We Discovered the Greatest Pickleball Paddles After Taking part in for 1,000 Hours

October 26, 2024

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Pickleball affords a difficult cardio exercise, improves steadiness, and boosts hand-eye coordination. Some research have additionally discovered that pickleball can enhance an individual’s well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction and scale back stress and despair. However no pickleball sport is full and not using a high quality pickleball paddle. Selecting the very best pickleball paddle for you relies upon largely in your ability stage and enjoying fashion. Novices who’ve but to grasp the sport of pickleball ought to select a light-weight paddle with a big candy spot for extra management, whereas superior gamers could profit from a medium-weight, textured paddle with nice energy potential and spin.

To seek out the very best pickleball paddles for each participant, we interviewed 4 consultants—two licensed pickleball coaches and two skilled pickleball gamers—for recommendation on key options to search for when buying. We then performed for over 1,000 hours on the courts, testing 35 expert-approved paddles. Our high picks acquired excessive scores for consolation, grip, sturdiness, management, and worth. We additionally had a bodily therapist and RRCA-certified run coach overview this text for accuracy surrounding what to search for in pickleball paddles.

Our Favorites, at a Look

What to Know Earlier than You Store

Whereas many pickleball paddles look comparable, they aren’t all created equal. As you start to buy your subsequent pickleball paddle, listed below are some essential pickleball phrases you may need to bear in mind:

Energy: Energy refers to how arduous and quick you hit the ball. Intermediate and superior gamers who’ve stable paddle management could need to go for a heavier paddle comprised of a fiberglass floor materials that delivers additional weight and density for energy pictures.
Management: Management is about hitting the ball with precision. Novice and intermediate gamers ought to choose a light-weight paddle comprised of a carbon fiber floor materials that makes it simpler to goal the ball.
Spin: While you hit a ball with spin—that means it rotates because it travels via the air—it may be harder on your opponent to hit it again, probably incomes you factors. Paddles made with a gritty, textured floor assist generate topspin and backspin.
Core: The fabric inside your pickleball paddle, the core, can have an effect on energy and management. Sometimes, the core is comprised of polymer or polypropylene in a honeycomb chamber that helps restrict vibration and distribute power as you hit the ball.
Candy Spot: While you hit a ball with the candy spot (the center of your paddle), you get a bouncy pop, extra energy, and higher precision. Some paddles, particularly most newbie paddles, are designed with bigger candy spots for simpler play.
Paddle Face: The floor of the paddle that makes contact with the ball. A paddle can have completely different shapes, like sq., rectangular, or teardrop, and may be made with completely different supplies—the form and materials you select will rely in your enjoying fashion.
Pop: A time period that refers back to the responsiveness of your paddle when it strikes the ball. A sophisticated participant on the lookout for a paddle that’ll generate extra pace and energy throughout play will need to go for a paddle with extra “pop.”

Selkirk SLK Evo Power 2.0 Pickleball Paddle

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for newbie to superior gamers who want a sturdy paddle for energy and management.

Why We Love It

One of the essential issues to search for in any pickleball paddle is grip, because it’s important for consolation and precision play. The grip on Selkirk’s SLK Evo Energy 2.0 Paddle is outstanding—it’s well-ventilated, cheesy, and cushioned with out feeling thick or cumbersome in our arms. Even after hours on the court docket, we by no means skilled any soreness or discomfort, and the racquet by no means as soon as slipped in our palms.

We love this paddle for rookies to superior gamers as a result of it’s the best weight for exact management and speedy energy. We additionally seen that this standard-shaped paddle has a massive candy spot, making it much more fascinating for rookies. Plus, the paddle’s floor includes a high-quality, grainy texture, which helps with spin once you’re able to stage up your pickleball sport.

Potential Flaws

Although we discovered this paddle nicely priced for its options, it isn’t as sturdy as different choices on our listing, so you might have to switch it down the street in case you play steadily.

Most Helpful Perception

“Wow. I used to be actually blown away that this paddle was so fairly priced! I might completely suggest it to others.” —Kristen Geil, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Brooklyn Paddle Co.

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for novice gamers who need a comfortable, cushioned deal with for leisure play.

Why We Love It

Brooklyn Paddle Co.’s Basic Paddle has an exceptionally comfy deal with, perfect for leisure gamers who give attention to enjoyable. The deal with is wrapped in a cushioned, perforated, non-slip, sweat-wicking grip and feels good in each small and huge arms.

Throughout testing, we discovered the light-weight paddle straightforward to manage. After hours of play, we seen no arm or wrist soreness. The form is commonplace, however it feels much less elongated and extra compact than different choices we examined, which made it simpler to maneuver. Plus, the textured carbon fiber floor helps with spin and precision.

Potential Flaws

The light-weight building limits energy hits.
We seen that the sides of the paddle scuffed over time.

Most Helpful Perception

“This paddle has the very best deal with of those I examined: Extremely-padded with spiral traces that helped to stop my hand from shifting. It was very comfy to carry for brief and lengthy video games and would swimsuit all gamers.” —Riddley Schirm, Verywell Match product tester

We love that the deal with is wrapped in a cushioned, perforated, non-slip, sweat-wicking grip.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm
This paddle feels straightforward to manage and compact, and does not really feel heavy, even after lengthy video games.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm

Engage Pickleball Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for intermediate gamers who’ve sweaty arms.

Why We Love It

Have interaction Encore’s Professional Pickleball Paddle has a perforated grip that’s non-slip, sweat-wicking, and stays cool to the contact. One tester, who has notably sweaty arms, appreciated that he didn’t have to fret in regards to the paddle slipping out of his arms throughout quick and highly effective pictures.

We love the beneficiant candy spot and textured floor that assist us hit constantly and with spin. Plus, the fiberglass materials and light-weight really feel ship a fantastic steadiness of energy and management. We additionally seen that it’s straightforward to modify between front-hand and backhand swings because the paddle looks like a seamless extension of our arms.

Potential Flaws

The deal with is a bit brief for a two-handed backhand.

Most Helpful Perception

“This was by far my favourite paddle I examined. The perforated grip is nice for me since I’ve sweaty arms—it by no means slipped or felt free in my hand.” —Chris Ader, Verywell Match product tester

We love that this paddle has a perforated grip that is non-slip and stays cool to the contact.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Chris Ader
The beneficiant candy spot and textured floor assist us hit constantly and with spin.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Chris Ader

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta Paddle

PHOTO: Dicks Sporting Items

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for intermediate to superior gamers who’ve stable management and need extra energy.

Why We Love It

Created from a mixture of fiberglass and carbon fiber, Selkirk’s Vanguard Energy Air Invikta Paddle delivers most energy and management. Throughout testing, we seen that the paddle felt like a pure extension of our arms—making it straightforward to hit energy pictures with precision.

The paddle’s floor, a fantastic steadiness of textured and clean, additionally helps make sure the ball lands the place you need it to. And we discovered that the non-slip grip is comfy to carry and suits nicely in most hand sizes. Displaying no indicators of wear and tear and tear all through testing, we’re assured that this sturdy paddle is constructed to final for aggressive, aggressive play.

Potential Flaws

Whereas nice for energy, we discovered it tough to generate a whole lot of spin with this paddle.

Most Helpful Perception

“This paddle supplied probably the most energy in comparison with another paddle I’ve used and examined.” —Boris Kharlamenko, Verywell Match product tester

The paddle’s floor affords the right steadiness of textured and clean, guaranteeing you hit the ball the place you need it to go.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Alena Kharlamenko
This paddle is comprised of a mixture of fiberglass and carbon fiber and affords most energy and management.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Alena Kharlamenko

PHOTO: Legacy

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for intermediate to superior gamers who need a big candy spot for max management.

Why We Love It

Legacy’s Professional Pickleball Paddle is crafted with an elongated face and a big candy spot to boost your gameplay by offering most ball management. Its intensive floor space and barely weighted tip make the paddle unbelievable for precision aiming with no useless spots. Even with the weighted tip, the paddle feels gentle and simple to maneuver.

Throughout testing, we stated goodbye to sweaty palms because of the perforated grip, which absorbs moisture and feels comfortable in our arms. Plus, the textured floor delivers a nice spin for complicated your opponents. Constructed to final, this paddle’s sturdy carbon fiber floor exhibits no indicators of wear and tear or scuffs, even after rigorous testing periods.

Potential Flaws

Gamers preferring a standard-shaped paddle could discover it takes a while to get used to the slender, elongated form.

Most Helpful Perception

“The slight weight on the tip of the paddle helps with management. I used to be in a position to place pictures very nicely whereas utilizing this paddle.” —Rafa Soriano, Verwell Match product tester

We love that this pickleball paddle has an elongated face and a big candy spot, maximizing management.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Rafa Soriano
This paddle has a weighted tip for higher precision, however nonetheless feels gentle and simple to maneuver.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Rafa Soriano

Joola Ben Johns Hyperion Swift Pickleball Paddle

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for precision gamers who need a paddle to boost their ability.

Why We Love It

Expertise unmatched spin, precision, and management with JOOLA’s Ben Johns Hyperion CFS Swift Pickleball Paddle. Engineered for easy returns on each forehand and backhand pictures, this paddle boasts a beneficiant candy spot that we discovered delivers pinpoint accuracy with each swing. Even with less-than-perfect type, we effortlessly directed the ball precisely the place we needed it to land.

Throughout testing, we additionally seen that the paddle’s extremely textured face makes it straightforward to generate spin. The comfy, sweat-wicking grip enhanced our efficiency throughout intense matches below the solar.

Potential Flaws

Some strikes left impression marks, or scuffs, on the edging across the paddle face, however this didn’t have an effect on the paddle’s total efficiency.

Most Helpful Perception

“My favourite a part of the paddle is that it fixes your errors. Even when I’ve unhealthy type, the ball goes within the route I need it to.” —Boris Kharlamenko, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: OWL

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for superior, aggressive play.

Why We Love It

The Owl CX Paddle’s noise-dampening felt-covered floor successfully reduces impression sound, making it the quietest possibility we examined. However do not let its mushy contact idiot you; it packs a punch, delivering ample energy and pop for aggressive, aggressive play. Plus, we discovered it straightforward to generate spin, protecting our opponents on their toes.

This paddle excels at ball management and precision. Its weight strikes the right steadiness between lightness for management and heaviness for energy—a successful mixture for many gamers. Consolation-wise, it feels good in our arms, and the non-slip grip ensures sweaty palms will not be a difficulty. Regardless of the felt materials, this paddle is reliably sturdy.

Potential Flaws

We love the felt-covered floor for noise management, however we discovered that it attracts and exhibits dust simply.

Most Helpful Perception

“I felt very highly effective hitting with this paddle. It’s totally sturdy and the heaviness permits for lots of drive.” —Smith Carpenter, Verywell Match product tester

We love this paddle’s noise-dampening felt-covered floor that successfully reduces impression sound.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Smith Carpenter
This paddle’s non-slip grip ensures that it will not slip out of our arms as soon as we begin to sweat.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Smith Carpenter

JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14 Pickleball Paddle

PHOTO: JOOLA

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for superior gamers who need to spend money on a top-quality paddle for aggressive play.

Why We Love It

In case you play usually and competitively, investing in high-quality pickleball sneakers, pickleball balls, and a pickleball paddle will help stage up your sport. With a robust, sturdy carbon fiber floor, we love that JOOLA’s Anna Brilliant Scorpeus CFS 14 confirmed no indicators of wear and tear and tear after weeks of aggressive play. Plus, we discovered that the grip is cheesy, sweat-wicking, and comfy.

We additionally love that this paddle permits for fast switching between forehand and backhand, which is important throughout speedy video games. Whereas testing, we discovered that the thick floor delivers a beneficiant energy pop, stable power return, and nice spin. Nonetheless, with all that energy, we may preserve exact management.

Potential Flaws

This paddle delivers an excessive amount of energy and spin for rookies and intermediate-level gamers.

Because of its robust, sturdy carbon fiber floor, this paddle will not present indicators of wear and tear, even after weeks of aggressive play.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Kristen Geil
This paddle permits for fast switching between forehand and backhand throughout play.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Kristen Geil

Most Helpful Perception

“I like this paddle—it’s my all-time favourite up to now.” —Jack Geil, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for intermediate gamers who want a paddle for management and energy.

Why We Love It

With a beneficiant candy spot and comfy grip, PCKL’s Energy Collection Paddle facilitates exact management and ample energy. Its barely textured floor enhances spin, giving us an edge over opponents. The light-weight, edgeless design permits for seamless transitions between forehand and backhand strokes, minimizing pressure on our elbows, even throughout prolonged play periods.

From the preliminary serve to the ultimate level, the sweat-wicking grip ensures constant management and energy. Over time, we have been constantly impressed by the paddle’s enduring sturdiness—it exhibits no indicators of wear and tear even after quite a few matches. Given its distinctive high quality and efficiency on the court docket, we consider this selection affords excellent worth for its worth.

Potential Flaws

We want the deal with was a bit longer in order that gamers with massive arms may comfortably execute two-handed backhands.

Most Helpful Perception

“It fits me nicely as an intermediate participant, however I feel it could additionally work nicely for a newbie or a sophisticated participant.” —Kyle Wegner, Verywell Match product tester

Ronbus R3.16 Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for spin, management, and prolonged attain—particularly for intermediate gamers.

Why We Love It

Ronbus’ R3.16 Uncooked Toray T700 Paddle affords exact management and a nice pop, notably with drop pictures, making it an excellent transition paddle for tennis gamers. The longer deal with is ergonomic and comfy for prolonged and brief play. And we discovered that the size helps with straightforward switches from forehand to two-handed backhand swings.

The light-weight really feel helps us discover a full vary of movement, whereas the textured floor permits for straightforward topspins. Plus, we have been happy to note no indicators of wear and tear after weeks of aggressive play—making this sturdy paddle nice for years on the courts.

Potential Flaws

The grip materials is clean, which makes it slippery when arms get sweaty.
We discovered that the light-weight really feel makes it tough to make energy pictures.

Most Helpful Perception

“This grip is comfy throughout lengthy and brief play. I’d suggest this paddle to an intermediate participant as a result of it excels at including spin.” —Kathryn Braet, Verywell Match product tester

We like that this paddle affords exact management, notably with drop pictures, making it an excellent transition paddle for tennis gamers.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Sophie Lucy
The longer deal with is ergonomic and comfy for prolonged and brief play.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Sophie Lucy

Tangerine Newport R.I. Pickleball Paddle

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for rookies and intermediates who need a trendy paddle for leisure play.

Why We Love It

If you wish to rock as much as the courts in fashion, Tangerine’s Pickleball Paddle is the right pickleball accent—together with a sensible (and classy) pickleball bag. The paddle is available in varied enjoyable colours and patterns, so you’ll be able to cater to your individual aesthetic and even discover a distinctive reward on your pickleball-obsessed good friend. Past fashion, this paddle has some actually nice options, too.

Throughout testing, we appreciated the comfy, non-slip grip and beneficiant candy spot, which helped with total management. We additionally love the tremendous light-weight really feel, which makes it straightforward to modify between forehand and backhand swings. Plus, after months of leisure play, the trendy, sturdy paddle nonetheless seems to be pretty much as good as new.

Potential Flaws

The graceful floor makes it tough to generate spin.
It’s not technical or heavy sufficient for superior energy play.

Most Helpful Perception

“I like all the colours and prints it is available in. I’d positively suggest it to others.” —Clare Moore, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Amazon

Execs

Comes with extra gear
Engaging design particulars
Light-weight really feel for management

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest if you need an entry-level paddle for informal pickleball play.

Why We Love It

To get probably the most out of your buy, go for a set like VINSGUIR’s Pickleball Paddle Set. It comes with 4 balls, two paddles, and one pickleball bag—all at a cheaper price than most of the single paddles on our listing. After thorough testing, we predict it’s a stable selection for funds gamers, rookies, and informal household play.

Along with its distinctive worth, this paddle set boasts exceptional high quality. Regardless of frequent use, spanning over two years of a number of video games per week, these paddles have outperformed pricier alternate options when it comes to sturdiness. The comfy grip ensures extended play with out discomfort, whereas the paddle’s stable management enhances our gameplay.

Potential Flaws

This paddle set is designed for rookies and leisure use, so it’s not the best selection for superior and aggressive play.

Most Helpful Perception

“This set is an unbelievable worth. I’ve purchased it for a lot of of my buddies who’re fascinated about attempting pickleball. I additionally hold a set readily available for buddies to make use of if they’re visiting and need to strive enjoying.” —Rafa Soriano, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: CRBN Pickleball

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for newbie to superior gamers preferring square-shaped paddles for max precision and management.

Why We Love It

Sq.-shaped paddles, like CRBN’s CRBN² Pickleball Paddle, sometimes provide a bigger floor space, offering a extra forgiving candy spot for gamers who prioritize management and accuracy. Throughout testing, we discovered the paddle’s grip harking back to a tennis racquet, offering consolation and a variety of movement. We skilled no fatigue, even after two hours of intense aggressive play.

The sq. paddle face proved invaluable in sustaining management, notably on off-center hits. And its flippantly textured floor helped us effortlessly add spin to the ball. We additionally appreciated the paddle’s responsiveness, permitting us to swiftly alter tempo and execute exact pictures. Plus, its dependable sturdiness over time justifies the premium worth level.

Potential Flaws

This paddle feels lighter than the others we examined, making it barely tougher to make actually highly effective pictures.

Most Helpful Perception

“I LOVE this paddle! I really feel like I’ve full management over the sport whereas utilizing it.” —Meredith Butcher, Verywell Match product tester

Because of its sq. floor, this paddle supplies a extra forgiving candy spot for brand spanking new gamers.
PHOTO: Verywell Match
The paddle’s grip felt just like that of a tennis racquet, offering consolation and a variety of movement.
PHOTO: Verywell Match

Engage Pickleball Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 Standard Pickleball Paddle

PHOTO: Have interaction Pickleball

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for aggressive, aggressive, and frequent pickleball gamers.

Why We Love It

We have been utilizing Have interaction Pickleball’s Pursuit Professional EX 6.0 Paddle for weeks of intense play, and it nonetheless seems to be model new—no scuffs or scratches in sight. Whereas it is designed to deal with superior and aggressive play, we have discovered it equally appropriate for rookies and intermediates, because of its balanced mixture of management and energy.

From sideline dinks to nook pictures, the paddle feels unbelievable in our arms, offering a safe grip and stopping fatigue. We have been pleasantly stunned by how successfully it helped us return highly effective serves. With this paddle, we really feel assured in our means to put the ball exactly the place we would like it. Plus, the burden is good for seamless transitions between forehand and backhand pictures.

Potential Flaws

The paddle’s price may be a deterrent for some, however we consider it is justified given its distinctive high quality and efficiency.

Most Helpful Perception

“It’s a nice paddle. Individuals have commented on how my sport has improved since utilizing it.” —Stacey Wegner, Verywell Match product tester.

Pickleball Paddles We Additionally Examined

In complete, we examined 35 pickleball paddles. Whereas these paddles did have some noteworthy qualities, they did not find yourself assembly our rigorous testing requirements.

We predict Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Wooden Paddle Set is a good worth. Nevertheless, in comparison with the others we examined, it felt heavier and fewer comfy—inflicting wrist fatigue after an prolonged time frame.
The grip on JOOLA’s Ben Johns Hyperion C2 CFS 14 Pickleball Paddle held up on scorching and humid days with out slipping out of our sweaty arms. Nevertheless, it may be tough for newbie and intermediate gamers to manage the ball till they get used to it.
HEAD’s Radical Tour Uncooked EX Pickleball Paddle has an excellent comfy grip and feels gentle in our arms. Nevertheless, in comparison with different paddles we examined, its total efficiency is simply not well worth the worth.

What to Search for When Searching for a Pickleball Paddle

Supplies: When searching for a pickleball paddle, take a look at its core and floor supplies—selecting the best possibility for you’ll rely in your enjoying fashion and ability stage. Sometimes, the core is comprised of a honeycomb polypropylene chamber that helps scale back vibration and distribute power because the paddle contacts a ball. Floor supplies usually embrace carbon fiber (greatest for management), fiberglass (greatest for energy), graphite (greatest for fast pictures), and wooden.
Talent Degree: Pickleball paddles are an funding, so selecting a paddle that may evolve together with your expertise and enjoying fashion is a vital consideration. In case you’re a real newbie nonetheless studying the ins and outs of the sport, chances are you’ll need to go for a lightweight and durable paddle, whereas superior gamers can profit from a powerful paddle that encourages optimum energy and pace.
Taking part in Model: Are you on the lookout for management? Energy? Pace? When deciding on a pickleball paddle, it’s important to think about your private enjoying fashion. Carbon fiber paddles are greatest for management, whereas fiberglass paddles are nice for energy. Some paddles are designed for each.
Weight: The load of your pickleball paddle will have an effect on management and energy. Lighter paddles are greatest for management, whereas heavier paddles may give you extra energy and pace.
Deal with Size and Grip: Choosing the proper deal with size and grip circumference depends upon two issues: your swing fashion and hand measurement. Pickleball paddle handles normally are available a typical size for these with a single-handed backhand swing or a protracted size for these with a two-handed backhand swing. Grip circumference is often round 4 inches, however you could find smaller and bigger choices.
Floor Space and Form: Usually, paddles with a bigger floor space have an even bigger candy spot, so many gamers favor them. Simply make sure you keep inside regulation measurement—based on USA Pickleball, a paddle can’t be longer than 17 inches. (Some however not all of our high picks are USA Pickleball-approved. This designation could also be essential if you wish to be a part of a aggressive pickleball league or event.) As for form, elongated paddles have higher attain, however they might have a smaller candy spot as a result of they’re narrower. Generally used standard-size paddles are an excellent combine between the 2.

How We Examined the Pickleball Paddles

To seek out the very best pickleball paddles available on the market, we swung, hit, and volleyed for over 1,000 hours on the courts. In complete, we examined 35 pickleball paddles from trusted manufacturers, enjoying no less than eight video games with every paddle. Once we check pickleball paddles, we consider them primarily based on the next key standards.

Consolation: In case your pickleball paddle is just too heavy, offers you blisters, or makes your arms sweat, you gained’t benefit from the sport. That’s why we assessed every paddle for consolation stage: How did the grip really feel throughout gameplay? How did our arms and arms really feel after? We prioritize paddles that permit us to comfortably play for hours at a time with none elbow fatigue or pressure.
Grip: The grip’s circumference, size, and materials are all essential concerns. We first examine that every paddle’s grip is sized as described by the producer and whether or not or not it’s appropriate for various hand sizes. We additionally pay attention to how the fabric feels: Cheesy or slippery? Clean or textured? Paddles with non-slip grips that soak up sweat and don’t entice warmth obtain a excessive rating on this class.
Sturdiness: All through the testing interval, we take note of how nicely the paddle holds up after hours of play. We report any indicators of wear and tear and tear, like chips, dents, breakage, free threads, or scratches. We prioritize paddles that feel and look near new after weeks of testing.
Management: Management is important in any racquet sport—whether or not we’re speaking a couple of pickleball, tennis, or padel racket—so we choose pickleball paddles that permit for optimum precision. We consider how straightforward or tough it’s to generate energy, spin, and accuracy, in addition to flip between forehand and backhand swings. We additionally take note of every paddle’s weight and the way it impacts energy and maneuverability.
Worth: After evaluating every paddle over the course of a number of video games, we examine its worth to find out whether or not or not it’s well worth the buy—contemplating every of the beforehand talked about standards. We prioritize paddles that we might personally buy on the listed worth (or for much more).

Pickleball Paddle Testing by the Numbers

35 paddles examined
14 successful paddles
1,000+ hours of testing
Rated 1-5 (5 being the best) for consolation, grip, sturdiness, management, and total worth
4 consultants interviewed

Pickleball Paddle Phrases You Must Know

Our Consultants

We spoke to consultants at every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting for this story. Some helped us higher perceive which key options each pickleball paddle ought to have, whereas others supplied insights that helped inform our testing course of.

Beth Bellamy, skilled pickleball participant and co-founder of the Nationwide Pickleball League
Laurie Coyne, licensed pickleball coach at Aqua Lane Pickleball in Virginia Seaside, Virginia
Wayne Dollard, skilled pickleball participant and founding father of Pickleball Journal and LevelUp Camps
Laurel Heilman, licensed pickleball coach along with her personal apply in Pittsburgh

Verywell Match / Alex Zeng

Incessantly Requested Questions

How a lot must you spend on a pickleball paddle?

Most high-quality pickleball paddles will price between $100 and $180. Inexpensive paddles may not be as sturdy, whereas dearer paddles could have high-tech options that rookies and intermediate gamers don’t want.

What are the most well-liked pickleball paddles?

Our consultants selected Selkirk, Joola, and Have interaction as a few of their favourite manufacturers. Aggressive gamers should select a USA Pickleball-approved regulation paddle. If an accredited paddle is essential to you, cross-reference your selection before you purchase.

How have you learnt what measurement pickleball paddle you want?

Normal paddles are the commonest, however larger-faced paddles have turn into fashionable as they’ve an even bigger candy spot for hitting the ball. Elongated paddles have a greater attain however are narrower, limiting the scale of the candy spot.

Is it higher to have a lighter or heavier pickleball paddle?

Heavier paddles are higher for energy pictures, whereas lighter paddles are simpler to maneuver. Testing paddles of various weights is an effective way to seek out the very best match on your enjoying fashion and ability stage.

What’s the lifespan of a pickleball paddle?

You’ll know when it’s time to change your paddle when it stops performing. The core will begin to deaden, Coyne says, and the paddle gained’t be responsive anymore. As a tough guideline, in case you play three days per week, three hours per session, your paddle ought to final for round a 12 months.

Why Belief Verywell Match

Amy Scanlin is a health author, licensed group health teacher, and pickleball fanatic who enjoys court docket time with household and buddies. With gear being an integral part of the sport, she chooses merchandise primarily based on skilled steering, suggestions from our exams, in addition to her personal expertise. As an intermediate participant, she seems to be for paddles with a bigger face, which might be properly weighted and are thought of dependable and reliable by those that have tried them.