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Game Improvement Pickleball Paddles

The Best Pickleball Paddles To Improve Your Game

See below for advice from our professional teaching staff on how to select a paddle to improve your game

So, you’ve gotten bit by the pickleball bug and you’re ready to take your game to the next level. The beginner paddle you started with, or the borrowed paddle from your friends, is no longer cutting it. We have listed here paddles that can help you take the next step. These paddles are designed to be easy to use and solid for the all-around game. They have power to drive and touch to dink with just the right amount of forgiveness. Our professional instructors and product specialists have come up with a selection of paddles to help get your game to the next level.  Make a pick and hit the courts.

Click here to see US Open Gold Medalist & USAPA National Champion Glen Peterson's advice on selecting a Game Improvement Paddle.
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The Rally Graphite Power 5.0 with polypropylene core and graphite face, choose from blue green, red or yellow in thicker core for increased power. Rally Graphite Power 5.0 Pickleball Paddle

Powerful polymer core and graphite/fiberglass hybrid face. Designed to offer a large sweet spot and generous playing surface.

Middleweight/Small or Medium Grip

Price $89.99

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Graphite hitting surface, polymer core. Choose from two colors Radical Tour GR Paddle

The thicker polymer core delivers extra power and intensifies the sweet spot. HydroSorb Pro Grip.

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $134.95

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Champion Graphite X Paddle, choose from blue, gray, purple or red Champion Graphite X Paddle

Connect with the ball and conquer your opponent with the large sweet spot on this poly-core paddle. Available in 4 colors.

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $84.99

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Pureshot Brian The Beard Ashworth Pickleball Paddle with a polypropylene core and carbon fiber face. Available in slick-looking Black, only, from Oneshot Pickleball. Oneshot Pureshot Brian Ashworth Series Paddle

Textured graphite face easily enables spin, and thick polymer core reduces shock and creates a consistently responsive feel.

Midweight/Medium Grip

Price $140.00

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Poach Icon Pickleball Paddle-Choose from Blue, Purple, Red or Black Poach Icon Pickleball Paddle

This paddle offers maximum power with a soft feel, but slightly less power than its predecessor.

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $154.99

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Kinetic Ovation Flight Pickleball Paddle by ProKennex Kinetic Ovation Flight Paddle

Free Paddle Cover ($16.99 Value)
Reduce vibration and impact with this innovative paddle from ProKennex. Choose from blue or pink.

Light-Midweight/Small Grip

Price $189.95

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Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle, choose from 2 weights, 2 grips sizes and five colors. Bantam TS-5 Pro Composite Paddle

This composite paddle from Paddletek features a thick poly core, allowing a softer game. Choose from two grips, two weights and five colors.

Light or Middleweight/Small or Large Grip

Price $149.99

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Electrum Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle, polymer core and graphite face. Electrum Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Free Paddle Cover ($16.99 value)
Paddle features a sturdy, raw carbon fiber face and durable construction. Wide surface and textured finish make it a great choice for spinners.

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $169.99

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The Babolat MNSTR Pickleball Paddle with polypropylene core and carbon-fibers face, choose from touch model in yellow and white, or power model in yellow and black. Babolat MNSTR Pickleball Paddle

Polymer/EVA hybrid core disperses shock while face generates spin. Comes in Power & Touch models.

Lightweight/Middleweight and Small Grip

Price $139.00

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The Rally PX Graphite with polypropylene core and graphite face, choose from blue green, red or yellow. Rally PX Graphite Pickleball Paddle

This paddle features a graphite/fiberglass hybrid face along with a generous hitting surface. Choose from four colors.

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $79.99

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Hybrid hitting surface, polymer core. Choose from two weights and two colors Gravity Pickleball Paddle

This paddle's face features a hybrid blend of graphite/composite and a thicker polymer core. Ergonomic HydroSorb Pro Grip

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $169.95

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Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro Paddle is available in two grip sizes and five colors. Tempest Reign Pro Graphite Paddle

The elongated version of the outstanding Tempest Wave Pro offers greater reach with all the control of a thick-core graphite paddle.

Light-Middleweight/Small or Large Grip

Price $179.99

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The Tempest Wave Pro Paddle is available in two grip sizes and two colors. Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Paddle

The Pro version of the popular Tempest Wave paddle offers softer play via a thicker core for increased control and touch.

Light-Middleweight/Small or Large Grip

Price $179.99

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Bantam TS-5, choose from blue, green, purple, red, yellow and special editions models available. Bantam TS-5 Paddle

A lighter weight and more maneuverable version of the popular Bantam EX-L will provide quicker speed at the net.

Light-Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $99.99

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Phoenix Genesis Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle, choose from five colors. Phoenix Genesis Pro Paddle

The large sweet spot on this paddle covers most of the face, ensuring every shot counts. Paddletek packed lots of new tech into this one.

Middleweight/Small or Medium Grip

Price $119.99

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Hellbender Graphite Pickleball Paddle by GAMMA in blue and yellow graphics and a striking shape. GAMMA Hellbender Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Features thicker large-celled core to provide a soft and quiet responsive feel. Textured graphite face enhances control and spin.

Middleweight/Small Grip

Price $169.99

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Kinetic Ovation Speed II Pickleball Paddle by ProKennex Kinetic Ovation Speed II Paddle

Free Paddle Cover ($16.99 Value)
Reduce vibration and impact with this innovative paddle from ProKennex. Choose from black/pink or white/blue.

Middleweight/Small Grip

Price $169.95

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The Selkirk SLK Evo Hybrid Max Paddle features a red or blue background with the large, black SLK logo in the foreground. Selkirk SLK Evo Hybrid Max Paddle

A potent but controlled fiberglass face/polymer core paddle with a 13 mm thickness and generous surface area for great blocking and ease of use.

Midweight/Medium Grip

Price $99.99
Kinetic Pro Speed II Pickleball Paddle by ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle

Free Paddle Cover ($16.99 Value)
Reduce vibration and impact with this innovative paddle from ProKennex. Choose from green or pink.

Middleweight/Small Grip

Price $169.95

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Legend Composite Pickleball Paddle by GAMMA GAMMA Legend Composite Pickleball Paddle

Features thicker large-celled core to provide a soft and quiet responsive feel. Textured composite face enhances power.

Middle-Heavyweight/Small Grip

Price $139.99

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Shard Graphite Pickleball Paddle by GAMMA GAMMA Shard Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Fracture the will of your opponent with this poly-core graphite paddle from Gamma. Choose from 2 color combinations.

Heavyweight/Small Grip

Price $149.99

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Kinetic Flight Pro Pickleball Paddle by ProKennex Kinetic Pro Flight Paddle

Free Paddle Cover ($16.99 Value)
Reduce vibration and impact with this innovative paddle from ProKennex. Choose from blue or pink.

Light-Midweight/Small Grip

Price $189.95

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Jester Graphite Pickleball Paddle by GAMMA GAMMA Jester Graphite Paddle

Keep them guessing with the quick and quiet Jester, featuring a thick core and a textured graphite face.

Light-Middleweight/Small Grip

Price $119.99

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The Selkirk VANGUARD Hybrid 2.0 Epic Paddle is available in blue and black, or crimson and black color options, and in lightweight or midweight ranges. VANGUARD Hybrid 2.0 Epic Paddle

Textured, responsive paddle with a longer handle and thick polymer core which reduces vibrations and improves consistency.

Light-Midweight/Medium Grip

Price $199.99

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The Selkirk VANGUARD Hybrid 2.0 S2 Paddle is available in blue and black, or crimson and black color options, and in lightweight or midweight ranges. VANGUARD Hybrid 2.0 S2 Paddle

Paddle with a classic shape, large sweet spot and super responsive carbon fiber surface with enhanced spin.

Light-Midweight/Medium Grip

Price $199.99

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The Selkirk VANGUARD Hybrid 2.0 Omni Paddle is available in blue and black, or crimson and black color options, and in lightweight or midweight ranges. VANGUARD Hybrid 2.0 Omni Paddle

A 16.5" long paddle with a short handle to maximize surface area with a head-weighted feel. Gen2 Durable Surface and Pro-Spin texture are provide durability and control.

Light-Midweight/Medium Grip

Price $199.99
PROLITE Rival PowerSpin 2.0 pickleball paddle with SpinTac surface texture, choose from blue, purple or red. Rival PowerSpin 2.0 Composite Paddle

A rounded and adaptable paddle with a large sweet spot. Oversized width for strong striking and defense.

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $124.99

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Traditional shape, well balanced, choose from midweight or lightweight VANGUARD Hybrid Epic Paddle

Longer handle, wide sweet spot and double-reinforced face offer consistent control. Choose from two weights.

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $199.99

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Unparalleled consistency, midweight paddle VANGUARD Hybrid S2 Paddle

Large sweet spot, gentle touch and double reinforced carbon fiber surface. Choose from two weights.

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $199.99

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V540 Hybrid Pickleball Paddle by Vulcan Vulcan V540 Hybrid Paddle

This paddle combines control and power in a modern shape making it a versatile choice.

Middleweight/Large Grip

Price $119.99

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Illuminate 2.0 Pickleball Paddle-choose from blue or coral. Illuminate 2.0 I-Series Graphite Paddle

A light-to-midweight paddle with a textured surface to enhance spin on many of your best shots.

Middleweight/Small Grip

Price $69.99

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AMPED Epic X5 FiberFlex Paddle, choose from blue, green, orange, or red AMPED Epic X5 FiberFlex Paddle

Traditional shape with vibration dampening technology. Excellent power and control combined with a larger sweet spot make this paddle a sure winner.

Middleweight/Small or Medium Grip

Price $149.99

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AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex Paddle, choose from blue, green orange or red AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex Paddle

With the largest sweet spot, this paddle is destined to be your favorite. The thicker core combined with softer face provide control as well as power.

Middle-Heavyweight/Small or Medium Grip

Price $149.99

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Response Pro Composite Paddle by Prince Pickleball, choose from 2 weights, 2 grips sizes and five colors. Response Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle

With years of expertise in racquet sports, Prince Pickleball brings us this poly-core composite paddle.

Light or Middleweight/Small or Large Grip

Price $128.99

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Spectrum Pro Composite Paddle By Prince Pickleball, choose from 2 weights, 2 grips sizes and four colors. Spectrum Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle

Prince Pickleball created this poly-core composite paddle which features a generous sweet spot. Choose from 2 grips, 2 weights and 4 colors.

Light or Middleweight/Small or Large Grip

Price $128.99

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Wilson Echo Paddle, composite, middleweight with a thin grip. Available in White or Camo Blue. Wilson Echo Pickleball Paddle

Fiberglass/Composite face with large sweet-spot. The responsive, impact dampening core helps reduce vibration.

Middleweight/Small Grip

Price $119.95

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Tempest Wave II Paddle is available in 5 color options Tempest Wave II Graphite Paddle

This paddle offers reduced vibration from the polymer core. The textured graphite surface allows you to put the ball right where you want it.

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $129.99

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Mirage Composite Pickleball Paddle by GAMMA Mirage Composite Paddle

Transport yourself to the oasis of victory. GAMMA polymer core paddle features textured composite face.

Middleweight/Small Grip

Price $89.99

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RZR Graphite Pickleball Paddle by GAMMA RZR Graphite Paddle

Balance, power and touch like you've never experienced before. Polymer core and graphite face. Choose from 3 colors.

Middleweight/Small Grip

Price $109.99

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The Encore EX 6.0 paddle by EngagePickleball-choose from two grips and five colors. Encore EX 6.0 Paddle

A perfect blend of control and power from Engage. ControlPro Core paired with FiberTEK skin offer the perfect combination for enhanced spin. Choose from thin or standard grip and 5 colors.

Middleweight/Small or Medium Grip

Price $154.99

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Outbreak Graphite Pickleball Paddle, graphite reinforced face and polymer core. Outbreak Pickleball Paddle

Features a graphite-reinforced face and polymer core. ONIX's TeXtreme Technology delivers increased durability without adding weight.

Middleweight/Large Grip

Price $129.99

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The Babolat REBEL Pickleball Paddle with polypropylene core and fiberglass face, choose from touch or power models in an attractive blue-black-gray color combination. Babolat RBEL Pickleball Paddle

Powerful polymer core and graphite face. Designed for a variety of players providing comfort, protection, and control.

Middleweight/Heavyweight and Small Grip

Price $119.00

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Voyager Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle, graphite face and polymer core. Voyager Pro Graphite Paddle

This paddle offers a graphite-face polymer core. Features wide face for a larger sweet spot.
Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $99.99

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The ProXR Advantage Composite Pickleball Paddle features a black and white graphical design, and ergonomic XR-23 handle. ProXR Advantage Composite Paddle

Durable fiberglass face with a 5-1/2" long ergonomic handle, results in quick reload speed and high level control.

Middleweight/Medium Grip

Price $109.99

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The ProXR Tour Graphite Pickleball Paddle features a black, gray, and blue color scheme, and innovative XR-23 handle design. Available in 3 weight options ranging from 8.2 ounces to 9.6 ounces. ProXR Tour Graphite Paddle

Powerful paddle that is made more controllable thanks to the graphite face and scientifically-proven angled handle which increases exit velocity and paddle reload efficiency.

Mid-Heavyweight/Medium Grip

Price $159.99

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Selecting The Best Pickleball Paddle To Improve Your Game

How To Pick A Pickleball Paddle To Improve Your Game - Expert Advice from US Open & USAPA Nationals Champion Glen Peterson:

Okay, so you've been playing pickleball for a bit and want to take your game to the next level with a better paddle. Or perhaps you've made a resolution to jump into this sport and move up quickly and you want the perfect paddle to help you start. My belief is this: If you are serious about your game, you should be serious about your equipment. Here are my thoughts on finding the best paddle to help beginner to intermediate players (2.5 – 3.5 rated) move their game along.

When working with players who are interested in improving their game, I often get asked about what paddle they should use. To these players I recommend what I call a “game improvement paddle.” My definition of this type of paddle is one that is both forgiving and effective for all aspects of your game (serves, dinks, drops, and volleys.) I have been playing for eight years and have moved through nine different paddle models during this time, so don't necessarily think of this next paddle as the final paddle you will ever use.

To me there are four paddle characteristics you should consider when choosing a “game improvement paddle”. To me, the most important consideration in choosing a game improvement paddle is paddle weight. Unless your career was an NFL linebacker, please don't think of a heavy paddle as your friend. Higher level players generally migrate to heavier paddles as their technique, strength and speed develops, but the rest of us should start light. What do I mean by light? Between 7.0 and 7.8 ounces. And if you haven't worked out much lately or are over 50, please consider a paddle closer to the 7 to 7.6 ounce range. I play regularly with a 70 year old women who weighs about 100 pounds and uses a paddle under 7 ounces, and she is lightning quick at the net but still has the power to hit amazingly hard. Yep, the lighter the paddle, the faster your hand speed (which translates into a fast moving shot). And in my experience, these lighter weights are less likely to result in an elbow or wrist injury.

So what's the big deal about an extra ounce in my hand? First, an ounce is about 15% of the paddle weight, which is a large incremental amount. You will feel a big difference between a 7.3 and an 8.3 ounce paddle. Secondly, that ounce is not centered in your hand but rather is some eight to ten inches away from your hand out on the paddle face. Because the handle becomes a lever giving leverage on the weight, this extra weight is felt much more. Third, ping pong paddles weigh about 3.0 ounces and tennis rackets weight about 10 ounces and athletes from these sports have concluded that weight is a huge factor and that starting light is wise.

The total weight isn’t the only factor, balance (or where the weight is located) matters as well. Some paddles are weight biased towards the head of the paddle, some are biased towards the grip, and some are balanced in the middle. Again, the leverage of the weight at the head of a paddle can make a paddle feel heavier, and cause you to exert more energy to simply move the paddle during a volley or from forehand to backhand. A “Head heavy” paddle take more strength to move around, puts more pressure on your joints and soft tissue, and reduces your hand speed in shot exchanges at the kitchen line. As a result, for a game improvement paddle I recommend selecting a paddle where that weight is balanced in the middle, or biased towards the grip.

The second consideration is shape and surface area. Paddles with wider (larger) faces are more forgiving when blocking and striking balls. The larger, more squared up surface area generates a larger more forgiving sweet spot. Balls don't come off consistently off the perimeter of paddles. Paddle “sweet spots” don’t extend all the way out to the edge of the paddle, and often stop one inch or more away from the edge. As such, narrow paddles end up creating paddles with a very narrow (thin) sweet spot, and players notice a big difference in how a ball feels when they don’t strike the ball exactly in the center of the paddle face. For game improvement paddles, I tend to recommend paddles where the ratio between the width and length of the face is closer, with paddle shapes that are less elongated. These wider shaped paddles create a larger, more circular and consistent sweet spot. These paddles are more forgiving when you mis-hit side to side on your paddle. I get asked often why paddles aren’t made both wider and longer. The reason is because the USAPA stipulates that the combined length (with handle) and width cannot exceed 24 inches. When I began playing, I was amazed at how many balls I actually hit by sheer luck off the back of my wrist. A paddle with a larger surface area is a luckier paddle because even balls I don't see well might get back over. And luck is a wonderful thing in pickleball. This is why I recommend more traditional, wider shaped paddle designs for beginners and people just moving up in the rankings (3.0 – 3.5 rating).

Some of you are wondering whether larger paddles are also heavier. Have I worked my way into a pickle by suggesting paddles that have both a large surface area face but are also light? Not really. Modern materials allow the world’s best paddle manufacturers to produce paddles that fit this profile, and the paddles on this page are available in these size and weight formats.

The third consideration is grip diameter and grip or handle length. As in other paddle or racket sports, starting with a smaller diameter grip generally encourages players to hold the paddle in a more relaxed way which is necessary to generate both power and control. Holding your paddle too tightly is referred to as a “death grip.” In my opinion, these death grips might also cause injuries. So start with a grip diameter 4.25 inches or under. Remember, you can always increase the diameter of your grip easily for just a couple dollars by adding an overgrip, so I recommend you start small because you can always go bigger later. As for grip (or handle) length, many players like to place a finger on the paddle surface for added control and paddle orientation; for these players, I recommend paddles with shorter handles which allows them to place their finger on the paddle surface without sacrificing much reach.

The fourth consideration is power vs control. While heavier paddles are generally more powerful, some lightweight paddles also have lots power. The goal at this stage of your game is not power but control. Consistency wins and is more fun for all involved. You can generate all the power you need at this stage of your game without a power paddle. Once you master control, then consider a more powerful paddle. Power vs Control is measured by how fast the ball comes off the paddle, and how consistent (or large) the sweet spot on the paddle is. I recommend players look for paddles with a large consistent sweet spot where they can control the ball and hit a predictable shot even if the ball is hit other than in the center of the paddle. Giving up a bit of power to have a larger sweet spot will reduce mis-hits, and give you more winning shots during match play.

To summarize my list of recommendations, game improvements paddles would include paddles that have a more traditionally shaped wider face (not blade or elongated shapes) and weigh less than 7.8 ounces with 4.25" or smaller diameter grips. They would be made from materials that create large consistent sweet spots, and bias the weight neutral or towards the handle, and have a shot feel that trades power for more control.

I’ve provided this list of characteristics to the product management team here at Pickleball Central, and the paddles on this page represent their recommendations of paddles that meet these criteria.

Click Here To Return To The Top Of The Page To Shop For Game Improvement Pickleball Paddles.