The Best Pickleball Paddles of 2023 - Pickleball Insiders (2023)

FAQs

Which pickleball paddle is best for control? ›

Control in pickleball is referred to as touch, and control-focused play styles rely more on hitting the ball accurately than hitting the hardest shot you can. The best pickleball paddles for control include: The Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 Hybrid S2. The Paddletek Bantam TS-5.

Carbon fiber is incredibly stiff. And this stiffness makes carbon fiber the ultimate material for the facings of pickleball paddles because it gives you incredible control over where your ball goes.

The more expensive paddles are using a higher quality polymer that doesn't breakdown as easily and gives you a more consistent feel across the face. Other than the quality of the polymer, other things you'll see when the core material is described is core density.

A lighter paddle gives you more control but less drive. Conversely, a heavier paddle gives you less control but more power and drive. Perhaps most importantly, a heavier paddle can cause elbow strain and fatigue in your arm. You may want to start with a paddle that is not too heavy until you build up more strength.

Many players tell us the red is easiest to see when playing indoors, so give them a try if the standard colors have given you trouble. They have the same gentle feel and high bounce as the popular Jugs Indoor Pickleballs, so you won't be missing out on quality.

Third shot drop

The third shot drop is the most important shot to master in pickleball. This shot is absolutely essential to learn in advanced pickleball play. A lot of points are lost on the third shot. The reason is that players feel a lot of pressure when trying to make this shot.

Key Features to Look for in Pickleball Shoes

That's why running shoes, which are designed for forward motion, aren't the best option for the game. Instead, opt for a pair of sneakers with a wide, stable base and a heel cup to stabilize the ankle. Some court shoes also have stiff frames on the side for added stability.

How long does a pickleball paddle typically last? Generally, the life span is 1 to 5 years. It also depends on how often and how aggressively you play. Recreational players will get the most longevity out of their paddle.

The price is majorly dependent on the type of material used to make the paddle. Wooden pickleball paddles cost between $15 and $35. To get composite pickleball paddles, you will spend between $40 and $100. Graphite pickleball paddles cost between $90 and $200.

What is better for pickleball paddle graphite or composite? ›

' Both composite and graphite will suit most players' needs, but if you are looking for a little more reactive and powerful feel at contact, composite-faced paddles will have more flex and precise feel while still offering power for put-away shots.

If you're looking to play like the greatest of all time, look no further than the JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16MM, which is the signature pickleball paddle of champion Ben Johns who helped design the paddle and uses it in competition. Although this top-rated paddle comes at a hefty price, the quality is undeniable.

Elongated Pickleball Paddles Offer More Reach

The longer length of the paddle allows for a greater reach when playing shots. Many singles players prefer elongated paddles because it allows them to cover more of the court.

The Vulcan V740MAX Pickleball Paddle is Team Vulcan Pro Jay Devilliers' signature model and features his favorite modern shape and extended handle, perfect for two-handed backhands.

A paddle surface that is made from graphite is durable and powerful, so you will have an easier time hitting the ball. Graphite paddles are ultra-light and ultra-stiff. Players looking for control and more energy to get the ball across the net prefer graphite pickleball paddles.

A pickleball is essentially a whiffle ball that weighs less than one ounce. So, wind—especially strong winds (anything about 15-20 miles per hour)—can cause the pickleball to move in crazy and unexpected ways, which makes hitting a pickleball pretty difficult at times.

Graphite Paddles

Because it is such a strong material, you can get plenty of power from a very thin layer of it. Think fingernail thin. This allows for graphite paddles to remain light, yet offer the power of a heavier paddle. It's why many professional and serious pickleball players prefer a graphite paddle.

One of the hardest things to do in the sport of pickleball is to keep the pickleball low (while still over the net). A low pickleball will prevent your opponents from being able to go on the offensive with an aggressive shot.

The Gamma Foam Quiet Pickleball is the solution for players who want a quieter game. Instead of plastic, these balls are made of a quiet foam. These balls aren't approved for tournament play and will play slightly differently than plastic balls.

What is a level 3.5 pickleball player? ›

Level 3.5 - Novice/Intermediate

Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the rules of the game. Gets high majority of serves “in” Able to serve and return serve deep. Hits to the weak side of opponent often. Demonstrates more strategies of playing during games.

Drill, Practice, Play

And I suspect, the vast majority of pickleball players only play. However, if you want to improve you must spend time practicing and drilling. Taking time to practice and to drill is important if you want to improve.

To recap the 3 common mistakes that beginning players make:

They swing too hard. They go for the winning shot too early. They are too focused on hitting "perfect" shots.

“You also want to choose a color that contrasts from the color of the pickleballs,” Gearheart said. Pickleballs are most often yellow, orange or lime green. “Generally, colors opposite from each other improve contrast. For example, if the balls are yellow, paint the court blue.”

Pickleball shoes typically are heavier, sturdier (while still allowing for quick, free mobility), have cushioning for shock absorption on the hard surface, and to keep your foot closer to the ground. Pickleball shoes also have a unique tread pattern on the bottom of the shoe to help with traction.

The short answer: no. Our Sports Opticians advise against polarized lenses for pickleball sunglasses. Polarization is notorious for affecting depth perception and can skew your ability to make split-second decisions. Since polarization can hinder your judgment of the distance and speed of the ball, we say skip it.

Most performance paddles have an area of optimal response, and areas with less than optimal response or “dead spots”. Dead spots are commonly found above the handle, the corners and the very top. By tapping your knuckle around the paddle you can hear the locations of those optimal areas and those areas that are “dead”.

Thickness. Paddles are typically between 11mm and 16mm thick. The thinner the paddle, the more “pop” you'll get off the surface. The thicker a paddle, the more it will absorb the ball's energy.

A Senior Rated event is open only to players who are 50+. Comment: If a Tournament Director wants to allow players under 50 to play in a Senior Rated event, it then becomes simply a Rated event and must be open to players of all ages.

What is the most forgiving pickleball paddle? ›

The most forgiving pickleball paddles include the Engage Encore EX 6.0, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro, and the Gamma Hellbender.

Heavier paddles can be more difficult to control, while lighter paddles may not provide enough power. The size and shape of the paddle also play a role in how well you can control the ball. A paddle with a smaller grip may be easier to control, while a paddle with a large sweet spot can help you generate more power.

The best pickleball brands are Niupipo and Selkirk Sports.

Since its 2012 inception, Niupipo has sold the most affordable and high-quality pickleball equipment for beginners, intermediate players, and even professional pickleball athletes.

The S2 was the brainchild of US Open Silver Medalist, Tony Tollenaar. With a shorter handle than the Epic, the S2 has a larger surface area on the face of the paddle. In fact, the S2 has the largest sweet spot in the Pickleball industry!

Generally, the life span of a pickleball paddle is 1 to 5 years. It also depends on how frequently and how hard you play. Recreational players will get the most longevity and durability out of their paddle.

4) Onix. The leading manufacturer of performance pickleball paddles, balls, and accessories, ONIX equips players with technologically advanced equipment that is PROVEN to make the sport faster, more precise, and more strategic.

But if you're serious about taking up the sport or looking to upgrade from a wooden paddle, graphite and fiberglass should be your pursuit. Wooden paddles are heavier and offer less power and control compared to modern materials. Pro Tip: Keep your old wooden paddles for visitors to play with.

Light weight paddles are those under 7.3 ounces. Mid weight paddles are 7.3 to 8.4 ounces and heavy weight paddle are 8.5 ounces and above. The advantage of a light weight paddle is you can be quicker at the net and have more controlled shots.