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Pickleball has been rising in popularity in recent years and with it, a wide range of pickleball paddles designed for every kind of player. If you’re new to the game, picking out your own paddle can seem like a daunting task, but we’re here to help you find the best option for you to dominate the court.
Meet the Experts: Tyson McGuffin, pickleball pro and Skechers Pickleball Athlete, Catherine Parenteau, pickleball pro and Skechers Pickleball Athlete.
If this game is still a new concept for you and pickleball sounds like a potentially smelly food fight, here’s a quick explainer: Pickleball is a combination of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. Just about anyone at any age level or athletic ability can pick it up and enjoy it. The court is a quarter the size of a tennis court, uses a lighter Wiffle ball, and has a paddle that is larger than a ping-pong paddle but smaller than a tennis racket.
Intrigued? We know we are. So to prep you for your first match, or maybe your 50th, we’re here to set you up with the right pickleball paddle for you. With the help of pickleball pros, Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau, we’ve selected the best pickleball paddle for every kind of player.
Our top picks
1
Best Overall Pickleball Paddle
Selkirk Sport Amped Pickleball Paddle
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2
3
4
5
Best for Advanced Players
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle
Read more
6
7
8
9
10
Most Stylish
Recess Pickleball Pickleball Paddle
Read more
Ready, set, pickle! Below, find the best pickleball paddle for you to dominate your next game.
1
Best Overall Pickleball Paddle
Selkirk Sport Amped Pickleball Paddle
1
Best Overall Pickleball Paddle
Selkirk Sport Amped Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Large sweet spot
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
This paddle is a great option for any player—beginner or pro. Selkirk, a favorite brand of McGuffin and Parenteau (according to the Professional Pickleball Association), makes a variety of top-rated paddles in many different styles, but the S2 has the largest surface area of all Selkirk paddles and most other paddles in the market—hence the largest sweet spot on the face of your paddle for peak performance. It comes in a variety of fun colorways and reviewers rave about the power and control that the paddle provides. One reviewer writes, “Excellent paddle. Very light. Definitely more power and control. Sound is even quieter!”
| Face | Fiberglass |
|---|---|
| Core | Polypropylene |
| Weight | 7.9-8.4 oz |
| Dimensions | 15.75” x 8” |
| Grip Circumference | 4.25” |
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Affordable
- Comes with paddle cover
Cons
- Not as durable
If you’re new to the sport and don’t want to commit to a pricey paddle just yet, this budget-friendly pick is a great choice for you. This affordable paddle has all the accouterments you can expect from higher-end options—just with a bit less promise on power. It’s “good for beginner and intermediate play,” writes one pickleballer who’s played with this paddle for about 16 months. “Sufficient power but not a power paddle. Acceptable sweet spot, few mish*ts. [I’m] on [my] second paddle because [the] first developed a shiver even on center hits.”
| Face | Graphite |
|---|---|
| Core | Polymer |
| Weight | 8 oz |
| Dimensions | 15.5" x 7.9" |
| Grip circumference | 4.25" |
3
Best for Beginners
Joola Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle
3
Best for Beginners
Joola Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle
Now 33% Off
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Good option for beginners
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers think handle is too small
For those who are new to the world of pickleball, it can be helpful to rely on a popular brand (like Joola) for an all-around performance paddle to properly introduce you to the game. According to the brand, this pick is ideal for players “working on developing their shots.” One Amazon reviewer writes, “This paddle is great for a beginner who maybe has some racquet experience or a more experienced player who wants a balance of control and power.”
| Face | Fiberglass |
|---|---|
| Core | Honeycomb polymer |
| Weight | 8.2 oz |
| Dimensions | 15.5” x 7.9” |
| Grip Circumference | 4" |
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4
Best for Intermediate Players
Head Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle
4
Best for Intermediate Players
Head Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- More power for higher skill levels
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Smooth surface may impact spin
If you’ve dabbled on the court and already have a feel for the game, this pick from Head may be a good fit for you. A larger sweet spot and more power means that you can level-up your skills on the court in no time. “When I got into pickleball, I wanted to upgrade from my basic cheap paddle,” writes one intermediate player. “This was my first quality paddle, [and] this is one of the best beginner paddles. Not much dinking happens when you are a beginner, so it’s definitely more of a power paddle.”
| Face | Graphite |
|---|---|
| Core | Polypropylene |
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
| Dimensions | 16” x 7.875” |
| Grip circumference | 3.785” |
5
Best for Advanced Players
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle
5
Best for Advanced Players
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Textured surface for more control,
- Ideal for advanced skills
Cons
- Pricey
Now, if you’re a more seasoned player who has multiple seasons under your belt, you want to invest in a paddle to match your skill. This paddle promises to deliver accuracy, power, and balanced weight to increase your finesse, speed, and maneuverability. Available in multiple colors, this paddle is worth the extra penny. One Amazon reviewer puts it simply: “My game went from a two to a ten with this paddle.”
| Face | Carbon fiber |
|---|---|
| Core | Honeycomb polymer |
| Weight | 8 oz |
| Dimensions | 15.75” x 8” |
| Grip circumference | 4.375“ |
6
Most Versatile
Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddles
6
Most Versatile
Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddles
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Designed for competitive play
- Longer handle
Cons
- Some users cite paddle lost some grit after intense play
Serious players will appreciate the premium quality of this paddle from Franklin, a leader in the industry. The “Max Grit” textured surface is designed to provide greater traction on the surface of the ball for increased spin. It also features a long handle, which allows you to make two-handed shots. “This paddle gives me the ball control that I needed,” one happy Amazon reviewer writes. “It has the slightly textured surface that provides spins while playing.”
| Face | Fiberglass |
|---|---|
| Core | Polypropylene |
| Weight | 7.5-8 oz |
| Dimensions | 16.5” x 7.5” |
| Grip circumference | 4.25” |
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7
Most Durable
Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddles
7
Most Durable
Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddles
Now 18% Off
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Great for all levels
- Available in 13 colorways
Cons
- Some players say the grip is a bit short
Whether you are just starting to get in the rhythm of playing pickleball or you’ve been playing at an amateur level for a while, you may want to invest in a paddle that will grow with you as a player. Reviewers say this pick from Onix lasts longer than many of its competitors, and the elongated shape allows you to generate loads of power without sacrificing control. “As a beginner who was advancing quickly, I wanted a light paddle at a reasonable price which balanced power and control,” one Amazon customer writes. “After playing consistently for months, I am very happy with my choice and happy I didn’t buy a very inexpensive beginner paddle because I didn’t need to trade up as I improved.”
| Face | Graphite |
|---|---|
| Core | Nomex |
| Weight | 7.5-8.2 oz |
| Dimensinos | 15.5” x 8.125” |
| Grip circumference | 4.25” |
8
Best Bundle
PCKL Pickleball Starter Bundle Series
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Affordable
- Durable Wiffle balls included
Cons
- Not designed for advanced play
Whether you’re a beginner lacking equipment or a seasoned player who needs a fresh set of paddles and Wiffle balls, this starter bundle from PCKL has everything you may need. Including two paddles and four Wiffle balls for only $65, this bundle is not only a convenient one-stop-shop purchase, but it’s also incredibly well-priced compared to similar paddles on the market. One happy Amazon reviewer calls it “a great starter set,” adding, “[It’s] something I will continue to use as a beginner pickleball player.”
| Face | Fiberglass |
|---|---|
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Weight | 7.5 oz |
| Dimensions | 16” x 8” |
| Grip circumference | 4.125” |
9
Best Splurge
Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle
9
Best Splurge
Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle
Now 27% Off
Pros
- USA Pickleball approved
- Maximum power and control
- Professionally used
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for beginners
This pick is on the pricier side, but it’s well worth the extra investment if you are a dedicated, competitive pickleballer. This paddle is used by Ben Johns, per the brand, the number-one pickleball player in the world! The curve of the head is designed to minimize drag and boost swing speed, while the large sweet spot provides plenty of power. One reviewer actually attributes his increasing skill to this paddle. “I’m a relative beginner, and this paddle makes a big difference. I’m still getting better, and some of the credit goes to having a decent paddle now.”
| Face | Carbon fiber |
|---|---|
| Core | Honeycomb polymer |
| Weight | 8.2 oz |
| Dimensions | 16.5” x 7.5” |
| Grip circumference | 4.125” |
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10
Most Stylish
Recess Pickleball Pickleball Paddle
10
Most Stylish
Recess Pickleball Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- Stylish designs to choose from
- Comes with paddle cover
- Good performance
Cons
- Expensive
Sometimes style can help you dominate on the court just as much as your swing can. Recess pickleball paddles have become recognizable due to their stunning designs, and while pricier than some other options, they look worth the cost. But there’s style and substance with this pick: The sanded texture gives extra spin and control. One design-oriented reviewer writes, “If you are looking to get into pickleball but don’t want to go with a boring-looking paddle, Recess is exactly what you need. All my friends were so jealous!”
| Face | Fiberglass |
|---|---|
| Core | Honeycomb polypropylene |
| Weight | 7.5–8 oz |
| Dimensions | 15.67” x 7.8” |
| Grip circumference | 4.25” |
How to choose the best pickleball paddle
Before buying, the pickleball pros suggest you consider these factors when picking the paddle that’s right for you.
Skill level: Your skill level is going to play a huge part in determining what type of paddle you need, says McGuffin. “Beginners generally want paddles that are more forgiving, have a bigger hitting zone, and play a little softer. More experienced players may want to try something that has more power, spin, a small hit zone, and maybe is a little tougher to play with.”
Stick to a brand you like: If you like a certain paddle brand and like the materials, weight, grip, and overall feel, “I would stick with that brand,” says McGuffin. “In my experience, each paddle manufacturer generally puts a stamp on their product by the grip, weight distribution, and overall feel.”
Demo it yourself: “My number one recommendation when shopping for a paddle is to demo it,” says Parenteau. There are some sites that will give you a 30-day money back guarantee, so if you try out the paddle and it doesn’t work for you for any reason, you can return it for a full refund. “Everyone is different, so try as many paddles as you can to see what you like and what works for you,” says Parenteau.
What makes a pickleball paddle unique?
A pickleball paddle is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping pong paddle, explains Parenteau. There are no strings like a tennis racquet. There are also size limits that determine the dimensions of a paddle, Parenteau points out. “For example, the combined length and width of a paddle cannot exceed 24 inches.”
The shape, materials, weight, and overall feel of the pickleball paddle is what makes it unique, adds McGuffin. The shape of the paddle can allow swing speed to be slow or fast based on the overall shape. Materials play a big part in the whole build of the paddle and how soft or stiff the paddle will be, and weight distribution can allow for more power or less, he explains. “You cannot use a tennis racquet or ping pong ball because simply with a tennis racquet you would have too much power and with a ping pong paddle you wouldn’t have enough power.”
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How we chose the best pickleball paddles
We consulted pickleball pros Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau, as well as considered numerous online reviews and verified customer opinions to ensure we picked the best pickleball paddle for every kind of player. All of the picks on our list are USA Pickleball approved and have an overall rating of 4.3 out of five stars or higher from thousands of customer reviewers.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Madeleine Haase
Madeleine, Prevention’s assistant editor, has a history with health writing from her experience as an editorial assistant at WebMD, and from her personal research at university. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience—and she helps strategize for success across Prevention’s social media platforms.
