You don’t need special skills to try your hand at pickleball, America’s fastest growing sport, but you do need the proper equipment. Perhaps most significant is the paddle—which you utilize to serve, volley, and drive the ball across the court. We tapped pickleball coaches and pros to learn more about which paddles stand above the remaining, irrespective of your level of play.
How you can select a pickleball paddle
There are a number of things it’s possible you’ll wish to be mindful when picking this all-important piece of drugs:
Weight: Paddles generally range in weight from about 7 oz. (or less) to about 8.5 oz., Landon Uetz, PT, DPT, a physical therapist and licensed pickleball coach in Arizona, tells SELF. Heavier ones (above 8 oz.) often deliver more power, helping you hit the ball with more velocity, while lightweight paddles (around 7 oz.), are easier to regulate. Unsure what you favor? Go for a midweight option—those in in regards to the 7.5 to eight ounce range—as that can likely strike a cushty middle ground, says Uetz.
Shape: Two common shapes are wide-body (which is more square-ish) and elongated (which is rectangular), Jessica Coughlin, an authorized pickleball coach in Connecticut, tells SELF. Wide-body paddles have an even bigger sweet spot (the realm where the ball bounces off best), making them a solid pick for beginners, whereas elongated paddles could also be more comfortable for people with a background in court sports, since that shape more closely resembles a tennis racquet. A standard shaped paddle strikes the center ground between the 2.
Feel: You would like a paddle that’s comfortable in your hand, David Dutrieuille, Minnesota-based national pickleball director for LifeTime Fitness and licensed skilled with the Skilled Pickleball Registry, tells SELF.
That “feel” might be tough to suss out online, which is why Uetz suggests heading to a neighborhood sporting goods store and holding paddles of various weights and shapes. You may then use that intel to make a virtual purchase. “It can at the least provide you with an idea as to where to begin,” Uetz explains.
Surface material and thickness: Wood paddles could also be inexpensive, but they’ve a small sweet spot, says Uetz. Plus, it’s possible you’ll find they make it tougher to regulate the ball, and additionally they are likely to be less durable. A greater bet are paddles fabricated from composite material, graphite, or carbon fiber, says Coughlin. She also suggests searching for ones crafted with a “honeycomb core,” a design element that helps them absorb the impact of the ball and aids on top of things. You might also wish to note paddle thickness: Typically, those which are thicker offer higher control than thinner ones, since they higher absorb the impact of the ball, Coughlin explains.
The Best Pickleball Paddles
Based on expert recommendations and customer reviews, listed below are a few of one of the best pickleball paddles to take to the court.
Beloved by Coughlin, this paddle offers stellar control and a gritty surface, which “lets you grip the ball higher when making contact.” Reviewers describe it as a “great all-around paddle” and praise its “excellent spin capability” in addition to the undeniable fact that the ball “pops nicely” off the face. It’s not the least expensive option in the marketplace, however the high-quality construction means it is going to likely last for a lot of games to return. Plus, it’s approved by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), meaning you should utilize it to play in official tournaments. Note: There are several variations of the Selkirk Halo that differ barely in style and shape. Coughlin uses the Halo Paris Todd, named for a pro women’s pickleball player.
In case you’re brand latest to pickleball, you don’t have to blow your entire budget to get a very good paddle. Case-in-point: This reasonably priced pick from Onix that’s ideal for beginner players. The wide-body shape provides an ample sweet spot, the honeycomb core offers good ball control, and the midweight design helps ease players into the sport without overloading their arms. Shoppers appreciate the sleek design, daring color combination, and the general feel of this paddle of their hands.
One big perk of pickleball is that it’s a very social sport, which is why it never hurts to have an additional paddle readily available. That way, you may “bring other people to the court without having to inform them to go and buy something,” says Uetz. With this popular, reasonably priced bundle, you may snag two decent quality paddles—plus three balls and a drawstring bag to haul all the things—for around $100. It’s USAPA-approved, designed for all skill levels, and crafted by well-known brand Selkirk.
The Onix Z-Five is a well-crafted, quality pick—and it was the primary paddle Uetz used when he began playing pickleball. “It lasted me for a pair years playing recreationally,” he says. Ping pong players may find this selection especially appealing, because the flared, wood handle resembles the form of a table tennis racquet. It’s USAPA-approved, is available in 13 different colours, and can be purchased as a part of a bundle with pickleball balls.
Coughlin’s other paddle of alternative is the USAPA-approved Paddletek Bantam TS-5, crafted with a honeycomb core for good ball control. It’s available in six different weights (ranging in increments of 0.1 oz), so you’ll find the right level of heft in your hands. Amazon reviewers loved how the lightweight design allowed them to make precise shots and play long games without fatiguing.
Weight: 7 – 7.5 oz.
Shape: Wide-body
Surface Material: Fiberglass epoxy
6. Best Paddle for Beginners: Joola Essential Pickleball Paddle
In case you’re latest to pickleball and overwhelmed by all of the paddle varieties, consider this raved-about paddle from popular brand Joola. Dutrieuille says it’s excellent for first-timers, because it’s each well-priced and high-performing. Reviewers compliment its durability, lightweight feel, and generous sweet spot. Bonus: Amazon offers a bundle option—two paddles, two balls, and a bag—which is appealing for people trying to jump into the sport with a friend.
Weight: 8.2 oz.
Shape: Wide-body
Surface Material: Fiberglass
7. Best Paddle for Advanced Beginners: Pik Ninja Sports Assassin Pro 2.0
This USAPA-approved paddle is designed by Franklin for Ben Johns, the primary ranked pickleball player on the planet in men’s singles and men’s mixed doubles. Dutrieuille recommends it for a step above beginners. It includes a long handle which means that you can make two-handed shots. One other plus: Its gritty surface is designed to advertise traction on the ball and boost its spin. It is available in five colours and two different thicknesses: 13mm and 16mm.
Each Coughlin and Dutrieuille recommend this USAPA-approved paddle. The curve of the pinnacle is designed to attenuate drag and boost swing speed, while the honeycomb core provides ample power. Coughlin recommends it for intermediate to advanced-level players. It’s on the pricier side, but if you happen to’re committed to pickleball, this paddle could be a worthwhile investment for leveling up your game.
Weight: 8.4 oz.
Shape: Elongated
Surface Material: Carbon friction
9. Best Paddle for Kids: Oneshot Juniorshot Series Paddle
Introduce your toddler to pickleball with this paddle designed specifically for younger players. Available in two models—kids and toddler—it’s smaller and lighter than your typical adult paddle, making it easier for youngsters to grip and use. The colourful illustrations on the paddle face—pick between outer space, dinosaur, or ocean artwork—are super fun and kid-friendly. Reviewers rave in regards to the paddle’s “lovely” aesthetic and describe it because the “perfect” size for young pickleballers.
Weight: 5.3 – 6.0 oz.
Shape: Wide-body
Surface Material: Fiberglass
10. Best Splurge Paddle: Joola Ben Johns Hyperion 16mm
Created by Minnesota-based Pik Ninja, this USAPA-approved paddle is a favourite of Dutrieuille, who loves the simplicity of the design and the five vibrant color options. It’s suitable for a wide selection of ability levels, including beginners and semi-professional players. It could be especially great for people with a tennis background, because the shape and length of the handle grip more closely mimic a tennis racquet, compared to plain pickleball paddles.
