The secret is out—pickleball is in. Invented in 1965, the racket sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton and Ping-Pong has become incredibly popular over the last decade for reasons aplenty. The rules are simple, the court is small (it’s one-fourth of a tennis court) and, unlike tennis, it doesn’t take years of practice to play competitively. Whether you’re hitting the court for the first time or taking your game to the next level, you need only invest in one of the best pickleball paddles to enjoy America’s fastest growing sport.
As the most important piece of equipment in a pickleball player’s bag, finding the right paddle is essential. And while paddles look nearly identical from one model to the next, differences do exist—if you know what to look for. When distinguishing one paddle from the next, factors such as grip size, weight and materials will impact your play. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
This guide, which we’ve organized categorically based on your needs, represents the best of the current pickleball paddle class. Read on to find the paddle that meets your needs and dominate every match.
- Best Pickleball Paddle Overall: Selkirk Amped Epic
- Best Budget Pickleball Paddle: Head Radical Elite
- Best Pickleball Paddle For Beginners: Prolite Bolt
- Best Pickleball Paddle For Advanced Players: Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
- Best Pickleball Paddle For Power: Onix Graphite Z5
- Best Styled Pickleball Paddle: Nettie The Pendleton
Best Pickleball Paddle Overall
A Premier Model That Blends Weight, Length And Real Estate
Selkirk Amped Epic
Founded by a family of pickleball players, Selkirk makes a number of noteworthy paddles but the Amped Epic earns top marks for its fiberglass face that delivers plenty of spin as you shape your shots and a standard face that’s perfect for all-court play. The polypropylene honeycomb core reduces fatigue whether you’re lobbing or smashing, and it weighs between 7.8 and 8.4 ounces, making it a suitable mid-weight option. Find the Amped in different lens colors, weights and shapes to meet your needs and style of play.
What players say: “Awesome lightweight paddle that added a little extra reach to my game. I used it for the first time in a tournament and got awesome results.”
Best Budget Pickleball Paddle
A Capable Model That Doesn’t Break The Bank
Head Radical Elite
If you’d like to give pickleball a try without dropping a lot on a new paddle, Head’s Radical Elite model will serve you well (no pun intended). Featuring a fiberglass surface for excellent feel and power, it’s complete with a 4.25-inch handle and a polypropylene core that’s perfect for mid-level play. Head’s expertise in the tennis world plays a role in the paddle’s Ergo grip, which should add some confidence to your play as well. Best of all, the paddle’s $60 price tag makes it an affordable option, so you can get into the game with friends or play some pick-up in your free time without feeling guilty if you’re not on the court all the time.
What players say: “Great feel, lightweight. Useful for all skill levels. I thought about a more expensive paddle, but bought one for my wife and she liked it so much I bought another for myself.”
Best Pickleball Paddle For Beginners
Learn The Basics, Enjoy The Sport
Prolite Bolt
While materials, weight and dimensions will affect any player’s performance on the court, beginners should pay close attention to these details as they will have a lasting impact on your long-term experience. For instance, the Prolite Bolt offers a number of features that are great for beginners, including a thicker core that absorbs impact, a carbon fiber frame that improves control and a 4-inch grip that allows you to add tape if need be. The Bolt is also an affordable option at $71, and it’s incredibly quiet to reduce noise.
What players say: “This is a terrific paddle. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money until I know if I am going to stick with this game. I have been using this several months and I love it. It is just the right weight for a beginner.”
Best Pickleball Paddle For Advanced Players
For Superior Control, Power And All-Court Performance
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
After you’ve got a few seasons of play under your belt, odds are you’re going to want to level up your paddle, at which point you should consider picking up the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro. Delivering unmatched accuracy, power and forgiveness, it features a large sweet spot and balanced weight to increase your finesse, speed and maneuverability. The textured graphic surface pairs with a tacky performance grip to improve accuracy and control through every shot, and Paddletek offers the Tempest Wave Pro in multiple colors to suit your style.
What players say: “High quality paddle with large sweet spot. Paddle absorbs shock well but has plenty of power. It’s a fun paddle to play with because it can do so much.”
Best Pickleball Paddle For Power
Put Away Every Shot
Onix Graphite Z5
You’ll spot various Onix paddles at tournaments across the country, and the Graphite Z5 is no exception. The slightly elongated shape gives you extra reach and shifts the sweet spot upward, while the traditional width makes it easier to block shots or dink to your heart’s content. But most importantly, all that real estate allows you to generate loads of power without sacrificing control. If that’s your style, this paddle’s for you.
What players say: “This is a great paddle for all levels. The weight is right in the middle so it’s not too light or too heavy. Has a large sweet spot for consistent hits and a great surface for putting spin on the ball. The grip issues seem to be resolved and it feels great in my hand.”
Best Styled Pickleball Paddle
Add A Pop Of Color To Your Kit
The Pendleton
If you’re simply looking for a paddle with a bit of pop (in terms of color), Nettie’s Pendleton should help you stand out on the court. The carbon fiber frame features a design inspired by the bridges over the Ohio River of Cincinatti, where Nettie is based. Complete with a 4.25-inch octagonal grip and a polymer honeycomb core, it plays just as good as it looks.
What players say: “Decreased vibration means decreased tennis elbow symptoms. Also, I’m getting compliments on the appearance of the paddle as well.”