The Best Pickleball Paddles Reviewed by Picklers

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As one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S., Pickleball has become the pinnacle of popularity. You’ve probably seen people on social media talking about it and even playing the sport around your city. Pickleball’s humble beginning started in Washington in the 1960s. Many kids in the Northwest grew up playing it at camp or in gym class. So, for many of them, it’s nothing new. However, it wasn't until 2020 – the height of the pandemic – that the sport saw a rise in popularity.

What’s a game that isn’t too hard to learn and you can get most of the supplies shipped right to your door? Ah, yes, good ‘ole Pickleball.

What is Pickleball?

What is this game with a funny name? According to USA Pickleball, the sport is a combination of ping pong, badminton, and tennis. It’s not quite as serious and fast pace as tennis, making it easy and pretty fun to learn. You can play as doubles or singles and all you need is a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, similar to a whiffle ball. Whether you’re an athlete or you have two left feet, it’s a very accessible sport for everyone.

And like any new hobby comes our hyper fixation on the sport. Folks want to know all the rules and guidelines, the best paddles, the best gear, the list goes on. If you’re like me, you may look at a handful of different paddles and think they’re all the same. Oh, how naïve. The rise of the game comes with a rise in manufacturers putting out hundreds of paddles on the market and claiming they’re the best. But which one has the best shape, what's the difference in fiberglass versus wooden paddles? Which one has the most power, the largest sweet spot? And with that being said, what even is a sweet spot? (It's the face of the paddle that is going have the most power and accuracy when the ball hits it.)

We tested and reviewed multiple paddles to find out which ones are the best for beginners, advanced players, even kids! You'll have your perfect match on the court in no time. We've also crafted a separate gift guide for Pickleball lovers if you want to up more of your gear on the court.

Golden Classic Pickleball Paddle

While there's no such thing as perfect, Golden is practically there with its paddles. Anyone will love this paddle, but someone more serious in the game will really appreciate the uniqueness. It's built a little larger than some paddles, which offers more precise hits, while the tacky surface gives your ball plenty of spin. Users also love how much control they feel with it and the power it gives on the court.

Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle

The company has been around for more than 50 years, but it was only recently that Joola, pronounced, YOH-la, started picking up a ton of popularity in the Pickleball world. This paddle is highly rated among advanced players and those getting serious on the court. The paddle provides maximum bounce and a great sweet spot. Many users noticed a quick difference in their power and performance on the court with this one in hand.

What the testers say: "We practiced serves and I discovered I could hit the ball much harder and still keep my serves in bounds. The spin almost made it impossible for my partner to return my serves with anything other than just a 'get it back over the net' type shot."

Recess Vista Pickleball Paddle

If you're looking for a paddle that looks as good as it hits, Recess is your perfect match. The tacky surface is perfect for better spin if you're looking to up your game. While it's not as bouncy as other paddles, that allows the player more power and control, plus a large sweet spot.

One user writes "They're lightweight and the handle grip is super comfortable. Not to mention very cute!"

Niupipo Pickleball Paddle

If you're just starting out or don't want to invest in a pricier paddle yet, Niupipo is loved by beginners. With a sturdy grip and a lot of control, this is a great paddle to play with. Many users love how well they hold up after playing for a while. These will definitely give you the best bang for your buck.

What the testers say: "Being a newbie to Pickleball I cannot attest to the quality improvement in my game. I can state that many of the players I have encountered also use Niupipo paddles. The balance is great and the grip size suites my hand perfectly."

Big Dill Set of 4 Pickleball Paddles

These paddles follow a more retro model for the sport. Using a classic wooden design instead of fiberglass makes the paddles heavier, resulting in not as much control. However, they're great for beginners in the game! The handles are also longer than average paddles and come with a safety strap for those of you who may get more wild on the court.

Helium Pickleball Paddle for Kids

Don't keep the kids out of the game! These paddles are designed kids 12 and under. They're lightweight with a small surface area and grip for the little ones to grab hold of easily. They're made from the same graphite materials as standard paddles but just at a smaller size.

What the testers say: "I ordered a Pickleball set for kids last year and was disappointed at how heavy they were. These are perfect for the little guys just picking up Pickleball."

ONIX Graphite MOD Z5

Onix is a popular brand you've probably seen on the courts from time to time. The Mod Z5 paddles are great for beginner to intermediate players. Made from graphite, they're not too light, but not too heavy with standard grip. Again, making them perfect for a player who is looking to have some casual fun on the courts.

What the testers say: "Great beginners paddle with a solid sweet spot knock upon contact with ball. Light weight paddle and easy to control for all situations."

Tangerine Pickleball Paddles

If you're looking for something that's going to look and feel good on the courts, Tangerine may be your perfect pick. It's got a lightweight design with a fiberglass surface which is great for power and bounce. The surface area of the paddle is a bit thicker and larger than many other paddles which also helps with accuracy. Not to mention, we love all the fun designs this brand offers.

What testers say "It's a great paddle — very lightweight and easy to control. Highly recommend!"

Picklish Pickleball Checks Paddle

The Picklish Paddles not only have a fun name but are great for intermediate players looking to upgrade their game. The paddles are lightweight and thinner which may be hard at first for a beginner. We love how the tacky surface allows more spin on the ball after a good hit.

What the testers say: "The paddle is extremely high quality. Clearly built with durability, performance, and style in mind"

PCKL Premium Pickleball Paddle Racket

This lightweight paddle is great for intermediate players. While it's not as tacky and gritty as other paddles, it still offers a great spin. Many users love that this paddle is a a little longer than others with a strong grip on the handle.

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