Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners and Pros in 2024

Pickleball is a racket sport that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It is a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is played on a court that is about a third of the size of a tennis court. Pickleball paddles are an essential part of the game, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your performance on the court.

When looking for the best pickleball paddles, the weight and material of the paddle are crucial factors to consider. A heavier paddle provides more power, while a lighter paddle offers more maneuverability. The material of the paddle can also affect the game, with graphite and composite materials being more durable and powerful, while wooden paddles offer more control and a softer touch.

We spent hours researching and testing various pickleball paddles to identify the ones that provide the best balance of power, control, and maneuverability. In this article, we will share our top picks for the best pickleball paddles, along with their features and benefits, to help you make an informed decision.

Best Pickleball Paddles

We have researched and tested various pickleball paddles to find the best ones on the market. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, having the right paddle can make a big difference in your game. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top pickleball paddles that offer superior performance, durability, and comfort. So, without further ado, let's dive into our roundup of the best pickleball paddles available.

Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle

We highly recommend the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle for players of all levels who are looking for a paddle with superior ball control and touch.

Pros

• The graphite face and nomex core give players the superior feel of the ball
• The medium-weight of 7.5-8.2 ounces strikes a perfect balance between power and speed
• The Widebody shape provides a large sweet spot, making it great for beginners through advanced-level players

Cons

• The tape on the handle may come off easily
• The price may be a bit high for some players
• The handle may be too short for players with larger hands

We found the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle to be a high-quality paddle that is perfect for players who are looking for a paddle with amazing ball control. The graphite face and nomex core provide a superior feel of the ball, allowing players to have more control over their shots. The medium weight of 7.5-8.2 ounces also provides a perfect balance between power and speed, making it a great paddle for players of all levels.

One thing to note is that the tape on the handle may come off easily, so players may need to replace it with more durable tape. Additionally, the price may be a bit high for some players, but we believe that the quality of the paddle justifies the cost. Finally, players with larger hands may find the handle to be too short, so they may need to look for a paddle with a longer handle.

Overall, we believe that the Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is a top-quality paddle that is perfect for players who are looking for a paddle with superior ball control and touch. We highly recommend it to players of all levels who want to take their game to the next level.

Uteeqe Pickleball Paddles Set of 2

If you're looking for a high-quality pickleball paddle set, the Uteeqe Pickleball Paddles Set of 2 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The rough-textured graphite surface is perfect for spin shots and provides a large sweet spot for better hits.
• The lightweight build of the paddle makes it easy to handle and react quickly at the net.
• The cushioned perforated contour grip ensures a secure grip during play, even in the most clutch moments.

Cons

• Some players may find the paddle to be too lightweight, which can affect their power and control.
• The specialized design of the handle bottom may not be comfortable for all players.
• The low-profile edge guard may not provide enough protection for some players.

We recently had the chance to try out the Uteeqe Pickleball Paddles Set of 2 and were impressed with its performance. The rough-textured graphite surface is perfect for spin shots and provides a large sweet spot for better hits. We were able to consistently hit shots with great spin and accuracy, thanks to the paddle's specialized surface.

The lightweight build of the paddle makes it easy to handle and react quickly at the net. We were able to move around the court with ease and felt in control of the paddle at all times. The cushioned perforated contour grip ensures a secure grip during play, even in the most clutch moments. We never felt like the paddle was slipping out of our hands, even during intense rallies.

While the paddle's lightweight build is a plus for many players, some may find it to be too light, affecting their power and control. Additionally, the specialized design of the handle-bottom may not be comfortable for all players. Lastly, the low-profile edge guard may not provide enough protection for some players.

Overall, the Uteeqe Pickleball Paddles Set of 2 is a great choice for players looking for a high-quality paddle set with great spin and control. The cushioned perforated contour grip ensures a secure grip during play, and the rough-textured graphite surface provides a large sweet spot for better hits.

MTEN Pickleball Paddles

If you're looking for high-quality pickleball paddles that are both lightweight and durable, the MTEN Pickleball Paddles are an excellent choice.

Pros

• USAPA approved
• Premium quality fiberglass surface
• Comfortable ergonomic grip

Cons

• May be too lightweight for some players
• Some users may prefer a larger grip circumference
• Not suitable for indoor play

We were impressed with the MTEN Pickleball Paddles right out of the box. The unique fiberglass and polypropylene honeycomb core technology provides exceptional power and control, while the fiberglass surface delivers excellent rotational performance. The polypropylene honeycomb technology also reduces vibration and achieves stable speed, resulting in an optimal ball strike feel.

The perforated, sweat-absorbent, and cushioned grip is comfortable and ergonomic, making it easy to hold and control the paddle. The 4.57" grip circumference allows for maximum wrist snap for power and spin, as well as a range of motion in your wrist.

The wide pickleball racket area provides more sweet spots for the perfect shot, making these paddles great for beginners, intermediates, and professional players. The paddle weighs between 7.78 and 7.8 oz, which puts it in the medium weight range.

The set includes two pickleball paddles, four outdoor pickle balls, one carry bag, and two grip tapes, making it a perfect gift for beginners and pros alike. The paddles are also USA Pickleball approved and come with a USAPA approval label, ensuring high safety and professionalism, and can be used in tournaments.

Overall, we highly recommend the MTEN Pickleball Paddles for anyone looking for a high-quality, lightweight, and durable option.

SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles

If you're a beginner or looking for affordable pickleball paddles, the SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles set is a great choice.

Pros

• The multilayer face technology combines the power of Graphite with the control of Fiberglass, providing excellent performance for both indoor and outdoor play.
• The SX3 Honeycomb Core design yields a large sweet spot for constant speed while absorbing the hit and softening the feel.
• The ultra-cushion grip material is designed for the highest level of comfort, allowing you to play without fatigue after long gameplay intervals.

Cons

• The grip size may not be comfortable for players with larger hands.
• The set only comes with 4 balls, which may not be enough for players who frequently lose or damage balls.
• The carry bag is rigid, which may not be as convenient as a more flexible bag for some players.

We recently tried out the SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles set and were impressed by their performance. The paddles are lightweight and well-balanced, making them easy to maneuver and control. The multilayer face technology provides a good balance of power and control, allowing us to hit accurate shots with ease. The ultra-cushion grip material is comfortable to hold, even after extended play sessions.

However, we did find that the grip size may not be comfortable for players with larger hands. Additionally, the set only comes with 4 balls, which may not be enough for players who frequently lose or damage balls. Finally, the rigid carry bag may not be as convenient as a more flexible bag for some players.

Overall, we would recommend the SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles set to anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable option for beginner to intermediate players.

Holbrook Centre Court Paddle

If you're looking for a high-performance pickleball paddle that is both stylish and functional, the Holbrook Centre Court Paddle is worth considering.

Pros

• The paddle's responsive Polypropylene Honeycomb core provides consistent kinetic reaction and bounce to your shots.
• The paddle's FlexTech Carbon Fiber and Graphite blend surface offers an unmatched blend of power, control, and durability.
• The paddle's specialized comfort grip with high-tack technology and condensed foam gives you full control and feel.

Cons

• The paddle's price may be a bit steep for beginners or those on a budget.
• The paddle's vintage style may not appeal to everyone.
• The paddle's 14mm thickness may take some getting used to for players accustomed to thinner paddles.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Holbrook Centre Court Paddle, and we were impressed with its overall performance. The paddle strikes the perfect balance between maneuverability and surface area, making it a great choice for players ranging from moderate to advanced levels.

The paddle's responsive Polypropylene Honeycomb core provides consistent kinetic reaction and bounce to your shots, while the FlexTech Carbon Fiber and Graphite blend surface offers an unmatched blend of power, control, and durability. We found that the paddle's specialized comfort grip with high-tack technology and condensed foam gave us full control and feel, even during intense matches.

While the paddle's price may be a bit steep for beginners or those on a budget, we believe that its performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious players. Additionally, the paddle's vintage style, inspired by the prestigious Wimbledon, adds a touch of class to any game.

Overall, we highly recommend the Holbrook Centre Court Paddle to anyone looking for a high-performance pickleball paddle that offers both power and control, with a touch of vintage style.

Buying Guide

When looking to buy the best pickleball paddle, there are some key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Weight

The weight of the paddle is an important factor to consider. A heavier paddle can provide more power but may be more difficult to maneuver. A lighter paddle may be easier to handle but may not pack as much punch. We recommend choosing a paddle that is comfortable to hold and swing, and that suits your playing style.

Material

Pickleball paddles can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, composite, and graphite. Each material has its own unique properties that can affect the paddle's performance. Wood paddles are typically the most affordable, but may not be as durable as other materials. Composite paddles are a popular choice for their balance of power and control. Graphite paddles are the lightest and most durable, but can be more expensive. We suggest considering your budget and playing style when choosing a material.

Grip

The grip of the paddle is another important factor to consider. A good grip can provide better control and reduce the risk of injury. There are two main types of grips: cushioned and perforated. Cushioned grips offer more comfort and shock absorption, while perforated grips offer better ventilation and moisture management. We recommend trying out different grip types to see what feels most comfortable for you.

Shape

The shape of the paddle can also affect its performance. Wide-body paddles offer a larger sweet spot and more power, while narrow-body paddles provide more control and precision. We suggest considering your playing style and preferences when choosing a paddle shape.

Overall, choosing the best pickleball paddle is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and preferences. By considering factors such as weight, material, grip, and shape, you can find a paddle that suits your playing style and helps you perform at your best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best pickleball paddles for beginners in 2024?

For beginners, we recommend the Wilson Energy Pro, the Onix Graphite Z5, and the Selkirk Latitude. These paddles are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and provide good control and power.

What are the best pickleball paddles under $100?

If you're on a budget, we recommend the Rally Tyro 2, the Paddletek Bantam EX-L, and the Gamma Micron 2.0. These paddles offer good value for the money and have a good balance of power and control.

Which pickleball paddles are recommended for 3.5 players?

For 3.5 players, we recommend the Selkirk Amped S2, the Engage Encore Pro, and the Onix Summit C1. These paddles offer good control, power, and spin, which are important for players at this level.

What are the best pickleball paddles for power?

If you're looking for power, we recommend the Selkirk Maxima, the Engage Poach Advantage, and the ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed. These paddles have a larger sweet spot and are designed to give you more power on your shots.

What are the best pickleball paddles for seniors?

For seniors, we recommend the Selkirk Epic, the Engage Elite Pro, and the Gamma Mirage. These paddles are lightweight and easy to maneuver, which is important for players with less strength and mobility.

Which pickleball paddles are recommended for singles play?

If you're playing singles, we recommend the Selkirk Invikta, the Onix Evoke Premier, and the Paddletek Tempest Wave II. These paddles have a longer handle and a smaller head size, which gives you more control and maneuverability on the court.

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