Choosing the right equipment is crucial for elevating your Pickleball game, but with a bevy of brands and features claiming the top spot, finding the best pickleball paddles can feel like a backhand into the net.
In this article, we unveil a curated list of top-notch paddles, combining cutting-edge technology and player-centric design. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the game, finding the perfect paddle is paramount and our guide is here to steer you towards unparalleled on-court excellence.
Paddletek New Era Bantam EX-L
One of the best pickleball paddles for beginners, the Paddletek New Era Bantam EX-L seamlessly blends power and control. This paddle is Lightweight and USA Pickleball (USAP) approved.
The paddle's well-crafted design ensures a comfortable grip, enhancing control during intense rallies. It is a top choice for players seeking an ideal balance between finesse and dynamic play.
- Material: Polycarbonate, Carbon Fiber Shaft
- Skill Level: All levels
- Available in: Red, Purple and Blue
- Features:
- Price: $99.99
Head Cyber Elite
The Head Cyber Elite Pickleball Paddle is a great option for intermediate players looking for a balance of power and control. It's a good upgrade from a beginner paddle that won't make too much of a dent in your wallet.
The paddle is lightweight, maneuverable and has a fiberglass hitting surface that provides a nice feel and pop on your shots. The textured surface is good for adding spin to your shots.
- Material: Polypropylene core, graphite frame and shaft
- Skill Level: Any level
- Price: $69.99
SLK Evo Power XL 2.0
The Selkirk Evo Power XL 2.0 pickleball paddle is a great choice for players who want a powerful and forgiving paddle.
It is a heavier paddle than some other options, so it may not be the best choice for players with arm problems.
- Materials: G9 Power Carbon Fiber face, 13mm Rev-Hybrid Polymer Core &Fiberglass handle
- Prices:
- Amazon: $92.50 - $100
- Walmart: $100
- Dick's Sporting Goods: $99.99
- Level: All levels
Joola Vision
The textured carbon face grips the ball for unbelievable spin potential, while the polymer core offers a solid feel and a large sweet spot.
It's pricier than beginner paddles, but for players seeking precision and spin to dominate the court, Joola Vision delivers.
- Materials: Carbon Grip Surface (textured carbon fiber), Response Polymer Core, AERO-CURV Head Shape, Comfort Grip.
- Prices:
- Amazon: $169.99 - $ 189.90
- Walmart & Dick's Sporting Goods: $169.95
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS Paddle
The Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS is a pickleball paddle co-designed by the world's #1 player, Ben Johns, making it a top contender for players seeking elite control, explosive power, and impressive spin.
The Paddle is best suited for advanced Players, its a premium paddle with a premium price tag.
- Materials: Carbon Composite Surface (textured CFS technology), Pro Polymer Core with honeycomb design, DuraFiber Comfort Grip, Edge-Shield Protection.
- Prices:
- Amazon: $152.50 - $219.95
- Walmart: $198.25
- Dick's Sporting Goods: $219.99
- Level: Intermediate and Advanced
Helium Atmos Pickleball Paddles
Helium Atmos paddles are a great option for intermediate and advanced players looking for a lightweight, maneuverable, and control-oriented paddle.
The woven carbon fiber face offers a crisp feel and excellent grip on the ball, allowing for precise control and spin generation. Helium Atmos delivers a premium playing experience at a competitive price point compared to other high-end paddles.
- Materials: High-grade woven carbon fiber face, Polypropylene honeycomb core, Soft comfortable grip, Lightweight design (~7.5 oz)
- Price: $89.95
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Joola Journey Pickleball Paddle
The Joola Journey is an excellent all-around paddle for beginners and players looking to polish their skills. Its forgiving nature, comfortable grip, and affordable price make it a low-risk way to embark on your pickleball adventure.
While it might not be the ultimate weapon for advanced players, it's a reliable companion for mastering the fundamentals and developing a love for the game.
- Materials: Multi-layer fiberglass surface, 10mm Response Polymer Core, Comfort Soft Grip
- Prices: $69.95
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Helium Versus Pickleball Paddles
Helium Versus paddles strike a sweet balance between power and control, making them a compelling choice for recreational and intermediate players.
Their lightweight feel, forgiving nature, and good balance of power and control make them perfect for building skills and having fun on the court.
- Materials: Polypropylene honeycomb core, Fiberglass face, Perforated comfort grip
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Price: $81.95 (set of 4 paddles)
Selkirk AMPED 2021 Epic Lightweight Pickleball Paddle
The Selkirk AMPED 2021 Epic Lightweight offers explosive power in a surprisingly lightweight package, making it ideal for players who crave both brute force and nimble agility.
It is a revolutionary paddle that defies expectations. It is a perfect fit for intermediate and advanced players who crave both explosive power and agile control.
- Materials: X5 Polypropylene Polymer Core and FiberFlex Unidirectional Fiberglass Face
- Price: $149.99
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Joola Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16
The Joola Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16 is a premium paddle for players who demand the best in control, power, and spin.
While the price tag might seem steep, it's an investment for serious players seeking to elevate their game to the next level.
- Materials: Carbon Friction Surface (textured carbon fiber), Reactive Honeycomb Core (16mm), Carbon Grip with Edge Guard.
- Prices:
- Amazon: $214 - $ 245
- Walmart: $249.95
- Dick's Sporting Goods: $249.95
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0
The Engage Encore EX 6.0 strikes a winning balance between control, power, and feel, making it a versatile choice for players of various skill levels.
It is the best paddle for players seeking control in their Pickleball Paddle. It delivers good power on offensive plays while maintaining control for dinks and volleys.
- Materials: Composite paddle face (FiberTEK textured skin), ControlPro Polymer Core (5/8" thickness), Standard or Oversize Comfort Grip
- Prices: $159.99
- Level: Beginner to Advanced
The Owl CX
The Owl CX paddle aims to revolutionize the game with its unique combination of quiet play and powerful performance. It is a game-changer for players seeking a powerful and quiet paddle
Its forgiving sweet spot, comfortable feel, and impressive control make it suitable for players of all levels.
- Materials: Solid Span composite face with honeycomb core, Soft EVA foam cushion layer, Vibration dampening handle
- Prices: $169 (Owl Sports)
- Level: Beginner to Advanced
Gamma Sports Fusion Series Pickleball
The Gamma Sports Fusion Series is a well-rounded, value-driven paddle that's perfect for players seeking a balance of power, control, and comfort.
It is a great choice for beginners and intermediates who want to improve their game without breaking the bank.
- Materials: Polypropylene honeycomb core, Textured fiberglass hitting surface, Honeycomb Cushion Grip
- Price:
- Walmart: $44.99 - 49.99
- Amazon: $29.99 - $99.99
- Dick's Sporting Goods: $69.99
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro is a pickleball paddle designed for advanced players seeking superior control and spin.
The textured carbon fiber face and Control Channel Technology core provide exceptional grip on the ball for unmatched spin potential and precise shot placement.
- Materials: Carbon Fiber Face with DuraFiber Technology, Polypropylene Honeycomb Core with Control Channel Technology, Pro Performance Grip with Comfort Cushion
- Price: $179.99
- Level: Advanced
Onix Graphite Z5
The Onix Graphite Z5 is another contender for pickleball players seeking power and control, especially those leaning towards a slightly heavier paddle.
The high-modulus graphite face and Power Grid™ core deliver explosive power for drives and smashes, making it a perfect weapon for offensive players.
- Materials: High-Modulus Graphite Face with SpinGrit™ Texture, Nomex Honeycomb Core with Power Grid Technology, ComfortMax Grip
- Price: $89.99
- Level: Intermediate
Prolite Bolt
The Prolite Bolt is a fast and furious paddle that's perfect for players seeking speed, power, and control on the court.
Its lightweight construction, affordable price, and well-rounded performance make it a compelling choice for beginners and intermediates looking to elevate their game.
- Materials: Carbon fiber face with textured Polycarbonate, Polypropylene honeycomb core, Tackified grip
- Prices: $60 on Amazon
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Head Radical Elite
The Head Radical Elite is a jack-of-all-trades paddle that shines in its versatility and well-rounded performance. It delivers good power on offensive plays while maintaining control for dinks and volleys.
It has a large sweet spot that is forgiving even on off-center hits, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike.
- Materials: Composite paddle face (smooth fiberglass), Polymer honeycomb core (thicker), Ergo Grip
- Price:
- Walmart $64
- Amazon: $69
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16
Crafted with input from the champion himself, the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 promises elite control and explosive power for serious pickleballers.
It provides elite control, spin potential and powerful shots thanks to carbon construction.
- Materials: Carbon Friction Surface (textured carbon fiber), Reactive Honeycomb Core (16mm), Carbon Grip with edge guard
- Prices:
- Amazon: $139.950 - $159.95
- Walmart: $179.95
- Dick's Sporting Goods: $159.95
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Pro XR T700 Raw Carbon
The Pro XR T700 Raw Carbon promises explosive power and ultimate spin for players who crave an edge. The T700 Carbon Fiber delivers explosive power for drives and smashes.
The textured surface grips the ball like no other, offering unrivaled spin control and precision placement.
- Materials: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Surface (textured), Polypropylene Honeycomb Core, XR-23 Ergonomic Handle
- Price: $210
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recess Pickleball Paddle
Forget boring pickleball paddles! Recess throws playful colors and bold patterns into the mix, offering style and substance on the court.
- Materials: Fiberglass face with textured Polycarbonate, Polypropylene Honeycomb Core, Sweatproof Foam Comfort Grip
- Prices:
- Amazon: $86 - $166 (depending on design)
- Walmart: $84.99 (Recess Pickleball Classic Fiberglass USAPA Approved Paddle With Canvas Cover)
- Dick's Sporting Goods: $118 (Lilly Pulitzer x Recess Pickleball Paddle)
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate