Best Pickleball Paddles in U.S. [December, 2023]

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the US. With more people getting into this fun sport, having the right paddle can make all the difference between being a novice and becoming a pro. This guide will help you find the best pickleball paddles for your game in 2023 based on skill level, price, ratings and key features.

What are some features of the Best Pickleball Paddles?

When it comes to the best pickleball paddles, you can’t go wrong with paddles that have these features:

• Carbon fiber or composite paddle face – this provides power and control
• Polymer honeycomb core – offers strength while keeping the paddle light
• Edge guard – protects the paddle rim from damage
• Ergonomic grip size and shape
• Textured surface for spin
• Approx 7-8oz weight

Paddles like the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus, Gamma Obsidian, and Selkirk Vanguard check these boxes and deliver outstanding performance for intermediate, advanced and pro players.

Who Makes the Best Pickleball Paddles?

Some of the top pickleball paddle brands include:

• Selkirk – Known for premium carbon fiber paddles like the Amped and Vanguard
• Gamma – Leading brand offering innovative paddles like the Obsidian
• Engage – Makes consistently high-performing paddles like the Encore Pro
• Paddletek – Top budget-friendly brand with great fiberglass paddles
• Franklin Sports – Known for excellent entry-level and recreational paddles
• Head – The paddle specialists offer advanced options like the Extreme Elite
• ProLite – Leading choice of pros like the Sports and Cobra models

These brands use high-quality materials and innovative designs to create some of the best paddles available.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

As a beginner, you’ll want a paddle that is lightweight, easy to control and forgiving on off-center hits. These pickleball paddles are great for new players:

NATOLIKE Pickleball Paddles Set

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• Ratings: 4.9/5 (Amazon)
• Reviews: 555+
• Price: $39.99
• Features:
  • Set of 2 USAPA approved fiberglass paddles
  • Lightweight at 7.6oz per paddle
  • Cushioned grip provides comfort
  • Comes with 4 balls, 2 cooling towels and carrying bag

This paddle set from NATOLIKE is designed for beginner and intermediate players with its control-focused fiberglass surface. The ergonomic grip makes it easy to maneuver while the included accessories add value.

Tearplex Pickleball Paddles Set

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• Ratings: 4.7/5 (Amazon)
• Reviews: 414+
• Price: $39.99
• Features:
  • Set of 4 wood composite paddles
  • Cushioned sweat-absorbent grip
  • Includes 4 balls, 4 towels and carrying bag

With a value set of 4 wood composite paddles, the Tearplex bundle is a top choice for families or groups starting out. The paddles provide good control and the grip absorbs sweat during long games.

Panel Sound Pickleball Paddles Set

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• Ratings: 4.7/5 (Amazon)
• Reviews: 4,177+
• Price: $29.59
• Features:
  • Set of 2 fiberglass paddles
  • Weighs 7.4oz for easy maneuverability
  • Cushioned non-slip grip
  • Includes carrying case, 4 balls and 2 towels

This paddle set from Panel Sound offers lightweight fiberglass paddles designed for control and spin. The value set includes a carrying case, balls and cooling towels.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players

Once you’ve got the basics down as a beginner, you can upgrade your gear as an intermediate player. These paddles provide a little more pop and power without being too advanced:

VINSGUIR Pickleball Paddles Set

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• Ratings: 4.7/5 (Amazon)
• Reviews: 516+
• Price: $39.99
• Features:
  • Set of 2 fiberglass paddles
  • Weighs 7.6-7.9oz
  • Sweat-resistant grip
  • Includes balls, bag and towel

With a fiberglass surface and comfortable grip, this VINSGUIR set offers an affordable upgrade for intermediate players looking to add more pop on shots. The lightweight paddles are easy to maneuver.

JoncAye Pickleball Paddles Set

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• Ratings: 4.8/5 (Amazon)
• Reviews: 1,650+
• Price: $87.99
• Features:
  • Set of 4 fiberglass paddles
  • Cushioned sweat-absorbent grip
  • Includes balls, carrying case and bag

This set from JoncAye provides 4 high-quality fiberglass paddles designed for better control and power. The paddles feature an ergonomic grip and plenty of accessories.

Pickleball Paddles USAPA Approved Set

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• Ratings: 4.8/5 (Amazon)
• Reviews: 129+
• Price: $36.99
• Features:
  • Set of 2 carbon fiber paddles
  • Weighs 7.6oz for quick reaction
  • Cushioned non-slip grip
  • Includes carrying bag and 4 balls

With a carbon fiber surface for added pop and lightweight design, this affordable 2-pack paddle set is ideal for intermediate players looking to upgrade from fiberglass.

Best Pickleball Paddles 2023

For experienced players looking for the very best paddles with top-notch power, control and feel, these are the leading pickleball paddles for 2023:

JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pickleball Paddle

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• Ratings: 4.4/5 (Amazon)
• Reviews: 111+
• Price: $241.54
• Features:
  • Carbon fiber surface with Charged technology
  • Polymer honeycomb core
  • Larger sweet spot
  • Weighs 7.8oz

Designed in collaboration with pro player Ben Johns, the JOOLA Perseus paddle features a charged carbon fiber surface for maximum power and control. It’s on the pricier side but delivers exceptional performance.

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Premium Pickleball Paddles

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• Ratings: 3.8/5 (Amazon)
• Reviews: 10+
• Price: $250
• Features:
  • Carbon fiber surface
  • 360 Proto polymer core
  • Polymer perimeter edge
  • Fiberfoam face

With its premium construction and specs, this paddle offers unmatched power and a soft touch. The carbon fiber face and polymer honeycomb core deliver excellent pop and control.

Gamma Obsidian Pickleball Paddle

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• Ratings: 4.8/5 (Amazon)
• Reviews: 33+
• Price: $159.99-$270.48
• Features:
  • Raw carbon fiber face
  • Honeycomb polymer core
  • Cushioned edge guard
  • Textured hitting surface

Gamma’s Obsidian paddle features raw carbon fiber for maximum spin and power. It has a cushioned edge guard for improved control and pops nicely off the textured surface.

Pickleball Paddle Comparison

Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin

If you love placing spin on your shots, these paddles maximize spin potential:

• Selkirk Amped – Polymer X5 core grips the ball for spin
• Gamma Obsidian – Textured carbon fiber surface adds spin
• Engage Encore Pro – Fiberglass face and ControlPro core enable spin
• Franklin Sports Instaspin – Rough fiberglass face creates spin
• Rally Tyro 2 Pro – Carbon fiber composite face generates spin

Paddles with composite or fiberglass surfaces tend to offer the most potential for spin.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Women

For female players looking for paddles tailored to their game, top choices include:

• Gamma Voltage – Lightweight at 7oz for quick reaction time
• Engage Poach Advantage – Shorter length good for smaller hands
• Selkirk Amped – Multiple lightweight sizes available
• protonPRO Tempo – Designed for women’s power and control
• Amazin’ Aces – Value set great for recreational play

Key considerations for women are lightweight paddles with smaller grip sizes.

Best Rated Pickleball Paddles

Based on top reviews and ratings, the highest rated pickleball paddles are:

• Selkirk Amped Invikta: 4.8/5 (Amazon)
• Gamma Neutron 2.0: 4.7/5 (Amazon)
• Engage Poach Advantage: 4.6/5 (Amazon)
• Franklin Sports Instaspin: 4.6/5 (Walmart)
• Rally Tyro 2 Pro: 4.5/5 (Amazon)

These paddles earn consistent 5-star reviews for their quality construction and high performance.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players

For tennis players crossing over into pickleball, paddles that mimic the feel of a tennis racquet include:

• Head Extreme Elite – Large hitting surface like a racquet
• Selkirk Amped – Many weight and grip sizes like a tennis racquet
• Franklin Sports Instaspin – Lightweight and comfortable
• Gamma Micron – Graphite face provides tennis-like power
• Engage Tyson McGuffin Limited – Longbody shape similar to a racquet

The longer shapes and lightweight designs help tennis players transition to pickleball.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Control

If you prioritize control and consistency, these are top choices:

• Selkirk Amped – Polymer core offers great control
• Franklin Sports Instaspin – Fiberglass face for controlled shots
• Gamma Atomic – Polypropylene honeycomb core for control
• Rally Tyro 2 Pro – Carbon fiber edges enhance control
• ONIX Graphite Z5 – Graphite face with polymer core

Paddles with polymer or composite cores tend to provide the most control.

Best Value Pickleball Paddles

For outstanding performance at affordable prices, these deliver top value:

• Rally Tyro 2 Pro – Carbon composite at $59.99
• Engage Poach Advantage – Fiberglass face from $79.99
• Selkirk Amped – Top rated from $149.99
• Gamma Micron – Graphite powered from $59.95
• ONIX Graphite Z5 – Graphite control from $89.99
• niupipo Pro Graphite – Premium polymer core at $69.99

FAQ about Best Pickleball Paddles

What are the different pickleball paddle materials?

The most common pickleball paddle materials are:

• Composite: This budget-friendly material combines materials like aluminum and plastic polymers. Great for beginners.
• Polymer: Paddles with a polymer core offer good control and pop. The honeycomb construction gives strength.
• Wood: Wood paddles provide great feel and control. They are heavier than composite though.
• Fiberglass: This lightweight material offers excellent control for spin shots. It has good durability too.
• Carbon fiber: Premium carbon fiber paddles offer high power and responsiveness. The ultra lightweight material provides excellent pop.
• Graphite: This material has properties between fiberglass and carbon fiber. It offers power and control for advanced players.

How much does a good pickleball paddle cost?

You can find pickleball paddles at a wide range of price points:

• $20-50: Budget composite or polymer paddles for beginners
• $50-100: Mid-range fiberglass or graphite paddles for intermediate players
• $100-250: Premium carbon fiber paddles for experienced tournament players

What size pickleball paddle should I get?

For adult players, the pickleball paddle size you choose comes down to your grip preference:

• 4 1⁄4 inches: Best for players with smaller hands who prefer a compact grip
• 4 1⁄2 inches: The most popular midsize grip for average adult hand size
• 4 3⁄4+ inches: Allows for a two-handed grip for players with larger hands

How do I choose the right pickleball paddle?

Choosing the right pickleball paddle involves considering your:

• Skill level: Beginners do well with composite or wood paddles. Intermediates can use fiberglass or graphite. Advanced players benefit from carbon fiber.
• Weight: Lighter paddles around 7-8oz provide quick maneuverability while heavier 9oz+ paddles offer more power and stability.
• Grip size: Make sure to choose a grip size that fits your hand size and playing style.
• Surface texture: Look for a grippy textured surface that provides the touch/spin you are after.
• Core material: Honeycomb polymer offers control and pop while composite is more budget-friendly.
• Shape/design: Consider if you want a wider or elongated paddle shape based on how you play.

Testing different paddles to find the right balance of control, power, and feel for your game is key.

Conclusion

Finding the best pickleball paddle involves considering your skill level, budget and preferences around weight, grip size, materials and shape. While premium carbon fiber paddles offer the most advanced performance, you can find quality paddles for beginners and intermediate players at more affordable price points as well. Keep this pickleball paddle buyer’s guide handy and compare top rated products as you select the ideal paddle to elevate your pickleball game this year!