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

Pickleball gives a difficult cardio exercise, improves stability, 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 melancholy. However no pickleball recreation is full and not using a high quality pickleball paddle. Selecting the perfect pickleball paddle for you relies upon largely in your ability stage and taking part in model. Rookies 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 might profit from a medium-weight, textured paddle with nice energy potential and spin.

To seek out the perfect pickleball paddles for each participant, we interviewed 4 specialists—two licensed pickleball coaches and two skilled pickleball gamers—for recommendation on key options to search for when purchasing. We then performed for over 1,000 hours on the courts, testing 35 expert-approved paddles. Our prime picks obtained excessive scores for consolation, grip, sturdiness, management, and worth. We additionally had a bodily therapist and RRCA-certified run coach evaluate 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 here are some vital pickleball phrases you will need to remember:

Energy: Energy refers to how exhausting and quick you hit the ball. Intermediate and superior gamers who’ve strong paddle management might wish to go for a heavier paddle constructed from a fiberglass floor materials that delivers additional weight and density for energy photographs.
Management: Management is about hitting the ball with precision. Novice and intermediate gamers ought to choose a light-weight paddle constructed from a carbon fiber floor materials that makes it simpler to goal the ball.
Spin: Once you hit a ball with spin—that means it rotates because it travels by way of the air—it may be tougher in your opponent to hit it again, doubtlessly 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 constructed from polymer or polypropylene in a honeycomb chamber that helps restrict vibration and distribute power as you hit the ball.
Candy Spot: Once 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 might be made with completely different supplies—the form and materials you select will rely in your taking part in model.
Pop: A time period that refers back to the responsiveness of your paddle when it strikes the ball. A sophisticated participant in search of a paddle that’ll generate extra pace and energy throughout play will wish 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 vital vital 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 novices to superior gamers as a result of it’s the perfect weight for exact management and speedy energy. We additionally observed that this standard-shaped paddle has a giant candy spot, making it much more fascinating for novices. Plus, the paddle’s floor encompasses a high-quality, grainy texture, which helps with spin while you’re able to stage up your pickleball recreation.

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 could have to interchange it down the street for those who play incessantly.

Most Helpful Perception

“Wow. I used to be truthfully blown away that this paddle was so fairly priced! I would completely advocate 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 Traditional Paddle has an exceptionally comfy deal with, ultimate for leisure gamers who deal with enjoyable. The deal with is wrapped in a cushioned, perforated, non-slip, sweat-wicking grip and feels good in each small and enormous arms.

Throughout testing, we discovered the light-weight paddle straightforward to manage. After hours of play, we observed no arm or wrist soreness. The form is customary, nevertheless 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 development limits energy hits.
We observed that the perimeters of the paddle scuffed over time.

Most Helpful Perception

“This paddle has the perfect deal with of those I examined: Extremely-padded with spiral traces that helped to stop my hand from transferring. 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

Interact 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 photographs.

We love the beneficiant candy spot and textured floor that assist us hit persistently and with spin. Plus, the fiberglass materials and light-weight really feel ship an awesome stability of energy and management. We additionally observed 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 quick 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 persistently 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 strong management and wish extra energy.

Why We Love It

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

The paddle’s floor, an awesome stability of textured and easy, 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. Exhibiting 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 troublesome to generate loads of spin with this paddle.

Most Helpful Perception

“This paddle offered essentially the most energy in comparison with every other paddle I’ve used and examined.” —Boris Kharlamenko, Verywell Match product tester

The paddle’s floor gives the right stability of textured and easy, making certain you hit the ball the place you need it to go.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Alena Kharlamenko
This paddle is constructed from a mixture of fiberglass and carbon fiber and gives 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 optimum 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 implausible for precision aiming with no useless spots. Even with the weighted tip, the paddle feels mild and straightforward 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 reveals no indicators of wear and tear or scuffs, even after rigorous testing periods.

Potential Flaws

Gamers preferring a standard-shaped paddle might 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 photographs 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 mild and straightforward 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 photographs, this paddle boasts a beneficiant candy spot that we discovered delivers pinpoint accuracy with each swing. Even with less-than-perfect kind, we effortlessly directed the ball precisely the place we needed it to land.

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

Most Helpful Perception

“My favourite a part of the paddle is that it fixes your errors. Even when I’ve unhealthy kind, the ball goes within the course 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, retaining our opponents on their toes.

This paddle excels at ball management and precision. Its weight strikes the right stability 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 problem. 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 reveals dust simply.

Most Helpful Perception

“I felt very highly effective hitting with this paddle. It’s extremely sturdy and the heaviness permits for lots of power.” —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 wish to put money into a top-quality paddle for aggressive play.

Why We Love It

Should you play usually and competitively, investing in high-quality pickleball footwear, pickleball balls, and a pickleball paddle may also help stage up your recreation. With a sturdy, sturdy carbon fiber floor, we love that JOOLA’s Anna Shiny 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 cozy.

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, strong 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 novices and intermediate-level gamers.

Because of its sturdy, 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 thus far.” —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 cozy 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 persistently impressed by the paddle’s enduring sturdiness—it reveals no indicators of wear and tear even after quite a few matches. Given its distinctive high quality and efficiency on the court docket, we imagine this selection gives excellent worth for its value.

Potential Flaws

We want the deal with was a bit longer in order that gamers with giant 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 complicated 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 gives exact management and a nice pop, notably with drop photographs, making it an excellent transition paddle for tennis gamers. The longer deal with is ergonomic and cozy for prolonged and quick 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 had 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 easy, which makes it slippery when arms get sweaty.
We discovered that the light-weight really feel makes it troublesome to make energy photographs.

Most Helpful Perception

“This grip is comfy throughout lengthy and quick play. I might advocate 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 gives exact management, notably with drop photographs, making it an excellent transition paddle for tennis gamers.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Sophie Lucy
The longer deal with is ergonomic and cozy for prolonged and quick play.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Sophie Lucy

Tangerine Newport R.I. Pickleball Paddle

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for novices 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 model, Tangerine’s Pickleball Paddle is the right pickleball accent—together with a sensible (and classy) pickleball bag. The paddle is available in numerous enjoyable colours and patterns, so you possibly can cater to your individual aesthetic and even discover a distinctive reward in your pickleball-obsessed pal. Past model, this paddle has some actually nice options, too.

Throughout testing, we appreciated the comfy, non-slip grip and beneficiant candy spot, which helped with general 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 appears pretty much as good as new.

Potential Flaws

The graceful floor makes it troublesome 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 might undoubtedly advocate it to others.” —Clare Moore, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: Amazon

Professionals

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

Key Specs

Who It’s For

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

Why We Love It

To get essentially 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 expect it’s a strong selection for funds gamers, novices, and informal household play.

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

Potential Flaws

This paddle set is designed for novices and leisure use, so it’s not the perfect 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 mates who’re fascinated about making an attempt pickleball. I additionally hold a set readily available for mates to make use of if they’re visiting and wish to attempt taking part in.” —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 optimum precision and management.

Why We Love It

Sq.-shaped paddles, like CRBN’s CRBN² Pickleball Paddle, sometimes supply 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 paying homage 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 calmly textured floor helped us effortlessly add spin to the ball. We additionally appreciated the paddle’s responsiveness, permitting us to swiftly regulate tempo and execute exact photographs. Plus, its dependable sturdiness over time justifies the premium value level.

Potential Flaws

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

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 much 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: Interact Pickleball

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Greatest for aggressive, aggressive, and frequent pickleball gamers.

Why We Love It

We have been utilizing Interact Pickleball’s Pursuit Professional EX 6.0 Paddle for weeks of intense play, and it nonetheless appears 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 novices and intermediates, because of its balanced mixture of management and energy.

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

Potential Flaws

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

Most Helpful Perception

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

Pickleball Paddles We Additionally Examined

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

We expect Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Wooden Paddle Set is a good value. Nonetheless, 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 sizzling and humid days with out slipping out of our sweaty arms. Nonetheless, it may be troublesome for newbie and intermediate gamers to manage the ball till they get used to it.
HEAD’s Radical Tour Uncooked EX Pickleball Paddle has a brilliant comfy grip and feels mild in our arms. Nonetheless, in comparison with different paddles we examined, its general efficiency is simply not well worth the value.

What to Search for When Looking for a Pickleball Paddle

Supplies: When looking for a pickleball paddle, take a look at its core and floor supplies—choosing the proper possibility for you’ll rely in your taking part in model and ability stage. Sometimes, the core is constructed from a honeycomb polypropylene chamber that helps scale back vibration and distribute power because the paddle contacts a ball. Floor supplies usually embrace carbon fiber (finest for management), fiberglass (finest for energy), graphite (finest for fast photographs), and wooden.
Talent Degree: Pickleball paddles are an funding, so selecting a paddle that may evolve together with your expertise and taking part in model is a vital consideration. Should you’re a real newbie nonetheless studying the ins and outs of the sport, you could wish to go for a lightweight and durable paddle, whereas superior gamers can profit from a robust paddle that encourages optimum energy and pace.
Taking part in Type: Are you in search of management? Energy? Velocity? When choosing a pickleball paddle, it’s important to think about your private taking part in model. Carbon fiber paddles are finest 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 finest for management, whereas heavier paddles may give you extra energy and pace.
Deal with Size and Grip: Selecting the best deal with size and grip circumference is dependent upon two issues: your swing model and hand dimension. Pickleball paddle handles normally are available an ordinary 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 will discover smaller and bigger choices.
Floor Space and Form: Usually, paddles with a bigger floor space have a much bigger candy spot, so many gamers favor them. Simply make sure you keep inside regulation dimension—based on USA Pickleball, a paddle can’t be longer than 17 inches. (Some however not all of our prime picks are USA Pickleball-approved. This designation could also be vital if you wish to be 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 perfect pickleball paddles in the marketplace, we swung, hit, and volleyed for over 1,000 hours on the courts. In whole, we examined 35 pickleball paddles from trusted manufacturers, taking part in no less than eight video games with every paddle. After we take a look at pickleball paddles, we consider them based mostly on the next key standards.

Consolation: In case your pickleball paddle is simply too heavy, offers you blisters, or makes your arms sweat, you gained’t benefit from the recreation. 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 vital issues. We first verify 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 take 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 file any indicators of wear and tear and tear, like chips, dents, breakage, free threads, or scratches. We prioritize paddles that feel and appear 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 troublesome 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 verify its value 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 value (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 general worth
4 specialists interviewed

Pickleball Paddle Phrases You Have to Know

Our Specialists

We spoke to specialists 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 offered 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 together with her personal observe in Pittsburgh

Verywell Match / Alex Zeng

Often Requested Questions

How a lot must you spend on a pickleball paddle?

Most high-quality pickleball paddles will price between $100 and $180. Cheaper paddles won’t be as sturdy, whereas costlier paddles might have high-tech options that novices and intermediate gamers don’t want.

What are the preferred pickleball paddles?

Our specialists selected Selkirk, Joola, and Interact as a few of their favourite manufacturers. Aggressive gamers should select a USA Pickleball-approved regulation paddle. If an accepted paddle is vital to you, cross-reference your selection before you purchase.

How are you aware what dimension pickleball paddle you want?

Normal paddles are the most typical, however larger-faced paddles have change into fashionable as they’ve a much bigger candy spot for hitting the ball. Elongated paddles have a greater attain however are narrower, limiting the dimensions of the candy spot.

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

Heavier paddles are higher for energy photographs, whereas lighter paddles are simpler to maneuver. Testing paddles of various weights is an effective way to seek out the perfect match in your taking part in model 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, for those who play three days every 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 mates. With gear being a vital part of the sport, she chooses merchandise based mostly on knowledgeable steerage, suggestions from our assessments, in addition to her personal expertise. As an intermediate participant, she appears for paddles with a bigger face, which can be properly weighted and are thought-about dependable and reliable by those that have tried them.