Pickleball paddle technology is changing at a rapid pace and the race of the best pickleball paddles is only picking up speed.
A pickleball paddle that was top of the line just a few years ago, heck even just a few months ago, could be lacking in some great new features that will help improve your game today.
If you’re reading this, you are probably aware of that and are you’re out to find the best pickleball paddles on the market today.
Picking the right pickleball paddle can be a game-changer, quite literally. It’s not just about the aesthetics, but the feel, paddle weight, grip size, spin and so much more.
In this blog post, I rank and review the best pickleball paddles on the market. From budget-friendly options to pro-level pickleball paddles, I’ve got it all covered.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear idea of the best pickleball paddles on the market.
Let’s get started!
What Are The Best Pickleball Paddles?
Best Pickleball Paddle Overall
JOOLA Perseus Ben Johns CFS 16
The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle tops our list as the best pickleball paddle overall.
JOOLA is just crushing it with their pickleball paddles. Before the new release of this Ben Johns Perseus Pickleball Paddle was the Hyperion. The Hyperion was an amazing pickleball paddle that was top on our list. Now, the new release Perseus is even better and has taken over the top spot as the best pickleball paddle overall.
There are some minor differences between these two pickleball paddles but the updates to this new Joola Ben Johns pickleball paddle do make a major impact on the paddle performance.
The first is the shape, specifically at the top of the paddle. This pickleball paddle has more rounded corners and a flat top creating a nice elongated shape. This helps with full-extension reach shots that may get hit toward the top of the paddle. This reduces the chances of mishits and improves your chances of success.
Another difference you may feel in the new Joola Ben Johns is in the core of this pickleball paddle.
The core is a 16mm Reactive Honeycomb Polymer core. I found that the new core seems to offer more pop, specifically when I had smaller swing shots like volleys and dinks at the net.
It is a nice medium-weight pickleball paddle weighing in at 8.0 ounces, and gives you plenty of power and precision.
The 11” by 7.5″ Carbon Friction Surface face and 5.5″ long handle contribute to its unique shape, which adds leverage and power. I really found the 5.5” handle to be great for two-handed backhands which I love.
The handle is wrapped in JOOLA’s tacky Sure Grip which is soft and comfortable. I felt the elongated shape helped to increase swing speed on drives and overheads.
The stiff “charged” carbon fiber face allowed the ball to compress and linger on the face slightly longer. It gave me good control and spin, keeping my shots within the lines and where I wanted them
The honeycomb design, injected hyper foam around the edges, and thermoformed construction make a perfect balance between pop, vibration dampening, and a large sweet spot. This combination gives you accurate dinking, good control in your drops, and placing returns deep in the court.
The paddle also includes a 1/8″ edge guard overlapping the face of the paddle for good protection.
In conclusion, the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16 Carbon Fiber Paddle lives up to its reputation, providing the power and control that players need. It’s no surprise that a pickleball paddle that bears the name of Ben Johns comes in on top of our best pickleball paddles list!
Pros & Cons of the Joola Perseus
Joola Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16 Specs
Best Pickleball Paddle For Power
Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta
The Selkirk PowerAir Invikta Pickleball Paddle, Tyson McGuffin Signature Series, is an exceptional paddle designed specifically for power players. Many tops pros use this paddle as well as many other Selkirk Pickleball Paddles.
I personally love the look of this pickleball paddle. AND I loved playing with it! It was way different than the Joola, but once I settled in things really began to come together in my game. It did take a little to adjust to, but once I did it was lights out!!
This paddle delivers an outstanding combination of power, control, and spin, just the way Tyson McGuffin likes it! A true power paddle!
What I really like about the Selkirk PowerAir Invikta Paddle is how easy it was to generate massive spin and powerful drives. The ProSpin+ NextGen Texture was great for generating spin so I could get some good shape on the ball.
Another cool thing about the Invikta power Paddle is that it has a larger sweet spot compared to most traditional power paddles. This is due to the innovative QuadFlex 4-Layer Hybrid Face. This face is a blend of Fiberflex and Quantum+ carbon layers and offers both power and control.
I could really strike the ball with some big power. I loved it. And I didn’t lose control when I did.
It’s a great paddle for an aggressive playing style.
So it’s super cool looking but what is that hole at the top of the handle?
It’s the Air Dynamic Throat and that helps increase swing speed by providing maximum flex. The larger throat design also enhances airflow, resulting in higher swing speeds.
It is important to note that this is an edgeless paddle. The Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology, combined with the FlexFoam Perimeter, increases edge reliability and absorbs vibrations. But it is prone to a little more damage from when your paddle may hit the ground.
The Selkirk PowerAir Invikta Paddle’s elongated shape and long handle certainly help with that power. The Invikta design, crafted by one of the top-rated players in the world, Tyson McGuffin, provides a bigger sweet spot than other elongated pickleball paddles.
I liked and could really feel the SuperCore Polymer Honeycomb Core. It had good feel and of course power.
Its exceptional design, advanced technologies, and superior craftsmanship make it a top choice if you are looking for an aggressive pickleball paddle.
In conclusion, the Selkirk PowerAir Invikta Pickleball Paddle earns its spot as the best pickleball paddle for aggressive players. I loved the great spin generation, larger sweet spot, relentless power, and surprising control.
This is no doubt one of the best pickleball paddles on the market!
Pros & Cons of the Power Air Invikta
Selkirk Power Air Invikta Specs
Best Pickleball Paddle For Spin
CRBN 1X Power Series
The CRBN 1X Power Series Pickleball Paddle is an exceptional paddle that has secured its spot as the best pickleball paddle for spin. And for good reason. This pickleball paddle is an outstanding combination of power, control, and comfort.
One of the best things about the CRBN 1X Power Series Paddle is its massive sweet spot. This is due to the specially designed foam injected throughout the edges and handle. This will help you improve your shot consistency and overall control so you can make those precise point winning shots.
The T700 Toray Carbon Fiber Surface on the CRBN 1X gives you tons of spin and grit. This surface provides industry-leading spin and dwell time.
Another key feature of this paddle is its unibody design. Unlike other brands that attach the handle to a separate paddle face, CRBN utilizes a unibody design with carbon fiber running from the face down through the handle. This design choice stiffens the paddle, making it more responsive and durable.
In conclusion, the CRBN 1X Power Series Pickleball Paddle is an outstanding choice for those looking for a power-focused carbon fiber paddle. With its massive sweet spot, foam-injected edge walls, T700 Toray Carbon Fiber Surface, reinforced unibody construction, and fortified handle, this paddle truly offers a winning combination of durability, control, and speed.
Pros & Cons of the CRBN 1X Power
CRBN 1X Power Specs
Best Pickleball Paddle For Tennis Players
ProXR Zane Navratil Signature Paddle
The ProXR Zane Navratil Signature Pickleball Paddle is a great-looking pickleball paddle that provides you with really great control, just like Zane Navratil demands.
The Zane Navratil Signature Paddle uses an Ultra Raw T700 carbon fiber face. The face has great grit to it and you can feel it. This face provides minimal flexibility and ample grip on the ball so good control and spin.
Former tennis players really like this paddle. Power. Spin. The long handle. It all makes sense for tennis players
We had the 14mm honeycomb core on our tester paddle. I felt good solid consistent play with low vibration. I also liked the sweet spot on this paddle. Again, I really felt my old tennis player coming out while I was using this paddle. This big sweet spot increased my confidence and I felt very in control of my shots.
To complement its exceptional control, the Zane Navratil Signature Paddle has an ultra-extended 6″ long handle. This extended handle is wrapped in a Performance-Tac grip which gave me plenty of room for two handed backhands (which I do enjoy) and felt an increase in swing speed.
I definitely had some powerful drives (again a plus for tennis players). The combination of control and power gave me the ability to adapt to different playing styles and exploit their weaknesses with strategic play and well-executed shots.
The paddle weighs 8.2 oz. Even though it is a slightly heavier paddle, It was easy to maneuver and had the power I enjoy.
In conclusion, the ProXR Zane Navratil Signature Pickleball Paddle is no doubt one of the best pickleball paddles on the market today. You get exceptional control, spin, and power. With its Ultra Raw T700 carbon fiber face, honeycomb core, and extended handle design, this pickleball paddle gives you everything you need to excel while you play pickleball.
Pros & Cons Of The Zane Navratil Paddle
ProXR Zane Navratil Specs
Best Pickleball Paddle For Forgiveness
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Paddle is the best pickleball paddle for forgiveness.
This paddle is becomming somewhat “legendary” in the game. It builds off the success of the original Tempest Wave but this one incorporates Smart Response Technology. With this, you get a strong feel from the paddle yet still have good sensitivity. Paddletek is a leader in pickleball paddles.
The Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Paddle has a broader and more forgiving sweet spot. Super forgiving. Hardly felt a mishit with this paddle, and those that were still came off the face with ease. That includes when I was dinking and driving the ball. Really nice.
Which leads me to the power. Even thought it is more of a control-oriented paddle, the Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle doesn’t sacrifice power. It maintains the impressive power that the Tempest model line is known for, so you can still get those powerful shots when you want. This pickleball paddle is a nice balance of control and power, giving you the best of both worlds.
I really like the option that it comes with a choice of either a thin or thick grip, so you can choose the style that feels best in your hand. The 5-1/4″ long handle is good for extra space for grip adjustments, enabling you to optimize your reach or control according to your playing style.
The Tempest Wave Pro has an 8 inch wide graphite face with that nice sweet spot. The generous sweet spot provides accuracy and forgiveness, allowing you to consistently deliver accurate shots and maintain control. With every hit, you can expect great accuracy and power.
It has a nice balanced weight giving you some good swing spead and quick manueverability at the net. Whether you’re executing lightning-fast volleys or defending against powerful shots, this paddle offers the responsiveness needed.
In conclusion, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Paddle is a fantastic choice for those looking for a paddle that excels in control, power, and forgiveness.
Pros & Cons Of The Tempest Wave Pro
Tempest Wave Pro Specs
Looking for a beginner friendly paddle? We reviewed 17 of the best pickleball paddles for beginners!
Best Pickleball Paddle For Large Sweet Spot
Selkirk Amped S2
The Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle offers a great combination of control and responsiveness. As part of Selkirk’s Amped line, the S2 model is known for its largest surface area and sweet spot.
The FiberFlex face on the Amped S2 Paddle really helped enhance the accuracy of my shots. The unique FiberFlex face allowed for great control and shot placement. Whether I was dinking or ripping a drive, the S2 was super consistent and accurate.
The X5 core of the Amped S2 Paddle is something that is a little different and you could hear it. Definitely a little quieter thatn a lot of other paddles I tested. If noise level is an issue where you play this could be a good option for you.
Options…I like options. There are two weight options: 8.2 oz (Standard Weight) or 7.6 oz (Light Weight) light paddle which allows you the ability to choose the weight that suits your playing style. No lead tape needed!
The handle of the paddle is slightly shorter than other models in the Amped line to accommodate the larger face, so this is not ideal if you like a two handed backhand.
The Selkirk Amped S2 Paddle incorporates modern pickleball paddle technology to provide you with powerful and controlled play.
The EdgeSentry™ low-profile, lightweight, and durable edge guard does a nice job protecting it during intense games. The FiberFlex™ fiberglass technology of the face creates an excellent surface for spin. The Comfort Grip™ cushioning material offers a comfortable and confident hold.
In conclusion, the Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle is a versatile paddle that excels in control, power, and responsiveness.
Pros & Cons of the Selkirk Amped S2
Selkirk Amped S2 Specs
Best Pickleball Paddle For Touch
Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro
The Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro Pickleball Paddle takes the already impressive control and power of the regular Bantam EX-L paddle and makes it better.
Paddletek’s advanced core technology really improves the performance of this paddle, giving it great touch and pop. With a slightly larger face, the Bantam EX-L Pro shows the dedication and quality of work you can expect from Paddletek to help improve this competitive paddle.
One of the noticeable improvements of the Bantam EX-L Pro is its updated polymer core. This core is thicker than its predecessor, for better touch and pop that you will appreciate on the court. With the increased thickness I felt a very solid feel while I was playing and able to execute precise shots with ease. The result is a paddle that offers both control and power, giving you the versatility to excel in various playing styles.
Weighing between 8.2 and 8.8 ounces, the Bantam EX-L Pro would be considered a slightly heavier paddle in terms of weight. For a heavier paddle you still get a controlled and maneuverable paddle will stability and responsiveness. The 7-7/8″ width of the paddle provides ample surface area for ball contact, giving you the confidence to execute shots with precision.
The Bantam EX-L Pro offers handle options in both small and large grip sizes so you to choose the size that best suits your hand. The handle length of 4-1/2″ may be slighly shorter but still ensures a comfortable grip and good control during play.
The Smart Response Technology is really nice. You get explosive yet controlled hits. The velvet-textured polycarbonate surface enhances spin so you can easily add spin to your shots when needed.
In conclusion, the Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro Pickleball Paddle offers an exceptional balance of control and power, making it a go-to choice for players looking to master the soft game while maintaining the ability to put away shots. With its advanced core technology, larger face, and stylish design, this paddle meets the demands of the competitive player.
Pros & Cons of the Bantam EX-L Pro
Bantam EX-L Pro Specs
Best Pickleball Paddle For Balanced Play
SLK HALO MAX
The SLK Halo Max Pickleball Paddle by Selkirk is just an overall great paddle to play with. It is a top notch paddle designed at an affordable price. The paddle is super versitle which makes it great for many different playing styles. Its hard to find someone who doesn’t enjoy playing with this paddle.
The SLK Halo Max is available in two core thickness options: the 13mm thick “Power Core” and the 16mm thick “Control Core.” These core variations allow you to choose the paddle that best compliments your playing style.
The Power Core with its 13mm thickness offers very solid power, while the Control Core with its 16mm thickness provides excellent control. The Rev-Core Polymer core technology is felt with both types of play.
The SLK Halo Max has a wide face with a generous sweet spot, making it a really nice choice for power and control-balanced players. The expanded sweet spot allows players to hit more consistent dinks, overhead slams, and drives.
The T700 raw carbon fiber face of the SLK Halo Max utilizes Raw Spin Technology, so you can add spin to your game. The combination of the wide face and Raw Spin Technology is super nice to be able to incorporate a lot of variations to your game keeping your opponents off balanced.
Both the Power and Control models of the SLK Halo Max have an overall length of 16″, a width of 7.85″, and a handle length of 4.85″. These dimensions provide a balanced feel and good maneuverability on the court.
The paddle comes with a faux leather grip that feels secure and comfortable to hold.
In conclusion, the Selkirk SLK Halo Max Pickleball Paddle is a great combination of power, control, and spin. It has two core thickness options, a broad face, uses Raw Spin Technology, and has a thoughtful design making this paddle a dream to play with.
Whether you prioritize power or control, the SLK Halo Max has a configuration to match your game.
Pros & Cons of the SLK HALO MAX
SLK HALO MAX Specs
Best Pickleball Paddle For Pop
JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14
The JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is yet another high-performance paddle from Joola. This paddle offers exceptional performance in all aspects of the game.
The Anna Bright Scorpeus Paddle has a 14mm Reactive Honeycomb Polymer core. This core technology, recently introduced to the JOOLA line, delivers really nice levels of rebound and pop. The core provides great pop and responsiveness. I really enjoyed that at the kitchen.
To further enhance power, the Anna Bright Scorpeus Paddle uses a 5.25″ handle wrapped in JOOLA’s Sure Grip. The handle’s design not only provides a comfortable and secure grip but also adds swing speed, so you can rip big drives down the middle. The added swing speed allows you to generate more power without sacrificing control.
Despite its power-focused design, the Anna Bright Scorpeus Paddle offers plenty of control elements as well. The 11.75″ by 8″ Carbon Friction Hitting Surface is a standout feature in terms of control. The squared-up shape, hyper foam-injected edges, and thermoformed construction allow for an expanded sweet spot that practically reaches from corner to corner.
This larger sweet spot offers forgiveness on miss-hits, helping to keep even off-center shots effective and in play. The rough-textured “charged” carbon fiber surface adds some extra bite to the ball, so you can spin and cut your shots when you want.
The Anna Bright Scorpeus Paddle maintains a midweight design, with an average weight of 7.8 ounces. This weight allows for easy maneuverability, so you have the ability to reload quickly and play effective defense when you’re not dictating the point.
In conclusion, the JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a pro-level paddle that combines impressive power with plenty of spin and control.
Pros & Cons Of the JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus
JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus Specs
Best Pickleball Paddle Under $100
Vinsguir Viento X23
The Vinsguir Viento X23 Pickleball Paddle is a nice paddle that stands out as the best pickleball paddle under $100 on our list. Tis pickleball paddle offers incredible performance and value for players of all skill levels.
Similar to some Joola’s the Viento X23 Paddle has curved head corners. This design improves speed and maneuverability on the court, allowing you to react quickly and maneuver with ease.
The 16mm Core of the Viento X23 Paddle helps to reduce vibration and add control. It feels very solid when I play with it and the pop was great. Very impressed for a paddle at this price point.
The Carbon Friction Surface of the Viento X23 Paddle is another noteworthy feature, and again, similar to Joola’s. I can get great spin from this paddle and still has power behind the ball. The innovative RTL Textured Surface Technology, developed by Vinsguir, ensures that every shot delivers maximum spin potential.
The handle is decent. Might be my only issue really with the paddle and its not a major issue. Its a little small and feels a little “cheap” but overall its a pretty easy fix with some grip tape.
The Vinsguir Viento X23 Paddle has a premium multi-layer construction. The combination of an Abrasion Sand-Blasting Process, Premium Carbon Fiber, and a 16mm Honeycomb Core offers durability, reduced vibration, and control.
The Viento X23 Paddle has a nice large sweet spot and large face. The larger sweet spot provides more forgiveness, so you can still get off a good shot even with a slight mis hit!
In conclusion, the Vinsguir Viento X23 Pickleball Paddle is the best pickleball paddle under $100, offering exceptional performance and value.
Pros & Cons of the Vinsguir Viento X23
Best Pickleball Paddle Under $50
Niupipo MX-33
The Niupipo MX-33 Pickleball Paddle is a really good paddle that offers good performance as an entry level paddle at an amazing price.
As the best pickleball paddle under $50 on our list, it shows that a cheap pickleball paddle doesn’t have to compromise quality. With its USAPA certification, durable construction, supreme comfort, and lightweight design, this paddle is a winning choice for pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels.
The MX-33 Paddle has a honeycomb core and a fiberglass surface. The honeycomb core improves the strength of the paddle while reducing its weight. This combination enhances ball control and power, allowing you to make precise shots and enjoy consistent performance.
The grip is made of moisture-wicking, sweat-wicking, and non-slip fabric. This feature allows you to maintain control and focus without distraction. The grip circumference of 4.25 inches and length of 4.8 inches makes it suitable for most players to achieve a firm grip, however, some might prefer a longer handle.
The MX-33 Paddle is a lightweight pickleball paddle, weighing approximately 7.62-8 ounces. This lightweight construction reduces stress on the wrists and shoulders, allowing you to play longer without fatigue or strain on your arm or elbow.
Despite being a lighter paddle, it provides great control, thanks to its generous surface size of 10.87″ L x 7.80″ W x 0.42″ H. This larger surface area ensures good ball control and added confidence.
In conclusion, the Niupipo MX-33 Pickleball Paddle is an exceptional value as the best pickleball paddle under $50. With its USAPA certification, durable honeycomb core, reliable fiberglass surface, supreme comfort, lightweight design, and protective cover, this paddle is impressive at an affordable price.
Pros & Cons of the Niupipo MX-33
What Are The Different Types of Pickleball Paddles?
Pickleball Paddle Materials
- Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles: These paddles have a smooth surface that allows for a good amount of spin and accuracy. They are durable and often used by intermediate to advanced players.
- Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles: Known for being a lighter paddle that is strong, carbon fiber paddles offer excellent responsiveness and control. They are usually more expensive than other types but are favored by many professional players.
- Graphite Pickleball Paddles: Graphite paddles are extremely popular due to their lightweight and high durability. They provide superior touch and are preferred by players of all skill levels.
- Composite Pickleball Paddles: A composite paddle is a type of pickleball paddle that’s made from a blend of different materials, often offering a balance between power and control. Composite paddles are a popular choice among players of all skill levels due to this combination of power and control and offer a nice mid weight pickleball paddle.
- Wooden Pickleball Paddles: Wooden paddles are the original pickleball paddle material. Wooden paddles are heavier and less responsive than other materials but can be a cost-effective option for beginners.
- Hybrid Pickleball Paddles: Hybrid pickleball paddles combine different materials to take advantage of the benefits of each. For example, a paddle might have a graphite core for lightness and touch, with a fiberglass surface for power and spin.
Different Pickleball Paddle Shapes
- Standard Pickleball Paddles: These pickleball paddles have a traditional shape that offers a good balance of power and control.
- Elongated Paddles: These pickleball paddles are longer and narrower, which can enhance reach and control but may sacrifice some power. Tennis players typically like the elongated shape while they play pickleball.
- Wide-Body Paddles: These pickleball paddles have a wider hitting surface, which can enhance power and make it easier to hit the ball, but they can be more difficult to maneuver.
Each shape of pickleball paddle has its advantages and disadvantages, so the best one for you depends on your playing style and preferences.
Looking for an entire pickleball set to get started? Check our list of the best pickleball paddles sets under $100!
Conclusion
So there you have it: my rankings for the best pickleball paddles on the market today.
Like I said when I started this post, the game is changing rapidly and the pickleball technology that is being incorporated into the new paddles is just awesome. It is so fun to be able to try and test new paddles.
So which of these pickleball paddles is the right pickleball paddle for you?
All I can say is try out as many as you can. Try your friends. Demo, rent, whatever it may be. The best pickleball paddle depends on your skill level and personal preferences.
We know its hard to choose, so check out our guide if you need help.
Get out there and start playing! But remember, no matter which of the pickleball paddles you choose, the most important thing is to have fun out there on the court!
