Best Pickleball Paddles 2024

Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16

As the gear editor at Forbes Vetted, I review and recommend products in the consumer outdoors and fitness spaces, from bikes and tents to treadmills and fitness trackers. As a former commerce editor, copywriter and cultural journalist, my work has appeared in publications like Gear Junkie, Field Mag, REI’s Uncommon Path and more. When I’m not writing about gear, you can find me testing it in the field while camping, hiking, running, biking and skiing. I hold a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I spent extended periods working with the institution’s locomotion research group studying bipedal movement. 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Face: Carbon abrasion | Core: Honeycomb | Weight: 8.3 ounces | Paddle length: 16.5 inches

Pros:

• Durable
• Solid control and power
• USA Pickleball Association-approved

Cons:

• Pricier option when not on sale

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.”

Head Radical Elite

As the gear editor at Forbes Vetted, I review and recommend products in the consumer outdoors and fitness spaces, from bikes and tents to treadmills and fitness trackers. As a former commerce editor, copywriter and cultural journalist, my work has appeared in publications like Gear Junkie, Field Mag, REI’s Uncommon Path and more. When I’m not writing about gear, you can find me testing it in the field while camping, hiking, running, biking and skiing. I hold a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I spent extended periods working with the institution’s locomotion research group studying bipedal movement. 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Face: Fiberglass | Core: Polypropylene honeycomb | Weight: 8.1 ounces | Paddle length: 16 inches

Pros:

• Affordable
• Ergonomic grip
• Comfortable overall feel

Cons:

• Smooth face may impact spin

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 $70 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.”

Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0

As the gear editor at Forbes Vetted, I review and recommend products in the consumer outdoors and fitness spaces, from bikes and tents to treadmills and fitness trackers. As a former commerce editor, copywriter and cultural journalist, my work has appeared in publications like Gear Junkie, Field Mag, REI’s Uncommon Path and more. When I’m not writing about gear, you can find me testing it in the field while camping, hiking, running, biking and skiing. I hold a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I spent extended periods working with the institution’s locomotion research group studying bipedal movement. 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“},”mediumAvatar”:”https://blogs-images.forbes.com/assets/images/avatars/blog-4983_62_6a35ad1b7db9ce9ac885b5f2de5c6338.jpg”,”largestAvatar”:”https://blogs-images.forbes.com/assets/images/avatars/blog-4983_400_6a35ad1b7db9ce9ac885b5f2de5c6338.jpg”,”displayType”:”Forbes Vetted”,”chanSecColor”:”#eb6262″,”showAuthorTypeDisclaimer”:false}},”uri”:”http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-pickleball-paddles/”,”channelSectionMappings”:[{“id”:”channel_108″,”channelName”:”Gear”,”url”:”/vetted/gear”,”specialSlot”:””,”dsfChannelName”:””,”dsfSectionName”:””,”sponsored”:false,”videoSpecialSlot”:””,”showAds”:false,”showLicenseOptions”:false,”showSpreadsheetButton”:false,”enableComments”:false,”showQotd”:false},{“id”:”channel_108section_2343″,”channelName”:”Gear”,”sectionName”:”Tennis & Racket Sports”,”url”:”/vetted/gear/tennis-racket-sports”,”specialSlot”:””,”dsfChannelName”:””,”dsfSectionName”:””,”sponsored”:false,”videoSpecialSlot”:””,”showAds”:false,”showLicenseOptions”:false,”showSpreadsheetButton”:false,”enableComments”:false,”showQotd”:false},{“id”:”channel_94″,”channelName”:”Forbes Vetted”,”url”:”/vetted”,”specialSlot”:””,”dsfChannelName”:””,”dsfSectionName”:””,”sponsored”:false,”videoSpecialSlot”:””,”showAds”:false,”showLicenseOptions”:false,”showSpreadsheetButton”:false,”enableComments”:false,”showQotd”:false}],”bertieBadges”:[{“id”:”66f7acd8b4d39a60b53fb925″,”slug”:”shopping-recirc”,”displayName”:”Shopping Recirc”,”status”:”active”,”priority”:85,”streamUrl”:””}]}” embed-data=”{“additionalAttributes”:[“63110e0505639b000145aab7|finds|mbbRetailerPlaceholder|63|Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0″],”attributes”:[{“type”:”h2″,”name”:”Best Pickleball Paddle For Control”,”id”:”header-2″},{“type”:”h3″,”name”:”Master Spins And Precision Shots”,”id”:”header-3″}],”callOutText”:”Save $32.00 (20%)”,”findsLabel”:”$128 At Amazon”,”findsLink”:”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0845PL44K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=202266-o61jxl8up7-20&linkCode=ll1″,”findsNonAffiliateLink”:”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0845PL44K”,”url”:”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0845PL44K”,”title”:”Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0″,”vendorName”:””,”productAlternatives”:[{“url”:”https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/engage-encore-ex-6-0-pickleball-paddle-21lgguncrx60blxxxtnn/21lgguncrx60blxxxtnn”,”affiliatizedUrl”:”https://dicks-sporting-goods.ryvx.net/c/1201867/315573/4835?subId1=63110e0505639b000145aab7&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickssportinggoods.com%2Fp%2Fengage-encore-ex-6-0-pickleball-paddle-21lgguncrx60blxxxtnn%2F21lgguncrx60blxxxtnn”,”price”:0,”salePrice”:0,”callToAction”:”$160 At Dick’s Sporting Goods”,”callOutText”:””,”vendor”:null}],”showAdditionalVendors”:true,”price”:160,”salePrice”:128}”>

Face: FiberTEK | Core: ControlPro polymer | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Paddle length: 16 inches

Pros:

• Excels at precision
• Big sweet spot makes up for potential errors
• Good spin thanks to textured face

Cons:

• Heavier than other paddles

As tempting 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.”

Face: Fiberglass | Core: Honeycomb | Weight: 8.25 ounces | Paddle length: 16.5 inches

Pros:

• Durable and sturdy
• Sweat-resistant grip
• Comes in playful patterns

Cons:

• Less power than other paddles

While materials, weight and dimensions will affect any player’s performance on the court, beginners should pay close attention to these details as they’ll have a lasting impact on your long-term experience. When it comes to the On Holiday Classic Paddle, you get plenty of beginner-friendly features, from comfortable, sweat-resistant grips to a fiberglass face that provides a good balance of power and control. And as extra motivation, the Classic Paddle comes in a number of stylish designs that are sure to get you a few compliments on the court.

What players say: “They are extremely comfortable to hold and use,” says updates writer Fran Sales. “I was actually skeptical they would be durable since they’re so stylish, but they still look quite new after several uses. The fun designs make them stand out, too.”

Face: Graphite | Core: Polymer honeycomb | Weight: 8 ounces | Paddle length: 15.75 inches

Pros:

• Accurate and powerful
• Large sweet spot
• USA Pickleball Association-approved

Cons:

• More expensive than other options on this list

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.”

Joola Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16

As the gear editor at Forbes Vetted, I review and recommend products in the consumer outdoors and fitness spaces, from bikes and tents to treadmills and fitness trackers. As a former commerce editor, copywriter and cultural journalist, my work has appeared in publications like Gear Junkie, Field Mag, REI’s Uncommon Path and more. When I’m not writing about gear, you can find me testing it in the field while camping, hiking, running, biking and skiing. I hold a degree in kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I spent extended periods working with the institution’s locomotion research group studying bipedal movement. 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Face: Carbon friction | Core: Reactive honeycomb | Weight: 8 ounces | Paddle length: 16.5 inches

Pros:

• Textured surface for better spin
• Good grip thanks to elongated handle
• USA Pickleball Association-approved

Cons:

• Pricey when not on sale

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.”

Face: Fiberglass | Core: Polypropylene honeycomb | Weight: 7.7 ounces | Paddle length: 15.9 inches

Pros:

• Good for beginners and families
• Affordable; less than $15 per paddle
• Great value; comes with balls and a carrying bag

Cons:

• Smooth paddle surface

When you’re just getting started, shelling out over $100 for pickleball paddles, balls and a case can seem like a big commitment. For this reason, we recommend the Helium Pickleball Paddle Set for players looking to get into the sport without overspending. For $55, you get everything you need to play with your family or friends, including four paddles, four balls and a drawstring bag to stow your set.

What players say: “We have not been playing the game long but wanted our own paddles to get more into it,” says one player. “So far they have been great.” Another adds the Helium is the “perfect set for a family.”

Carbon fiber pickleball paddles deliver greater comfort and control when compared to less expensive paddles, which are typically made of wood or fiberglass. The carbon material makes the paddle lighter and more precise, but also durable. For these reasons, we recommend carbon paddles for intermediate or advanced players looking to level up their game. However, if you’re a beginner, a fiberglass paddle may still be a good choice. They’re generally more affordable than carbon fiber and graphite options, plus they can help generate more power.

In short, yes. Despite appearances, subtle differences like grip size, weight, shape, thickness, core type and surface texture set pickleball paddles apart. All of these factors can drastically influence your gameplay and the overall longevity of the paddle. Some paddles come with more unique features that help provide offer an on-court advantage (like improved consistency, accuracy and power).