Best Pickleball Paddles For Spin
Testing & Rating By Product Experts
Written by
Kris Maine
There are many factors that can help score a point in a pickleball game with one of those being spin. Understanding and using spin can set you apart from beginner players very fast. Perfecting the spin will make returning the ball for your opponent extra difficult. However, technique can only take you so far. If you are really trying to take your spin to the next level, a paddle with a textured surface that is designed for spin is needed. In this guide we will review the best pickleball paddles for spin so you can keep your opponent on edge!
Our Favorites
- Best Overall: Engage Trident Pickleball Paddle
- Best For Control: Short Courts Pickleball Paddle
- Best For Budget: Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle
- Best Lightweight: Pikninja Assassin Pro 2.0 Pickleball Paddle
- Best Under $100: Single Double Pickleball Paddle
- Best For Beginners: Rally Club Pickleball Paddle
- Best For Spin: Ronbus R3 Pulstar
Engage Trident Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $89.99 | Engage | Shop |
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
Short Courts Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $125.00 | Short Court Sports | Shop |
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
Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $100.00 | Franklin | Shop |
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| $99.95 | Pikninja | Shop |
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
Single Double Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $82.00 | Single Double | Shop |
83
Overall Score
Made with a strong fiberglass surface and lightweight honeycomb core the single double paddle is a great value paddle given the price. The sweatproof leather handle is a nice feature that proves itself on the court. Each paddle has a sanded texture surface allowing for greater ball spin. Overall, single double paddles are a great choice with intermediate players. They also come in some eye catching designs.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
EdgeguardSweatproof leatherCover includedMultiple designs
Cons
Smaller grip
Rally Club Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $68.00 | Rally Club | Shop |
82
Overall Score
The Rally Club Pickleball Paddle is an exceptional paddle that suits both competitive players and those just starting out. Competitively priced for a carbon fiber paddle given its control and durability. When it comes to performance, the Rally Club Paddle is no slouch. The design boasts a larger sweet spot compared to other paddles. With over 14 color options that are designed in Washington by a family run business, you are sure to find the right design to stand out on the court.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
Comes with paddle coverLarge sweet spotFamily ownedlow profile edge guard14 color options
Cons
Not great for power
Ronbus R3 Pulstar
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $150.00 | Ronbus | Shop |
90
Overall Score
Ronbus was established in 2022, by a former Motorola engineer who has a tennis background. This company aims to push innovation in the pickleball industry, while keeping prices reasonable. Their generation 2 models are called Pulsar, which utilizes an EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) core; A closed-cell copolymer foam. The process is called thermoforming. This is not a me too technology; Most use heat, Ronbus uses cold molding. Their manufacturer, TopCarbon, has been working with Ronbus to take thermoforming to the next level.
Many paddles that use this technology have a hard/stiff feel to them, but the RP3 does not. You will find this paddle has a plush and somewhat soft feel. It provides superb spin, stellar power and overall control. The spin is next level. This paddle offers precision shots without sacrificing anything. Consider the R1 is you desire slightly less power and more maneuverability in the kitchen for more control with hand battles. Ronbus’s innovation is paying off. There is no break in period or delimitation issues to date, as some other thermoforming brands have had.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA approved6 month warranty360 unibody-thermoformingFoamed edge and perimeter weightingTextured finished is long lasting
Cons
May want to add an overgrip if you have a larger hand
Types of spin
There are two main types of spin in pickleball: Topspin and Backspin. Topspin is the forward rotation of the ball while backspin (slice) is backwards rotation of the ball. Topspin forces the opponent to backpedal, reducing their power on a return. It also gives you time to advance towards the net. The slice is a defensive shot in which the ball moves back towards you making it difficult for the opponent to hit.
Pickleball Paddle Grit
Grit on a pickleball paddle is what gives it its ability to spin. Typically the more the better. However, the USAPA does have requirements on how much texture a paddle is allowed to have. In order to be approved, a paddle must pass a friction test with a kinetic value of less than 0.1875. The paddle also may not be too rough. The surface roughness test must read less than 40 micrometers. Basically this means you cannot have sandpaper on your paddle. The legal limits are plenty enough to generate the spin needed to keep your opponent on edge.
Grit on a paddle can be built right into the paddle itself or painted on. Painted grit tends to wear off more quickly. Many paddles such as the Vanguard Power Air Invikta have come out with grit technology that claim does not wear off.
