Pickleball playing is an addictive sport. The game requires fitness, precision, skill and some of rules. To thrive in the game you also need the best pickleball paddles. As one of the fastest growing games, pickleball is now a popular racket sport with thousands of people enjoying it every day.
For the uninitiated, you might be thinking, “What’s pickleball?” “Did you just make that up?” Nope.
Pickleball is a real and quite a fun sport. The game was created by Joel Pritchard, a US congressman, with his friends William Bell and Barney McCallum. The creators named the game after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles.
Pickleball is a nice spin-off of tennis and badminton. You have a court, a net, a lightweight ball, and paddles. Just like in a traditional tennis match, players face off in singles or doubles.
The beauty of pickleball is that anyone, from school-aged kids to retirees can enjoy the sport. The pickleball court is smaller and thus play is both compact and less strenuous.
To do well on a pickleball court, you need the right equipment. A high-quality paddle is the most important piece of pickleball equipment.
Best Pickleball Paddle for the Money
| Paddle Name | Weight | Core Material | Dimensions | Check Price |
| PaddleTek Tempest Wave | 8 ounces | Polymer core | Standard | Check Price |
| Rally nx Graphite Pickleball Paddle | 7.7 oz | Nomex core | Standard | Check Price |
| ONIX Graphite Z5 | 7.5-8.2 oz | Nomex | 15.5 x 8.3 x 1.5 inches | Check Price |
| Amazin’ aces | 10.3 ounces | polymer core | 16.4 x 8.7 x 1.4 inches | Check Price |
| AMAREY Graphite | 8 oz | polymer | 15.6 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches | Check Price |
| Niupipo | 8 oz | HONEYCOMB | 15.5 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches | Check Price |
| Bison PREMIUM | 8.8 ounces | POLYMER | 10.5 x 7.75 x 1.25 inches | Check Price |
| Selkirk Sport 20P XL | 9.6 ounces | Polymer | 15 x 9 x 1 inches | Check Price |
#01. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pickleball Paddle
Since when PaddleTek Tempest Wave Pickleball Paddle was released into the industry, it has been making waves! The paddle is now on many top players’ wish list. It’s a tournament level paddle.
If you follow pickleball closely, you may have seen it in the hands of Aspen Ken, Daniel Moore, and Dave Weinbach, all national tournaments gold medal winners.
Features and Specification
• Approved by USAPA
• Polymer core
• Graphite face
• 7.6 oz. weight
• 15” paddle length
• 8” paddle width
• 4.25” grip circumference
• Black Gamma perforated ripped grip
• 5.25” handle length
In terms of specifications, nothing about this paddle stands out. But it’s still a popular paddle that most professional players use.
How can otherwise standard paddle become so popular in an already crowded space?
It’s hard to pinpoint a specific reason. But clearly, the Wave’s spectacular performance is a result of a combination of high-quality material and exceptional engineering.
- Suitable size: The Paddletek Tempest Wave has an 8” width; that makes it suitable for all players regardless of skill level.
- Polymer core: The paddle’s polymer core is an industry standard. The polymer has grown quite popular since it was introduced. Polymer made paddles are known to give players control at the net, and power to smash if need be.
- Midweight: Another attractive aspect of the paddle is its weight. When buying a paddle, weight is a critical consideration. The Tempest Wave is a midweight paddle that weighs around 7.6 oz. The beauty of it is that it’s not too heavy or too light. It gives you both power and maneuverability.
- Perfect Synergy: There is a great synergy in all aspects of the paddle. The polymer gives you finesse and great ball control; graphite gives an “attack” feel. When you combine this with a paddle that’s easy to wield, you get one of the best pickleball paddles in the market.
- Offers considerable power
- Offers maneuverability
- It is light
- Offers great ball control
- Quality-material used
- Has a great ‘pop”
- It’s quiet
- It is pricey.
- No other cons
#02. Rally nx Graphite Pickleball Paddle
PickleballCentral’s Rally NX Graphite Paddle is a return to the Nomex core that they used to build their first versions of the Rally paddles. The Nomex material adds a ‘pop’ to the paddle, and thus balls bounce off with ease. Also, the paddle’s featherweight feel complements nicely with the Nomex core. This offers players excellent control and pop.
Features and Specification
• Nomex core
• Graphite face
• 7.7 0z weight
• 4.25” circumference
• XL head size
• Dry Cushion Grip
In terms of specifications, nothing about this paddle stands out. But it’s still a popular paddle that most professional players use.
How can otherwise standard paddle become so popular in an already crowded space?
It’s hard to pinpoint a specific reason. But clearly, the Wave’s spectacular performance is a result of a combination of high-quality material and exceptional engineering.
- Complete set: The set includes 2 graphite face/ Nomex honeycomb core performance level Rally NX paddles; 2 quality neoprene paddle covers; 4 Dura Outdoor balls.
- USAPA approved:The 4 Dura Outdoor pickleball and Rally NX graphite pickleball paddles are approved by USAPA for use in tournaments.
- Control and power: The Rally NX Paddles weigh 7.7 oz, which makes them mid weight – not too light, not too heavy. The paddles also have a 4.25” circumference WINN Dry Cushion Grip. The XL Head size provides max play surface. Overall, the paddles offer an excellent mix of ball control and power.
- Tournament balls: Dura Outdoor Pickleballs are the preferred balls for tournaments, tournament directors, and top players. The balls offer lively and consistent performance. The balls’ rotational seamless mold and patented hole pattern ensure that they bounce and fly straight.
- High-quality cover: The Neoprene paddle covers are high-quality, stylish and water resistant. The covers protect your paddle from dents, mars, and pumps.
- Resistant to dents thanks to the high-quality graphite grade face and Nomex core
- Offers a good balance of power and control.
- Decent grip size
- Excellent for both indoors and outdoors.
- One of the best pickleball paddles for beginners
- The sizable face helps you make better shots
- The handle starts to show signs of wear after a few months of heavy use.
- No other cons
#03. Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
Some paddles are well known, but others are simply legendary. Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddles fit perfectly into the legendary category. What makes Onix paddles popular is their combination of exceptional touch and ball control.
Features and Specification
• USAPA approved
• Nomex core
• Graphite face
• 15 1/2” paddle length
• 8 1/8 paddle width
• 7.9oz paddle weight
• 41/8” grips circumference
• Perforated cushion grip
• 5” handle length
- Power: With 8 ounces in weight, Onix Z5 paddles are slightly heavier compared to most paddles. The heavier a paddle is, the more power it packs. The Z5 paddle will inject lots of power into your shots.
- Excellent for beginners:The Z5 paddles have a wide body, which makes them excellent for beginners. The wider the paddle, the larger the sweet spot. With its 8” wide head, the Z5 paddle has a large sweets spot. Even for beginners, miss-hits are less likely.
- Nomex core: Nomex Z5 paddles have a Nomex core. Nomex is a cardboard-like material that’s been soaked in resin. It’s extremely hard, stable, and lightweight due to the honeycomb shape. Nomex honeycomb core gives the paddle a lot of power. When you combine the power with confidence, you get an explosive paddle.The ZG paddle’s core is covered with graphite. Most paddle faces are made using fiberglass or composite materials. To make lighter paddles, some companies use graphite.
- Nice ‘pop’: With a graphite face and a Nomex core, the paddle gives more “pop” to the ball. “Pop” essentially means the amount of force a paddle absorbs when it comes into contact with the ball. Z5 absorbs very little force. Balls bounce right off the face, this gives players lots of power.
- Wide sweet sport
- Offers lots of power.
- Perfect for beginners
- Excellent grip.
- Offers great feedback.”
- Has a nice feel
- Its power comes with some loss of control.
- Poor graphics.
#04. Amazin’ aces pickleball paddle bundle
Amazin’ Aces is a Minnesota based family-owned company. Their wooden paddles are one of the best paddles for beginners. The Amazin’ Aces’s wooden paddle is not sold individually though. Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Paddle Bundle Set comes with 4 balls, and 2 wooden pickleball paddles.
The paddles are made of durable 7-ply maple wood. They are built to last. The wooden paddles are a great option for schools, summer camps, community centers and other organizations that need to purchase huge amounts of balls and paddles.
Features and Specification
• 10.3 ounces weight
• 2 Wooden paddles
• 4 balls
- Great Starter paddle: The Amazin’ paddles weigh 10.3 ounces. Like most wooden pickleball paddles, the Amazin’ paddles are on the heavier side when compared with graphite and composite. A heavier paddle can be a great starter paddle. The extra weight injects more power into your shots, especially when you’re hitting from the baseline.
- Great value:The Amazin’ paddles set offers great value. A set includes 4 balls, 2 premium wooden paddles and a mesh bag that’ll conveniently store and carry your equipment.
- Nice ‘feel’: The Aces paddle have a great ‘feel’ because of their long handle. An Amazin paddles feel well balanced when holding.
- Well wrapped handles: The paddles’ handles are very well wrapped. The wrapping rivals even the high-end paddles. It’s well-adhered and tight.
- Satisfying sound: There is always a great satisfaction when you hit the ball. The knock of the ball connecting with wood is just delightful.
- Offer great value
- Great entry-level paddles.
- Excellent wrapping on handles
- Paddles offer power.
- Free ebook included – “The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball.”
- Ideal for community centers and schools
- Great entry-level balls but they aren’t the best you can get.
- The edges of the paddles need better sanding.
#05. AMAREY Graphite – Best pickleball paddle for beginners
The Amarey Pickleball paddle is one of the best paddles for beginners. The paddle delivers stunning and devastating shots. With it’s sharp and sleek design, these graphite paddles beat many of the best paddles in the market.
Features and Specification
• 8 oz weight
• Graphite face
• 15.6” length
• 4.5” width
• 4.5” handle length
• 4.25” handle circumference
- Light Balanced and Durable: Amarey paddles are light, balanced and durable. With an 8oz weight, the paddles capture the perfect balance in every shot. The paddles offer a firm grip, control, and power. Compared to wooden rackets, the Amarey paddles are super light and that makes them easy to handle.
- Solid grip:A paddle is arguably as good as its grip and handle. The Amarey paddle features a 4.25 circumference handle which allows you to shoot the balls with ease and comfort. Its grip is covered with perforated, sweat-absorbent cushion. All this give the paddle an amazing ‘feel’.
- Polymer honeycomb: The paddle’s face is covered with graphite while its core is built with honeycomb polymer technology. The solid build provides an excellent touch during gameplay.
- Resistant to dents: You won’t have to worry about denting or dinging when playing with this paddle. The edge guard of the paddle combined with the superior build protects it from any of that. The low profile edge guard ensures that edges remain intact and yet it’s slim enough to reduce miss-hits. The interlocking neck-guard and corner-shield greatly enhance durability and strength.
- Nice cover: The paddle also comes with an easy to carry paddle cover. All this features combined make this paddle one the best designed and one the best paddles in the world. It offers superior control and an excellent touch. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediate players.
- Perfect for beginners
- Sleek design.
- Very light
- Offers the perfect balance between shots.
- The paddle edges are well protected.”
- Perfect for practicing
- The paddle head is not that big.
#06. Niupipo 2 Pickleball Paddles Set Lightweight 8oz Graphite
Niupipo pickleball paddles are quite popular. Each set comes with 2 paddles and a Neoprene Paddle Cover. The paddles’ high-quality polymer honeycomb and its graphite hitting zone offer power coupled with high-speed performance.
Features and Specification
• USAPA approved
• 8 oz weight
• Polymer honeycomb
- Cushioned handle: Niupipo paddle’s 4.25 inches cushioned handle offers good grip during long games. It allows for quick hand changes, spinning, and powerful shots. That makes a great paddle for all players regardless of age or skill level.
- Solid build:The Niupipo pickleball paddle is built with a graphite-honeycomb combination that balances stiffness with strength. This combination gives you a good balance between control and power.The interior of the paddle made of a polymer honeycomb sandwiched in between sheets of fiberglass. With the durable fiberglass, the paddle can withstand strikes from balls. Also, the paddle has an edge guard that protects it from ground hits.
- Power:If you more power on the court, this 8 oz Niupipo paddles are a great option. Also, the fiberglass surface has a good grip that puts an extra spin on the ball.The pickleball racket comes with a sweat-absorbent cushioned grip. The grips make the paddle easy to hold and comfortable. It also adds control during gameplay.
- Excellent balls: Niupipo pickleball balls have precisely drilled holes and thus deliver an excellent flight path. The balls are also durable and hardly split thanks to the exceptional seam welding and dense plastic. That means they can withstand even the most aggressive play. The superior balance, exceptional durability, and great bounce make them a good option for both experts and beginners.
- Offers optimal balance between control and power
- Solidly built.
- Suitable for everyone regardless of skill level or age
- Comfortable and ergonomic grip.
- Professional balls
- Strong core
- It’s heavier
- Offers lesser maneuverability.
#07. Bison PREMIUM – USAPA Approved Pickleball Paddle
Bison paddles are both high-quality and durable. What strikes you first about the paddles is the unique design. The Bison paddles are adorned with an attractive hand-drawn logo on their surface. At their core, the paddles are made of a polymer honeycomb composite.
The Bison paddles have larger sweat penetrable grips that offer unbelievable comfort. They are then softened with attractive stitching. Bison paddles are USAPA approved. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional level player, you’ll get a kick out of this paddles.
Features and Specification
• 10.5” paddle length
• 5.5” paddle width
• 5.5” handle length
• 1.75” grip circumference
- Standard size: Bison paddles are standard size. When you’re new to pickleball, it’s suggested that you start with a standard size paddle. As your skills improve, you can then add more diverse paddles into your collection. There are different specialty paddles suitable for different returns.
- Powerful:With an 8.0 ounces weight, this carbon fiber and graphite pickleball paddle are a little heavy. Why would you need a heavyweight paddle? Because of control and power. A heavier paddles pack a punch. It also offers great control and that’s important when you’re hunting for powerful shots.The Bison paddle design can help you hit powerful shots. The weight of the paddle lies on the uppermost part. That design is unique to Bison paddles. Bison is manufactured in the US in Washington, Wisconsin.Bison paddles have a graphite core material face and a polymer honeycomb. So, if you’re looking for a quiet paddle, Bison paddles are a great option.
- Sleek and unique design
- Attractive hand-drawn logo.
- Durable and reliable
- It delivers powerful shots.
- Comfortable handle”
- Suitable for all skill levels
- Slight swing
- It’s heavier so it puts some pressure on the arm.
#08. Selkirk Sport 20P XL Epic Polymer Composite Pickleball Paddle
If you’re looking for a lightweight paddle that offers lots of power, Selkirk Sport 20 XL Epic Honeycomb Core Composite Pickleball Paddle is a fantastic option. Like it’s 200p sibling, the paddle offers the same powerful features but on a lighter paddle.
The paddle is built with a polymer honeycomb core and covered with a high-grade composite surface that allows for backspin, topspin, and a soft touch. The paddle also has a professional and sleek finish thanks to the amazing screen-printed graphics
Features and Specification
• USAPA Approved
• Durable and lightweight low-profile edge guard
• XL Size
• 8” paddle Width
• 15.75” height
• 5.25 handle length
• 4.125” handle circumference
• 7.0 – 7.6 oz weight range
• Screen-printed surface
• Pro-Lite gamma grip
• Made in the USA
With a weight range of 7.1 to 7.6 ounces, this paddle is considered middleweight. At this weight, you get the perfect amount of touch and maneuverability. Its polymer core offers optimum control as well as power.
The paddle has a 5-1/4long handle with a medium grip. When measured from side to side, the paddle measures 15-3/4” long and 8” wide. You can barely notice it’s ultra-thin edge guard, this exponentially reduces the number of miss-hits.
Selkirk is known for its exceptional graphics, they don’t disappoint in this 20P XL Epic Honeycomb Core Composite Paddle. The graphics are simply stunning. The paddles come in two vibrant colors, Cyan Blue and Lime green.
- Made in the US
- Ultra low-profile edge guard reduces the number of miss-hits and provides durability.
- The high-grade surface allows backspin, delicate control and topspin
- The paddle has a comfortable and lightweight grips.
- The polymer honeycomb core delivers powerful shots and offers a light-weight feel”
- The graphics deliver a sleek and professional look
- Small sweet sport
- Harder to control for newbies
Pickleball Paddle – Buyer’s Guide
Why do you need a great paddle? Having a paddle that’s both comfortable and practical totally transforms your game. It helps you win more games and makes you more confident on the court. So it’s critical that you find a paddle that suits your play style – it should have the right material, weight, handle and hitting area size.An excellent paddle gives you, more accuracy, more power, reliable shot-making, and less strain to your arm.
What to consider when choosing a paddle.
- Weight
If there is one thing that pickleball experts agree on, it’s that weight is a top priority when choosing a paddle. The weight of paddles ranges from about 6 (light paddles) to 14 ounces (heavyweight paddles).
The weight difference sounds insignificant, but you need to carry and swing a can of soup of a couple of hours and then think about it. The point is, a slight increase in weight of a paddle becomes significant when playing.Paddle weight determines the feel of a paddle and the type of action you get on the court. While the weight of a paddle is a personal preference, it should be based on your style of play and fitness levels.
Heavyweight vs. lightweight paddles
Pros of lighter paddles:
- Increase ball control
- Offers better maneuverability.
- Cons of light paddles.
- Reduce drive.
- To hit a long/hard you need to swing harder.
Pros of heavier Paddles:
- Offers more power
- Less effort needed when volleying from the backcourt
Cons of heavier paddles
- Puts more stress on the body
- Offer less control
- Maneuvering is harder
- When playing for a long time, it increases fatigue.
- Materials
Pickleball may have originated in the 60s when paddle was carved out of wood, but today’s puddles are everything but outdated. You can now buy paddles with responsive inner core and sturdy face materials.Wood paddles still do exists though – they meet specific needs for some players.
- Core Material
Core materials not only affect a paddle’s responsiveness, it gives it strength. Today’s paddles have a honeycomb core regardless of the materials used. Honeycomb structures resist damage and absorb energy.
- Aluminum
Aluminum is dense and heavy, and thus paddles with aluminum cores are strong and offer good control.
- Nomex
Nomex is dense, it’s, however, lighter than aluminum. It offers better control than aluminum and polymer. It builds smaller honeycomb structures that make it more resistant to damage.
- Polymer
Polymer cores are less dense compared to Nomex, they’re however not as loud. Where compared to aluminum, they are more resilient. With a polymer paddle, you lose some control in exchange for strength.
- Wood
Wooden paddles can be an excellent option for young kids and casual players as they are widely available and inexpensive.However, if you want to play at a competitive level, wood is probably not the best option; it’s unwieldy and heavy compared to other options. There are however some wooden paddles that have high-performance elements.
- Facing Material
Facing material is essentially the outer surface of a paddle. The outer material not only affects your swing, it also impacts a ball’s trajectory.
- Graphite:
Graphite materials keep the paddle quick and light.
- Composite:
In today’s paddles, fiberglass is the most common composite facing material.
- Carbon fiber:
Compared to graphite, carbon fiber more durable. But it’s harder which makes it less responsive.
- Grip Size:
If you’re pickleball newbie, you might not realize that each paddle has a different circumference. You will struggle to manage smaller paddles if you have large hands. They won’t fit in your palm.Playing with a too large paddle also poses risks. Playing with a larger paddle for extended periods of time exposes you to injuries.The solution is knowing the measurement of your grip size; most manufacturers use your height to suggest it.If you’re unsure about your size, it’s smarter to opt for a smaller grip. You can always pad your paddle to improve grip Additional padding can help play comfortably without having to worry about injuries since you won’t have to keep adjusting to improve your grasp.
Editor’S Choice
There is a reason why Paddletek Tempest Wave is so popular. There is a reason why you see it in the hands of world-beating pickleball players.
In my opinion, there is little room for improvement in the quality, performance, and design of Paddletek Tempest Wave. The paddle offers a lot of features that can help you win games.
The paddle has the finest aerodynamic performance in the game thanks to its large radius corners. Also, the combination of its graphite face and a 7.6 oz weight (middleweight), helps you smash powerful shots and at the same time maneuver the ball easily.
You can be sure that your shots are hard, fast and accurate. That makes it one of the best pickleball paddles. It’s the editor’s choice.
Final Verdict
For you to find the perfect paddle, you need to find a paddle that’s suited for your skill level. Are you a beginner, intermediate or advanced player?
Quality paddles are costly, to avoid disappointment, check out reviews first before purchase.
Avoid ‘hand-me-down’ paddles. It’s easy to just take someone’s paddle as your starter paddle, but that’s not a smart move unless you’ve tested several paddles and you know what you need. Also note that, over time, used paddles ‘die”; this means that they don’t perform because their materials become compromised.
This is what you should look out for:
Secure edge guard
A handle that fits your hands
Paddle weight that you can handle
Materials that absorb force.
The bottom line is, the best paddle for you depends on the type of player you are.
Please Suggest some of paddles have been tested by the USA Pickleball Association and were found to have complied with their paddle specifications.
Is the AMAREY Graphite paddle approved by the USAPA??