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Pickleball is one of the most exciting new sports in the country, and chances are, you’ve either already tried it or are seriously considering getting into the game. Pickleball is easily the fastest-growing sport in America, and it’s easy to see why: The game is active, engaging, and fun but doesn’t require nearly as much cross-court sprinting as tennis or patience, time and money as golf. It’s also great for all ages and abilities.
At this point in the country’s fast-moving pickleball evolution, there’s almost certainly a court near you, it’s time to gear up and get out there to see what all the fuss is about—or up your game if you’ve already started, and are ready to level up with better equipment.
Pickleball is a relatively new sport. It started in 1965, but the gear has come a long way since. There are new up-and-coming brands making pickleball paddles now.
Once you’ve found your perfect paddle, make sure you’ve got the best pickleball bags and pickleball accessories.
The Best Pickleball Paddles
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Best Looking
Picklish Pickleball Paddle
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What to Consider
As one of the hottest sports in the country, there is a proliferation of trendy brands entering the space, so you will have plenty of styles to choose from. Aside from aesthetic and budget concerns, keep the following in mind, and you’ll end up with a paddle you love.
Weight
Before investing in a new paddle, it’s important to find one that’s comfortable in your hand. This largely comes down to grip and weight. Most paddles weigh between 7.8 and 12 ounces. Lighter paddles are good for smaller, lighter players, and vice-versa for heavier paddles. But if you don’t know where to start, a mid-weight paddle of about 8 ounces is a good choice. Your best bet is to hold the paddle in your hand — if it feels comfortable and nimble, it’s probably the one for you.
Grip
The paddle grip is also important, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time out on the court. Look for a paddle with a cushioned wrap around the handle. That padding will help prevent blisters and provide a better hold on the racquet for stronger hits.
Material
The materials of your pickleball paddle are also important to consider. In particular, you’ll want to know what the exterior surface of your paddle is made from. A grippy or rough surface is better for controlling the ball. If that’s what you’re after, look for a carbon fiber or graphite surface. On the other hand, a paddle with a fiberglass face offers more power and slip on the ball so you can return shots quickly and effectively.
How We Selected
To come up with the best list of pickleball paddles, I tapped my considerable experience hitting the court with friends, who were also more than willing to share their pickleball paddle insights with me. I also weighed professional reviews from the Wall Street Journal, Self, and others. Before including any products in this guide, I also carefully read reviews from real-life users on Amazon and social media. We did the research to find the best pickleball paddles for players of all levels and price points—now get out there! Happy dinking.
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Best Overall
Paddletek Tempest Wave II Pickleball Paddle
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Best Overall
Paddletek Tempest Wave II Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- Graphite surface
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Comparatively more expensive
This is a top pick for every level of player. From beginners to experienced pros, this pickleball paddle is designed for every kind of player. The exterior surface of the paddle is textured graphite, which reduces vibrations for more comfortable gameplay, as well as grips the ball better for a more accurate shot every time. The handle is wrapped in a soft, but firm grip for added control.
People who play with the Tempest Wave II love the racquet’s smart design. More than 80% of reviewers on Amazon give this racket 5 out of 5 stars, saying they “love” the “paddle and its performance.”
More: 9 Best Tennis Racquets That Serve Up W after W
Key Specs
Dimensions | 16.1 x 10 x 1.7 in. |
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Weight | 7.4-7.8 oz. |
Material | Graphite |
Pros
- Nonslip handle
- Dual plated aluminum surface
Cons
- Heavier than others
Sometimes you want to dip your toe into the latest fun and fitness craze sweeping the nation, before committing hundreds of dollars to it. If you’re new to the game and don’t want to invest in a pricey paddle right away, this budget-friendly racket from Franklin Sports is a great place to start. It’s a bit heavier than other models but offers a solid surface for thwacking the ball. The handle is wrapped in a cushioned grip for comfortable play, and the edges are buffered by strong plastic for durability.
People who are buying this racket like the price tag, especially beginners. One reviewer writes, “Nice set for the price — we bought it for our grandchildren to learn how to play pickleball.” They also say they appreciate that this long-lasting paddle will keep you and your hands happy for many hours of play.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 16.7 x 7.8 x 1.2 in. |
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Weight | 10.7-11 oz. |
Material | Aluminum surface |
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Best Set
JP WinLook Premium Pickleball Paddles Set
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Best Set
JP WinLook Premium Pickleball Paddles Set
Pros
- Carbon-fiber core
- Carrying case
Cons
- Slightly larger than others
Is your whole family getting in the game? If you’re outfitting multiple players, this set makes things easy. It includes two quality paddles and three balls, all of which fit into the compact carrying case for portability. The paddles are made of lightweight graphite that’s easy for players of all levels to swing with confidence.
People who’ve used the paddle set dub it “perfect” online, and say it offers “great quality at a great price.” Reviewers also praise the company’s incredible customer service. After running into an issue with the grip, the company replaced the set. “Haven’t experienced that kind of customer service in a long time.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 17.9 x 10.4 x 3.7 in. |
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Weight | 7.25 oz. |
Material | Carbon fiber, graphite |
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Pros
- Polypropylene core
- Textured surface
Cons
- Expensive
If you’ve been playing pickleball for a while, and are ready to seriously upgrade your game, check out this paddle. If you’re looking for a premium-quality racquet designed for serious pickleball, you won’t be disappointed by the Ben Johns signature paddle from JOOLA.
Yes, you’ll be shelling out a bit more than for other products, but the features make it all worth it. This paddle, designed in collaboration with pro player Ben Johns, has a durable Carbon-Flex5 textured surface for optimal spin, and a polypropylene core that offers extra power.
Reviewers say that the hefty price tag is well worth the improvement they’ve seen in their game. One happy user writes that they were “very impressed” after the first use. “I even had some of my spins back up the ball on a dink, which I was never able to do with the cheap paddles. Well worth the money, it is quality, it is so much better than I thought it might be.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 15.8 x 9.2 x 1.4 in. |
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Weight | 8.4 oz. |
Material | Carbon friction surface, polypropylene core |
Pros
- Canvas carrying tote
- Head-turning style
Cons
- Smoother outer surface than others
If having the cutest paddle on the court is important to you, check out this Picklish number. You know what they say — “look good, feel good”— and this paddle from Picklish is just what you need to complete your cutest pickleball getup. It has a preppy retro checkerboard pattern that perfectly fits the tennis court vibe. But it’s not just about style: This paddle is also lighter weight than other options, making it easy to swing for players of all sizes. It also has a sweatproof grip so you can maintain control of the racket for hours of playtime.
Reviewers say that “all the cool kids have this paddle,” praising it as “adorable” and “excellent quality.” Others note that it has helped them up their game, offering “more control over the ball.”
More: The Best Tennis Skirts for Stylish Matches
Key Specs
Dimensions | 17.4 x 8.4 x 2.1 in. |
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Weight | 8 oz. |
Material | Polymer core, fiberglass surface |
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Best Looking
Selkirk Sport SLK Halo Control Pickleball Paddle
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Best Looking
Selkirk Sport SLK Halo Control Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- A larger sweet spot than many
- Sturdy and comfortable grip
Cons
- Expensive
This paddle is a little more pricey, but it’s a great investment for beginners and experienced pickleball players alike. The SKL Halo Power paddle utilizes Raw Spin Technology, which provides optimal control and spin, instantly upgrading your game.
The 13-millimeter paddle core has a larger sweet spot than many, maximizing thwacking opportunities. The grip is padded for comfortable gameplay, making it a safe bet for long games. Reviewers who have tried multiple paddles say “this is the best paddle that I have used or purchased.” Others note that it delivers “great power, control, and a nice topspin.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 16.4 x 7.4 in. |
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Weight | 8.2 oz. |
Material | Carbon fiber |
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Best for Control
Rokne Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle
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Best for Control
Rokne Curve Classic Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- 11 color and style options
- Offer optimal control
Cons
- Grip can become discolored over time
If you want to get better control of the pickleball court, this paddle will allow you to level up. This ProGrit textured fiberglass pickleball racket is designed to generate optimal spin for powerful and precise shots. The low-profile edge guard provides just enough protection, and the fiberglass face enhances the paddle’s sweet spot.
The cushioned handle supports both one and two-handed shots, and tennis players looking to explore pickleball will appreciate the extra grip space and handle shape.
Reviewers praise the “very well made paddle,” saying it offers “great value for the price,” and is “much better” than the “entry-level paddles” they previously used.
Key Specs
Dimensions | 16.5 x 7.5 in. |
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Weight | 235 g |
Material | Carbon fiber shaft, fiberglass |
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Best Performance Grip
Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pickleball Paddle
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Best Performance Grip
Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pickleball Paddle
Pros
- Comes in 5 vibrant colors
- Durable
Cons
- Only one side of the paddle features the design
If you get sweaty palms during games and are prone to losing your grip, this pickleball paddle was made for you. The high-grade polymer composite honeycomb ensures consistent and quiet play, and the edged guard helps absorb the shock of the thwacking balls, giving you more control.
The paddle features an ultra-cushioned high-tack grip for comfort during long games. Reviewers say they can “feel the difference” in their game with this racket. Others say it offers “more spin, more accuracy, more velocity.”
Key Specs
Dimensions | 15.8 x 9.4 x 1.3 in. |
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Weight | 7.5 oz. |
Material | Fiberglass, high-grade polymer composite |
Kathleen Willcox
Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine. Her work appears in a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics, Wine Enthusiast and SevenFifty Daily. She is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where she lives with her husband and twins.
Lizzy Briskin
Food Editor
Lizzy is the Food Editor at Food Network Magazine and a contributor to The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She loves writing about food, cooking it, eating it, and thinking about it, especially if the food includes caramelized onions, pickles, or whipped cream (but not necessarily together).