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Late last year I joined a pickleball club in Austin, TX. I had played pickleball growing up, but hadn’t touched a paddle in years. I’ve decided that this is the year that I’m really getting back into it.
Once I joined the club and started playing more and more with my friends, I started seeing the vast array of paddle options. I decided it was time to investigate further, so I picked up paddles from the most popular brands and a few up-and-coming startups.
Keep reading to find out which ones are best for what type of player.
How We Tested
I play pickleball a few times a week, so I rotated these paddles in my arsenal over a period of a few months. I judged them based on aspects such as power, swiftness, grip, and more, but mainly it came down to how they felt for me. Each winning paddle was given a title to give you a better idea of how it will suit you based on your playing style.
The Best Pickleball Paddles of 2024
Best Overall:
Materials: Carbon fiber | Shape: Standard | Weight: 7.8 - 8.1 ounces | Handle Length: 5.35’’ | Grip Circumference: 4.25’’
Boasting hundreds of 5-star reviews, the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta is the best overall pickleball paddle you can buy. Crafted with a proprietary carbon fiber composition for supreme performance, this paddle has a great weight distribution and ensures powerful strokes. The non-slip handle offers the perfect size for one- or two-handed shots, while the ProSpin+ NextGen Texture technology provides precise hits through a long-lasting spin surface. If you spot any defects regarding workmanship and manufacturing while using the LUXX Control Air Invikta, the brand offers a lifetime warranty after registering it on the official website.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “This has been, and will continue to be, my go to. It’s quite premium, but it has a great blend of control and power.”
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Best for Beginners:
Materials: Carbon fiber | Shape: Elongated | Weight: 7.8 ounces | Handle Length: 5.43’’ | Grip Circumference: 4.25’’
If you’re just starting in the pickleball world and don’t want to invest a ton in your first racket, the VINSGUIR Viento X2.0 offers solid qualities without being overly priced. Featuring a 4.25-inch grip circumference and weighing 7.8 ounces, this paddle offers a comfortable and secure hold while keeping your arms strain-free. The textured surface provides superior ball control and cushioning, ensuring an enhanced ability to add spin to your shots. Constructed with a 16-millimeter honeycomb core and reinforced with rugged edge protection, the Viento X2.0 is made to be your best companion for many, many games.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “At under $100, this is a great value paddle. It’s probably not what the pros are using, but it’s about as good a paddle you can get if you’re not trying to spend hundreds of dollars.”
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Best for Advanced:
Materials: Charged carbon | Shape: Elongated | Weight: 7.8 ounces | Handle Length: 5.5’’ | Grip Circumference: 4.125’’
If you’re no stranger to pickleball and consider yourself an experienced player, the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S 14mm Pickleball Paddle has some high-end features that you’ll likely enjoy. Designed with a patent-pending propulsion core, this paddle delivers impressive strength and confidence on counters, speed-ups, and drives. Its reinforced surface, treated with charged carbon, provides a cleaner feel and an enhanced energy return, making it even more responsive and solid than other paddles by the brand. If you’re all about technology, the Ben Johns Perseus comes with JOOLA’s NFC chip, which means that you can scan the handle to register your paddle and unlock a series of exclusive benefits, including an extended 12-month warranty.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “This is what you should go for if you want to take your game to the next level. If it’s good enough for the best player in the world, it’s good enough for me.”
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Best Budget:
Materials: Carbon fiber | Shape: Standard | Weight: 8 ounces | Handle Length: 5.25’’ | Grip Circumference: 5.25’’
At around $40, the Pickle Genius Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for those who want high-quality properties on a limited budget. Designed to meet the needs of all types of players, this paddle is made to elevate your game through its lightweight-yet-sturdy construction. The 13-millimeter polypropylene core offers solid swings, while the grit surface finish provides supreme ball control in all directions. The extended handle provides enhanced grip without compromising accuracy. Featuring a sleek rectangle design with rounded corners, the Pickle Genius PickleBall Paddle is a safe bet as it has been tested and approved by the USA Pickleball Association.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “This is a great paddle if you’re just starting to get into pickleball—it’ll last you awhile and be a good bridge to your next paddle when you have a better idea of how you play.”
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Best Control:
Materials: Carbon fiber | Shape: Elongated | Weight: 7.9 - 8.5 ounces | Handle Length: 5.5’’ | Grip Circumference: 5.5’’
With three different weights to match your preferences, the GRYP Pickleball Balance 1 is designed for those who want superior control on the court. Crafted with high-performance T700 carbon fiber, this paddle optimizes your game through unparalleled stability and durability. The well-designed handle reduces vibrations and offers improved commands, perfect for those who enjoy high-speed matches. The adjustable weight balance is a game-changer if you want a paddle with a unique, tailor-made build to meet you right where you need it.
Our Tester’s Overall Thoughts: “GRYP is an interesting player in the space. I wouldn’t recommend it to a beginner, but it has some of the most advanced, dialed-in technology I’ve come across.”
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Pickleball Paddles FAQs
How do I choose a pickleball paddle?
The main aspects to consider when getting a new pickleball paddle are material, weight, shape, and grip size. All of these factors are generally universal to most paddles. However, there can be some variations according to whether a paddle has been designed with specific features in mind. For instance, the average weight can impact overall playing significantly, while the material can affect durability and performance.
That being said, we recommend that, when getting a pickleball paddle, you choose the one that best fits your budget, playing style, and how often you plan to use it.
Is carbon fiber or graphite better for a pickleball paddle?
Carbon fiber paddles are lightweight and responsive, being the best choice for players who want more powerful strokes and are used to fast swings. On the other hand, graphite paddles are more durable and offer enhanced control, being perfect for those looking for more stability and precision. Both types have their pros and cons, and the best for you will mainly depend on your playing style, personal preferences, and, of course, budget.
Pickleball Paddle Tips & Considerations
Your Skill Level
Although most paddles will meet the needs of all types of players, some can vary greatly depending on where you stand in the sport. If you’re just starting to test your skills in pickleball, you don’t need to spend a ton on fancy features that will make no difference to you just yet. But if you’re an experienced player and want to keep elevating your game, you may want to invest in a paddle with more premium materials and adjustable details.
Size
Standard-sized pickleball paddles have a face that measures around 7-8 inches wide and 16 inches long, making them lighter and easier to control. However, if you want to improve your reach and power, you may prefer elongated paddles, which are 6-7 inches wide and around 17-24 long.
Grip
The grip circumference in pickleball paddles fluctuates between 4’’ and 5.5’’. If you’re just beginning your pickleball journey, experts recommend to start with a smaller grip circumference first and customize it with an overgrip wrap as you gain experience.
