As an exercise physiologist and pickleball player who plays once a week outdoors, I’m always excited to try new paddles and learn about their differences. There’s no one-size-fits-all paddle, and choosing the best pickleball paddle largely depends on skill level and playing style. I look for paddles that focus on comfort and that support control and skill development. Along with other pickleball players, I tested eight pickleball paddles, bringing our total to 81 paddles tested over the past four months. Our favorite is Selkirk’s SLK Evo Power 2.0 Paddle; however, we’ve also selected ten other options that are ideal for various skill levels, playing styles, and price points.
Pickleball Paddles We Also Tested
We spent over four months testing 81 pickleball paddles to find the best options. While the following paddles did have some noteworthy qualities, they didn’t end up meeting our rigorous testing standards to be included in our list of top picks.
- We think Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Wood Paddle Set is a great value. However, compared to the others we tested, this paddle felt heavier and less comfortable, causing wrist fatigue after an extended period of time.
- The grip on JOOLA’s Ben Johns Hyperion C2 CFS 14 Pickleball Paddle held up on hot and humid days without slipping out of our sweaty hands. However, it might be difficult for beginner and intermediate players to control the ball on this paddle until they get used to it.
- HEAD’s Radical Tour Raw EX Pickleball Paddle has a super comfortable grip and feels light in our hands. However, compared to other paddles we tested, its overall performance just isn’t worth the price.
This paddle’s generous sweet spot delivers pinpoint accuracy with every swing.
Verywell Fit / Alena Kharlamenko
What We’ve Updated
- Since publishing our initial fully-tested roundup of the best pickleball paddles, we’ve tested 11 new paddles, spending over four months testing top options. We evaluated each option for its comfort, grip, control, durability, and value.
- Based on our new testing insights, we’ve re-worked some of our previous picks, including Best for Beginners, Best for Power, Best With Large Sweet Spot, and more.
- Based on our testing insights, we’ve added five new superlatives, including Best for Control and Spin, Best for Precision, and more.
- We interviewed professional pickleball player Bellamy again, as well as a director of a pickleball facility, to gather their input on what you should consider when choosing a paddle, how to know when to replace your paddle, and more.
Verywell Fit
What to Look for When Shopping for a Pickleball Paddle
- Materials: When shopping for a pickleball paddle, check out its core and surface materials—choosing the right option for you will depend on your playing style and skill level. Typically, the core is made from a honeycomb polypropylene chamber that helps reduce vibration and distribute energy as the paddle contacts a ball. Surface materials generally include carbon fiber (best for control), fiberglass (best for power), graphite (best for quick shots), and wood.
- Skill Level: Pickleball paddles are an investment, so choosing a paddle that can evolve with your skills and playing style is an important consideration. If you’re a true beginner still learning the ins and outs of the game, you may want to opt for a light and sturdy paddle, while advanced players can benefit from a strong paddle that encourages optimal power and speed.
- Playing Style: Are you looking for control, power, or speed? When selecting a pickleball paddle, consider your personal playing style. For example, if you prefer a fast-paced game, you might want a paddle that generates power and speed, says professional pickleball player Kiersten Pappas. Carbon fiber paddles are best for control, while fiberglass paddles are great for power. Some paddles are designed for both.
- Weight: The weight of your pickleball paddle will affect control and power. Lighter paddles are best for control, while heavier paddles can give you more power and speed. Swing weight, according to Pappas, should also be considered. Swing weight refers to how heavy the paddle feels when you actually swing it.
- Handle Length and Grip: Choosing the right handle length and grip circumference depends on two things: your swing style and hand size. Pickleball paddle handles usually come in a standard length for those with a single-handed backhand swing or a long length for those with a two-handed backhand swing, says Bellamy. Grip circumference is typically around 4 inches, but you can find smaller and larger options.
- Surface Area and Shape: Generally, paddles with a larger surface area have a bigger sweet spot, so many players favor them. Just ensure you stay within regulation size—according to USA Pickleball, a paddle can’t be longer than 17 inches. Some, but not all, of our top picks are USA Pickleball-approved. This designation may be important if you want to join a competitive pickleball league or tournament. As for shape, elongated paddles have better reach, but they may have a smaller sweet spot because they are narrower. Commonly used standard-size paddles are a good mix of the two.
- Edge Guard: The edge guard protects the paddle from cracking, scratches, and chipping. Paddles can range from completely edgeless, which are typically lighter, to having larger edge guards, which can make them feel much heavier and reduce surface area. If durability is a priority, consider a medium-sized edge guard that will help protect your paddle without adding too much extra weight.
The SLK Evo Power 2.0 features a sweat-wicking grip that’s tacky and cushioned.
Verywell Fit
Our Experts
We spoke with experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some helped us better understand which key features every pickleball paddle should have, while others provided insights that helped inform our testing process.
- Beth Bellamy, professional pickleball player and co-founder of the National Pickleball League
- Laurie Coyne, certified pickleball coach at Aqua Lane Pickleball in Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Wayne Dollard, professional pickleball player and founder of Pickleball Magazine and LevelUp Camps
- Laurel Heilman, certified pickleball coach with her own practice in Pittsburgh
- Kiersten Pappas, Director of Pickleball Operations, Dill Dinkers in Frederick, Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a more expensive pickleball paddle worth it?
Not necessarily—it’s more important to prioritize a grip that allows you to play comfortably and gives you a full range of motion. If you’re a beginner, Bellamy says you don’t know what you’ll like yet, so the most expensive paddle might not be the best fit.
What pickleball paddles do most pros use?
A number of professional pickleball players sport paddles from brands like Selkirk and JOOLA. More importantly, competitive players must choose a USA Pickleball-approved regulation paddle.
How often should you buy a new pickleball paddle?
As a rough guideline, if you play three days a week, three hours per session, your paddle should last for around a year. You’ll know when it’s time to change your paddle when it stops performing. The core will start to deaden, says Coyne, and the paddle won’t be responsive anymore.
What’s the best way to clean and care for your pickleball paddle?
To keep your pickleball paddle performing at its best, wipe down the face and grip of the paddle after each game with a damp microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh household cleaners as they could damage the paddle. Once your grip wears down, you can purchase a replacement grip or overgrip to help your paddle last longer.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Jennifer Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, has worked at Verywell Fit since 2022 and is currently a writer for the brand. As a certified exercise physiologist and avid exerciser, she specializes in testing fitness and recovery gear, including walking shoes, basketballs, pickleball equipment, massage guns, and more. For this article, Jennifer hands-on tested eight pickleball paddles and interviewed pickleball experts to help readers find the best options possible.
Additional reporting contributed by Alena Davis, ISSA-CPT, and Amy Scanlin, ACE-GFI, MS
Alena Davis, ISSA-CPT, is a health writer and exercise enthusiast who researches and reviews fitness products for Verywell Fit. As a former personal trainer and tennis novice, she appreciates the myriad benefits pickleball can provide to those interested in playing the paddle sport and understands the importance of selecting equipment that best supports both your game and your budget. In this roundup, she highlighted advice from professional pickleball players and trustworthy pickleball paddle brands that provide high-quality, effective products.
Amy Scanlin, ACE-GFI, MS, is a Verywell Fit writer, certified group fitness instructor, and pickleball enthusiast who enjoys court time with family and friends. With gear being an essential component of the game, she chooses products based on expert guidance, feedback from our tests, and her own experience. As an intermediate player, she looks for paddles with a larger face, that are nicely weighted and are considered reliable and dependable by those who have tried them.
