With pickleball quickly becoming America’s favorite social sport, now is a great time to shop for your first (or next) pickleball paddle. Pickleball is quick and easy to learn, making pickleball paddles a great gift for friends, family or that special someone.
So, you may be wondering “what is the best pickleball paddle?” We get asked this question daily, and we’re here to share our expertise. While there are many different paddles we love, we've pulled together a list of our top picks to help you get started.
Below is a list of our favorite pickleball paddles for every category, from beginners and advanced players to spin and power. We love chatting pickleball, so stop by one of our store locations to talk through these pickleball favorites and more.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
Why we love it: Its large sweet spot makes it easy to hit the ball right every time. It also has a classic honeycomb core for great playability.
Why we love it: The Phoenix G6 provides players with better accuracy, a generous sweet spot and high control ratings.
Why we love it: This lightweight paddle is easier to swing, which will help you get used to playing your new favorite sport.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players
Why we love it: This is a customer and employee favorite, created by world #1 pickleballer Ben Johns. The Perseus gives the ball a powerful pop and produces precise shots.
2. Selkirk Vanguard Mach 6
Why we love it: Made for consistency without compromising power, this paddle brings balance into any player’s game.
Why we love it: It has a tight sweet spot that produces control, feel, and power coming from its HT Carbon Fiber - Yonex's best and most responsive carbon fiber.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin
1. Diadem Warrior Edge 18k
Why we love it: The Edge 18k features revolutionary surface material that provides its players with amplified spin on every shot.
2. Pro Kennex Pro Spin
Why we love it: It has “strings” built into the paddle that when combined with the textured surface, make it best for those looking for increased spin while still maintaining power.
Why we love it: Paddletek’s Perma-Spin technology gives players ultimate spin with long-lasting capabilities
Best Pickleball Paddles for Control
1. Selkirk Luxx
Why we love it: This paddle provides players with unequaled control due to its Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless technology and honeycomb core.
Why we love it: The paddle’s modified traditional shape gives it a larger sweet spot combined with Yonex's best and most responsive carbon fiber.
3. CRBN 2X
Why we love it: CRBN 2X gives players unmatched pop off the paddle while utilizing the unibody design. Carbon fiber runs from the face down through the handle, which stiffens the paddle and makes it more responsive and durable.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Power
1. Holbrook Power Pro
Why we love it: This Holbrook paddle provides players with extreme power and spin while keeping a controlled touch through its revolutionary technology and thick core.
2. Selkirk Invikta Power Air
Why we love it: This paddle is a top choice for power players and features a large sweet spot with a polymer honeycomb core.
Why we love it: The Perseus is a crowd favorite that gives the ball a powerful pop while still producing precise shots.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Arm Pain
If power is the name of your tennis game, check out the Wilson NXT Power or Volkl Power Fiber.
Why we love it: The paddle’s double bridge contains a rubber insert that helps dampen vibrations that can cause arm pain. It also has high-density foam inside the handle to further eliminate vibrations and enhance comfort.
2. Diadem Warrior v2
Why we love it: The Warrior v2 is lighter in weight than predecessor models, while still providing players with durability and power. It also has a molded handle that makes for a comfortable grip.
3. Pro Kennex
Why we love it: It’s a great paddle all-around that provides players with unmatched spin. It also comes with a comfort cushion grip to ensure ease in grip and swing.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Juniors
1. Babolat XPLR
Why we love it: It’s . The XPLR is a lightweight paddle that’s easier to swing, making it the perfect paddle to develop your young one’s game.
2. Onix Junior Paddle
Why we love it: This lightweight paddle with standard shape gives your young player balanced performance without breaking the bank.
Why we love it: Coastal pickleball paddles have fun and vibrant patterns paired with relatively low prices. They’re a great choice for kids.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Seniors
Why we love it: It provides players with extra power through HEAD’s Sweetspot Power Core, making it easier to get the ball moving.
Why we love it: This paddle’s standard weight and Graphite face texture make it a practical, well-working paddle for all.
3. Pro Kennex Pro Spin
Why we love it: It’s ideal for those looking for power with a slight edge in control, which is perfect for older players. The paddle’s spin technology is game-changing, giving an advantage to players of all ages.
For more help finding the perfect pickleball paddle, chat with a pickleball expert at one of our locations or check out our blog on how to choose a pickleball paddle.