The 14 Finest Pickleball Paddles of 2025, Examined

Pickleball Paddles We Additionally Examined

We spent over 2,100 hours testing 70 pickleball paddles. Whereas the paddles beneath did have some noteworthy qualities, they did not find yourself assembly our rigorous testing requirements.

• We predict Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Wooden Paddle Set is a good worth. Nonetheless, in comparison with the others we examined, this paddle felt heavier and fewer comfy, inflicting wrist fatigue after an prolonged time period.
• The grip on JOOLA’s Ben Johns Hyperion C2 CFS 14 Pickleball Paddle held up on sizzling and humid days with out slipping out of our sweaty palms. Nonetheless, it is likely to be tough for newbie and intermediate gamers to manage the ball on this paddle till they get used to it.
• HEAD’s Radical Tour Uncooked EX Pickleball Paddle has an excellent comfy grip and feels gentle in our palms. Nonetheless, in comparison with different paddles we examined, its general efficiency simply isn’t well worth the value.

What We have Up to date

• Since publishing our preliminary fully-tested roundup of one of the best pickleball paddles, we’ve examined 17 new paddles, spending over 2,100+ hours testing prime choices. We evaluated every possibility for its consolation, grip, management, sturdiness, and worth.
• Primarily based on our new testing insights, we’ve re-worked a few of our earlier picks, together with Finest Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Gamers, Finest Pickleball Paddle for Superior Gamers, Finest Pickleball Paddle for Management, and extra. 
• Primarily based on our testing insights, we’ve added new superlatives, together with Finest Pickleball Paddle for Spin, Finest Elongated Pickleball Paddle, and extra.
• We interviewed skilled pickleball participant Bellamy once more, asking her about necessary paddle options to search for, what makes a paddle higher for freshmen, the easiest way to strategy switching to a brand new paddle, and extra.

What to Search for When Purchasing for a Pickleball Paddle

• Supplies: When searching for a pickleball paddle, take a look at its core and floor supplies—choosing the proper possibility for you’ll rely in your taking part in model and talent degree. Sometimes, the core is comprised of a honeycomb polypropylene chamber that helps scale back vibration and distribute power because the paddle contacts a ball. Floor supplies usually embrace carbon fiber (greatest for management), fiberglass (greatest for energy), graphite (greatest for fast pictures), and wooden. 
• Ability Stage: Pickleball paddles are an funding, so selecting a paddle that may evolve together with your expertise and taking part in model is a crucial consideration. If you happen to’re a real newbie nonetheless studying the ins and outs of the sport, you could wish to go for a light-weight and durable paddle, whereas superior gamers can profit from a powerful paddle that encourages optimum energy and velocity. 
• Enjoying Model: Are you on the lookout for management, energy, or velocity? When choosing a pickleball paddle, think about your private taking part in model. Carbon fiber paddles are greatest for management, whereas fiberglass paddles are nice for energy. Some paddles are designed for each. 
• Weight: The load of your pickleball paddle will have an effect on management and energy. Lighter paddles are greatest for management, whereas heavier paddles may give you extra energy and velocity. 
• Deal with Size and Grip: Selecting the best deal with size and grip circumference depends upon two issues: your swing model and hand measurement. Pickleball paddle handles often are available in a normal size for these with a single-handed backhand swing or a protracted size for these with a two-handed backhand swing, says Bellamy. Grip circumference is often round 4 inches, however yow will discover smaller and bigger choices.
• Floor Space and Form: Usually, paddles with a bigger floor space have a much bigger candy spot, so many gamers favor them. Simply make sure you keep inside regulation measurement—based on USA Pickleball, a paddle can’t be longer than 17 inches. Some however not all of our prime picks are USA Pickleball-approved. This designation could also be necessary if you wish to be a part of a aggressive pickleball league or event. As for form, elongated paddles have higher attain, however they might have a smaller candy spot as a result of they’re narrower. Generally used standard-size paddles are a great combine between the 2.
• Edge Guard: The sting guard protects the paddle from cracking, scratches, and chipping. Paddles can vary from utterly edgeless, that are usually lighter, to having bigger edge guards, which might make them really feel a lot heavier and scale back floor space. If sturdiness is a precedence, think about a medium-sized edge guard that may assist shield your paddle with out including an excessive amount of further weight.

Our Specialists

We spoke with consultants at every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting course of. Some helped us higher perceive which key options each pickleball paddle ought to have, whereas others supplied insights that helped inform our testing course of. 

• Beth Bellamy, skilled pickleball participant and co-founder of the Nationwide Pickleball League
• Laurie Coyne, licensed pickleball coach at Aqua Lane Pickleball in Virginia Seaside, Virginia
• Wayne Dollard, skilled pickleball participant and founding father of Pickleball Journal and LevelUp Camps
• Laurel Heilman, licensed pickleball coach along with her personal apply in Pittsburgh

Incessantly Requested Questions 

Is a costlier pickleball paddle value it?

Not essentially—it’s extra necessary to prioritize a grip that permits you to play comfortably and offers you a full vary of movement. If you happen to’re a newbie, Bellamy says you don’t know what you’ll like, so the most costly paddle won’t be one of the best match.

What pickleball paddles do most experts use?

Quite a lot of skilled pickleball gamers sport paddles from manufacturers like Selkirk, JOOLA, and Vatic. Extra importantly, aggressive gamers should select a USA Pickleball-approved regulation paddle.

Is it higher to have a lighter or heavier pickleball paddle?

Heavier paddles are higher for energy pictures, whereas lighter paddles are simpler to maneuver. Testing paddles of various weights is a good way to seek out one of the best match to your taking part in model and talent degree. 

What’s the lifespan of a pickleball paddle?

As a tough guideline, for those who play three days every week, three hours per session, your paddle ought to final for round a 12 months. You’ll know when it’s time to alter your paddle when it stops performing. The core will begin to deaden, Coyne says, and the paddle gained’t be responsive anymore.

What’s the Finest Manner To Clear and Take care of Your Pickleball Paddle?

To maintain your pickleball paddle acting at its greatest, be sure that to wipe down the face of the paddle after every sport with water and a microfiber material. Keep away from utilizing harsh family cleaners as they might injury the paddle. For the reason that grip of the paddle will seemingly accumulate sweat over time, you may wish to wipe that down too. As soon as your grip wears down, you should buy a alternative grip or overgrip to maintain your paddle comfy and acting at its greatest.

Why Belief Verywell Match

Alena Davis, ISSA-CPT, is a well being author and train fanatic who researches and critiques health merchandise for Verywell Match. As a former private coach and tennis novice, she appreciates the myriad advantages pickleball can present to these concerned with taking part in the paddle sport and understands the significance of choosing tools that greatest helps each your sport and your finances. On this roundup, she highlighted recommendation from skilled pickleball gamers and reliable pickleball paddle manufacturers that present high-quality, efficient merchandise.

Further reporting contributed by Amy Scanlin, ACE-GFI, MS

Amy Scanlin, ACE-GFI, MS, is a Verywell Match author, licensed group health teacher, and pickleball fanatic who enjoys court docket time with household and mates. With gear being a vital part of the sport, she chooses merchandise primarily based on professional steerage, suggestions from our assessments, in addition to her personal expertise. As an intermediate participant, she seems for paddles with a bigger face, which can be properly weighted and are thought-about dependable and reliable by those that have tried them.