Top 12 Best Pickleball Paddles of 2023: Expert Reviews & Ratings

Are you ready to dive into the exhilarating world of pickleball, but unsure which paddle will best suit your needs? You can stop searching and get playing now, because we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top 12 best pickleball paddles of 2023, featuring expert reviews and ratings tailored to various skill levels, preferences, and budgets.

Key Takeaways

• This guide provides a comprehensive selection of the top pickleball paddles of 2023 for any skill level, preference, and budget – whether you are just getting started, ready to compete, crossing over from tennis, or just looking for style points.
• The Selkirk Amped S2 is our best overall recommendation with great value, a large sweet spot & outstanding touch/control.
• For beginners, the Head Radical Elite will get you started playing and continue performing as you become and intermediate level player. Also, read our advice for beginner pickleball players here.
• For solid intermediates, we like the Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro for its balance of performance and forgiveness.
• If you’re an expert (or just want to look like one), you can’t go wrong with the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus.

Top Pickleball Paddles for 2023

The surge of popularity in pickleball has led to a vast array of paddles on the market, so choosing one that matches your individual needs is very doable but also daunting.

Fear not: The Fairway is here to help. We have considered paddles made from various materials, including wooden paddles, graphite paddles, and composite carbon fiber paddles. Each material offers its unique advantages, so whether you seek power, control, or a combination, we have a paddle recommendation for you.

Our propriety algorithm and expert human co-pilots have crunched the review data from across the internet, combing both expert and user reviews so you don’t have to. Read more about our review methodology here.

Now let’s get to it. The main differences between the three most common paddle materials are as follows:

• Wooden pickleball paddles: the most affordable option, but the material even in the best wooden pickleball paddle makes for a heavier, less durable paddle
• Composite paddles: made from fiberglass or carbon fiber, these are lightweight paddles and resilient but more expensive
• Graphite paddles: a good combination of light weight and power, can be on the pricier side

The paddle’s shape also plays a significant role in determining the right pickleball paddle for your needs. Paddles come in a variety of shapes, including:

• Rounded square
• Elongated paddles
• Oval
• Teardrop
• Edgeless vs edge

Each shape affects your gameplay differently, so it’s crucial to find the one that best suits your preferences and playing style. We’ve considered all of the factors described here in our selections, so all you need to do is find the category you best fit into, buy your gear and get playing!

Paddles reviewed here are priced between $40 and $350 and are all standouts within their categories. Nevertheless, remember that there isn’t a definitive checklist when it comes to choosing a pickleball paddle. The key is to find a paddle that meets your requirements and preferences in terms of:

• Power
• Control
• Spin
• Grip circumference
• Paddle weight

The ideal pickleball paddle for you hinges on your personal preferences, play style, and budget. Finding a paddle with a grip, handle and paddle head that matches your ability, physique and playing style is crucial, and it’s wise to avoid low-quality, cheap paddles.

To avoid irritating your opponents, you’ll also want to make sure your paddle is sanctioned by USA Pickleball (a requirement if you ever move on from your local courts to competitions). All of the paddles here are USAPA approved other than the kids paddles and the Amazin’ Aces. Many players have multiple paddles in their collection, so feel free to set yourself up with a quiver.

From beginner-friendly options to high-end performance paddles, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the perfect paddle to elevate your game and dominate the court!

Best Overall Pickleball Paddle

Our answer to the dreaded “if you had to choose just one” question and our top recommendation for the best overall pickleball paddle is the Selkirk Amped S2. This exceptional paddle has earned the top all around scores of all paddles across both user and expert reviews because of its:

• Great value
• Huge sweet spot (the largest of all Selkirk paddles)
• Wide body shape
• Outstanding touch and ball control, thanks to its high-quality fiberglass paddle face

Users praise its great feel, solid & forgiving control and power. Experts praise its versatility and impressive control & maneuverability, making it a great option for intermediate and advanced players alike.

The Selkirk Amped S2 comes in lightweight and midweight options, so less experienced and smaller players should go with the former, while larger more experienced players looking for more power should go with the latter.

If you’re an intermediate to advanced player looking for a high-performance paddle that offers excellent control and versatility, the Selkirk Amped S2 is your go-to choice.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners

Selecting the right paddle is a crucial step for newcomers to master the game. Beginners should focus on control, forgiveness, and affordability. Our top pick for beginner players is the Head Radical Elite.

Don’t let the intimidating name fool you – this is a great paddle for beginners that you won’t have to ditch when you become an intermediate player. Perfect for a wide range of players, the Radical Elite offers a larger sweet spot for power as well as a thicker core and an ergo grip for great playability.

As you progress in your pickleball journey, you can always upgrade to a more advanced paddle that offers additional features tailored to your improved skill level.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Women (By Women)

Many female pickleball players gravitate towards paddles that prioritize lightweight design, comfort, and control. If this describes you, the F2 Sports Classic Graphite paddle is our top recommendation. This lightweight paddle is specifically designed for women, providing great control and maneuverability.

Far from the thoughtless “shrink it and pink it” approach too often taken with women’s sports equipment, the F2 Sports paddle is not only a great performer, but it also offers a comfortable grip, allowing female players to enjoy their time on the court without compromising on performance or comfort.

Designed by the women at F2 Sports, the Classic Graphite is an easy to play mid-weight paddle featuring textured graphite and fun designs that won’t force you to play with the paddle design equivalent of cargo shorts. The textured hitting surface increases ball control – perfect for adding spin to your shots without worrying about keeping up with the men’s swing speed and power shots.

Best Intermediate Paddle

You’ve graduated from beginner (congrats!) and are ready to flex a bit on the court. You’re making more precise shots, you understand how factors like paddle width and paddle surfaces affect the way you play pickleball, and you’re no longer considering downgrading to ping pong. Mediocrity never felt so good.

Our pick for best intermediate paddle is the Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro. This midweight (about 8.5 oz) paddle comes with either small or large grip circumferences and sports a polycarbonate face and honeycomb core. One of the most popular paddles on the market, the EX-L Pro earns best in class reviews from players who praise its balance of power and control.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players Crossing Over to The Dark Side

For experienced tennis players who have traded PTPA dreams for PTA meetings, the Selkirk Amped Invikta is an excellent paddle. Intermediate to advanced players ready to step onto the small court will appreciate the power, control and huge sweet spot of the Invikta. This one was a close runner up in our best overall category.

With a longer handle and face than most pickleball paddles, longtime tennis players praise the Invikta’s ability to achieve sharp angles while staying tight on the net, and calling the power and control amazing.

Coming in both midweight and lightweight models, the Invikta has a durable fiberglass surface that produces spin while enhancing control.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Kids

Kids. We love them, but not enough to touch our expensive paddles.

Thankfully there are now many pickleball paddles on the market for younger players who would struggle with a heavier paddle. As expected, the paddle width, length and grip circumference are smaller, and with that comes a naturally lighter weight paddle.

Of all the quality paddles on the market for kids, our pick is the Oneshot Juniorshot Series. The Juniorshot comes in sizes for kids under 8, 8-12, and is available in a choice of two fun patterns. We like that the Juniorshot is no toy – this quality paddle sports high quality materials with a fiberglass face and poly core. User reviews are outstanding across the board, with parents and little players loving the way this balanced paddle plays just like a full size.

With these kid-friendly paddles in hand, your little one will fondly remember their early days on the court (before they began crushing you in every game).

Best Pickleball Paddle for Experts

You’re good and you know it. You can place power shots at will, you’re competitive in league play and ready for the best. Or, maybe you’re just a delusional poser with money to spend on an expensive paddle. We don’t judge.

Either way, you’re ready to step up to a paddle bearing the Ben Johns name. For our money, the best expert paddle out there is the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 16mm. This carbon fiber paddle with a thick core and stiff face will crush the competition if you have the moves to keep up with your equipment. This is a slightly thicker paddle with a medium grip circumference. For those preferring to play with thinner paddles, go with the 14mm. We prefer the slightly more forgiving 16.

In reviews, the Perseus is universally celebrated by experts and pros for its control, power and versatility from the net to the baseline.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Elitists

If you’re the type to roll up to the court (or more likely the country club valet) in an unobtainable sports car, it might be mildly embarrassing to emerge from said vehicle carrying a paddle that any commoner could purchase at Dick’s.

Our answer for preserving your image, and having a fun paddle to talk about on the court, is the Selkirk Labs Project 006. The price is high, the carbon fiber is extensive, and the spin friendly texture along with the elongated shape make this premium paddle a real contender in its own right.

How elite is the Project 006? You have to fill out an application to buy one. Clearly they understand the psychological triggers of elitists very well. A successful application will gain you admission to Selkirk Labs and the ability to purchase any available paddles in the Project series.

If your application isn’t approved in time to pick up the Project 006 before they run out, you’ll be just in time for the Project 007. And how perfectly will that go with your new Aston Martin?

Best Paddle for Intimidating Your Opponent

If you’re looking to psych out your opponent without a word of trash talk, read on. When we ask ourselves which paddle would make the dude or lady standing on the other side of the net feel like they brought a stick to a knife fight, the answer must be the the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta.

To understand why we reached this conclusion: just look at it. The aero cutout and sharpness of this edgeless paddle are enough to make the other paddles cry. This is the pickleball paddle for power shots, but it’s not a pure power paddle. The hybrid surface incorporating both carbon fiber and fiberglass will allow you to dial in spin on par with the best control paddle.

With the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta in hand, you’ll not only look the part, but also have the performance to back it up.

Most Stylish Pickleball Paddle

Let’s face it – sometimes, looking good is the highest priority. At The Fairway, we’re not too hardcore to put aesthetics on a pedestal, and at least sometimes prioritize looks over performance. Besides, there’s also nothing wrong with having two pickleball paddles (or three, or…).

The Nettie Ashbury paddle and the Gardiner’s Bay from Tangerine are our two favorite style options for fashion-conscious players seeking a blend of eye-catching design and quality performance.

Both of these stylish paddles offer unique and attention-grabbing designs that are sure to turn heads on the court. The Nettie Ashbury paddle features a retro design, while the Gardiner’s Bay is bolder and brighter. How to decide? If your home court is on the Upper East Side or in Connecticut, get the Gardiner’s Bay. If it’s in Brooklyn or SF, go with the Nettie.

Both paddles are mid-light weight, balanced and suitable for a range of players. The Ashbury has a carbon fiber surface while the Gardiner’s Bay is a slightly lighter paddle that uses a fiberglass surface.

Best Casual & Fun Pickleball Paddle

The Recess Classic pickleball paddle is an ideal choice for recreational players looking for a balance between performance and enjoyment. This fun and casual paddle is designed specifically for players who value both performance and pleasure in their pickleball experience.

The Recess Classic pickleball paddle features a lightweight and resilient fiberglass face & honeycomb poly core construction ideal for novices and recreational players, and comes in tons of fun designs

Best Basic Pickleball Starter Pack

Beginners keen on diving into the sport of pickleball might just want an affordable, basic starter paddle set with two paddles and a few balls. A cheap starter set will let you get started dinking right away without making a big commitment.

One of the most popular starter packs is the Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Wood Paddle Set, which offers a comfortable 5-inch handle and grip wrap that can absorb sweat and vodka tonics.

If you like the game, we would recommend upgrading from the wooden pickleball paddle due to the weight and sub optimal surface of wood paddles but this is a fine starting point. You can also browse other paddles that come in sets and bundles at https://pickleballcentral.com/pickleball-complete-sets-and-paddle-bundles/

Summary

Finding a good paddle is essential for players of all skill levels, preferences, and budgets. From beginner-friendly options to high-end performance paddles, we hope our comprehensive guide has helped you find the ideal pickleball paddle to elevate your game. Now it’s time to hit the court and show off your newfound skills with your perfect pickleball paddle in hand!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main factors to consider when selecting a pickleball paddle?

When selecting a pickleball paddle, weight, size, grip comfort, material, design and your own playing style & goals are the most important elements to consider.

What materials are commonly used in the construction of pickleball paddles?

Pickleball paddles are typically constructed from wood, graphite or composite materials. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks that we detail above.

What types of pickleball paddles are available?

With surging interest in Pickleball, paddles are available in a huge range of shapes, weights, materials and price. If you’re out searching on the internet, the selection can be bewildering. That’s why we created this helpful guide!

What shapes are pickleball paddles typically found in?

Pickleball paddles are typically found in a rounded square, longer rectangle, oval, or teardrop design.

How can I maintain my pickleball paddle for optimal longevity?

Regularly cleaning and storing your pickleball paddle properly will help you achieve optimal longevity.

Inspect for any wear and tear that may occur over time, such as cracks or chips, and repair if needed. Keep in mind that edgeless paddles will chip more easily if they come into contact with the court.