The Best Pickleball Paddles

Buying Guide for Pickleball Paddles

Why buy a pickleball paddle?

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America for a reason. It’s a blast! And if you want to discover or keep discovering all the joys of pickleball, you’ll need to find the right paddle for your game. There are various options out there to accommodate different skill levels and players.

What should you consider in a pickleball paddle?

• Paddle Design: Get something that’s tuned in to your playstyle. Understand factors like paddle weight (which affects control and strike power) and shape (which determines how much surface area you have when hitting).
• Safety:  Look to options that know how to safeguard their construction and players through reinforced durability (anti-crack edging), wrist wraps, and quality grips on handles.
• Accessories: What’s a pickleball paddle without the ball to accompany it? Repeat players may have dozens of them, but if you’re new to the sport, consider options bundled with some balls or other convenient accessories. Several of these paddles come in sets of two or even four paddles.

Which materials should your pickleball paddles be made from?

Pickleball paddles are mainly made from wood, graphite, composite, and sometimes fiberglass. Wooden paddles are the heaviest and the most affordable. They’re typically best for beginners who are learning the ropes of pickleball. Composite paddles are in the middle in both weight and price—a happy medium for many. Graphite paddles are more expensive but very lightweight, so they won’t tire your wrists out as quickly, and they provide great power. Lastly, fiberglass paddles are also more costly and lightweight, but they can particularly help with precision. In the end, you should choose a paddle that checks your boxes in feel, price, performance, and design, and expect to pay around $40 to $100+ for a good set of pickleball paddles.

Our Picks for the Best Pickleball Paddles

Pros: These Gonex graphite pickleball paddles are a great option. They have a balanced weight to give you plenty of power and control. Their cushioned handles prevent your hand from discomfort and tiredness. The polymer cores are made to last; you should be able to use these for years to come. The lava-like design on the outside looks really cool. These two pickleball paddles come with four balls and a carrying case to get you ready to hit the court.

Cons: The finish of these paddles may start to peel off after a few months of playing. While that won’t impact your game, it can look less appealing.

Bottom Line: There’s a lot to like about these two graphite pickleball paddles. They come with four balls, a carrying case, and a sweet design. They perform well, giving you plenty of power and control in the game.

 

Pros: The JP WinLook Pickleball Paddle Set comes with two graphite paddles and three balls. The paddles are lightweight but durable, so they’ll last for a while and won’t tire you out. Each paddle has a nonslip handle that won’t fly out of your hand. They also come with a bag, so you can take these paddles and balls on the go.

Cons: The material is slightly thin, making the quality feel a little off. While that doesn’t mess with your game, you may not love the look of these paddles.

Bottom Line: This affordable option gives you all you need for a game of pickleball, including two lightweight paddles that are durable and easy to use. Whether you’re a novice or avid pickleball player, have fun outside with this quality set.

 

Pros: Quite possibly the pinnacle of USAPA approved paddle options, the Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle offers far more than a snazzy design. This is handcrafted elegance paired with leading-edge technology to produce a stronger, more balanced paddle. Its state-of-the-art FiberFlex fiberglass face and thick polypropylene X5 Core generate optimal ball cushioning and spin, and its large surface area will help you find a consistent sweet spot.

Cons: This is a truly high-performing paddle, but you may not notice all the great features if you’re not an experienced player. It’s much more expensive than the other options on our list.

Bottom Line: Take your pickleball game to the next level with this premium paddle! Its impressive features and performance could be just what you need to improve your game.

 

Pros: The Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Wood 4-Paddle Set is the right option for casual games with family and friends. You get four paddles, four balls, and a bag to help you take it all with you. These paddles feature an ergonomic design that gives you plenty of power and durability. The wooden build makes them great for beginners.

Cons: This option may not last as long as you would like. It may start to show some wear after a few months of use. It’s not ideal for serious players.

Bottom Line: Have some fun with your friends and family with this set of four paddles and four balls. It’s a great set to buy for warm-weather fun.

 

Pros: The Stonecho Pickleball Set includes two fiberglass paddles that provide plenty of power and spin and are made to last. There’s a large sweet spot to help you deliver the right hit every time. As a bonus, the set includes four balls and a travel bag.

Cons: They might not be ideal for beginners.

Bottom Line: These well-balanced, well-made paddles will make a great addition to intermediate and advanced pickleball players’ games.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to pickleball or an experienced player, finding the right paddle is vital for improving your game and having more fun! We’ve gathered a great selection of quality paddles, so check them out before hitting the court.