle, weighing only 7 ounces. It has a larger sweet spot for a pretty much perfect balance between control and power.
This is one of the wooden paddles that has a rimless design that ensures few mishits and improved control. The rimless design eliminates stray shots, but does leave the paddle more vulnerable to chips on the edge.
This is a good choice for an experienced player because of its unequaled control. It gives players extra power in every game.
8. Paddletek Bantam EX-L
The Paddletek Bantam EX-L delivers great value and action. It’s lightweight and has a very good grip. It’s construction is sturdy and durable. This paddle is good for placement, groundtrokes, and soft game. It’s balanced weight distribution and extra-large playing surface increases it’s all around performance.
The Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle is the one of the best, if not the best paddle offered by Paddletek.
9. Paddletek Element
The Paddletek Element Paddle is a great option for all players despite their skill set. It is a good choice for professional players and for new players. This is a lightweight paddle with an extra large playing surface area. The silk screened surface imparts a lightweight feel and offers a good combination of power and control. The light weight of the Element provides speed and maneuverability.
This paddle also utilizes Advanced ProPolyCore which provides vibration damping technology. This paddle meets all USAPA tournament guidelines and provides maximum performance with minimal weight.
10. Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Paddle
The Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Paddle is probably the best value for money. It has decent quality, it’s high performing, and durable.
The grip is something to note here because it's made with slightly elevated ribbing around the handle to improve it. It also comes with a wrist strap at the bottom for the player to hold the paddle with security.
11. Rally Graphite 6.7-7.5 oz. Pickleball Paddle
The Rally Graphite 6.7-7.5 oz. Pickleball Paddle has a trim edge guard that keeps it safe from any ground contact. It has a textured graphite surface for a better spin and a bigger sweet spot for good balance. It has an extra large face helping to improve performance, even on off-center shots.
Its ergonomic grip design reduces slipping while providing a reliable feel. It's lightweight, making it good for players of all skill levels. If you’re researching graphite paddles, this one is a solid option.
12. Rally Meister Rally-Bundle Pickleball Paddle
The Rally Meister Rally-Bundle Pickleball Paddle is a very light paddle. Actually, it’s lighter than most wooden paddles. It provides steady control and is durable. Holding it together are seven plies of honey colored maple wood that makes the paddle’s core stronger.
It comes with safety straps and quality hand grips making it a safe paddle for all ages. This paddle is popular with schools, churches, and organizations. It's great for beginners and families while meeting USAPA standards.
13. Rally Tyro Pickleball Paddle
The Rally Tyro Pickleball Paddle has a much larger sweet spot and a lighter weight making it best for controlling the ball. The Rally Tyro is a durable paddle, with a superior edge guard grip and composite surface making it a paddle that will last.
This is a composite paddle made from handcrafted aerospace composite materials. The face is dent proof because it's made up of polycarbonate. It's also lighter in weight, so it's good for control and a faster reaction time. The Rally Tyro is not only designed to perform, but it is built to last.
14. Franklin Sports Pickleball X-Finity Paddle
The Franklin Sports Pickleball X-Finity Paddle has a comfortable and secure grip. It has an excellent design, which is great for maneuvering. The paddle is made with an aluminum core, so it's much quieter than Nomex cores, but it has a fiberglass surface with a tough edge band providing protection and durability.
Its extreme ergonomic design gives it a comfortable grip and the length gives you the freedom to hold the paddle in the way you want to. It is a sturdy paddle that’s comfortable to use, yet provides the performance a player needs.
15. Gearbox Seven Pickleball Paddle
The Gearbox Seven Pickleball Paddle is a carbon fiber composition paddle, with a single pieced molded construction. It has a patent pending solid span technology, edgeless with no soft spots, and has a maximized sweet spot.
It also features an unusual shape with a smaller hitting area, but a larger, more solid sweet spot than the average paddle. For control, power, and comfort, it even has an ergonomically designed handle. It is a unique design and a quality paddle.
16. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pickleball Paddle
Paddletek Tempest Wave offers amazing control for strategic, short games. The graphite surface is textured, making it easy to hit the ball exactly how you want to.
The Paddletek tempest wave pro paddle offers precision and speed, while the graphite in the Tempest PolyCore lessens the vibrations. It is equipped with an ultra cushion high track performance grip.
17. Gamma Legend NeuCore with Honeycomb Core Grip
The Gamma Legend NeuCore Paddle is a middle-weight pickleball paddle that features cutting edge construction, which enhances and transforms your game. It has NeuCore Technology, a 25% thicker large-cell core that provides a quieter, more responsive feel.
It has a signature honeycomb cushion grip. It also has predictable power and high-intensity control. The handle is ergonomic and helps the player hit with more confidence.
18. Pickleball, Inc. Champion Graphite
The Champion Graphite Pickleball Paddle offers excellent ball control. It has an enhanced spin and plenty of pop. It uses top quality materials tp enhance ball spin and durability, so you will play your best in an intense game. Also, it has with a super durable ½ inch polymer honeycomb core.
Thanks to the texture of the graphite face, this paddle enhances grip. This paddle features a traditional shape and a medium weight providing well balanced performance, offering both power and control.
19. Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle
Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle is all about smooth control and ball placement. The solid grip provides unmatched control of the ball.The textured surface on the paddle provides a great spin on the ball, helping a player’s game.
The enhanced feel of this paddle allows for more control and improves ball placement. The Encore Pro meets stringent community noise requirements and the paddle makes no noise when it makes contact with the ball.
20. Gearbox GX6 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
The Gearbox GX6 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle design maximizes maneuverability, speed, and responsiveness. It has a carbon fiber edgeless frame and a larger hitting surface, to reduce mishits.
It has a dampener system, so it’s perfect for vibration control. GX6 has a slightly longer head and longer handle than the versions of Gearbox’s paddles.
21. Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle
The Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle has a wide body shape. It has an oversized paddle shape for the largest sweet spot. The graphite face offers light-weight characteristics for added speed and maneuverability.
It has superior control and Nomex, paper honeycomb core and graphite face. It is the most popular pickleball paddle in the Onix line. This paddle improves both power and range at the baseline and disperses vibration for better feel and control.
22. ONIX Outbreak Pickleball Paddle Reinforced
The ONIX Outbreak Pickleball Paddle Reinforced Paddle is reinforced by TeXtreme Technology. It increases stiffness and strength, giving the players pinpoint control. Outbreak Pickleball Paddle is Onix’s extensive body paddle that provides incredible accuracy with TeXtreme technology.
This particular material is also used in other professional sports equipment, such as tennis rackets. It helps increase strength and durability without adding weight. The paddle provides a perfect weight and feel for control and spin. It has one of the largest sweet spots and a wide Body paddle shape.
23. HEAD Graphite Pickleball Paddle - Gravity Paddle with Sweet Spot Power Core & Comfort Grip
The HEAD Graphite Pickleball Paddle has a large sweet spot that is designed to accelerate ball pop and add energy to the impact surface. The paddle has a sweet spot that combines graphite and fiber composites.
Head Gravity has useful technology for a better fee and an unmatched flip design, with a large strike zone. This latest technology provides a better paddle experience.
24. Prolite Rebel PowerSpin Pickleball Paddle
Prolite Rebel PowerSpin Pickleball Paddle uses a QuadCore Pro-Lite polymer core, which is extremely durable. The paddle face is strong and quiet for those who want minimum noise. The surface is made of textured fiberglass to add spin in hits.
This particular paddle is 16 inches in length and offers a larger range to respond to hard hits. It’s also combined with an edge guard so player are able to use its maximum surface area.
25. ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with Cushion Comfort Grip
ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is the most popular pickleball paddle in the ONIX line. It has superior control.
The onix graphite z5 pickleball paddle also has Nomex paper honeycomb core and graphite face. Its body shape is wider, making it perfect for a tennis player transitioning to pickleball.
26. XS XSPAK Pickleball Paddles Set
The XS XSPAK Pickleball package includes two pickleball paddles and two zippered, neoprene covers to protect them. It has a carbon fiber face, which gives the player precise control over the ball. This paddle is great for intermediate and advanced players across the board.
It has a polymer honeycomb core, which makes it incredibly soft and quiet. Also, is has a racket with refined strength, performance, and durability. This paddle has a low profile edge guard that protects itself damage.
27. Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle
Prince is changing the shape of the pickleball paddle. The Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle has a revolutionary shape. It has an enhanced sweet spot, which reduces disruptive vibrations and imparting more energy into the ball.
It also has an extra thick honeycomb that disperses the impact of energy for an even response over a much larger area of the paddle. This paddle also has progressive core technology, which reacts and compliments every shot.
28. PROKENNEX Kinetic Ovation Speed II Pickleball Paddle
The Prokennex Kinetic Ovation Speed II Pickleball Paddle’s face has a proprietary 7-layer coating and complex composite. It includes a specially treated soft skin with spin-grab feature, carbon/fiberglass and ProKennex Release epoxy/resin system.
It has an expanded sweet spot for more efficient energy transfer. With its oval shape, its one of the strongest designs for a paddle. This paddle is tested in independent labs and Koln University, in Germany. It also comes with a new replaceable Air-O-Guard bumper system.
29. Engage Pickleball Engage Pickleball Poach Advantage
The Engage Pickleball Engage Pickleball Poach Advantage Paddle has six layers of fiberglass polymer composite, whereas other paddles have only one or two. After vigorous testing, Engage has found the optimal angle/pattern sequence to produce the desired playability and maximum ball responsiveness through these layers.
This paddle is one of the softest ones on the market and holds the ball longer than other past generation skins. This new developed texted rotates the ball, making it go where you want it to go easier.
30. Pro-Lite Titan Black Diamond Pickleball Paddle
The Pro-Lite Titan Black Diamond Pickleball Paddle as a top grade, polymer honeycomb core. It has a braided woven carbon fiber. Pro-Lite’s exclusive carbon woven fiber and vibration dampening system helps alleviate chronic tennis elbow.
It does this by dispersing energy throughout the paddle, through all the fibers. This paddle is like the original Titan, but it’s better. They have added new colors and graphics to spice things up.
31. Advanced Recreation Design ARD HF100 Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle
The Advanced Recreation Design ARD HF100 Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle has a throat design that helps soften and dampen the vibrations from every hit, with increases stability. Its polyethylene honeycomb core absorbs shock and sound.
The shape and butt cap of the paddles helps to prevent misses and increase ball control. The fiberglass face on the paddle is much light and quiet, with a larger sweet spot. This is a great paddle for beginners or world class players.
32. OLANNY Graphite Paddle
The OLANNY Graphite Pickleball Paddle is another great choice. It has a perfect grip and handle size. The grip is perforated, sweat absorbent, and cushioned. It allows for a better grip and for a longer play without fatigue. This set is comfortable and works well while in game mode.
This paddle is high quality because its honeycomb structure. It has optimal performance and is durable. With precise control and swing strength, this is a great choice for pickleball players.
33. GRM Graphite Set
The GRM Graphite Set is made up of high-end materials and craftsmanship. Its suitable for beginners, all the way up to professionals. Its a graphite paddle, with excellent strength and stiffness.
This graphite face allows for a perfect combination of control and power. Its also great for training. It has a cushion grip, making the paddle comfortable to swing and easier to play. This high-quality paddle is a great choice.
34. Vinsguir Set
The Vinsguir Set includes paddles that are rackets with graphite surfaces. They are lighter in weight and stronger than other fiberglass ones. These paddles are resilient and offer accuracy and incredible ball spin, while also being durable, strong, and solid longevity.
With its internal honeycomb core, there is an even distribution of power. The paddles are constructed by the polymer honeycomb, which is sandwiched between durable carbon fiber sheets. Since it's a lightweight paddle, it is great for beginners and intermediate players.
35. TICCI Pickleball Paddle
The TICCI Pickleball Paddle has passed the USAPA certification and is approved for tournaments. TICCI uses cutting-edge technology to create some of the most premium paddles on the market. The face is made up of fiberglass, so it's stiff and lightweight.
The interior polymer with the fiberglass face creates an intense energy to spin the balls. It is durable and strong, and is one of the most popular paddles over the last two decades. This is a great option for newbies and experienced players.
You may never play like Jocelyn Devilliers, Benjamin Johns, Tyson McGuffin, Frank Anthony Davis, or Collin Johns, who are some of the greatest players in the world, but that is okay. Pickleball is not just about going all the way to the top, but having fun and making yourself proud.
Finding the Paddle For You
You do not need to be world famous to want to improve your game and step up your pickleball skills. Getting the best paddle for your specific needs is crucial. Just like every person is different, so is every paddle, and finding your right fit makes all the difference.
Pickleball Central also says, “We offer several type of complete pickleball sets. The prices vary depending on the type of paddles included in the set. Wood paddles are the least expensive. Graphite are the most expensive. With a complete pickleball set you have everything you need to set up a pickleball court and play anywhere there's a hard surface, like a driveway, gym, cul-de-sac, parking lot or school yard.”
A very important thing to consider when deciding on the best pickleball paddle, is your goals. Figure out the level at which you want to play and decide which is the right paddle for you. This is only a small list, so take the time and find your dream paddle.
Final Thoughts
That is the scoop on our top picks for the best pickleball paddles!
A lot of these paddles have a mixture of qualities to help your game, so finding the perfect middle ground mixture of speed, control, and power in a paddle is not too challenging. Whether you prefer a heavier paddle, or something with a smaller grip, this buying guide has something for you
For more information on paddles and all things Pickleball, you can always check out Fromuth Pickleball, who is the official store of the Professional Pickleball Association. There are so many great choices for beginner players or professionals.
Having the best pickleball paddle is important for your game, so have fun and choose wisely. As they say around the pickleball courts, “You can’t buy happiness but you can play pickleball and that’s pretty close.”
For more great scoop check out 20 Best Running Pants For Men and The 20 Best Running Shoes for Women with Wide Feet.
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