10 Best Pickleball Paddles for All Types of Players, According to the Pros
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It’s no secret that pickleball has reached the pinnacle of popularity. If you’re ready to join in on the fun, we’ve rounded up the best pickleball paddles, recommended for all skill levels from pros, pickleball instructors, and avid recreational players. Kris Miner, a pickleball pro at Life Time Target Center in Minneapolis, says to “look for a weight and thickness you feel the most comfortable playing with, a grip size that fits your hand, and a shape and build that works well with your playing style and strengths.” Don’t stress over the details too much, though. “In the end, it often comes down to which paddle feels great in your hand and gives you confidence on the court,” she says. If you’re new to the game, in need of an upgrade, or seeking a cute gift for your favorite pickler, these paddles are sure to be a smash.
The best pickleball paddles, at a glance
- Best Overall: Joola Hyperion Pickleball Paddle, $160
- Best for Spin: Rokne Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle, $100
- Best for Control: Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle, $253
- Best for Beginners: Selkirk SLK Evo Hybrid Pickleball Paddle, $89-$100
- Best for Intermediate Players: Beatnik Hyper Beat Two, $129
- Best for Advanced Players: Prokennex Ace Pickleball Paddle, $150
Your pickleball paddle questions, answered
Best Pickleball Paddle Overall: Joola Hyperion Pickleball Paddle
Courtesy of brand1/12Joola Hyperion Pickleball Paddle
The Joola Hyperion gets a gold star from Miner and Jennifer Gallwas, PT, MPT, a professional pickleball player and a physical therapist at Athletico Physical Therapy, who both play with this paddle. Miner loves it because she says it provides great speed and power, and the carbon friction surface helps impart spin on the ball. (She’s also a fan of “the sharp pop it makes when I hit the sweet spot.”) The hyperfoam edge wall helps to reduce vibration and increase the size of the sweet spot, making for a more responsive playing experience.
It’s the same paddle the No. 1 pro player Ben Johns uses, Gallwas adds. Because it offers both power and control, it can help you improve consistency in your soft game. “It’s a fully encased carbon paddle, which provides power and stability, while the charged carbon surface technology allows for more spin and control,” Gallwas says. “This is a great option for players seeking a combination of power and control for their game.” A pickleball paddle can’t work magic, but we have a feeling you’ll be playing like a pro in a flash.
- Weight: 8.4 oz.
- Size: 16mm
- Grip: 5.5" length, 4.25" circumference
- Material: Polypropylene honeycomb core, carbon fiber face
- Pros: Speed, power, control, good friction on the surface
- Cons: Expensive
Best Pickleball Paddle for Spin: Rokne Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle
Courtesy of brand2/12Rokne Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle
This midweight paddle is a great beginner-friendly option, according to Miner. It features textured fiberglass, which she says can help “add or improve the ability to spin the ball.” It also allows for more powerful and precise shots. You’ll appreciate that the soft, medium-sized grip allows you to switch easily and comfortably between hands without putting unnecessary pressure on them. Bonus: It comes with a handy cover to keep your paddle protected when not in use.
- Weight: 8.3 oz.
- Size: 13mm
- Grip: 5.5" length, 4.25" circumference
- Material: Polypropylene honeycomb core, textured fiberglass face
- Pros: Solid introductory paddle
- Cons: Textured surface wears off after enough play
Best Pickleball Paddle for Control: Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle
Courtesy of brand3/12Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle
Made with vibration-limiting technology, Engage’s Pursuit Pro paddle has the approval of professional pickleball player Yana Newell because of its innovative design and cutting-edge materials. The faces are made of carbon fiber, which is common in control paddles, as it helps with maneuverability. “It provides great control, increased spin capabilities, and just the right amount of power while still giving a gentle touch for precision play,” she says. Newell adds that it’s the best paddle she’s played with in her pickleball career. It’s pricey, but she says she spent months cycling through paddles before she finally landed on this one. The foam edges are specifically designed for weight distribution and vibration control.
- Weight: Lite (7.7–8 oz.), Standard (8.1–8.4 oz.)
- Size: 16mm
- Grip: 5.75" length, 4.375" circumference
- Material: Raw carbon fiber face, polymer composite core
- Pros: Spin, vibration control, weight distributed
- Cons: Expensive
Best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Elbow: ProKennex Kinetic Pro Spin Paddle
Courtesy of brand4/12ProKennex Kinetic Pro Spin Paddle
Tennis elbow (a type of tendonitis that causes pain and inflammation in the outside of the elbow) is an overuse injury often caused by repetitive movements, including playing sports like tennis or pickleball. When dealing with arm pain or injury, paddle size and weight may make a difference in your comfort and recovery, says Landon Uetz, DPT, physical therapist and pickleball instructor on TeachMe.To. Generally, the lighter and shorter a paddle is, the less potential strain it’ll put on your arm.
“This is my favorite paddle because it’s superlight and helps prevent tennis elbow for me, but still packs a powerful punch,” says Hannah O’Brien of Syracuse, NY. If, even on sale, it’s too much for your pickleball budget, “they have others in this same brand/weight that are a bit more reasonable,” she says.
- Weight: 7.6 oz.
- Size: 11mm
- Grip: 5.3" length, 4" circumference
- Material: Graphite
- Pros: Lightweight, spin, shock-reducing
- Cons: Expensive
Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners: Selkirk SLK Evo Hybrid Pickleball Paddle
Courtesy of brand5/12Selkirk SLK Evo Hybrid Pickleball Paddle
Selkirk paddles are some of the best in the business—but you don’t have to be a pro to wield one on the pickleball court. For a top-notch beginner or entry-level paddle, Miner is a fan of the Selkirk SLK Evo. “It has a great feel and a standard shape, and is an excellent value,” she says. Plus, with its ultracomfy grip and polymer core that’s primed for powerful swings, you’ll be ready to take on any opponent. The lightweight feel is great for beginners since it offers more control over your shots and helps prevent overuse injuries as you get used to the swinging motion. Many beginner-level reviewers say they’re grateful they upgraded to this one after initially starting off with a cheaper option.
- Weight: 7.6–8.0 oz.
- Size: 16mm
- Grip: 5.25" length, 4.25" circumference
- Material: Hybrid fiberglass and carbon fiber
- Pros: Control, lightweight, value
- Cons: Not for powerful, aggressive play
Best Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players: Beatnik Hyper Beat Two Pickleball Paddle
Courtesy of brand6/12Beatnik Hyper Beat Two
Beatnik sports is a newbie to the pickleball game, founded just last year in the PB hotspot of Atlanta—but just because the brand is new doesn’t mean it’s messing around. Beatnik uses cutting-edge tech in every paddle they make (for example, using robotics to vibration-test for paddle sweet spots). Aisha Stith, one of the founders of Pickleballin’ Lifestyle Club, a pickleball group for Black and brown women in Miami and Atlanta, had a chance to play with nearly all of the Beatnik’s paddles. “They’re all next-level,” she says, but the Hyper Beat Two stands out as the perfect intermediate paddle for improving your game. It offers a mix of control and power, plus a forgiving sweet spot. “It’s pure power delivered on the court,” says Stith. “The feel of the paddle is empowering, the grip is absolutely great, and it’s light enough, but delivers the hits you need. It’s my secret weapon.”
- Weight: 8.0 oz.
- Size: 16mm
- Grip: 5.12" length, 4.25" circumference
- Material: Polymer honeycomb, carbon fiber face
- Pros: Larger sweet spot, balanced power and control
- Cons: Limited color options
Best Pickleball Paddle for Advanced Players: Prokennex Ace Pickleball Paddle
Courtesy of brand7/12Prokennex Ace Pickleball Paddle
While professional pickleball player Jennifer Tavernier took time to get used to this, it’s now one of her go-to paddles. “I’m addicted to the power I get with it,” she says. Better suited for more experienced players, the edgeless design makes it more aerodynamic and fast-moving so you can practice your quick reflexes. Made with a shock and vibration-absorbing system, this is definitely a pricey paddle, but reviewers rave about how durable it is, so you’ll get your money’s worth in many years of precision and speed on the court.
- Weight: 7.95 oz.
- Size: 10mm
- Grip: 5.4" length, 4" circumference
- Material: Polypropylene honeycomb core, heat molded carbon face
- Pros: Shock and vibration-absorbing, precise, durable, fast-moving
- Cons: Expensive, can be loud
Best Pickleball Paddle Under $75: PCKL Pro Series Pickleball Paddle
Courtesy of brand8/12PCKL Pro Series Pickleball Paddle
A decent pickleball paddle doesn’t have to break the bank. The PCKL Pro Series model gets the stamp of approval from Stith, who calls it a “good, solid introductory paddle” and “the best bang for your buck.” You get a lot for your dollar here, including a carbon fiber face, a long handle for two-handed backhands, and a large sweet spot that makes your life easier as a beginner or intermediate player. “The PCKL paddles are very light, serious enough, but a good way to learn to play the game,” Stith says.
- Weight: 7.8–8.1 oz.
- Size: 13mm, 16mm
- Grip: 5.5" length, 4.2" circumference
- Material: Polypropylene honeycomb core, carbon fiber face
- Pros: Value, long handle, control
- Cons: Lacks power
Best Pickleball Paddle Under $100: Solara ’94 Legacy Collection Pickleball Paddle
Courtesy of brand9/12Solara ‘94 Legacy Collection Pickleball Paddle
“This paddle is so stylish, sleek, and USA Pickleball–approved—it’s my go-to paddle!” says avid pickleball player Kelsee Grovey. Snag one in three colors (butter yellow, bubblegum pink, or gunmetal grey), and rest assured that this cute, retro-style paddle doesn’t just serve good looks. “The surface is carbon while the core is polypropylene honeycomb for added control,” Grovey says. “The grip is supportive and also waterproof, and the edge guard is durable, lightweight, and well-balanced.” If you’re looking for a pickleball paddle on a budget and want one that looks good and plays just as well, Solara ’94 has got you covered.
- Weight: 7.5–8 oz.
- Size: 16mm
- Grip: 5.7" length, 4.25" circumference
- Material: Polypropylene honeycomb, carbon fiber face
- Pros: Retro design, budget-friendly
- Cons: Handle may be too long for some players
Best Stylish Pickleball Paddle: Recess Pickleball Paddle
Courtesy of brand10/12Recess Pickleball Paddle
Recess paddles have become as recognizable as the sport itself, thanks to their stunning designs. Each one features a gorgeous print, a custom faux-leather handle, and a stylish canvas cover. What’s more, the durable honeycomb polypropylene core and fiberglass paddle face give the paddle a sturdy structure that’s poised for performance. While the faux-leather handle certainly looks cute, it’s so much more than just that—it’s even sweatproof and embedded with a custom-branded silicone ring that holds the grip in place. Christina Teal, who plays pickleball recreationally in Denver, has been hitting the court with a dog-patterned Recess paddle (the proceeds of which give back to Austin Pets Alive) for a year now. “I originally bought it because I was starting out in the sport and didn’t want an overly expensive paddle,” she says. “The paddle is great! It’s lightweight and great for control.” With 26 fun pattern options, don’t be surprised if you end up with more than a few Recess paddles. (Yes, consider this your excuse to buy a paddle set so you have some to loan to friends.)
- Weight: 7.5–8 oz.
- Size: 14mm
- Grip: 4.25" circumference
- Material: Fiberglass face, honeycomb polypropylene core
- Pros: Unique designs, budget-friendly
- Cons: Limited spin, smaller sweet spot
11/12What to look for in a quality pickleball paddle?
Here are the main things to look for when shopping for a pickleball paddle:
- Price: Your budget for a pickleball paddle is totally personal. That said, if you’re a beginner or casual player, you can definitely find a suitable option under $100 and perhaps even under $50 right on Amazon. If you’re looking to get on a pickleball court and have fun, this will be all you need. Intermediate and advanced players or those looking to up their game can spend $100–$300 for higher-performance paddles. A paddle can last you anywhere from six months to three years, depending on how often and hard you play, so keep that in mind when you decide to invest.
- Grip: Grip size matters. The paddle should, above all, feel comfortable in your hand. As a general rule, Kris Miner, a pickleball pro at Life Time Target Center in Minneapolis, says you should be able to fit your pointer finger sideways between your fingertips and thumb when gripping the paddle. Additionally, if you have a two-handed backhand, you might prefer an elongated paddle with a roomier handle, adds Jennifer Gallwas, PT, MPT, a professional pickleball player and a physical therapist at Athletico Physical Therapy.
- Size: The thickness of the paddle will also impact the feel and your playing style. “Thinner paddles tend to transfer more power, while thicker paddles can be a bit softer, which helps with touch and resetting the ball,” Miner says. Thin paddles range from 9 to 13 millimeters, while 16 to 20 is considered thick. Miner suggests going for a paddle that helps you address your weaknesses: Opt for a thinner paddle if you lack power or a thicker paddle if you need more help with the soft game, precision, and control.
- Legality: If you’re going to play recreationally, you likely don’t need to worry about this, but if you hope to enter pickleball tournaments, you’ll want to make sure your paddle is USA Pickleball–approved to be “legal” for competitive play in tournaments sanctioned by the organization. You can search their list of USA Pickleball-approved paddles or look out for the USA Pickleball (USAPA) seal on a paddle or brand’s website when shopping.
The material a pickleball paddle is made of will play a big part in the quality, durability, and price of the paddle, Miner says. Don’t let all the technicalities overwhelm you. TBH, as long as you don’t buy a wooden paddle, you can’t really go wrong.
- Wooden pickleball paddles are great for younger players, or those on a tight budget, Miner says, but will not perform as well as higher-grade paddles made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. Unlike other paddles that are made of different components, wooden paddles are generally solid wood. “There’s less consistency in how the ball bounces, a reduced sweet spot, reduction in power/control, and reduced durability in comparison to carbon fiber paddle,” Landon Uetz, DPT, physical therapist and pickleball instructor on TeachMe.To, adds.
- Composite pickleball paddles are typically hybrids of fiberglass and carbon fiber and will give a better playing experience than wood, Miner adds. There are a number of “reasonably priced” options on the market right now, she says.
- Fiberglass pickleball paddles are great if you’re looking to add some oomph to your shots, since fiberglass is arguably the best material for power paddles—though it’s worth noting that you may have less control. The material isn’t as durable as carbon fiber or graphite, so a fiberglass paddle may not last as long.
- Carbon fiber pickleball paddles are super durable, lightweight, and offer a lot of control. That said, they tend to be more expensive than fiberglass or graphite options. “Carbon fiber or graphite paddles are often preferred by higher level players due to their strength/durability/responsive feel,” Uetz says. “It allows for a mixture of power and control that helps with ball placement and consistency during higher level play.”
- Graphite pickleball paddles are typically used by those playing the game at a higher level, Miner says. Graphite is a little heavier than carbon fiber and may not be as durable, but it offers more control than fiberglass.
12/12Should pickleball paddles be light or heavy?
In most cases, it’s best to be somewhere in the middle. “Most players use a midweight paddle in the 7.3-to-8.4-oz. range, rather than an extremely heavy or lighter paddle,” Miner says.
Exceptions do exist: Younger players or those with previous wrist injuries might want to seek out a lightweight paddle. “In my experience as a physical therapist, I find that players not coming up from a previous racket sports background more frequently have elbow pain primarily due to poor mechanics and overuse,” says Gallwas. So, “for beginners or if you’ve had issues with tennis elbow in the past, I would suggest a lighter paddle.”
Strong, athletic players or those with lots of racquet sports experience (i.e. former tennis players) might get more control and power using a heavyweight paddle. “In general, heavier paddles create more power and speed, while lighter paddles offer more control and ‘touch,’” Miner says.
