The best pickleball paddles cater to a variety of needs, whether you’re an amateur stepping onto a court for the first time or a pro playing in a tournament. Their ability to deliver powerful shots and precise control makes them perfect for both beginners and seasoned players alike, and their sturdy construction ensures that they can withstand the rigors of intense gameplay. From the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 (our top pick overall) to the Head Radical Elite (for those playing on a budget), we’ve researched dozens of options from the industry’s top brands to identify the best pickleball paddles of 2023.
As you peruse our recommendations, keep in mind that there isn't a universal paddle that suits every player. According to Carl Schmits, managing director of equipment standards and facilities development at USA Pickleball, players should “try as many different paddles as is practical. There are a myriad of material combinations and configurations on the market—most manufacturers and resellers offer demo programs, or a small rental fee that is applicable to purchase.”
Despite appearances, subtle differences set each pickleball paddle apart—provided you know what to look for. Factors like grip size, weight, shape and materials come into play when discerning one paddle from another, all of which influence your gameplay. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Within this guide, which I’ve structured to cater to every player's unique requisites, you'll find a collection of paddles that earn high marks for specific reasons.
For additional insights, I spoke with Carl Schmits to break down the basic elements of a pickleball paddle, from construction to grip size to surface texture. Read on to find a paddle that meets your needs and head to the buyer’s guide if you need some help getting started.
- Best Pickleball Paddle Overall: Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16
- Best Budget Pickleball Paddle: Head Radical Elite
- Best Pickleball Paddle For Beginners: Prolite Bolt
- Best Pickleball Paddle For Intermediate Players: Onix Graphite Z5
- Best Pickleball Paddle For Advanced Players: Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
- Best Pickleball Paddle Under $50: Gamma Quest
- Best Quiet Pickleball Paddle: The Owl CX
- Best Pickleball Paddle For Control: Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0
- Best Pickleball Paddle Upgrade: Joola Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16
Best Pickleball Paddle Overall
A Pro Model That Balances Weight, Length And Reactivity
Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 Pickleball Paddle
If a paddle is good enough for the greatest pickleball player of all time, it should probably be good enough for the rest of us. Named after the number one player in all three divisions for most of the last three years, Ben Johns, the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion features a responsive honeycomb core that’s 16 millimeters thick (hence the “CAS 16” moniker), a carbon abrasion surface for better control, edge-guard protection for durability and an elongated handle that’s perfect for two-handed shots. It’s a bit pricey when you can’t find it on sale, but for those in need of a do-it-all paddle that beginners can grow with and veterans can take full advantage of, this is the one to get.
What the players say: “Great paddle. Been playing with it for a couple weeks now and has held up so far. Great control, power, fairly large sweet spot, and spin is great. I own a couple other paddles and this has been my go to recently.”
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Best Budget Pickleball Paddle
A Capable Model That Doesn’t Break The Bank
Head Radical Elite
If you’d like to give pickleball a try without dropping a lot on a new paddle, Head’s Radical Elite model will serve you well (no pun intended). Featuring a fiberglass surface for excellent feel and power, it’s complete with a 4.25-inch handle and a polypropylene core that’s perfect for mid-level play. Head’s expertise in the tennis world plays a role in the paddle’s Ergo grip, which should add some confidence to your play as well. Best of all, the paddle’s $64 price tag makes it an affordable option, so you can get into the game with friends or play some pick-up in your free time without feeling guilty if you’re not on the court day in and day out.
What players say: “Great feel, lightweight. Useful for all skill levels. I thought about a more expensive paddle, but bought one for my wife and she liked it so much I bought another for myself.”
Best Pickleball Paddle For Beginners
Learn The Basics, Enjoy The Sport
While materials, weight and dimensions will affect any player’s performance on the court, beginners should pay closer attention to these details as they’ll have a lasting impact on your long-term experience. For instance, the Prolite Bolt offers a number of features that are great for beginners, including a thicker core that absorbs impact, a carbon fiber frame that improves control and a 4-inch grip that allows you to add tape if need be. The Bolt is also an affordable option at $65, and it’s incredibly quiet to reduce unwanted noise.
What players say: “This is a terrific paddle. I didn't want to spend a lot of money until I know if I am going to stick with this game. I have been using this several months and I love it. It is just the right weight for a beginner.”
Best Pickleball Paddle For Intermediate Players
Put Away Every Shot With Confidence
Onix Graphite Z5
You’ll spot various Onix paddles at tournaments across the country, and the Graphite Z5 is no exception. The slightly elongated shape gives you extra reach and shifts the sweet spot upward, while the traditional width makes it easier to block shots or dink to your heart’s content. But most importantly, all that real estate allows you to generate loads of power without sacrificing control. If that’s your style, this paddle’s for you.
What players say: “This is a great paddle for all levels. The weight is right in the middle so it’s not too light or too heavy. Has a large sweet spot for consistent hits and a great surface for putting spin on the ball. The grip issues seem to be resolved and it feels great in my hand.”
Best Pickleball Paddle For Advanced Players
For Superior Control, Power And All-Court Performance
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
After you’ve got a few seasons of play under your belt, odds are you’re going to want to level up your paddle, at which point you should consider picking up the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro. Delivering unmatched accuracy, power and forgiveness, it features a large sweet spot and balanced weight to increase your finesse, speed and maneuverability. The textured graphic surface pairs with a tacky performance grip to improve accuracy and control through every shot, and Paddletek offers the Tempest Wave Pro in multiple colors to suit your style.
What players say: “High quality paddle with large sweet spot. Paddle absorbs shock well but has plenty of power. It’s a fun paddle to play with because it can do so much.”
Best Pickleball Paddle Under $50
Affordability Meets High-Quality Features
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When the time comes to invest in a new paddle, you’ll probably look to top-tier models that feature a polymer core and fiberglass surface, but those same details can be found in the value-driven Gamma Quest. Weighing 7.8 ounces, this middleweight paddle blends a polypropylene core with a textured fiberglass surface to deliver more precision and power. the signature Gamma honeycomb grip features a tacky and firm surface to maintain control, and the paddle costs less than $50, making it a suitable option for beginners seeking a paddle that’s big on value, and not on price.
What players say: “Just wanted to purchase an extra paddle to have in case, so far I’ve enjoyed using it, very similar to the micron, slightly heavy but still very good for those learning to play without paying so much for a paddle.”
Best Quiet Pickleball Paddle
Play To Your Heart's Content With Pestering The Neighbors
In full disclosure, we haven’t had the chance to test Owl’s all-new Owl CX paddle, but as the only paddle series that currently qualifies for USA Pickleball’s new “quiet category” (more on that below), we’re of the opinion that it’s the only model we can comfortably recommend.
Weighing 7.7 ounces and measuring 7.9 inches wide, the Owl CX appears to feature a larger sweet spot for more power, and a branded Tru grip looks to offer confidence-inspiring control. But the real talking point here is the brand’s proprietary Acoustene composite material about the paddle face and edge guard that’s designed to mute the classic paddle “pop” noise. According to USA Pickleball, the Owl paddle line delivers a decibel level below 80, while traditional paddles, by comparison, have a near-harmful decibel range of 85-plus. Whether or not Acoustene significantly affects play remains to be seen, but for now, this is the answer to the sport’s noise complaints.
Best Pickleball Paddle For Control
Master Spins And Precision Shots
Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0
As temping as it may be to strike the ball with all your might as soon as it’s lofted over the net, you’ll still want a paddle that prioritizes control to ensure technical shots land where you expect them to, and the Encore EX 6.0 is a standout performer in that regard. Rated highly among former tennis players that are used to playing with larger rackets, the paddle features a rough-textured skin that allows you to put more spin on the ball, and a larger sweet spot makes up for potential mistakes.
Weighing over 8 ounces with a 15.8-millimeter thick polymer core, this paddle is technically on the heavier side, but the design is strategically engineered to ensure the core material doesn’t detract from the control. This paddle, like all Engage paddles, complies with USAPA guidelines, and it’s endorsed for sanctioned tournament play at US and international pickleball events. So while it may be a bit pricey up front, you can grow with this paddle and take it to tournaments once you’re ready to level up your game.
What players say: “I need more control than power out of a paddle, and it allows me to play a game more similar to my tennis game, which has given me extra confidence to hit the shots I want to hit. Buy this one first if you're a tennis player looking for a paddle that will complement your tennis skills on the pickleball court.”
Best Pickleball Paddle Upgrade
After You’ve Mastered The Basics
Joola Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16
Once you’ve finally fallen in love with pickleball after a few months of play, you’ll soon wonder how your game might improve if you were to invest in a new paddle. When that day comes, consider picking up the Joola Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16 paddle—it makes for a suitable upgrade over your beloved entry- or mid-level model. The elongated handle improves grip in the midst of a heated match while a carbon surface and frame add texture and support, helping you put some added spin (and flair) on those placed shots. The paddle’s edge features a reinforced guard to strengthen the core and a carbon fiber core offers better feedback and control over that of an entry-level model.
What players say: “Fantastic paddle that has a lot control and spin. Worth every penny and seems to be more durable then last years model.”
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How We Chose The Best Pickleball Paddles
When the time comes to invest in a pickleball paddle, you’ll quickly notice that options abound. Some paddles feature lightweight materials, others promote durability, and every paddle claims to be the best option when the time comes to up your game. With that in mind, we pored over expert opinions, online reviews and the latest in paddle technology to assemble a list of noteworthy options. From there, we considered each paddle’s weight, shape, length and construction to determine which paddles are worthy of the court, and which ones you can leave behind. This list represents the best paddles for players both casual and competitive, and it’s updated often for accuracy and integrity. It was last updated November 2023.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Pickleball Paddle
Take a gander at the best pickleball paddles and you’ll notice that while each model looks nearly identical from one to the next, they’re not quite the same. In reality, a handful of factors differentiate one paddle from another, and how you blend these factors will dictate your play.
Weight
“Weight plays a significant role in hand speed, power and swing efficiency,” says Schmits. “A heavily weighted paddle may have the mass to generate good power in baseline play, but may slow hand speed and reaction time during kitchen shootouts.” On the other hand, “a paddle that is very light will not feel stable on off center hits, and with so little mass, will rely on the player to generate all the power.”
To summarize, a heavier paddle (over 8 ounces) will add power and stability to every shot, but will come at the cost of speed. If you’re a beginner, consider investing in a lighter paddle (less than 8 ounces) that allows you to focus on control before progressing to power.
Shape
A paddle’s shape dictates its sweet spot, power and control. Elongated paddles (like the Head Radical Elite mentioned above) offer more power to help you drive shots, while a squared paddle has a bigger sweet spot and offers more control.
“We typically see longer handles and head shapes with higher level players, and those with a racquets background,” notes Schmits. “Shorter, wider paddles are typically a good choice for beginner to intermediate, providing a lighter swing weight and good stability for off center hits during kitchen play.”
Thickness
Thickness refers to how thick the core of the paddle is. A thicker core (over 16 millimeters thick) offers a bigger sweet spot and greater potential for spins, which makes it harder for your opponent to return a shot. A thinner core (less than 16 millimeters thick) offers more power, but this comes at the cost of a smaller sweet spot and less control. Consider investing in a paddle with a thicker core if you’re new to the game, as this will allow you to control and place shots before setting your sights on power.
Core Type
The core of a pickleball paddle can be made of materials like polymer, aluminum or Nomex. According to Schmits, “all major manufacturers have moved to polymer cores; aluminum and Nomex cores are rarely used any longer. By varying cell size, cell wall thickness and thickness of the core itself, paddle makers can tune the responsiveness, stiffness and durability of the paddle.”
Surface Texture
“Surface roughness plays a critical role in creating spin,” says Schmits. “While there is a tightly controlled upper limit to roughness, manufacturers produce paddles with different texture patterns, coatings and applications to create as much spin as possible.”
Keep in mind that you can add texture to a paddle with tape or adhesive about the handle or frame, but very strict rules dictate how you can manipulate the face. Consult the official pickleball rulebook before modifying the face of your paddle to ensure it meets regulations.
Edge Guard
Some pickleball paddles feature edge guards that protect the side of the paddle from unwanted damage and add durability should it scrape against the ground. An edge guard won’t influence your play (sadly, it won’t make you a better player), but it will ensure your paddle lasts longer, and it’s a great idea for beginners who are more likely to scrape or scuff their paddle. You can buy a dedicated edge guard or bumper tape, but I recommend using electrical tape—it offers solid protection, and it’s what a lot of the pros use.
Handle Length
The length of the handle is largely a matter of preference. A shorter handle mimics the geometry of a Ping-Pong paddle, which gives you the opportunity to choke up on the grip, thereby reducing its rotational inertia to swing the paddle quicker, while a longer handle sacrifices some speed but plays a lot more like a tennis racket. Keep in mind that combined length and width of a paddle (including an edge guard and butt cap) cannot exceed 24 inches, per the official rulebook, so any length added to the handle will force the paddle to be smaller.
Grip Size
Similar to handle length, a paddle’s grip size will dictate comfort and control. “Paddles usually come in just one grip size,” notes Schmits. “Players build up grips with overwraps to find a comfortable size. The grip should be large enough to avoid injury-causing over-clenching, but not so large that the wrist cannot be used to snap through an overhead.”
Again, the combined length and width of a paddle cannot exceed 24 inches, so don’t go overboard when refining the grip. The correct grip size should allow you to comfortably hold the paddle while maintaining a relaxed grip.
Materials
Fiberglass, graphite, carbon fiber—pickleball paddles are made with different materials that perform a bit differently in the midst of play. Beginner-to-intermediate paddles are usually made with fiberglass, while intermediate-to-advanced paddles are made with carbon fiber and graphite. Read on to find out what differentiates these materials from one another, and how they might impact your play.
Noise Level
Pickleball is a pretty loud sport, so much so that non-players across the country are up in arms over the constant noise. Up until recently, it was a part of the game that both players and non-players were forced to accept, but USA Pickleball has since certified the first product in its new “quiet category” for recreational pickleball equipment: The OWL by OWL Sport. According to the sport’s governing body, the quiet category “aims to reduce the sport’s sound output and recognize pickleball products that reduce the sport’s noise during play without negatively impacting performance.”
Is Graphite Or Fiberglass Better For Pickleball Paddles?
Fiberglass typically weighs more than graphite, but the added weight allows you to generate more power when smashing. Graphite, on the other hand, provides more control or finesse so you can place shots with accuracy. While pickleball paddles were once primarily made of wood, these modern materials deliver greater comfort, control and long-term durability, and both make for great options whether you’re new to the sport or looking to level up your game.
What Is The Most Popular Pickleball Paddle Size?
The most popular pickleball paddle size is 8 inches wide and 15.75 inches long, with a grip circumference between 4 and 4.5 inches. This size is officially sanctioned by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) and is the standard size used in most official pickleball tournaments.
While there are other sizes available on the market, the 8- x 15.75-inch paddle size has become the norm for most players—it offers a balance of power, control and maneuverability. It's worth noting that players of different ages and skill levels may have different preferences when it comes to paddle size, so some players may find that a larger or smaller paddle better suits their playing style.
Do Expensive Pickleball Paddles Make A Difference?
In general, more expensive pickleball paddles will offer a series of advantages that include improved consistency, accuracy and durability as a result of higher-quality polymers that won’t break down as easily over time.
That said, don’t assume your game will drastically improve simply because you picked up an expensive paddle. If you’ve never played pickleball before, consider investing in a budget- or beginner-friendly option that costs less but still offers consistency so you can focus on the basics before upgrading your paddle in time.
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