Do you love badminton, tennis and/or pin pong? If yes, there are high chances that you’ll really enjoy playing Pickleball. The game has in the recent past attracted lots of players and many more are joining the bandwagon. However, just like badminton, tennis and pin pong, your prowess in pickleball is highly influenced by the tools you use. If you indeed want to succeed in the game, you must have a good paddle. That explains why all serious pickleball players go for the best pickleball paddles.

But how can you point out the best one from the tens of types currently available in the market? Well, here‘s a brief guide on what to consider to make the best choice.

Things to consider while buying pickleball paddles

Weight

Pickleball paddles come in different weights ranging from 6 ounces to 12 ounces. Nevertheless, many pickleball players prefer mid-weight paddles to heavy ones because they are easier to handle and provide more control. A mid-weight paddle has a weight ranging from 7.3 to 8.4 oz ounces. With a paddle bearing such weight, you’ll be able to send a pickleball at your desired speed and controlling your game easily. Although a heavier paddler offers more power, it can be rough on a player’s elbow. On the other hand, an extremely light paddle won’t offer the much power you need for swift shots. The ideal pickleball paddle weight ranges from about 7 to 8.5 ounces.

 Power and Control Factors

While playing pickleball, power and control are the greatest influencers of your performance.  Although the weight of a paddle has the most influence on power and control, the material used to make a paddle (on the core and surface) has significant influence on its performance too. There are three major pickleball paddle construction types: wood, graphite and composite and each type has its own demerits and merits.

If you are searching for a paddle that will help you to put spin on the pickleball easily, a composite paddle is the best choice. When it comes to graphite paddles, they are not only very easy to use because of being lightweight but also offer the quickest action off the paddle surface as compared to wooden and the composite types. The major advantage of wooden paddles is that they are the cheapest. The downside is that they are uncomfortably heavy.

Grip size and material

Paddle grips differ in size. You can know the best paddle for you using your height. If your height is at most 5’2”, a paddle with 4-inch grip will be the best. A paddle with a grip size ranging from 4 1/8-inch to 4 1/4-inch is suitable for people who are from 5’3” to 5’8” tall. Those taller than that should get a paddle with a grip size of 4.5 inches.

Besides grip size, it’s important to consider the material used to make the grip. If you can get one with sweat absorbent material, the better.

The 10 Best Pickleball Paddles In 2024

1. Niupipo Pickleball Paddles

Power and Control Factors

Like the majority of other USAPA approved pickleball paddles, Niupipo Pickleball Paddle is strong. Its strength attributed to polymer honeycomb construction and the durable fiberglass enclosure. It is so strong that it can withstand even the mightiest ball strikes.

Size and Weight

Weighing 8 ounces, Niupipo Pickleball Paddle is lightweight and long enough, enabling to play pickleball even for long hours. The graphite construction is not only lightweight but also sturdy. Besides, the weight of the paddle is well distributed, protecting a player from stress and his or her shoulders and elbows from hurt while playing.

Grip

Niupipo features an ergonomic 4-1/2” size grip which is very comfortable as it minimizes slipping and improves balance. The sweat absorbent cushion on the grip also enhances comfort. The ergonomic grip allows a player to put an extra spin on the ball and makes the entire paddle easy control.

However, some players find the handle of the paddle uncomfortably short.

2. Upstreet Pickleball Paddle

Size and weight

This Pickleball paddle weighs about 8.6 ounces for ideal balance between control and power, particularly when you want to hit from the backcourt. When it comes to length, this is 15.75,” long, and has a 7.75-inch width. The measurements are within the standard range for pickleball paddles.

Power and power factors

Besides being ideal for shock absorption, the honeycomb design of the paddle is also very strong and durable. Unlike many paddles with just two orientations in their cores, this one features three orientations. As a result, the paddle is well responsive for perfect shots.

Grip

This paddle offers a crisp feel as you strike the pickleball and you’ll experience a hitting impact which is crucial when you are applying different shots. The grip dissipates sweat incredibly because is well bonded with a sweat-absorbent material. Although the grip is smooth, it doesn’t slip, helping you to clasp the paddle securely.

Nevertheless, Upstreet Pickleball Paddle isn’t approved for USAPA tournaments.

3. Rally NX Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Weight

With an overall weight of 7.6 ounces, Rally NX Graphite Pickleball Paddle is suitable for players of all levels. It is light and easy to use.

Power and control factors

Besides being fairly light for easy swinging and control, the paddle’s graphite face blends with Nomex Honeycomb to offer great shot power as well as accuracy. The wide face offers a large sweet spot which helps beginner players develop pickleball playing skills easily.

Grip

The paddle has a perforated cushion grip which is 4.75 inch long. The grip is always dry and solid even if your hands are sweating because of the sweat-absorbent material to help you keep those frustrating mishits as minimal as possible.

4. ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle

Size and weight

The overall weight of ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle ranges from 7.2 ounces to 7.9 ounces and the weight is well distributed for great balance between power and speed. The wide body shape (8 1/8″) offers a large playing surface area but within size regulations. The shape favors pickleball players across all levels, from the beginner level to the advanced level. Additionally, the handle has a moderate length of 5 inches.

Grip

ONIX Graphite Z5 has a great handle with which resembles that of a tennis racket to offer a good grip. The grip circumference measures 4 .13 inches and is ergonomically designed to offer slip offs even when your hands are sweaty. Besides, it incorporates a comfortable cushion to support long hours of pickleball playing.

Power and control factors

This paddle features a graphite face which is light-weight for extra speed, pop as well as maneuverability. The Nomex Honeycomb Core of the paddle offers great power and also maintains control, enabling you to make fantastic shots.

5. Gamma New 2.0 Pickleball Paddles

Weight and size

Gamma New 2.0 is midweight paddle weighing 7.6 oz and so, it is able to provide over-the-top ball speed and excellent maneuverability. No wonder many players feel that it is the fastest of all paddles in Gamma series. The paddle is incredibly thin, allowing for unparalleled maneuverability.

Power and control factors

Although this paddle is mid-weight, it is not as fast as the above four types. Its surface is a bit more textured than the four, preventing the ball from popping off the face quickly. However, it offers excellent ball control and spinning

Grip

Gamma New 2.0 has a four-inch, soft honeycomb cushion grip which is not only comfortable for your hands but also features sweat absorbing material to enable you to hit the ball with confidence. The grip is just fine for the majority of pickleball players, even for men who are as tall as 6′ 3”.

Nevertheless, the paddle doesn’t come with a cover out of the box.

6. Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle

Weight and size

Selkirk Amped is a lightweight weighing between 7.3 to7.7o ounces. Although the light weight slightly reduces the power out of your shots, it offers you tight control. The paddle is fairly thicker in the head and the design is much helpful in deflecting the power shots when at the net.

Power and control factors

Selkirk Amped has a large ad more responsive sweet spot for high-speed hits and reduced chances of missing the ball. Better still, the thick X5 polypropylene core helps the paddle to offer you the much-needed power and control for high game performance. The paddle’s unidirectional face is made of FiberFlex fiberglass for improved play feel and better performance. If you are an advanced player, the surface allows you to spin and cancel your spins easily.

Grip

Just like other Amped paddles, Selkirk Amped has a grip circumference of 4.25 inches. The grip is light and responsive and in case you want it to be larger, you can add an overgrip to accommodate your large hands.

One of the major drawbacks of this paddle is that a beginner pickleball player will takes much time to get used to it. It is mostly suitable for advanced players.

7. NewFit Blur Pickleball Paddle

Grip

NewFit Blur Pickleball Paddle features an ergonomic grip made of PU material for vibration dampening and to minimize fatigue. The grip is long and wide enough (4.25 inch circumference) for the majority of pickleball players.

Power and Control Factors

The paddle has graphite face which reacts excellently to the ball and delivers superior feel as well as control. The innovative Polypropylene honeycomb core which extends throughout the paddle offers a large sweet spot and great striking power.

Weight

Weighing between 7.8 ounces to 8.2 ounces, NewFit Blur Pickleball Paddle is neither too light nor too heavy. It gives you enough control for touch shots and returns harder shots steadily. The weight distribution is towards the middle for improved swing efficiency.

However, if you are in search of a quiet paddle, this won’t be the best choice as it is super loud.

8. OSHER Pickleball Paddle

Power and Control Factors

OSHER Pickleball Paddle has a polymer core which blends with the graphite face to offer great and consistent volley, lobs and dinks. The maneuverability of this paddle is awesome. The paddle is designed in a way that allows you to impact enough of spin as you maintain great responsiveness. It’s among the best paddles for beginners.

Weight

Being a graphite paddle, OSHER is medium-weight as it weighs 7.8 ounces for long playing sessions with great maneuverability, power and control.

Grip

The grip is of premium quality and is designed to offer ample sickness to prevent your hand from slipping around while using it. Besides, the grip features a nice sweat absorbent cover for slip-free and comfortable clasping. With a circumference of 4.25 inches, the size of the grip is ideal for most players. The circumference supports the appropriate wrist action, spin and power as well as swift hand changes.

Nevertheless, we’ve seen a couple of complaints indicating the separation of the paddle’s rim from the rest of the paddle within a short period of use (about three months)

9. Amarey Pickleball Paddle

Weight

With a honeycomb composite core construction, Amarey Pickleball Paddle is fairly light but durable. Its total weight is 8 ounces, so heavier than most of the types we’ve listed above. It is among the best paddles we’d recommend to beginner and intermediate pickleball players. You don’t need to buy a paddle cover if you buy this paddle as it comes with one out of the box.

Power and control factors

The weight of this paddle is well distributed and as such, it is able to offer the right balance between power and control. Don’t worry about possible damages as a result of groundstrokes as the paddle has high-quality edge guard all around it.

Grip

Amarey Pickleball Paddle’s grip has a circumference of 4.25 inches and this size is ideal for most players. The grip is cushioned with sweat absorbent material for long playing hours.
However, the paddle is not the best for spin shots.

10. PaddleTek Tempest Wave Pickleball Paddle

Size and weight

Weighing between 7.5 and 7.9 ounces, PaddleTek Pickleball paddle is neither too light nor too heavy, for ideal power and control in a game. The weight is well distributed for a perfect balance and this, together with the vibration dampening technology, enables this paddle to offer a great solid feel when you are hitting a pickleball.

Power and Control Factors

ProPolyCore makes the paddle strong enough to withstand even the most powerful hits. Overall, the paddle is made with durable materials for years of great value. Besides durability, the graphite playing surface material helps the paddle to provide you with sufficient game power to shoot the ball as fast as you want it and ample control to direct it to the desired direction.

Grip

The grip of this paddle is contoured and cushioned with a comfortable and sweat-absorbent material for slip-free clasping and great comfort. The handle is 5-inch long and has a grip circumference of 4.25 inches, making the paddle pretty comfortable to use for those killer dink shots.

Guide to Buying Pickleball Paddles

The following are some of the factors you need to consider while shopping for pickleball paddles to ensure that you pick the best:

Core material

Although all paddles have an internal honeycomb pattern in their core, core’s material differs from one paddle-type to another.  Each material influences the performance of a paddle in a specific way. Let’s have a look at these materials and their influences on a paddle.

Nomex

Nomex is made from a cardboard-like material which is strengthened with a resin coating. Paddles with cores of this nature are the heaviest because the core material is very heavy. Besides, the core makes a paddle to produce a loud pop sound when a ball hit the face. Therefore, if you want a heavy or mid-weight paddle, check out the Nomex core paddles.

Polymer

A polymer is a plastic-like blend and is the most popular material for pickleball paddle core construction. It’s seen as the best core material because of the great control it offers and the fact that it’s very soft. Besides, it is the quietest of all core materials. As such, if you are in search of a quiet paddle that will help you be in great control of the ball, look for one with a polymer core.

Aluminum

Aluminum cores are the recent innovation as far as paddle core materials are concerned. They are lighter than Nomex and polymer paddles but a bit louder as compared to those made with polymer. Therefore, if you want a very light paddle, consider those with aluminum cores.

Wood

Wood is the earliest pickleball paddle core construction material and is the heaviest. Unfortunately, as a result of being extremely heavy, pickleball paddles with wooden cores don’t meet USAPA regulations. On the up side, they are the cheapest.

Prominent tournament approval

Nearly every pickleball player dreams of becoming a professional and prominent player someday. As such, as you buy a paddle, it’s important to establish if it can help you join platforms where you can grow your skills by gaining more exposure. USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) is among the major associations that bring together pickleball enthusiasts. If you are serious about the game, you should join such organizations and ensure that your game tools, including paddle, are compliant with the standards set by the associations. Check out USAPA pickleball paddle requirements here. Having compliant equipment enables you to participate in the tournaments organized by the associations for more exposure and growth opportunities in the game.

Colour

Do you like red, blue, black, yellow or green color? Or what’s your preferred color. Perhaps you’d want a color that makes you outstanding while in pickleball court. As such, you can go for a paddle with your favorite color.  Pickleball paddles come in an array of colors and so, it is not difficult to get one with your preferred colors, among other desired features.

If you often participate in competitive games, it’s advisable that you go for brighter colors. Why? Because brighter colors somehow blind your opponents, they give you a better chance of ambushing them with your shots. It will be more difficult for your opponent to notice when you are hitting the ball using a brightly colored paddle than when you are using a dark one.

Price

The price of a pickleball paddle can be as low as $15 and as high as $150, depending on its construction materials and design, among other factors. Before going out to shop for your ideal paddle, budget for it. Then, find the paddle that falls within the budget and meets most if not all of your desired qualities.

Your club and community

If you’ve joined a pickleball club or are planning to join one, it’s best to ensure that the paddle that you are about to buy conforms to the club’s standards. The same case applies to the community in which you live, especially if you play the game within your home. You shouldn’t buy a noisy paddle while your club or community is against such noises.

Pickleball paddle care Tips

Once you get your best pickleball paddles or paddle, it is important for you to observe the following care tips when necessary to get maximum value from it or them.

Regriping

In case you notice that the paddle is losing its traction or appears as the above photo, regrip it as soon as possible to prevent it from slipping out of your hand and getting damaged. What this video if you want to see how to regrip a paddle.

Cleaning after every use

every time you are done with playing pickleball, wipe off your paddle’s surface using warm water and a soft piece of cloth or towel. Then dry the paddle by exposing it to sun heat or wiping it with a dry towel or a clean piece of cloth.

Put it in a cover and store it

Once it is clean and dry, put the paddle in an appropriate cover and store it in a safe place where there are no objects that can scratch it or leave nicks on it.

A good cover is a worthy investment as it keeps your pickleball paddle in good condition.

Final words

Getting the best pickleball paddles should be no longer a daunting task if follow this guide. However, if you want to get maximum value for your money from the paddle, you must obverse the above care tips, among others.