Best Pickleball Paddles (2023)
| Paddle | Rated | Paddle | Rated |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall JOOLA Hyperion CFS Go To Review |  | Best For Power Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro Go To Review |
 | Best For Beginners ONIX Z5 Graphite Go To Review |  | Best For Spin Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta Go To Review |
 | Best For Intermediate HEAD Radical Elite Go To Review |  | Best For Value Niupipo Graphite Go To Review |
 | Best For Advanced Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Go To Review |  | Best For Kids OneShot Juniorshot Series Go To Review |
 | Best For Control Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Go To Review |  | Best For Tennis Players Prince Response Pro Go To Review |
Are you looking for the best pickleball paddles available? You’ve come to the right place! We have done extensive research and consulted with experts and players alike in order to compile a list of the top rated pickleball paddles. Our team has looked at all aspects of each paddle, from performance to durability, so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your next pickleball paddle. So whether you’re a beginner or an expert player, we are confident that there is something on our list for everyone. Read on to discover the best pickleball paddles currently on the market today!
Checkout our guide to pickleball paddles to help you make the best selection.
Best Pickleball Paddles For Your Style of Play
1. Best Overall Pickleball Paddle – JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16 Series
Pros:
- Large surface area
- Maximum grit for spin
- Great power and control
- USAPA approved
Cons:
- Expensive
If you’re looking for the perfect paddle for your pickleball game, then look no further than the JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16. This paddle offers a textured carbon surface that creates excellent spin and control, plus two different thicknesses (14mm and 16mm) to choose from. It also features an edged curved head to reduce drag, a foam-injected perimeter for greater sweet spot contact, and a carbon-forged handle designed for power and comfort. With its solid feel at contact and low vibration response, this paddle gives you the edge over your opponents. And although it’s one of the pricier options out there, it is certainly worth investing in if you want to take your game to the next level. So don’t hesitate – get your JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16 today and take your pickleball game to a whole new level!
2. Best for Beginners – ONIX Z5 Graphite
Pros:
- Multiple colors available
- Large sweet spot
- Solid power and control
- USAPA approved
Cons:
- Not as long-lasting as more expensive paddles
- Tends to produce more noise
The Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle is a powerful and popular paddle, and it’s no wonder why! With an impressive Normex Core build, this paddle offers plenty of power shots that will keep your opponents on their toes. The handle is comfortable to hold and the build quality is top-notch. The Z5 is also incredibly lightweight, so you can move it around the court with ease. The wide sweet spot gives you plenty of forgiveness and accuracy on your shots, while the extra grit on the paddle’s surface helps add spin for added control. With its great price point and combined power and feel, the Z5 is one of the premier pickleball paddles out there.
3. Best for Intermediate – HEAD Radical Elite
Pros:
- Resilient fiberglass surface
- Excellent feel and control
- Lightweight
- Great maneuverability
- USAPA approved
Cons:
- Heavier paddle weight
This paddle is great for the price, offering an excellent balance between power, control and spin. It has a lightweight yet solid feel, which allows for plenty of spin when hitting the ball. The handle length is slightly longer than average, making it easier to serve with. Although the grip size might be bigger than some users prefer, it fits my hand perfectly. With this paddle I am making fast progress in the game and becoming increasingly competitive with each passing day. Highly recommend this paddle to anyone looking for a good value-for-money option!
4. Best for Advanced Players – Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
Pros:
- Lightweight feel
- Excellent pop off the face
- Good speed for ground strokes
- USAPA approved
Cons:
- Expensive
- High vibration up your arm
- Softer level of play
The Tempest Wave Pro pickleball paddle is a high quality product, offering great control and decent touch and spin. It has a large sweet spot which helps to absorb shock and delivers control in a dinking game. The handle and grip on this paddle have been found to cause strain, however, so it may not be ideal for longer play sessions. Additionally, the paddle does not have a long lifespan and is prone to going dead at the top of the paddle quickly. While it is relatively expensive compared to other options in today’s market, if you are looking for a high quality control paddle and don’t mind replacing it more often than other paddles, then this could be an option worth considering.
5. Best for Control – Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0
Pros:
- Less noise on impact
- Excellent response
- Large sweet spot
- USAPA approved
Cons:
- Expensive
- Less power
The Engage Encore EX 6.0 is a pickleball paddle designed to offer the flexibility and control needed to perform with precision. With its thicker core, it provides cushiony comfort on contact with the ball, and its larger sweet spot offers players more leeway for mistakes. The paddle also has great spin capabilities, producing top spin on baseline shots and backspin on dinks, which can really give your opponents something to think about. It is a little lacking in power, though, and you might need to put in extra effort to get your ball across the net from the baseline. This paddle is an ideal choice for experienced players looking for high control, soft touch, and plenty of spin. Get ready to be the boss of the court with the Engage Encore EX 6.0!
6. Best for Power – Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro
Pros:
- Great power
- Lightweight
- Excellent touch
- USAPA approved
Cons:
- Shorter handle
The Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro is a powerful and versatile paddle that can be used in a variety of ways. It has a matte finished face with impressive pop, allowing for more consistent shots when swinging. The extra weight allows the user to feel more of the paddle, resulting in less shock from the ball upon impact. This paddle is perfect for all skill levels and is great for the finesse game, dinking, and power shots. All in all, this paddle can take your game to the next level. So if you’re looking for a new paddle that has some pop and will stand up to even the toughest conditions – look no further than the Engage EX-L! You won’t be disappointed!
7. Best for Spin – Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta
Pros:
- Excellent spin and control
- Great maneuverability
- Faster swing
- Large sweet spot
- USAPA approved
Cons:
- Edgeless rim is easily scratched
- Expensive
The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta paddle is a unique addition to your pickleball arsenal. With an elongated shape and edgeless design, this paddle has plenty of features to offer. Despite the extra length, the paddle has excellent maneuverability. The edgeless design and larger hole give it a big sweet spot, making this paddle very forgiving for off-center hits. The textured surface provides plenty of spin on the ball, and holds up well even after extended use. Although you sacrifice a bit of power with this paddle, it’s great for drops. However, drives are harder and for shots with spins, you might need to generate your own power to get the ball over the net. If you’re looking for a unique paddle that offers control and forgiveness, then the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta is definitely worth a try!
8. Best Value – Niupipo Graphite
Pros:
- Multi-color option
- Comes in a set
- Affordable
- Reliable power
- USAPA approved
Cons:
- Thicker handle
- Lacks in touch and control
- Not as durable as more premium paddles
The Niupipo Graphite pickleball paddles are an excellent set for beginners, providing quality on a budget. The accompanying bag helps keep the paddles together when traveling – a useful addition for those who want to play on-the-go. They are lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle a lot of use. They provide a great spin on the ball and, for some, feels no different than paddles costing over $200. The thick 4.5 inch grip may be too large for smaller players. Overall, the Niupipo Graphite pickleball paddle is a high-quality and affordable choice for a lot of players.
9. Best for Kids – OneShot Juniorshot
Pros:
- Designed for young players;
- Lightweight with extra small grip;
- Fun designs for kids
Cons:
- Might be too small for older kids
The Oneshot Pickleball Juniorshot Series Paddle is perfect for young players who want to get started in pickleball. It’s designed specifically with kids in mind, with an ergonomic lightweight design and extra small grip for enhanced comfort and control. The paddle is made from high quality materials like fiberglass and polymer, so it will respond just like quality pickleball equipment. And with two sizes and two designs to choose from, your kids can have a paddle that’s as unique as they are! So get them out on the court in style with the Oneshot Pickleball Juniorshot Series Paddle!
10. Best for Tennis Players – Prince Response Pro
Pros:
- Large sweet spot
- Fast response
- Low vibration
- Brand familiarity with tennis players
- USAPA approved
Cons:
- Heavier weight
- Expensive
The Prince Response Pro paddle is an excellent choice for players who are looking to improve their game and gain more confidence in their playing abilities. Its large sweet spot makes it easier to hit the ball consistently, and its lightweight construction helps players achieve maximum power with every shot. The paddle also inspires confidence, allowing the player to try more shots that they normally would not attempt. While there are some drawbacks associated with this paddle, such as a lack of durability and potential control issues, these negative aspects are outweighed by how much it can improve a player’s game. The Prince Response Pro paddle is an excellent choice for those looking to take their game to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consider factors such as skill level, weight and material of the paddle to help you choose a pickleball paddle that fits both your budget and playing style. Furthermore, features like textured surface grips or foam-padded handles should also be taken into account in order to ensure comfort and control while playing. Check out our guide to pickleball paddles to help you choose. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find a perfect pickleball paddle that helps improve your performance on court.
Professional pickleball players use a variety of paddles to help them excel in the sport. Our research shows the following are the top three pickleball paddles most often used by professionals. These are the JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16, Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta, and CRBN 1X Power pickleball paddles.
After reviewing the best pickleball paddles on the market, it’s clear that there is no single “best” paddle for everyone. The right choice depends on your skill level and playing style. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, there is sure to be a perfect match out there for you! Paddles come in all shapes and sizes with different features designed to give players of any level more control over their game. So grab your favorite paddle and hit the court!
