Pickleball is a spin-off of badminton and tennis. It has continuously gained popularity worldwide, leading to more brands releasing the latest innovations of pickleball paddle. This has made it even more difficult to find the best pickleball rackets for you.
As a racket is to tennis, so the paddle is to the pickleball. These pickleball paddles may vary in size, color, quality, and price. Since it is a game that requires the players to be highly skilled and fit, it is also important to have a quality and the best pickleball paddle.
If you're looking to get pickleball paddles that would meet your specific needs, then we have compiled the best pickleball paddles available in the market today. Moreover, we also have an ultimate guide to help you know the features to look for when buying a pickleball paddle.
5 Best Pickleball Paddles
1. Niupipo Pickleball Paddles Set of 2
- USAPA Approve for Victory; Niupipo pickleball set has passed USAPA testing and is approved for...
- Improved Strength by The Honeycomb Core; The interior of our USAPA Pro pickleball set is constructed...
- Ideal Balance with Graphite Carbon Fiber; Niupipo pickleball paddle set of 2 is made of graphite...
- Premium Grip, Perfect Handle Size; Niupipo pickleball paddle is comfortable to handle and works well...
- Comes with 1 Bag and 4 Balls; Every Niupipo USAPA Pro pickleball set is designed to be an awesome...
Coming with a graphite carbon fiber, the Niupipo Pickleball Paddles Set of 2 will offer you a great mix of strength and firmness. You are assured of precise shots as well as amazing control over the paddle. The interior of the paddle is made of a polymer honeycomb that is crammed in between two sheets of carbon fiber.
It is made of an exceptionally durable material that is made to withstand any challenges on the court and can transform your game completely. The graphite carbon fiber face and graphite-honeycomb composition give a great level of stiffness and strength, which is also surprisingly lightweight.
These paddles feature a great combination of power and control. This means that the shots will be more accurate, and you will also have more control over the force you put. The perfect paddle grip size is comfortable to handle. Furthermore, this set is perforated, cushioned, and sweat-absorbent to ensure a better paddle grip.
2. ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
- Graphite Z5 – Most popular pickleball paddle in the Onix line
- Superior control – Excellent touch paddle for superior ball control
- Paddle specs – Nomex, paper honeycomb core and graphite face
- Widebody shape – paddle shape with 4-1/4" grip size
- Paddle dimensions – 15.5" L x 8.3" W x 1.5" H; Medium-Weight 7.5-8.2 oz
The Onix Z5 Pickleball Paddle boasts amazing ball control, spin, power, and a large sweet spot. It features a Nomex Core and a graphite face that ensures you're in control of any pickleball shot. It can be used by professionals who are competing and an entry-level paddle.
With a paddle weight of between 7.5 and 8.2 ounces, it is easy to move with it and have complete control while playing any pickleball shot. This also means that you will be able to generate more power while playing smashes. It also has a wide face which means the paddle has a large sweet spot or hitting area.
This pickleball paddle also has a widebody paddle shape with a 5-inch handle length and a grip size of up to an eighth of an inch. The balance gives you control on-court, which ensures you stay focused on the game. The Onix Z5 comes in different color options and an attractive ‘Z’ screen printed on the woven black graphite surface.
3. Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle
- Paddle Average Weight: 7.5 oz.
- Weight Range: 7.4-7.9 oz.
- Paddle Length: 15 5/8"
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/4" (Medium)
- Grip Length: 4 1/2"
If you're in search of top of range paddle that provides pop off the racket as well as a great power, control, and power spin, then you should consider getting the Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle. This is a quite versatile paddle with a large and widebody paddle face giving you a large sweet spot to play the shots from.
The FiberFlex face has been designed to ensure the balls will react off the paddle face and also provide you greater emphasis on your shots. It is also designed to provide a quieter impact and consistency across all your shots. You get two weight options, 8.2 or 7.3 ounces which means that you can select the paddle's weight that matches your needs.
It comes in six colors, has a large S logo on the face and the lower part fades to white. The handles are shorter than many paddles to allow for the bigger sweet spot zone and a larger face. However, the price might look a bit scary to some people, but with the 30-day free return policy and the durability of this paddle, it is definitely worth trying.
4. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle
- CONTROL AND TOUCH - The Tempest Wave Pro delivers unmatched accuracy, power and forgiveness,...
- UNMATCHED CONTROL - Place the ball exactly where you want it with unmatched control and accuracy....
- BIG WINS INCOMING - This professional pickleball paddle delivers the power and performance you need...
- SMART RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY - This professional pickleball paddle features smart response technology...
- GRIP TYPE - This durable paddle comes equipped with our high tack performance grip. Thin Grip...
The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro is a powerful paddle that anyone can use in both a tournament or a casual game. It comes with a lot of features to ensure you win more games than your opponent. The graphite face and middleweight give the paddle sufficient power.
With this paddle, you're assured of accuracy, pinpoint, and fast speed with every power shot you take. The polymer core will blend with the graphite to give a paddle with great control and power required for your game. The Tempest Wave pro paddle also features an extended grip, which is ideal for former or current tennis players.
If you're a more touch or soft player, this Tempest Wave Pro won't disappoint you. The polymer gives you great balancing and control. Although the graphite may offer loads of spins to pickleball players, it won't produce tons of spins as a fiberglass face would.
5. Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle
- HIGH END PERFORMANCE - Impress your friends and experience high-end performance with the...
- POLYPROPYLENE HONEYCOMB CORE - Vibration dampening technology offers both power and control, while...
- POLYCARBONATE FACING - Durable velvet texture face protects the paddle and further enhances the...
- PERFORATED MOISTURE WICKING CUSHION GRIP - gives you superior contact with the paddle wicking sweat...
- Full size face: 15.57" x 7.875", Perfect Weight: 7.7 - 8.0 oz, One Size Fits All Grip: 4.25"...
If you're looking for an affordable pickleball paddle, the Rally Tyro 2 Pro is one of the best pickleball paddles at a low price. It features a shock-dampening polymer core which provides you great control while on the court. It is a mid-weight pickleball paddle, offering you great versatility across all shots, from smashes to serves and baseline shots.
The paddle provides a wide face and features an elongated neck to give you a greater reach and to provide you with enough paddle to control, even with the toughest shots. Its paddle face is made of a polycarbonate composite that is layered over a fiberglass core which not only makes it feel hard to touch and gives great density for defending the hard shots.
It is great for those players who hit the ball hard because it allows you to defend against the big hitters while also giving you the ping off the paddle and send the ball back in a way that will put the opponent on edge. The Rally Tyro 2 Pro comes in two awesome colorways to ensure you find one that matches your style.
Features to Consider When Buying the Best Pickleball Paddle
1. Pickleball Paddle Material
Its materials determine the deflection of the pickleball. The most used types of materials are;
a). Wood
The first pickleball paddles were made of wood, and they represent a simple design with basic functionality. However, over the years, more sophisticated wooden built paddles have been designed. They have features like ornate grips and wrist wraps for control. Moreover, plywood has been replaced with hardwood for increased hitting power and durability.
b). Graphite
Graphite paddles are not only lightweight but also responsive making it easy to make controlled shots. It is a material of choice for most advanced players. The stroke accuracy and a small edge guard provide a bigger hitting surface to give an unmatched performance.
c). Polymer
This is a combination of resin and plastic. Paddles made from polymer are known to be durable, lightweight, and most affordable. They are common in local sporting clubs, where they cater to amateurs and casual gamers. They are considered unfit for professional players in comparison to graphite and composite paddles on the market.
d). Composite
Composite paddles are made from an amalgamation of different materials and are considered professional grade. Although they are one of the most expensive paddles on the market, they are the best paddles for performing professionally.
2. Paddle Core Material
a). Aluminum core
The aluminum core is designed using honeycomb shapes with an aluminum hexagonal wall. They are all about power, weight, and heavy-hitting. They create a heavier paddle with less control than the fiberglass or graphite paddle. However, when used together with a fiberglass face, there is improved accuracy, ball control, durability, and more power.
b). Nomex Core Material
Nomex, a nylon-based polymer, is known for its lightweight design and flexibility. It has been designed by dipping a honeycomb framework into the polymer resin left to cool and harden. Nomex paddles are light but durable, although they are somewhat noisy and hard compared to other cores. This is because they lack a cushioning effect.
c). Polypropylene Core
Many pickleball brands are currently using polypropylene core technology. It is used to create paddles that are great in both lightweight and durability properties. It is a very soft material that makes the inner structure of the paddle to be more flexible.
This soft surface also has a cushioning effect making the paddle less reflective while allowing it to get more contact with the ball. It also increases the ball control, which in turn allows you to hit more winning shots.
3. Paddle Weight
Paddles that are lightweight will require a faster reaction and swing speed compared to the heavier paddles. This is why beginners prefer to use a heavier pickleball paddle because of its lesser strength, higher deflection, and slower reaction speed. The heavier paddles are commonly used in single games while light ones in pro-play.
4. Paddle Size
It is recommended that the pickleball paddle size should not be more than 24 inches. The paddle size ensures the optimal balance is achieved, while a wider hitting area is great for beginners. For professionals, the longer pickleball paddle that gives a better grip is more optimal.
5. Sound
Choosing a pickleball paddle that generates a lot of sounds can cause inconvenience to those around you, especially if you're in a noise-sensitive area. For such instances, it is advisable to avoid paddles that have Nomex cores and choose the polypropylene ones because of the foam for extra cushioning and noise reduction.
6. Grip Size
Having the right grip has a lot to do with the shot's accuracy and control banks. The grip of the pickleball paddle should be the same size as your palm such that it compliments your hold. Although a shorter grip size is great for control while a longer one promises stability, it's always better to choose a pickleball paddle that matches your hands.
7. Deflection
A pickleball paddle that offers more deflection will generate more power for a lesser effort. However, this can compromise a lot of control and accuracy.
8. Edge Guard
This protects the edge of the pickleball paddle from chip damage. Ideally, a medium-sized is recommended because the larger ones can give a wider hitting surface than usual. However, a wider guard may impact your overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Pickleball Paddles
1. What is the best pickleball racket?
The best paddle or racket for pickleball is Niupipo Pickleball Paddles because it offers a great balance between strength and control. Moreover, it is surprisingly lightweight and made from a durable material which means that it is a quality paddle.
2. Which is better; composite or graphite pickleball paddle?
Although a graphite pickleball paddle is considered to be more expensive, they are light and powerful. A composite paddle features mid-range prices and also come in a variety of sizes and weight. The best pickleball paddle is the one that helps your game the most.
3. How do you pick a great pickleball paddle?
You should consider a number of factors when choosing the best one, including the price range, weight, durability, size, color, deflection, sound, playing style, and material.
