20 Pickleball Paddles You Can’t Go Wrong With
When it comes to pickleball, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one player might not be the best choice for another. That is why we offer a variety of different pickleball paddles and pickleball rackets to suit everyone’s needs and preferences.
We have paddle styles for both beginners and experienced players. If you are just starting out, we recommend youth paddles. They are the perfect size for smaller hands and are very maneuverable. If you are looking for a bit more power, we recommend our mini paddle with a stiffer blade. For more experienced players, we also offer larger paddle styles that provide more power and speed.
The most popular type of pickleball racket is the double-sided racket. This type of racket has two paddles on either side of the bat. It is perfect for players who want to hit the ball hard and fast. If you are looking for a slightly softer feel, we recommend our single-sided racket. It has one paddle on one side of the bat and one paddle on the other side of the bat.
It is also perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics before moving onto more advanced rackets. No matter what your preference or playing level, we can help you find the right pickleball paddle or pickleball racket to suit your needs.
There are two main types of pickleball paddles, wood and composite. Wood paddles are made from a combination of wood and plastic and are the traditional type used in the United States. Composite paddles are made completely from plastic and are more common in Europe.
The size of a pickleball paddle can vary, but most ranges from 6 to 10 inches long. The width of a paddle can also vary, but most are around 2 inches wide. The weight of a pickleball paddle is also important, as it should be heavy enough to provide good balance but not too heavy that it is difficult to handle.
If you’re looking for a good pickleball paddle, you should consider looking for a paddle that has been designed specifically for pickleball. This will ensure that the paddle is able to provide good bounce, control, and power. You should also look for a paddle that has been heat-treated to make it stronger and more durable.
Let’s begin with 5 budget friendly pickleball paddles
1. Upstreet Paddle
Impressive for a graphite paddle, the Upstreet Pickleball Paddle is USAPA approved for tournament play and comes with a neoprene paddle cover. The newer version is also under our budget which is impressive for a graphite paddle.
2. Diadem Hero
When you’re looking for a beginners paddle, the Diadem Hero is a great choice. With the same HMT fiber as the higher-end Riptide line and a lightweight, easy to swing design with everything you need to compete, this paddle is sure to be your new favorite. The thick edge guard prevents damage as you battle for power, and an 8 mm honeycomb core provides ample feel and touch.
3. Gamma Quest
Get into pickleball with the GAMMA Quest – a high-quality paddle with an affordable price tag. Featuring a fiberglass hitting surface and a polypropylene core, this paddle is considered to be a middleweight paddle. The average weight of this 7.80 oz paddle is perfect for your game, whether you’re just starting out or playing at a high level.
4. Oneshot X
A lightweight, maneuverable paddle with a comfortable feel, the Oneshot X is the perfect paddle for any player looking for an affordable and modern option that offers players touch and feel. This is a great option for any court surface, or even if you need to travel light. It features a classic pickleball shape and a fiberglass hitting surface with a poly core so you get the durability you need.
5. PROLITE Bolt
The PROLITE Bolt is a great pickleball paddle for players of any style and level. The hitting surface is powerful and textured to help maximize spin. For those playing in a neighborhood, the soft poly core also offers quiet play.
With a soft poly core, the PROLITE Bolt is one of the best paddles for beginners. Although thick, 4.5in, the handle feels like a natural extension of your hand, offering a good stable grip. The light weight and soft handle design makes it easier to maneuver as well.
Paddles for Women
When it comes to women who want to improve their game in pickleball, the best way to start is to find paddles that are comfortable, and directly help to improve their game. However, sheer availability makes this task difficult, as grip thickness and paddle weight make things a bit more complicated.
Paddle grips usually come as “Thin” or “Standard.” Thin grips are best for smaller hands that prefer paddle control, while standard grips offer more comfort, and require a bit more grip strength for larger hands. They may be best suited for more powerful players. A standard grip tends to be the best fit for a majority of players, but a thin grip may be best fit for most female players.
1. Prince Response Pro Lightweight
Designed for the professional player, this Prince Response Pro Lightweight Composite Paddle is part of a line of paddles that give you all the benefits of composite construction, with a lightweight design and massive 8 ¼” paddle width. This paddle provides a sweet spot that’s ideal for any type of game, from pickleball to tennis to badminton.
2. Franklin Christine McGrath Signature Middleweight
The Christine McGrath Signature Middleweight Composite Pickleball Paddle is designed with input from one of the game’s best players. This professional paddle was built specifically with a female athlete in mind and has a standard grip thickness of 4.25 inches.
With a lightweight composite construction, the McGrath model features increased durability to help prevent twisting and breaking, making it an ideal choice for the competitive player. It’s a middleweight model with a medium-size grip that provides excellent control.
3. Selkirk Amped Epic Lightweight
Designed for lightweight comfort and control, the Franklin Christine McGrath Signature Middleweight Composite paddle is a popular choice among many players. With its extended handle, this all-around paddle allows for a two-handed backhand technique.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Kids
These junior models can weigh as little as 5.8 ounces, ensuring juniors the ability to react react and move while they comfortably learn the game. Some of these paddles have grip sizes around 3 5/8”, which is great for little hands (because their length is smaller, it’s easier to make adjustments needed for passing and hitting). For reference, average adult grips are around size is 4 ¼”.
1. OneShot JuniorShot
Introduce your child to the game of pickleball with the Oneshot Juniorshot Composite Youth Pickleball Paddle. This tiny paddle is perfect for smaller players as it’s lightweight and designed with a stiffer blade. The Oneshot Juniorshot Composite Youth Toddler Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for younger players, but will also be suitable for older kids who want to play an artistic game of pickleball with their friends and family.
2. PBPRO Tour Widebody
This paddle offers players a nice balance between feel, comfort, and control. It’s typically considered the better option for youth players because of its lightweight construction. The carbon fiber face gives you incredible feel needed for precise dinking while the rougher surface allows you to use spin and slice with control.
3. Third Shot Drop Tyche
The Third Shot Drop Tyche Lightweight Composite Youth Pickleball Paddle is a perfect gift for the beginning of the season. This unique model gives every young player between the age of 5 to 12 the opportunity to play pickleball we all know and love. Built from composite materials and designed with an adjustable shaft, this paddle is both light weight and durable.
Why is Weight Important for Pickleball Paddles?
To have the greatest effect on performance, pickleball paddles must be weighted properly so players get an even return on their energy investment when swinging the paddle. To achieve this balance in weight and still be comfortable using it – from hitting balls at your local club to playing competitively at tournaments – you need a pickleball paddle with weight balanced evenly along its length, with a weight that fits your style.
Generally, heavier paddles give you more power, while lighter ones help to control your shots with greater accuracy. Paddles are normall separated into 3 main weight categories, lightweight (7.5oz and below), midweight (7.5-8.4oz), and heavy (8.5oz and over).
1. Vulcan 530 Heavyweight
With the Vulcan 530, you can’t go wrong. This pickleball paddle is lightweight and super powerful. The Vulcan 530 clocks in at 8.5 ounces and its carbon fiber surface helps generate serious power. Sure, its weight and material make it an incredible paddle for smashes, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that’s all it can do. The paddle has a large grip size at 4 3/8″. So if you have smaller hands, this may not be the best choice.
2. GAMMA Dart Lightweight
The Gamma Dart Lightweight paddle weighs 7.4 ounces. Although it weighs in with the lightest in the class, the smoothness this paddle achieves will make you forget you are holding as much power as you are. The feedback from forehand to backhand, is steadied and responsive, and the flex spring shaft will elevate the performance of any player.
3. Onix Z5 Mod Middleweight
Onix Z5 Middleweight pickleball paddle is one of the most popular and best paddles on the market. This lightweight paddle offers a smooth feel without sacrificing power or control. The face is larger than many other paddles, which helps with net play, as well as beginners in general. For beginners looking for the best paddles that have a strong balance – this is your choice.
4. Paddletek Phoenix G6 Middleweight
What’s unique about the Phoenix G6 is its large sweet spot, quality of construction and price point. The Phoenix G6 offers a medium weight paddle that balances power and control. A large sweet spot helps beginner players with their accuracy, forgiveness and overall control. The grip size is 4 1/4”.
5. Rally Tyro 2
Get your racing game on with the Rally Tryo 2 pickleball paddle. This budget-friendly composite stick has a polymer core for an even weight, and is great for beginners getting their feet wet. With a 6.9-7.2 oz weight, it is a great starter paddle for someone getting their feet wet.
6. Clarksville Paddle from Recess
With a unique and innovative design, the Clarksville paddle from Recess is the perfect pickleball paddle for US events. The paddles are made from 0.53 inch thick honeycomb inners and are wrapped in genuine leather, making them a beautiful and luxurious addition to your pickleball collection. Plus, they’re approved for US events – meaning you can take your game to the next level!
7. Ben Johns Hyperion Pro
The Ben Johns Joola Pickleball Paddle is the perfect way to take your game to the next level. The carbon-flex5-textured surface, responsive polypropylene honeycomb core, and custom-made foam rim walls are all key ingredients in this Professional grade pickleball paddle. With a price that might leave you a little bit sore, the Ben Johns Joola Pickleball Paddle is definitely worth the investment.
8. Champion Eclipse Graphite
The Champion Eclipse pickleball paddle is the perfect paddle for experienced and new players alike. It’s USAPA-approved with a trim weight of 7.3-7.8oz, smaller circumference for the handle, and a nice, padded grip which lessens the vibrations of impacts. With its small circumference for the handle, it’s easy to be handled by players of all sizes, and its 5-inch long length means there is plenty of room for adjusting your grip to the paddle.
9. Champion Graphite X
The Champion Graphite X Pickleball paddle is the perfect tool for players of all levels. With its graphite face and perforated grip, it provides excellent control and placement, while the polymer core provides durability and strength. The Champions Graphite X will help you perform with pinpoint accuracy while still being priced affordably. By default, it comes with a standard grip.
