The Best Pickleball Paddles

Are you looking for a fun way to burn off some energy and get some exercise? Give pickleball a try. This paddleball sport requires you to hit a special ball over a net, towards your opponent. You can play this game with singles or doubles. You win by being the first side to earn 11 points. However, you must win by at least two points before claiming victory. Since the court is smaller, pickleball is a bit easier to play than tennis. You also serve underhand in this game, a motion that's more gentle on your shoulders. Pickleball is a fun game, so pick up one of these top five pickleball paddles and start playing today.

niupipo Pickleball Paddle Set of 2

The Cushiony, Sweat-Free Grip

You won't have to worry about this pickleball paddle sliding out of your hand while you play, since it is sweat absorbent.
Best Overall

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You’ll hit the ball like a pro with these high-quality pickleball paddles. They’ve got a graphite honeycomb core, so your paddle will weigh less but still deliver the power that you need to win. On the outside, this pickleball paddle is covered in a graphite carbon fiber face. It’s tough enough to hold up to a lot of use on the court.

Your hands won’t hurt from holding this paddle, even if you play for several hours. It’s very comfortable and designed with power players in mind. The handle is cushioned and absorbs your sweat, to keep the paddle from getting slippery during play. You’ll really be able to whack the ball with this great paddle.

Pros

  • High-quality materials so the paddle will hold up well to hard hits without getting dented
  • Approved by the USAPA so you can be confident using it for fun or tournaments
  • Wide body shape with a 4.25-inch grip circumference so it’s the perfect size for many players

Cons

  • The handle grip is only 4.5-inches in length, so it’s fairly short for a paddle.

Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Paddle Set

Everything You Need

This set of pickleball paddles includes everything but the net, so you can head down to the court and start playing.
Best for Beginners

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If you’re just getting started with pickleball, you need a set like this. It includes four wood pickleball paddles, four pickleballs, and a carrying bag. All you need is a net and you’re ready to play, so you can grab your friends and meet at the court for a game.

The paddles are thick and durable. They’re made from 7-ply maple wood, so they hold up well. The handles are cushioned so they’re comfortable to hold. There’s also a convenient wrist strap on the end, so you don’t send your paddle flying as you swing to return the ball.

Pros

  • Everything comes in a premium box that you can use to store the items in when you’re not playing
  • Good value for four paddles, so you won’t break the bank getting started playing pickleball
  • The grip is 5.25-inches in length, which gives you a bit more length for reaching out to hit a nearby ball

Cons

  • The carrying bag isn’t large enough to hold the paddles, it’s designed for the balls. You’ll need to carry the paddles.

Pickleball Paddles USAPA Pro

Deliver a Powerful Hit

You'll be able to really hit the ball with this lightweight pickleball paddle.
Best Lightweight Set

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These lightweight pickleball paddles only weigh 8 ounces each. If you aren’t used to hanging onto a paddle for long periods of time, you’ll appreciate the difference a few ounces can make. Beginning players will be able to play for longer with these.

The inside of these paddles features a graphite-honeycomb composition. The outside is a strong fiberglass with a fun design. This combination of materials gives you power behind your shot, while allowing your paddle to take a lot of action without getting dinged. They’ll stay looking nice for a long time.

Pros

  • Comfortable size, with a length of 4.8-inch length and a diameter of 4.5-inch so you can get a good grip
  • Comes with four pickleballs and a carrying case that holds everything so you can easily transport everything to the court
  • Lightweight so they’re easy to maneuver and won’t take as much energy to swing

Cons

  • Compared to the paddles, the pickleballs in this set aren’t great quality. They are okay for beginners, but don’t have a lot of bounce.

TICCI Pickleball Paddle Set

So Many Designs

You don't want your pickleball paddles to look just like everyone else's.
Best Color Options

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Many pickleball paddles only come in one design. If you love it, that’s great. If not, you’re sort of out of luck. Unless you buy a set of these. You have several gorgeous options to choose from. There are several different colors and patterns, so you can find an option to match your outfit and playstyle.

These paddles don’t only look nice, they are really well built. The inside is a polymer honeycomb and the face is premium fiberglass. It only weighs 8 ounces, making it a nice lightweight paddle. This set comes with four balls and a mesh bag to store the balls. You and a friend can meet up on the court and play a game without needing to order anything else.

Pros

  • Many different designs so you can find a pretty pickleball paddle
  • An edge guard to help protect your paddle from getting dinged and dented if you accidentally drop it
  • Quality grip that’s comfortable to hold onto while you play

Cons

  • Not USAPA approved, so if your team has specific rules for paddles these may not qualify

Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddles

Get Started for Less

These inexpensive pickleball paddles from Franklin Sports are a great way to get started.
Best on a Budget

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You don’t want to invest a ton of money on high-quality pickleball paddles if you don’t know if you’ll like the game. These inexpensive paddles are a great option for those just getting started. You can get a feel for the game and then upgrade to the premium paddles later down the line.

These wood paddles are USAPA-approved. They’re medium weight, about 10.5-ounces each. This set also comes with two pickleballs that are also USAPA-approved. Both are really good options for beginners.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly, so you won’t have to invest a lot of money on pickleball paddles until you know you’ll play a lot
  • Comfortable grip that is cushioned so it’s easier to hold and won’t give you blisters
  • Made from 7-ply wood so it’s strong and durable

Cons

  • Definitely a basic paddle without a lot of bells or whistles. It’ll get you started, but you may find you improve with a higher-quality pickleball paddle

Frequently Asked Questions

What size of pickleball paddle should I use?

When you pick your pickleball paddle, you want to make sure it’s a good fit for you. Check out the weight of the paddle. Is this a weight you’ll be comfortable using? If it’s too heavy, you’ll strain your arms trying to return the ball. Paddles are typically in the 6-14 ounce range, and people usually start with a medium-weight one. You also want to make sure the handle is comfortable. A tennis racquet style grip is often used. No matter what type of grip it has, you want to make sure it’s the right size for your hand.

What are pickleball paddles made out of?

The original pickleball paddles were simply plywood cut into a racquet style shape with a handle. Since then, the design has improved significantly. You can still purchase wooden paddles, but those aren’t your only options. There are paddles made from carbon fiber, fiberglass, and graphite. Many pickleball paddles now have an inside core that’s different from the outside material. For example, you can purchase paddles with cores made from wood, polymer, and aluminum. The different materials have unique pros and cons. If you’re ready to up your game, upgrading your paddle is the first step.

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