Good Pickleball Paddles
Testing & Rating By Product Experts
With nearly five million players in the U.S. alone, you too may be tempted to give the sport a try, in which case you’ll only need a paddle to get started. And while there isn’t one paddle that’s perfect for every player, the best pickleball paddles will help you enjoy (and improve upon) every match.
Our Favorites
Short Courts Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| Price *$125.00 | Sold ByShort Court Sports |
84
Overall Score
The Short Court paddle offers superior spin with the carbon fiber textured surface as well as excellent grab time. This paddle offers a catchy pop when hitting the ball with a large sweet spot. Overall this is a great option for anyone that is looking for a lightweight option with lots of power and spin.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
LightweightGood for spin
Cons
Expensive
Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| Price *$109.99 | Sold ByEngage | Shop Amazon |
90
Overall Score
The 'Encore Pro' maintains the 'specialized skin' that maximizes the allowed limits of 'surface roughness'. The Encore line of paddles are about 'control' and 'ball placement’On the upper end of price for a beginners paddles.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
Sweet spotControl 7/10Power 7.5/10Optimized to Meet Stringent Noise Requirements-Green noise approvedHighly textured (USAPPA allowed)USAPA approvedVibration control
Cons
On the upper price point of a beginners paddle
Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| Price *$100.00 | Sold ByFranklin | Shop Amazon |
92
Overall Score
I was very excited to test out the Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle to find out why this paddle was causing such a stir in the pickleball scene.
Let's start off by discussing the fundamentals. The Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle has a polypropylene core with a fiberglass surface layer. It measures 16.5 inches in length, 7.9 to 8.3 ounces in weight, and. The paddle is appropriate for players of all skill levels because it has a large sweet spot and a medium-sized cushioned grip.
Let's now examine the Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle's main characteristics. The paddle's graphite face is one of its most distinctive qualities. Their trademarked “Max Grit” surface layer is renowned for having a lightweight and sturdy material, which results in a strike that is more consistent and responsive. It is known to provide greater traction and increase spin rate for optimal control.
The Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle's huge sweet spot distinguishes it from other paddles on the market. This implies that you still stand a decent probability of making a nice shot even if you don't strike the ball exactly in the middle.
I was quite pleased with the Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle all around. It's a fantastic alternative for players of all skill levels because of its balance of strength, control, and comfort. It's a paddle that won't break the bank thanks to its reasonable pricing.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA approvedAdditional 16mm option with a 5” grip sizeSubstantial grit
Cons
Does not come with cover
Pikninja Assassin Pro 2.0 Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| Price *$99.95 | Sold ByPikninja |
90
Overall Score
Glass fiber composite surface for extreme spin, durability and control. Extra grit infused in the surface helps facilitate extra spin most players desire. The honeycomb polymer has a generous sweet spot.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA approved6 month warrantyLonger handle is great for double handed backhandGood Power and control
Cons
Must file warranty registration within 30 days of the purchase dateNot all prefer a longer handle
JOOLA Method CTS 12 Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| Price *$99.95 | Sold ByJoola USA | Shop Amazon |
85
Overall Score
For the novice player seeking the most power and control possible. It gives off a lot of spin and has a sizable sweet spot. Increased edge guard protection to aid in maintaining the paddle core's structural integrity and preventing surface delamination. The rough Carbon Flex3 surface grabs the ball to increase spin. Reduces vibration and has a wide sweet spot that is perfect for dinks, blocks, and drives. It also has incredible feedback, feel, and control.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA approvedGenerous sweet spotControl rating 93/100Power rating 86/100Spin rating 85/100
Cons
Limited warranty- 6 monthsPaddle is a bit shorter than others
Engage Trident Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| Price *$89.99 | Sold ByEngage |
87
Overall Score
Features a 5 layer GripTek skin, larger sweet spot, maximum USAPA grit allowed, balanced, soft feel from the polymer 'Control Pro 3' core (with vibration dampening), optimized to meet stringent community noise requirements.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA approvedMax roughness allowed by USAPABalancedGood grip circumference for smaller handsVibration dampeningLimited lifetime warranty
Cons
If not purchased directly from the manufacturer, you must register the product within 30 days of purchase for warrantyPricy for a beginner paddle
Big Dill Infinity Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| Price *$74.99 | Sold ByAmazon | Shop Website |
85
Overall Score
Tired of boring paddles? This company put the fun in functional, with awesome designs that bring a smile to your face with every game. But don't worry, the paddles are versatile, and balanced for all types of players and play
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA approvedLimited lifetime warrantyCover includedUSA based company
Cons
No trial period (30 day refund is for non used paddles)Face is smooth (non textured)States the paddle is for all playing levels, but it is best for beginners to intermediate
Written by
Kris Maine