Pickleball is one of those games that you would casually play to mimic another better-established game but the game itself suddenly became a popular, smaller version of the other game. Keep reading our Best Pickleball paddle reviews.
Apparently, Pickleball was discovered when a family was bored and wanted to play badminton and could not find the ball shuttlecock for it. So, this family played with a wiffle ball, plywood and a lower net which later on came to be known as pickleball. Therefore, it is a fun and easier game to play and actually is a mashup of badminton, table tennis, and tennis.
Our Best Pickleball Paddle Reviews
Let's quickly get started with our best pickleball paddle reviews- without any further delay.
Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle
If you are looking for a paddle that is at the middle of the road from everything a player might specifically want from a paddle then the Engage Encore is what you need. It is not just great for beginners but also for professionals because of its versatility.
Firstly, it has a mid-weighted body which enables you to use it in any way you want. If you want power, you can have it with its slightly heavyweight but not enough heavy to provide you with the best power. Again, if easy control is what you are seeking, its lightweight will provide you with ample but not as much as the actually lightweight paddles. Therefore, you can have your way with it if you need a bit of both thing.
Apart from that, what it surely provides is a good spin. Apparently, it has a polymer core which keeps the game really silent and your house complaint-free. The problem with this paddle is that many people find it a bit heavy-weighted for easy control while others love the balance.
Pros:
- Provides a great spin to the ball.
- Keeps a balance between providing power and control.
- Quite versatile.
- Good quality builds which keeps it durable.
- Good for beginners.
Cons:
- Might seem a bit heavy-weighted for people seeking maneuverability.
Upstreet Graphite Pickleball Paddle
Now, this is a pickleball paddle that will offer you a lot of goods and in some cases a number of bads as well. Firstly, it has a nice construction with materials which are highly approved like a polypro Honeycomb core. While this core and the other surface parts of the paddle is supposed to provide a good balance between control and power, it does not all the time.
A few customers sang high praises about how easy this paddle is to control and how well they played. Others, however, complained that it is a bit heavier than expected and also, the surface has no textures which provide no grip on the ball. However, you will definitely love the grip as long as it lasts. Apparently, while many people damage the paddle when trying to tape the grip when its time is up, this paddle is very easy to maintain and allows you to tape the grip really easily.
This is, in fact, a great paddle for beginners to start with for the price and also the flexibility and balance. However, there were a number of complaints regarding its durability, especially that its parts tend to get chipped. Apart from that, the paint comes off and so does the grip.
Pros:
- Durable core material also provides some balance between power and control.
- Great choice for beginners becoming intermediates.
- Easy to maintain.
- Reasonable price.
- Large sweet spot.
Cons:
- No textures make it hard to control and provides no spin.
- Maybe a bit heavy.
- Not very durable.
Rally Graphite Pickleball Paddle
Looking for a paddle that will not make you hit too hard to get the ball past your enemy? Then, the Rally Graphite Paddle is what you need. In fact, it provides you with just the right balance between control and power. With its weight, not so softcore and a large sweet spot, this paddle allows you to take power shots with minimum effort. Furthermore, you also get to place the ball exactly where you want to with it.
Although the paddle has edge guards and neck-guard, most customers who had anything bad to say said the edge guard pops out and the paddle loses its durability really soon. Apart from that, the flared handle is really comfortable to hold, does not slip and has a moisture-control grip.
Pros:
- The right balance between power and control.
- A durable and nice core.
- Comfortable handle.
Cons:
- Not the most durable as the edge guard tends to come off.
Rally NX Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The Rally NX Graphite will surely provide you with easy control when you are playing. Apparently, this is a lightweight paddle which many mistakes as too lightweight but end up finding out it has just the right amount of weight to provide a comfortable control and game. And, it has a large sweet spot so you can focus on landing the ball accurately with moderate power without much effort. Furthermore, the handle is padded and quite comfortable as well even when your hands sweat.
The drawback about this paddle is that although the edge-guard protects it well when you take low shots, the overall quality of the build is not very durable. In fact, a few customers complained that the paddle broke in half while they were playing just for a few days or weeks.
Pros:
- Provides ample control.
- Comfortable to hold even when sweating.
- It requires less effort for accurate shots.
Cons:
- Not very durable.
- Effective edge-guard may break.
ProLite SuperNova Black Diamond Pickleball Paddle
The ProLite may seem a bit heavy for those who want to get more control over the ball but it will amaze you with the grip it provides despite the weight. In fact, it has a clever construction with a polymer core and a carbon fiber facing. While the polymer core adds a bit of a weight for powerful shots, the top provides a good grip and control on the ball, so you get the best of both worlds. The sweet spot is also large with an edge guard.
While there are no complaints about its performance, the paddle does not really last long. You cannot use it rigorously and sometimes it falls apart too soon after purchase as well.
Pros:
- Provides a good grip on the ball.
- More power with less effort.
- Large protected sweet spot.
Cons:
- A bit expensive.
- Not very durable.
Venom Pickleball Paddle
This is a teardrop-shaped handle that provides a good balance between control and power but is not as heavy as you would want it to be. Apparently, the teardrop shape really helps you when you have to deal with low shots and also makes the level of responsiveness higher.
The weight of the paddle is on the heavier side but many people claimed it needed more weight to require fewer efforts for power shots. While many loved the weight distribution, which is more towards the time, a few others were not comfortable with it. Apart from that, the paddle has sweet spots on the upper end of it.
Tennis players will find using his paddle very comfortable as it has a long handle.
Pros:
- The shape aids control.
- The weight makes the power shots somewhat easier.
- The handle is long and comfortable.
- Well-placed sweet spots.
Cons:
- Could be a bit heavier
Selkirk 30p XL Epic
This is a polymer paddle in the lightweight range and it gives you exactly what you expect it to. Apparently, this paddle is super fun to control and will provide you with accurate shots that will help you place the ball exactly where you want it to land. However, the sweet spot is not large and you will need to hit mainly at the center to get the best results which can be tough. The paddle offers ample power as well with its graphite top and polymer core.
It feels great in hand. However, the paint may chip off the surface way too soon and this is the greatest con. Furthermore, the edge guard might not be as satisfying and there is no coverage even though this paddle costs quite high.
Pros:
- Provides great control and accuracy.
- The textured surface puts a good spin on the ball.
- Enough power.
- Comfortable to play with for a long time.
Cons:
- Small sweet spot.
- The paint job is not great.
- No warranty.
Selkirk Sports 20P XL Epic Pickleball Paddle
If you want a proper lightweight paddle that provides what lightweight paddles do, this is a good paddle. In fact, you will enjoy really controlled shots that land where you want them to land. Specifically dinking is done well and easily with this paddle. Furthermore, the core has just the amount of weight to provide you with enough power to hit hard slams. So, you get a bit of flexibility there.
Although you get amazing results when you hit the sweet spot, the sweet spot is not that large. So, you will need practice and skills to get the best out of this paddle.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold.
- Provides great control for precise shots like dinking.
- Has enough weight for powerful slams.
Cons:
- The sweet spot is not large at all.
Selkirk AMPED Pickleball Paddles X5
Whether you like more power or more control, this paddle has both the lightweight and midweight versions available to deliver to you what you need. Apparently, it is a great paddle for beginners who are transitioning from wood to the nicer paddles. The lightweight version of the provides you with great control sacrificing a bit of the power. However, the midweight version does provide you with more power but does not sacrifice a lot of control because of the larger sweet spot and also a slightly narrower body. In fact, the narrow body lets you be more responsive to the ball.
You might find that the spin provided by it is not really worth it. Apart from that, the lightweight might seem a bit heavy to a few and will need some getting used to.
Let’s check out our special reviews on Selkirk Pickleball Paddles.
Pros:
- The lightweight version provides more control sacrificing little power.
- Comfortable to hold thanks to the grip.
- The mid-weight also provides power without sacrificing much control.
- Large sweet spot.
Cons:
- Might seem heavy.
- Needs getting used to.
- Does not provide much spin
GAMMA Classic 1.0 Pickleball Paddles
The Gamma Classic 1.0 Voltage is a paddle in the lightweight range and it will provide you with extra control over where you place the ball and also make you very responsive. Apparently, you will find three such classic paddles, each of which offers the one particular advantage. For example, the Voltage will provide you with the best feel, the Ion will provide you with the lightest weight and thus, control, and finally, the Atomic will provide you with heavy power. Apparently, the paddles deliver these well but the sweet spot might seem a bit small which will lead to inaccurate shots.
The paddles are usually quite durable but the top paints seem to get chips after a while. In one customer’s case, the paddle apparently broke in two.
Pros:
- Delivers what it promises well.
- Lightweight and very fun to control.
- Helps with accurate shots.
- It provides a very good grip and feel.
- Responsive.
- Three versions to choose from.
Cons:
- Small sweet spot.
- Paint seems to get chipped.
Buying Guide: How to Buy The Best Pickleball Paddle
You have to consider the following crucial features of a pickleball paddle to find the best and most suitable one for you.
The Weight of the Paddle
The first and foremost attribute you have to consider is the weight of the paddle as it severely affects both your style of play and your strength. Apparently, you will find lightweight paddles, mid-weight paddles, and heavyweight ones. Which one you need depends on what you want most.
What can be considered an easy calculation is that the heavier the paddle the sooner you will feel the strain on your hands and elbows and will get tired. The weight actually ranges from 6 to 14 ounces and you might think a few ounces will not make a difference. But, holding and playing with the slightly heavyweight ones will really make a difference in how you feel after hours of playing. In fact, the paddles weighing lower than 7.3 ounces are lightweight ones, the ones weighing between 7.3-8.4 ounces are the mid-weight ones and finally, all the paddles that weigh higher than 8.4 ounces are called the heavyweight paddles.
Apart from putting pressure on your body and not, the weight also affects how you play. In fact, you want more control than the lightweight paddles will give you an advantage as you can move them faster and be more responsive with your swings. However, it will cut down on the power and you will naturally need to put more effort to make long and strong shots. On the other hand, if you want power and have a higher skill-level at controlling the ball then the heavy paddles will give you strong and fast shots. In fact, you will not need to put much effort into making long shots.
However, if you are a beginner and do not know which kind is suitable for you then you can go for a mid-weight paddle which you will give you a taste of both worlds.
The Grip that You Will Need
This is one of the most overlooked features in many cases because sportsmen tend to overlook the importance of comfort while playing. In fact, the grip is something which when right for you will give you a better feel, control and even increase your strength when playing. Therefore, you have to make sure that the grip of the paddle you are buying is the right size for you.
How do you know it is the right size? There is a very simple and easy way to figure out if the grip is right for you. When you hold the paddle how it should be held, the index finger of your other hand should be the distance between your palm and fingers of the hand that is holding the paddle.
You can also tape and increase the thickness of the grip of the paddle you buy to get the grip you need. Apart from that, there are grips that offer special features like absorbing sweat, etc.
The Material of the Paddle
There are just three materials that make pickleball paddles-wood, graphite, and composite.
- Wood Paddles: Apparently, the wood paddles are cheaper and heavier and a great option for beginners as they do not have to invest much.
- Graphite Paddles: At the other end of the line are the graphite paddles, these are the expensive ones and have Nomex, polymer or aluminum core. In fact, the composite material paddles also have the same materials as the core so what really makes them different is the graphite layer on both sides, which is slightly thin but very light and strong. These paddles will give you a lot of control and ample
Polymer Core: Apparently, the polymer core makes the paddles very durable and the quietest. In fact, if you live in a crowded place then polymer paddles will be a good choice for you to avoid disturbing others. Furthermore, it provides better control than power because of its softness.
Nomex Core: If you want to have a lot of power and speed when you hit the ball and that too quite easily. This hard and durable Nomex core will aid you gallantly. However, it will let everyone know of its strength with its sound as its quite loud and you might have a tad bit difficult time controlling it.
Aluminum Core: The aluminum core makes a paddle lightweight and durable at the same time. In fact, the lightweight will give you ample control and responsiveness when you use the paddle. Apparently, this core falls somewhere between a polymer and Nomex core and also is quieter than Nomex but not as much quite as a polymer core.
- Composite Paddles: Composite cores like graphite cores have anyone among Nomex, aluminum or polymer in it. What makes the difference is that the surface or top of both sides is coated with carbon fiber or fiberglass. Apparently, if you want to give your enemies a hard time with a good spin on the ball then the composite paddles will do the best job among the three.
The Paddle Length and Width
The greater the paddle length and width the more vantage points you have to hit the ball right. So, based on this you have three options to consider:
- Edgeless Paddles: A number of paddles have an edge of protective materials that protect them against damage when they fall or collide. The paddle which does not have such an edge is the edgeless paddles. What these paddles do is give a great area of sweet spots to hit the balls. However, the durability decreases slightly in these cases.
- Wide Body Paddles: This offers you a combination of durability and ease of playability. Apparently, the widebody gives you a number of sweet spots and if your style benefits more from the wider sides then you will feel very comfortable using this kind of paddles
- The Long Body Paddles: Apparently, you will benefit more from it if you are professional. In fact, a beginner may not be even able to handle such a paddle as it won’t give you a lot of sweet spots and won’t be easy to control. However, it will give you competitive advantages with better speed, spin, and power.
You just have to figure out which type suits your style.
The length of the grip
Yes, at times, players feel quite uncomfortable using a too short or too long grip. In fact, tennis players prefer longer grips as they are used to it while many others prefer shorter ones for many different reasons. Therefore, it is mainly a matter of personal preference how long you want the grips to be.
The Paddle deflection
If you want to find out how easily you can hit the ball then you need to check the level of deflection. High the deflection, higher will be the ‘spring’ effect of it on the ball. As a result, you will be able to hit the ball with less effort but will also find controlling the ball’s direction difficult. And, the exact opposite happens with low deflection paddles. You need more effort to hit and less effort to control the direction.
The Color and Overall Look
As you can already guess, this is more of a matter of personal preference. Apparently, the color does not matter much in case of gameplay. However, certain advantages may be there if the color of the paddle and the ball is the same as it will make it hard for the opponents to see the ball.
Other than that, just look for a color that you like.
The Price
You will definitely not be spending all your money on pickleball paddles, therefore, this is something you should consider. In fact, you should not aim too low in case of price as the too cheap things are never worth it. Apparently, the good paddles start at dollar 50. Among them, wood is the cheapest, graphite the most expensive and composite lies somewhere between them. However, determine a reasonable budget and look for the best within it as there are many that provide the best for a certain range.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do usually pickleball paddles last?
Answer: Well, it depends a lot on the quality and how you take care of the paddle. Apparently, players who play daily and rigorously may expect the paddle to last a year while others who play a few times a week can expect the paddle to last three or more years.
- Are there separate paddles for men and women or indoor and outdoor?
Answer: No, there are no separate paddles for each of these kinds. All paddles can be used anywhere by any gender.
Final Words
In order to improve your skills in pickleball, you will need to use the best pickleball paddle that completely suits your style. Apparently, a good paddle will make you work harder to match the requirements for the skills to play with the paddle. When you keep practicing with a good paddle, you will automatically adapt as you play. Therefore, it is a two-way thing, you find the paddle that is most compatible for you and in return the paddle makes you adapt to its own skill level. So, consider everything when you are buying a paddle and you will end up with the best available!
I’m Lia and I love playing games. I started this site to share things with friends and they encouraged me to post more and now I’m trying to share things with the world – indoor and outdoor sports, and board and bar games. I write about things like Bocce, Croquet, Billiards, Darts and other fun ways to enjoy time with your friends and family!
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