Looking to improve your game with one of the best pickleball paddles? Whether you're a beginner just starting out, or an experienced player looking to find a paddle that's as good as you are, it's important to find the one that's right for you.
Using the wrong paddle won't just affect your play, it can cost you games. Finding a blend of power, control, grip, and weight that suits your play style is key to maximizing your wins.
In this pickleball paddle comparison, we look at top brands like Selkirk, Joola, Paddletek, and Prince, and show you what to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle.
Best Pickleball Paddles in 2023 - Top 5 Picks
Everything on our list is USAPA approved, highly rated (4.5+ stars), and tested by pickleheads all over to give you peace of mind. Keep reading for an in-depth look at each paddle.
- Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 - Best pickleball paddle overall and the top choice for pickleball's GOAT
- Padletek Tempest Wave II - Best budget pickleball paddle; an excellent blend of power and control for less than $130
- Niupipo Graphite - Best pickleball paddle for beginners
- Prince Response PRO - Best pickleball paddle for intermediate players
- Selkirk Amped S2 - Best pickleball paddle for advanced players
The Best Pickleball Paddles for 2023
Let's take a deeper look at our top paddles:
1. Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16
Best pickleball paddle overall
Joola paddles are some of the best in the world, and the Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 was built for the GOAT himself. The perforated grip and balanced weighting of the Hyperion CFS 16 give it an unbeatable level of power and control – putting it right at the top of our list.
The Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) of the paddle offers maximum spin with minimal effort, helping you put more pressure on your opponents.
When you combine that with the aerodynamic contouring of the paddle, you get a nimble pickleball cannon that can put any shot wherever you want it.
Pros
✔️ The highest level of quality
✔️ Used by pros
✔️ Maximum power and control
✔️ A lightweight option
Cons
❌ An expensive choice
❌ The handle can get dirty quickly
Features:
- Average weight: 8.4 ounces (Standard), 7.9 ounces (Swift)
- Grip size: 4 1/4" (Medium) with Sure-Grip technology
- Handle Length: 5.5"
- Paddle Length: 16.5"
- Paddle Width: 7.5"
- Paddle Face: CFS
- Core Material: Reactive polymer honeycomb core
- Core Thickness: 0.63" (16mm)
- Edge Guard: 1/4" overlapping paddle face
Check out Ben Johns' review and discussion of the paddle:
Pricing
At $219.95, the Hyperion CFS 16 is one of the most expensive paddles on the market. That said, you get what you pay for... and this paddle is worth every penny!
Try it for yourself and we're certain you'll love it as much as we do.
2. Paddletek Tempest Wave II
Best budget pickleball paddle
An excellent blend of power and control without breaking the bank, the Paddletek Tempest Wave II was designed to give your game everything it needs:
- Power
- Control
- Spin
This paddle’s textured graphite surface makes it easy to place the ball exactly where you want it – and reviewers rave about its unmatched feel at the net.
Though it's primarily designed for touch and control, the Tempest Wave still has enough power for those satisfying put-away shots.
Whether you're a pickleball newbie or an experienced veteran, this budget-friendly paddle is a great option to level up your game.
Features
Paddle Weight: 7.5 - 7.7 oz
Length: 15 ⅞ “
Width: 8”
Grip Length: 5 ¼ “
Sweet Spot: Large
Paddle Face: Graphite
Paddle Core: Polymer Honeycomb
Pros
✔️ Superior touch at the net
✔️ Balance of pop, control, and spin
✔️ Advanced paddle that also works great for beginners
✔️ Reviewers note a superior feel
Cons
❌ Lacking power at times
❌ Higher-end price point
3. Niupipo Graphite Pickleball Paddles
Best pickleball paddle for beginners
Playing pickleball for the first time?
This paddle from Niupipo is the perfect new paddle for beginners.
Built with performance materials, this paddle gives you an ideal mix of power and control - all at a budget entry price. Plus it’s lightweight, durable, and built for comfort.
But don’t take our word for it… These are some of the highest-rated paddles on Amazon with over 4,000 reviews.
And at just under $40, it’s one of the most affordable pickleball paddles on our list.
Features
Paddle Weight: 7.8 oz
Length: 10.8"
Width: 7.9"
Grip Length: 4.7"
Sweet Spot: Medium
Paddle Face: Graphite Carbon Fiber Face
Paddle Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
Pros
✔️ Entry-level price: under $40
✔️ Good balance of power and control
✔️ Designed for comfort with a perforated, sweat-absorbent cushioned grip
✔️ Suitable for beginner to intermediate players
Cons
❌ Lacks specs for more advanced players
❌ Paddle handle length a bit on the short side, may be unsuitable for players with larger hands.
4. Prince Response PRO
Best for Intermediates
As you advance your game, you need a paddle that gives you:
A little more spin on your serves.
A little extra “pop” on your shots.
A little extra precision on your dinks.
Meet your perfect step-up paddle: The Prince Response PRO
The first thing you’ll notice is it doesn’t look like other paddles. Shaped more like a tennis racket, this paddle sports a unique design – and a massive sweet spot.
The sweet spot is where you get the best, most accurate response from the paddle. It’s usually in the center. Hit outside this spot, and you’re hitting from the “dead spot.” No good.
This paddle design gives you a sweet spot feel from almost anywhere on the paddle. The result? Superior power AND pin-point accuracy.
Pro reviews from the Volley Llama note this paddle offers “the most reliable combination of accuracy, power and control” of any paddle they tested.
The Response PRO gained fame as the paddle of choice of #1 ranked Simone Jardim. She is a 2-time US Open Triple Crown winner, 9-time US Open Gold Medalist, and 7-time National Champion.
Check out this video to see Simone’s review – and why she loves this paddle:
Features
Paddle Weight: 7.2-7.7 oz for light, 7.8-8.3 for standard
Length: 15 ¾ ”
Width: 8 ¼ “
Grip Length: 5 ¼ “
Sweet Spot: Very large
Paddle Face: Textured Fiberglass
Paddle Core: Polymer Core Honeycomb
Pros
✔️ Large fiberglass face offers huge sweet spot
✔️ Superior combination of accuracy, power and control
✔️ Lightweight option for increased ball control
✔️Used by Pro Simone Jardin during their historic victory at 2018 nationals
Cons
❌ Premium price point
❌ Too lightweight for some players
❌ Large grip may be unsuitable for some players
5. Selkirk Amped S2 X5 FiberFlex
Best pickleball paddle for advanced players
Ready to take your game to the highest level?
Selkirk is for you. For over 10 years, they have pioneered pickleball paddle technology in search of the perfect design: A paddle that offers all the power, control, feel and spin demanded by advanced players.
And it’s no wonder the world's top pros, like Tyson McGuffin, sport Selkirk paddles in competition.
This paddle – the S2 – has the largest sweet spot in Selkirk’s AMPED line, offering great pop and plenty of power for passing shots. In fact, Selkirk claims this paddle has one of the largest sweet spots in the industry.
And to complement that, Selkirk shortened the handle to give players great touch and control when dinking at the net.
The combination of power, control, and spin makes this paddle ideal for advanced player who needs it all every time they hit the court.
Features
Paddle Weight: 7.4 - 7.8 oz for a lightweight, 7.9 - 8.4 oz for midweight
Length: 15 ¾ ”
Width: 8“
Grip Length: 4.5”
Sweet Spot: Large
Paddle Face: Fiberglass
Paddle Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
Pros
✔️ Industry-best sweet spot
✔️ Top brand used by pickleball pros
✔️ FiberFlex™ technology produces spin and offers control
✔️ Optimal mix of power, control, spin, and feel
Cons
❌ Premium price point
❌ Too lightweight for some players
❌ Not great for players who like longer handles
6. Onix Graphite Z5
Best pickleball paddle under $100
The Onix Graphite Z5 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to buy a competitive paddle without the pro price point.
It’ll come as no surprise that it's the best-selling paddle in both Onix’s lineup and on Amazon.
This paddle is built with advanced materials and plays just like the $150+ paddles featured on our list. It was built for superior ball control while sporting a wide body for sweet spot and power.
And if you’re a tennis player coming to pickleball? Then you’ll feel right at home with this paddle’s tennis-like handle.
Specs
Paddle Weight: 7.5 - 8.2 oz
Length: 15.5 ”
Width: 8 ⅛ “
Grip Length: 5 “
Sweet Spot: Very large
Paddle Face: Graphite
Paddle Core: Nomex
Pros
- Great value - lots of performance at an attractive price point
- Large sweet spot
- Widebody shape that's good for beginners through advanced players
- Outstanding touch and ball control
Cons
- Not enough pop for some players
- Less durability than more premium-priced paddles
- Loud Nomex core
7. SLK NEO Graphite by Selkirk
Best pickleball paddle under $50
Looking for an entry-level pickleball paddle?
Be careful - most paddles under $50 are made from cheap materials and lack feel. Fortunately, Selkirk created the SLK line.
The goal?
To bring the performance of America’s top paddle technology down to an affordable price point.
So you get the best of both worlds.
The SLK NEO is lightweight, great for beginners, and plays like paddles twice the price.
Specs
Paddle Weight: 7.5 oz
Length: 15.67”
Width: 7.8”
Grip Length: 5.25”
Sweet Spot: Medium
Paddle Face: Graphite Carbon Fiber Face
Paddle Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Superior performance to other entry-level priced paddles
- Great for beginners
- Lightweight paddles good for players with injuries
Cons
- Lacking in performance for more advanced players
- Lightweight - unsuitable for players wanting heavier paddles
8. GX5 Power by Gearbox
Best pickleball paddle for power
Do you like playing at the baseline, ripping shots at your opponents?
Is there no better feeling than blazing a passing shot right on the line?
Then you’re likely a power player and need a paddle that can deliver. You’ll like the GX5 Power by Gearbox.
This paddle is powered by Gearbox’s Patented Solid Span Technology. Thousands of hours of testing and engineering went into developing it.
And the result is a superior feel, quieter shots, and a whole lotta’ power.
Specs
Paddle Weight: 7.8 oz for light, 8.5 oz for standard
Length: 16 ⅝ ”
Width: 7 ⅜ “
Grip Length: 4 ¾ “
Sweet Spot: Very large
Paddle Face: Carbon Fiber
Paddle Core: Solid Span Technology
Pros
- Superior power
- Massive sweet spot
- Solid Span Technology (SST) offers a soft feel and sound
Cons
- Lacking some feel for dinking
- Some reviewers note this paddle plays better indoors
- Premium price point
9. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
Best pickleball paddle for control
Looking for pinpoint accuracy on your dinks or a little extra “touch” when playing up at the kitchen?
Dinks are one of the most important parts of pickleball strategy. And having a paddle for control is essential.
Top brand Paddletek developed the Tempest Wave Pro with this in mind.
They armed the paddle with Smart Response Technology to give it a consistent sweet spot – so even “mishits” can turn out good.
Beginners will love this paddle for its forgiveness. And advanced players like it for its laser-like precision on the court.
The only downside? It’s one of the most premium-priced paddles out there.
But if you’re looking to take your game to the next level, reviewers say it’s well worth the investment.
Specs
Paddle Weight: 7.6 - 8.0 oz
Length: 15 ⅞ ”
Width: 8”
Grip Length: 5 ¼ ”
Sweet Spot: Large
Paddle Face: Textured Graphite
Paddle Core: Graphite Polymer Composite Honeycomb
Pros
- Built for superior control and finesse
- Paddle forgiveness good for beginners
- Consistent sweet spot with Smart Response Technology
Cons
- Very premium price point
- Paddle plays a bit too “soft” for some players
10. CRUSH PowerSpin 2.0 Composite
Best pickleball paddle for spin
Do you use a lot of spin in your game? There’s a good reason… unexpected spin can throw your opponents off. And create quick unforced errors.
Did you know paddles can actually be designed for a spin?
Working within USAPA guidelines, the CRUSH PowerSpin was built for an ultimate spin coming off the face.
And that’s not all – reviewers also rave about its large sweet spot and extra power on passing shots.
Specs
Paddle Weight: 7.7 - 8.3 oz
Length: 15 ½ ”
Width: 7 ⅞ ”
Grip Length: 5”
Sweet Spot: Large
Paddle Face: Reactive Fiberglass
Paddle Core: PolyCore Honeycomb
Pros
- Paddle face designed for maximum spin
- Large sweet spot
Cons
- Lacking the superior power and control of other top-performance paddles
11. Kinetic Ovation Flight Paddle
Best pickleball paddle for injuries
Did you know playing with the wrong paddle can actually cause injuries?
Heavy paddles can strain your muscles and joints. And with every shot, the vibration and impact can aggravate them further.
This means injuries like…
- Tennis elbow
- Shoulder pain
- Rotator cuff
Can all be made worse by playing with the wrong paddle.
Fortunately, the Pro Kennex Ovation Flight Paddle was created with this in mind.
It uses a proprietary Kinetic System to reduce shock and prevent injury.
But that’s not all… it has a unique oval design, great for ex-tennis players, and packs plenty of power and spin to up your game.
As one review from Pickleball Central says:
“Buy this paddle for more than just injury protection. It’s one of the best performance paddles period.”
The only downside? It’s far from the cheapest option on our list.
Specs
Paddle Weight: 7.3 - 7.6 oz
Length: 15.4”
Width: 7.6”
Grip Length: 4 ⅞ ”
Sweet Spot: Large
Paddle Face: Carbon with diamond frost face
Paddle Core: Cloud Cell polycore
Pros
- Kinetic System reduces shock and prevents injury
- Unique oval shape good for ex-tennis players
- Great for spin & power
Cons
- Very premium priced
- Paddle can wear out due to the edgeless design
12. Nettie Ashbury Paddle
Best pickleball paddle for looks
Does this describe you?
- You want to enter the court in style
- You want a paddle that stands out from all the “other” paddles
- You want your paddle to be a conversation starter
If so…
Check out these colorful and stylish pickleball paddles from Nettie.
Designed with high-quality materials, Nettie paddles also sport fun colors and a unique retro design.
This makes them perfect for the stylish pickleball player - or a great gift for a fellow Picklehead.
Specs
Paddle Weight: 7.8 - 8.0 oz
Length: 15 ⅞ ”
Width: 8”
Grip Length: 5”
Sweet Spot: Medium
Paddle Face: Graphite Carbon Fiber Face
Paddle Core: Polymer Honeycomb Core
Pros
- Cool colors and design
- Makes great a pickleball gift
- Comfortable and high-quality construction
Cons
- Lacks specs for more advanced players
- Not USAPA approved yet (currently in process)
13. Niupipo Pickleball Paddle set
Best pickleball paddle set
You can’t play pickleball alone…
So if you’re looking to get started, a pickleball set can be your best bet.
This paddle set from Niupipo is perfect for getting you out on the court.
It includes:
- 2 graphite pickleball paddles
- 4 USAPA-approved pickleball balls
- 1 portable bag
These paddles are also highly rated, ultra-affordable and Amazon’s choice for the best pickleball paddle set.
Specs
Paddle Weight: 8.0 oz
Length: 5.9”
Width: 7.9”
Grip Length: 5”
Sweet Spot: Medium
Paddle Face: Graphite Carbon Fiber Face
Paddle Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
Pros
- Very affordable: under $35 per paddle
- Comfortable with perforated, sweat-absorbent cushioned grip
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Lacks specs for more advanced players
- The short paddle handle may be unsuitable for players with larger hands
How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle
Am I a beginner, intermediate or advanced player?
Are you playing your first-ever pickleball game?
Or are you an advanced player with years of experience?
These are important questions to ask when buying a pickleball paddle.
Beginners will want paddles with a healthy mix of control and power, but with lots of forgiveness. This means a large sweet spot, and a paddle that can hit well even if you don’t strike the ball just right.
Advanced players will want more performance – better power, more control, and a superior feel. They’ll need it to compete. And they’re not afraid to pay up for a premium paddle.
But this performance often comes at the expense of forgiveness, which makes advanced paddles like the Selkirk Amped S2 X5 FiberFlex not the best choice for beginners.
What type of shots do I prefer?
If strategic shots like dinks and lobs make up your game, you’ll want a paddle built for control. You’ll value paddle forgiveness and feel. And will give up a little on power.
But if you’re all about smashes and passing shots, you may opt for a paddle design for power.
Do I value power or control?
Do you dink endlessly, waiting for your opponent to hit a shot with just too much loft? Do you look at pickleball like a chess match, looking to hit a strategic shot every time?
If so, you’re likely a control player. And you’ll value a paddle with great touch and feel, even at the expense of power.
But maybe your game is all about rocketing a passing shot by your opponents while they’re at the net?
Many ex-tennis players have this game – and it means you're likely a power player.
You’ll want a paddle with a large sweet spot, a responsive face, and design for power. You’ll also opt for a paddle on the heavier side, which will give you more “oomph” on every two-handed backhand.
A paddle like the GX5 Power by Gearbox could be good for you.
But what if you want it all?
Fortunately, with paddle technology, many paddles offer both control AND power. Paddles like the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro are popular with pros and advanced players who need it all when playing.
Do I play indoor, outdoor, or both?
Are certain pickleball paddles better for indoor vs outdoor? In short, yes.
When playing outdoors you are exposed to the elements. Wind, rain, elevation – all can result in less control.
So when playing outdoors you may opt for a control paddle, like the Paddletek Tempest Wave II on our list. Or maybe you’d want a paddle with a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness like the Prince Response PRO.
Indoor pickleball balls are easier to control and typically give a slower-paced game, so you may want a paddle with more power if you play indoors a lot.
Do I value price over premium quality?
If you’re new to pickleball, paying $150+ for a paddle can seem like a steep investment.
What if you don’t like the sport? (trust us that won’t happen…)
Fortunately, you can find a great paddle at almost any price point. Many of the top brands like Selkirk have begun making quality paddles at entry-level prices.
The SLK NEO Graphite by Selkirk and the Onix Graphite Z5 are both great value options.
Paddle Features
Paddle Size
The standard pickleball paddle size is 16 inches long by 8 inches wide.
Official pickleball rules allow a maximum of 24 total inches, by adding the length and width (for example if you had a 17-inch long paddle, it could only be 7 inches wide).
Size impacts a paddle’s performance. Elongated paddles are longer and thinner. They offer more power, spin, and reach, but less control.
Shorter paddles with wide faces offer a big sweet spot, making them more popular with beginners.
Paddle Weight
Weight is one of the most important factors when buying a pickleball paddle. It impacts your power, control, and feel – and even injury proneness.
Most pickleball paddles are between 6 ounces and 14 ounces. Here’s how paddles are categorized by weight:
Lightweight: Under 7.2 ounces
Mid-weight: 7.3 to 8.4 ounces
Heavyweight: Over 8.5 ounces
Lightweight Paddles
Lightweight paddles are for control players who like dinks and drop shots and want to feel their paddle.
Pros
- Good control
- Ideal for dinks and drop shots
Cons
- Lacking power
- High vibration can aggravate injuries like tennis elbow
Mid-weight Paddles
Mid-weight paddles are best for players looking for a mix of control and power.
Pros
- Good combination of power and control
- The best option for injury prevention
Cons
- Lacking high power of heavyweight paddles
- Lacking superior touch of lightweight paddles
Heavyweight Paddles
Heavyweight paddles are best for power pickleball players. Your shot power is a function of acceleration (how fast you swing) and mass (how heavy your paddle is).
For players with a slower swing speed, heavy paddles are great to deliver extra power.
Pros
- Best for generating power
- Help players overcome a slow swing speed
Cons
- Less touch than lighter-weight paddles
- Extra weight can strain and aggravate the shoulder
Grip Size
Most pickleball paddle grip sizes are between 4 and 5 inches. It’s very important to select a paddle grip that is comfortable for your hand size. When choosing between two paddles, choose the smaller grip then add an overgrip as needed.
Durability
You want a pickleball paddle that will last – especially if you’re investing $100+.
Paddles manufactured poorly, or made with cheap ingredients can fall apart – sometimes in a matter of months.
Be sure to read reviews for any mention of paddles falling apart shortly after purchase. Fortunately, all the paddles on this list scored high for durability.
Sound
Pickleball can be a noisy game. Just see this article about how pickleball noise caused community backlash…
Fortunately, paddle technology can control how much noise a paddle makes when striking the ball. In general, quieter paddles are superior to noisier paddles. Extra cushion in the core helps dampen the sound.
Also, watch out for paddles with a Nomex core as those are the loudest.
Edge Guard
The edge guard protects the edge of your paddle from chip damage. Look for a quality medium-sized edge guard to protect your paddle. And watch out for larger edge guards as they can add undesirable weight to your paddle. Also note that a larger edge guard may reduce the overall surface area you can work with.
Color
Pickleball paddles aren’t all about function… style counts too!
While most pickleball paddles are black with pops of primary colors – like red, yellow, and blue – there are many paddles with fun designs and colors.
The retro-designed Nettie Paddles, the modern Golden Pickleball Paddles, and the colorful Vera Bradley Paddles are three great options if you’re looking for color on your paddle.
Price
Pickleball paddles range from $20 to $200+, and it’s important to know your budget ahead of research.
Are you a casual beginner? Or an advanced player?
Like most things, you get what you pay for with pickleball paddles. That said, there are some exceptional value paddles like the Onix G5.
Paddle Materials
Pickleball paddles are made of a range of materials – and each can have a big impact on the paddle’s performance.
Polymer
Polymer paddles are made from a special durable and flexible plastic material. They’re lightweight, durable, and offer a good mix of power and control in their performance.
Because of this, polymer paddles are a top choice for beginners. And they’re some of the most affordable paddles on the market.
Wood
The first pickleball paddles were made from wood. But compared to newer materials like polymer and graphite, wooden paddles don’t deliver performance and maneuverability. Because of this, you won’t find many wood paddles these days.
Graphite
Graphite paddles are the top choice for players looking for advanced performance. They’re lightweight and responsive – offering superior touch and control. If you like dinking, you’ll like the feel of a graphite face paddle.
Composite
Composite pickleball paddles are made from a mixture of materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, vinyl, and resins.
They’re typically heavier and offer superior power to players. Composite paddles tend to be higher priced, and are geared toward advanced players looking for premium options.
Paddle Core Materials
“Core” is what makes up the interior of your paddle – the part between each side of the surface. The core is typically shaped like a “honeycomb” and impacts everything from the paddle's power to its feel off the ball. A thicker core offers more control and stability.
Nomex Core
Nomex was the original core material for pickleball paddles and is still widely used today. It’s lightweight, durable, and affordable.
But compared to other materials, it lacks a cushioning effect – making it louder and less responsive than newer core materials.
Aluminum Core
The aluminum core makes a heavier paddle – and one geared towards power and heavy-hitting.
Polypropylene Core
Polypropylene is the material of choice for pickleball paddles these days. It’s lightweight, flexible, and cushioning – all properties that give it a superior feel and ball control.
Bottom Line
No matter what level you're at in your pickleball journey, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to pickleball equipment. Here's a quick reminder of our top picks:
- Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 - Best pickleball paddle overall
- Padletek Tempest Wave II - Best budget pickleball paddle
- Prince Response PRO - Best pickleball paddle for intermediate players
- Selkirk Amped S2 - Best pickleball paddle for advanced players
However you prefer your balance of power, control, spin, and grip, find a paddle that fits your needs and preferences and you'll certainly see improvements in your game.
