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Over the past several years, pickleball has seen a massive spike in popularity, to the point that it's now one of the most beloved activities for outdoor fitness and recreation. Whether you're a pickleball pro or you're only now hearing about America's fastest-growing sport, there's no time like the present to gear up and get out on the court.
First, you'll need a paddle. Which pickleball paddle is right for you? The ACTIVE Reviews Team has researched a number of the top models, and we've developed a list of recommendations that include something for every skill level. Read on for the best pickleball paddles, as well as the best pickleball set.
The Best Pickleball Paddles - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Pickleball Paddle: Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle
- Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners: niupipo Pickleball Paddles
- Best Pickleball Paddle for Spin: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle
- Best Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players: Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle
- Best Pickleball Paddle for Advanced Players: PaddleTek Tempest Wave Pro
- Best Pickleball Paddle for Control: TMPR Sports Luxe Series
- Best Budget Pickleball Paddle: HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle
- Best Pickleball Paddle for Power: Babolat Rebel Power Pickleball Paddle
- Best Pickleball Paddle Set: OLANNY Graphite Pickleball Paddles
- Best Lightweight Pickleball Paddle: SLK Evo Hybrid Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall - Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle
SPECS
- Weight: 7.5 oz.
- Material: Polypropylene
- Grip size: N/A
- Core thickness: 13mm
Ready for the big leagues? The Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle is a professional-level paddle that will help you take your game to the next level. Embedded carbon fiber is designed to promote spin and speed, all while allowing you to maintain balance and control. The core is dense and strong, without any dead spots, and the grip is nice and thick. This paddle is approved by the USAPA for both competitive and tournament-level play.
What We Like
- Carbon fiber technology promotes spin and speed
- Dense, strong core
- Thick grip
- Several fun colors to choose from
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Wears pretty quickly
BUY: Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle
Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners - niupipo Pickleball Paddles
SPECS
- Weight: 8 oz.
- Material: Graphite carbon fiber
- Grip size: 4.5"
- Core thickness: N/A
If you're new to the sport, you'll love the niupipo Pickleball Paddles. This set actually provides you with a couple of paddles, all for a very modest price point. The paddles themselves are made with lightweight graphite carbon fiber and have cushioned handles that will be comfortable even after many hours of play. An edge guard helps prevent premature wear and tear. Novices will get just the right kind of balance and control to learn the ropes of this great sport.
What We Like
- Full pickleball set
- Modest price point
- Cushioned, sweat-resistant grip
- Made for balance and control
What We Don't Like
- No color options available
BUY: niupipo Pickleball Paddles
Best Pickleball Paddle for Spin - JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle
SPECS
- Weight: 8.3 oz.
- Material: Polypropylene
- Grip size: 5.5"
- Core thickness: 16mm
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle has been heartily endorsed by some of the sport's biggest names. It's not hard to understand why: Its polypropylene construction and honeycomb shape are well-designed for maximum spin, allowing you to keep opponents on their toes. It's a great paddle for blocking as well as for powerful drives.
What We Like
- Designed for maximum spin
- Long, thick grip
- Multiple materials ensure versatile performance
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Not as well-suited for beginners
BUY: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle
Best Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players - Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle
SPECS
- Weight: 7.9-8.3 oz.
- Material: Polypropylene
- Grip size: 4 3/8"
- Core thickness: 0.5"
If you've played a few games and feel ready to take things up a notch, the Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle may be just for you. With a strong core and a lightweight polypropylene design, this is a great paddle to use for improving your spin, balance, and control. It's universal enough that it also makes a really great gift for the pickleball player in your life.
What We Like
- Reasonable price point
- Lightweight feel and strong core
- Textured skin helps promote spin
- Vibration control technology
What We Don't Like
- Limited color options
- Not as well-suited for beginners
BUY: Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle
Best Pickleball Paddle for Advanced Players - PaddleTek Tempest Wave Pro
SPECS
- Weight: 7.6-8.0 oz.
- Material: Graphite
- Grip size: 5.25"
- Core thickness: N/A
For skilled and experienced players, we recommend the PaddleTek Tempest Wave Pro. It comes with one of the highest power ratings we've ever seen, and it scores even higher in forgiveness and control. A large sweet spot allows skillful players to finesse every shot for maximum effect.
What We Like
- Made for power and control
- Large sweet spot is great for skilled players
- Durable, lightweight graphite
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Not as well-suited for beginners
BUY: PaddleTek Tempest Wave Pro
Best Pickleball Paddle for Control - TMPR Sports Luxe Series
SPECS
- Weight: 8.1-8.5 oz.
- Material: Polymer
- Grip size: 5.0-5.5"
- Core thickness: 16mm
Pickleballers need plenty of control over their paddle, and ultimately over where they drive the ball. The TMPR Sports Luxe Series features several paddles that are made with control in mind. Also note the thick core, offering plenty of power, as well as the fiberglass face, which creates a generous sweet spot.
What We Like
- Each paddle in the series is well-rated for control
- Plenty of color and grip options
- Generous sweet spot
- Thick core
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- Just a bit on the heavy side
Best Budget Pickleball Paddle - HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle
SPECS
- Weight: 14g
- Material: Graphite
- Grip size: 4.25"
- Core thickness: 13.0mm
Pickleball paddles can get pricey, and yet it's very possible to find a decent product that doesn't break the bank. Case in point: The HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle. For less than $75, you get a well-designed graphite paddle with a thick core, a well-rounded head, and an ergonomic grip that provides comfort and minimizes vibration.
What We Like
- Modest price point
- Minimizes vibration
- Robust graphite design
What We Don't Like
- Only recommended for intermediate level and up
- May wear quicker than other paddles
BUY: HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle
Best Pickleball Paddle for Power - Babolat Rebel Power Pickleball Paddle
SPECS
- Weight: 0.26kg
- Material: Graphite
- Grip size: N/A
- Core thickness: N/A
Looking for a pickleball paddle that packs a punch? With the Babolat Rebel Power Pickleball Paddle, you'll be able to drive like never before. The graphite skin unites power and precision, while an edge guard preserves your paddle over many intense games.
What We Like
- Great for powerful drives
- Edge guard
- Durable and long-lasting
What We Don't Like
- No color options to choose from
- Spin is just so-so
BUY: Babolat Rebel Power Pickleball Paddle
Best Pickleball Paddle Set - OLANNY Graphite Pickleball Paddles
SPECS
- Weight: 8 oz.
- Material: Graphite
- Grip size: 5.3"
- Core thickness: N/A
If you're ready to invest in a complete pickleball set, the OLANNY Graphite Pickleball Paddles are a great option. For a not-unreasonable price point, you'll get four graphite paddles, six indoor balls, and a set of replacement grips, plus a carrying bag. The paddles themselves are made of robust graphite, and made with a great balance of power and control.
What We Like
- Great value
- Sturdy graphite paddles
- Balance of power and control
What We Don't Like
- Balls are for indoor use only
- Paddles will show wear after a year or so
BUY: OLANNY Graphite Pickleball Paddles
Best Lightweight Pickleball Paddle - SLK Evo Hybrid Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle
SPECS
- Weight: 7.6 oz.
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Grip size: 4.25"
- Core thickness: N/A
For quicker hands at the net, consider the SLK Evo Hybrid Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle, a wonderfully lightweight option made with high-quality carbon fiber. It's stiffer than other paddles made from the same material, ensuring greater power. And the soft feel is augmented by vibration reduction technology, allowing you to play a truly nimble game.
What We Like
- Sweat-absorbent handles
- Soft feel with fewer vibrations
- Stiff heads provide lots of power
- Multiple color options
What We Don't Like
- Grip is a little on the short side
- Not recommended for brand new players
BUY: SLK Evo Hybrid Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle
What to Look for in a Pickleball Paddle
There are a few factors to consider as you shop for the best pickleball paddle.
Weight
As a rule of thumb, you're going to want your pickleball paddle to be fairly lightweight. The ideal paddle is one that isn't heavy and that lets you feel like you have total control over your swing.
Material
For the perfect combination of lightness and durability, we recommend pickleball paddles made from carbon fiber or fiberglass.
Core
The best pickleball paddle has zero dead spots, meaning you can hit the ball with any part of the paddle head and you'll get a hit. For this reason, thick paddles with honeycomb designs are pretty popular.
Grip Sizes
Just like with tennis rackets, pickleball paddles come in a variety of grip sizes, allowing you to find the grip that best fits your hand for maximum balance and control.
FAQs About Pickleball Paddles
Is graphite or fiberglass better for pickleball?
Both materials are known for being strong yet lightweight and are common options for pickleball paddles.
Which paddle do pickleball pros use?
There are a number of paddles that have made their way into the bags of pickleball pros. Most recently, the Paddletek Phoenix Genesis was used to win a national championship.
Is it better to have a lighter or heavier pickleball paddle?
Most players find that it's easier and more comfortable to play with a lighter paddle.
When should I replace my pickleball paddle?
Professional players replace their paddles yearly, but recreational players may get two or three years out of each paddle.