Pickleball is a paddleball sport. It’s a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The game is played with the perforated polymer ball. Its dimensions and layout are the same as badminton court, net and rules are similar to tennis. But yes it’s not totally like them. Some modifications are there in the game. It can be played indoors or outdoor. The game is played with short-handled paddles and volleyed over a low net by opposing players. It’s the children’s backyard game. As the racket is used in tennis, in the same way, paddle used in pickleball. The short-handled paddles used in this game are called pickleball paddles. Every player’s need is different than the other for the paddles. A wide variety of pickleball paddles are designed, so it’s a difficult task to rank them according to the need. To clear your confusion between choosing the right paddles here we are providing you the ultimate guide for reviewing the best pickleball paddles of best pickleball brands.
Buyer’s guide for pickleball paddles
I will do a brief discussion on a few points that will help you to choose the perfect pickleball paddle.
Grip size
It’s the size of the paddle handle width. The paddle should get fit in the palm. So the person with large hands go for a big paddle and with small hands go for a smaller paddle size. 8 by 16 inches or 5 by 19 inches is the preferred size for short and long paddles respectively. Go for a grip size that fits in your palm.
Material
The performance of the paddle depends upon the material used in the paddle. Wood, polymer plastic, graphite, composite, Nomex core, aluminum core, polypropylene are the materials used in making the pickleball paddles.
Weight
Paddle weight depends on the material used and the thickness of the paddle. Heavy paddles provide stronger shots as compared to lightweight. Muscles get easily tired when you use heavy paddles. Lightweight paddles need a faster reaction time and swing speed than heavier ones.
Price
The cheapest paddles are wooden paddles. But in my opinion, increase your budget and go for graphite or composite paddles.
Top Picks Of Best Pickleball Paddles
ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
It’s one of the best graphite pickleball paddles in the world which is on the top of our best-rated pickleball paddle list. This pickleball paddle provides value for money. It gives awesome ball control, power, and spin, a large hitting area. The comfortable weight of the paddle which makes it easy to move on-court. A large hitting area of paddle gives you a chance of hitting unbelievable shots and controlling the ball. It is available in blue, green, orange, red, yellow, purple, pink, and white colors and is emblazoned with a stunning ‘Z’ screen printed onto its woven black graphite face. Its the one which is best pickleball paddle for a spin, Best pickleball paddle for control, and one of the best-rated pickleball paddles. In short its a 5-star paddle.
Features
- Large hitting area
- Balances speed and power
- Different colors to select from
- Price is somewhat affordable or it is value for money
- Durable and long-lasting due to graphite faces
- Lightweight
Paddletek “New Era” Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle
is built with a specialized polymer honeycomb core. It provides great spin and ball control. Its the best pickleball paddle for a spin and the best pickleball paddle for control. It has a large hitting area on the paddle. The pickleball paddle includes a polymer core that has been designed especially for creating the best pickleball paddles. These paddles give you power, control, and strong hits. The Ex-L paddles are quieter than Z5. It’s also one of the best-rated pickleball paddles.
Features
- Ideal paddle weight
- Honeycomb core provides control
- Value for money
Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex Pickleball Paddle
S2 X5 paddle provides pop off the racket, power, control, and spin. It has a large widebody paddle face. Hence it provides a large hitting area on the paddle.FiberFlex face features give you more time to pick your shots. It provides consistency across all shots. Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 comes in two weights, medium, and lightweight options. You can select one suitable for you. Larger the paddle, more the power and lightweight paddles give you effortless movability. It comes in six colors green, blue, purple, black, orange, and red. It is expensive than other paddles but its value for money. This is designed for serious pickleball players. It is the best fiberglass pickleball paddle. It is one of the best lightweight pickleball paddles.
Features
- FiberFlex face provides a large hitting area
- Quieter gameplay than others
- Available in many colors
- Attractive design
EP Engage Encore 6.0 Pickleball Paddle
This paddle is designed for the extremes. It provides the largest amount of deflection and roughness. The Encore 6.0 FiberTek paddle skin is designed in such a way that it can shoot the balls back over the net and then they will unbalance your opponent and keep them guessing. When the ball strikes the pickleball the paddle skin creates a smoother and consistent feeling. It is made with polymer core which is a very thick core. A combined effect gives you a delicate touch which will give you control when drinking and spinning around the net. It features unique vibration control technology that distributes forces throughout the paddle. Due to its versatility its one of the best all-round paddles. It is available in the middleweight and lightweight options. It comes in six different shades. Its the best affordable pickleball paddle for spin and control.
Features
- Serious players use these paddles
- Core and skin provides a nice feel
- Provides maximum spin
Gamma Poly Core Pickleball Paddle
It is one of the best small grip Pickleball Paddle. It has a long paddle face design. Balls pingback at opponents easily due to graphite face. Gamma poly core pickleball features a Sense Poly Core which decreases vibrations in the paddle. The paddle features a small grip size of 4 1/8”, with a shorter grip length of 4 1/8”. Thus providing maximum comfort. It is slightly expensive than other paddles. This paddle is worth the investment.
Features
- Elongated middleweight
- Sensa poly core
- Comfort grip handle
- Graphite face
- Used for indoor as well as outdoor play
Selkirk Sport NEO Polymer Composite – Ultimate Starter Pickleball Paddles
It is one of the best cheap pickleball paddles. It is an extremely affordable product according to its quality. No compromise in the quality. Its a middleweight paddle. Paddle’s face is wide. It has a polymer core and composite surface. It’s a perfect paddle for beginners. Its the best pickleball paddle for beginners. It is available in blue and red color which looks awesome.
Features
- Powercore polymer core
- Composite surface
- Edgesentry protection and Selkirk thin grip handle
- Attractive looking
Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle
Its the best largest pickleball paddle. This has a unique shape. Its highly rounded design maximizes the hitting area. It has a smaller and larger grip option. Paddle face pops shots back at opponents while giving you the chance to generate power and spin at all times. This is a long-handled paddle. But this an expensive one.
Features
- Revolutionary shape
- Extra thick honeycomb
- Progressive core technology
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle
It’s designed for casual tournaments. It’s a very powerful paddle. It is very sturdy and lightweight. It has a good shock absorption capacity. Feel comfortable when all snd skin fraction occurs. Delivers accuracy and plenty of power. The textured graphite surface of the paddle provides extraordinary ball control.
Features
- Sturdy feel
- Lightweight
- High absorption capacity
- Very comfortable
ONIX Outbreak Pickleball Paddle
paddle utilizes the power of carbon fiber without adding to the cost of weight. This paddle is made with a standard polymer core which is very thick. Due to this more force is absorbed from when the ball is struck. The fragile grip makes the handle feel rectangular and probably edgy. The handle is very light to hold. These are middleweight paddles.
Features
- It is stronger and faster
- Offers added precision
- Improved control
- Pinpoint shots
- Large hitting area
Gearbox GX5 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Gearbox pickleball paddles are edgeless. These are approved for tournaments and competitions. The major drawback of this is layers of materials used in its construction tend to get separated over time due to repeated shocks. Carbon fiber provides even a playing surface. There is room for a uniform surface which ensures that there are no dead spots. This is very innovative from the gearbox.
Features
- Offers edgeless paddles
- Approved by USAPA for competitions and tournament
I hope you like our pickleball paddle guide and it will help you to choose a perfect paddle.