We Discovered the Finest Pickleball Paddles After Enjoying for 1,000 Hours

Pickleball provides 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 melancholy. However no pickleball sport is full with out a high quality pickleball paddle. Selecting the most effective pickleball paddle for you relies upon largely in your ability stage and taking part in fashion. 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 could profit from a medium-weight, textured paddle with nice energy potential and spin.

To search out the most effective 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 assessment 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 related, they aren’t all created equal. As you start to buy your subsequent pickleball paddle, listed here are some necessary pickleball phrases you will need to bear in mind:

Energy: Energy refers to how arduous and quick you hit the ball. Intermediate and superior gamers who’ve strong paddle management could wish to go for a heavier paddle comprised of a fiberglass floor materials that delivers further 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 intention the ball.
Spin: If you hit a ball with spin—that means it rotates because it travels by means of the air—it may be tougher to 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. Usually, the core is comprised of polymer or polypropylene in a honeycomb chamber that helps restrict vibration and distribute vitality as you hit the ball.
Candy Spot: If 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 fashion.
Pop: A time period that refers back to the responsiveness of your paddle when it strikes the ball. A complicated participant on the lookout for 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

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

Why We Love It

One of the vital necessary 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 phenomenal—it’s well-ventilated, cheesy, and cushioned with out feeling thick or cumbersome in our arms. Even after hours on the courtroom, 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 newbies 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 newbies. Plus, the paddle’s floor contains a advantageous, grainy texture, which helps with spin while you’re able to stage up your pickleball sport.

Potential Flaws

Although we discovered this paddle properly priced for its options, it isn’t as sturdy as different choices on our listing, so you’ll have to switch it down the street if you happen to play often.

Most Beneficial 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

Finest for novice gamers who need a cozy, cushioned deal with for leisure play.

Why We Love It

Brooklyn Paddle Co.’s Traditional Paddle has an exceptionally comfy deal with, perfect for leisure gamers who concentrate on 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 regulate. After hours of play, we observed no arm or wrist soreness. The form is commonplace, 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 building limits energy hits.
We observed that the sides of the paddle scuffed over time.

Most Beneficial Perception

“This paddle has the most effective 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 regulate 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

Finest 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 concerning 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 an incredible steadiness of energy and management. We additionally observed that it’s straightforward to change between front-hand and backhand swings for the reason that paddle appears like a seamless extension of our arms.

Potential Flaws

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

Most Beneficial 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 unfastened 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

Finest for intermediate to superior gamers who’ve strong management and wish extra energy.

Why We Love It

Produced from a mix 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 pictures with precision.

The paddle’s floor, an incredible 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 properly 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 plenty of spin with this paddle.

Most Beneficial Perception

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

The paddle’s floor provides the proper 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 mix of fiberglass and carbon fiber and provides most energy and management.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Alena Kharlamenko

PHOTO: Legacy

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Finest 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 reinforce your gameplay by offering most ball management. Its in depth floor space and barely weighted tip make the paddle incredible for precision aiming with no lifeless spots. Even with the weighted tip, the paddle feels mild and simple to maneuver.

Throughout testing, we mentioned goodbye to sweaty palms due to the perforated grip, which absorbs moisture and feels cozy 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 slim, elongated form.

Most Beneficial Perception

“The slight weight on the tip of the paddle helps with management. I used to be capable of place pictures very properly 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 simple to maneuver.
PHOTO: Verywell Match / Rafa Soriano

Joola Ben Johns Hyperion Swift Pickleball Paddle

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Finest for precision gamers who need a paddle to reinforce 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 wished 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 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 Beneficial 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 path I need it to.” —Boris Kharlamenko, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: OWL

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Finest 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 choice we examined. However do not let its smooth contact idiot you; it packs a punch, delivering ample energy and pop for aggressive, aggressive play. Plus, we discovered it straightforward to generate spin, conserving our opponents on their toes.

This paddle excels at ball management and precision. Its weight strikes the proper steadiness between lightness for management and heaviness for energy—a profitable mixture for many gamers. Consolation-wise, it feels excellent 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 grime simply.

Most Beneficial Perception

“I felt very highly effective hitting with this paddle. It’s totally sturdy and the heaviness permits for lots of pressure.” —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

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

Why We Love It

In case you play typically 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, strong vitality return, and nice spin. Nonetheless, with all that energy, we may keep exact management.

Potential Flaws

This paddle delivers an excessive amount of energy and spin for newbies 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 Beneficial Perception

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

PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Finest 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 courtroom, we consider this selection provides excellent worth for its worth.

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 Beneficial Perception

“It fits me properly as an intermediate participant, however I believe it will additionally work properly 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

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

Why We Love It

Ronbus’ R3.16 Uncooked Toray T700 Paddle provides exact management and a nice pop, notably with drop pictures, making it 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 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 clean, which makes it slippery when arms get sweaty.
We discovered that the light-weight really feel makes it troublesome to make energy pictures.

Most Beneficial 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 provides exact management, notably with drop pictures, making it 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

Finest for newbies and intermediates who need a fashionable 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 proper pickleball accent—together with a sensible (and classy) pickleball bag. The paddle is available in varied enjoyable colours and patterns, so you may cater to your individual aesthetic and even discover a distinctive reward to your pickleball-obsessed buddy. 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 change between forehand and backhand swings. Plus, after months of leisure play, the fashionable, sturdy paddle nonetheless appears nearly as good as new.

Potential Flaws

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

Most Beneficial Perception

“I really like all the colours and prints it is available in. I’d undoubtedly suggest 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

Finest if you would like 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 lower cost than most of the single paddles on our listing. After thorough testing, we expect it’s a strong selection for finances gamers, newbies, 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 alternate options when it comes to 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 newbies and leisure use, so it’s not the perfect selection for superior and aggressive play.

Most Beneficial Perception

“This set is an unimaginable worth. I’ve purchased it for a lot of of my buddies who’re fascinated with making an attempt pickleball. I additionally maintain a set available for buddies to make use of if they’re visiting and wish to strive taking part in.” —Rafa Soriano, Verywell Match product tester

PHOTO: CRBN Pickleball

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Finest 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, usually 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 frivolously 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 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 Beneficial 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 gives 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

Finest 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 newbies and intermediates, due to its balanced mixture of management and energy.

From sideline dinks to nook pictures, the paddle feels incredible 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 would like it. Plus, the burden is excellent 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 Beneficial 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 expect Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Wooden Paddle Set is a good worth. Nonetheless, in comparison with the others we examined, it felt heavier and fewer comfy—inflicting wrist fatigue after an prolonged time period.
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. Nonetheless, it may be troublesome for newbie and intermediate gamers to regulate 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 total efficiency is simply not well worth the worth.

What to Search for When Purchasing for a Pickleball Paddle

Supplies: When searching for a pickleball paddle, try its core and floor supplies—selecting the best choice for you’ll rely in your taking part in fashion and ability stage. Usually, the core is comprised of a honeycomb polypropylene chamber that helps scale back vibration and distribute vitality because the paddle contacts a ball. Floor supplies typically embrace carbon fiber (greatest for management), fiberglass (greatest for energy), graphite (greatest for fast pictures), and wooden.
Talent Stage: Pickleball paddles are an funding, so selecting a paddle that may evolve along with your abilities and taking part in fashion is a crucial consideration. In case 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 powerful paddle that encourages optimum energy and pace.
Enjoying Model: Are you on the lookout for management? Energy? Pace? When choosing a pickleball paddle, it’s important to think about your private taking part in fashion. Carbon fiber paddles are greatest for management, whereas fiberglass paddles are nice for energy. Some paddles are designed for each.
Weight: The burden 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 will depend on two issues: your swing fashion and hand dimension. Pickleball paddle handles often are available an ordinary size for these with a single-handed backhand swing or an extended size for these with a two-handed backhand swing. Grip circumference is usually round 4 inches, however yow will discover smaller and bigger choices.
Floor Space and Form: Typically, 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—in keeping with 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 necessary if you wish to be part of a aggressive pickleball league or match.) As for form, elongated paddles have higher attain, however they could have a smaller candy spot as a result of they’re narrower. Generally used standard-size paddles are combine between the 2.

How We Examined the Pickleball Paddles

To search out the most effective 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, taking part in at the very least eight video games with every paddle. Once 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 received’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 enable 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 necessary 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 be aware of how the fabric feels: Cheesy or slippery? Easy or textured? Paddles with non-slip grips that take up sweat and don’t lure warmth obtain a excessive rating on this class.
Sturdiness: All through the testing interval, we take note of how properly the paddle holds up after hours of play. We report any indicators of wear and tear and tear, like chips, dents, breakage, unfastened threads, or scratches. We prioritize paddles that appear and feel near new after weeks of testing.
Management: Management is important in any racquet sport—whether or not we’re speaking a few pickleball, tennis, or padel racket—so we choose pickleball paddles that enable 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 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 profitable paddles
1,000+ hours of testing
Rated 1-5 (5 being the very best) for consolation, grip, sturdiness, management, and total worth
4 consultants interviewed

Our Specialists

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 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 along with her personal follow in Pittsburgh

Verywell Match / Alex Zeng

Steadily Requested Questions

How a lot do you have to spend on a pickleball paddle?

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

What are the most well-liked pickleball paddles?

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

How have you learnt what dimension pickleball paddle you want?

Normal paddles are the most typical, however larger-faced paddles have turn into in style as they’ve a much 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 a good way to seek out the most effective match to your taking part in 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 received’t be responsive anymore. As a tough guideline, if you happen to 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 courtroom time with household and buddies. With gear being a vital part of the sport, she chooses merchandise based mostly on skilled steerage, suggestions from our exams, in addition to her personal expertise. As an intermediate participant, she appears for paddles with a bigger face, which are properly weighted and are thought of dependable and reliable by those that have tried them.