Pickleball is becoming one of the most popular recreational sports across the US, from the glamorous country clubs of Beverly Hills to the sunny tennis courts of South Florida (where this author resides). It's an easy-to-learn sport that is a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, but brings a different set of rules and equipment.
In pickleball, players use paddles that resemble ping-pong paddles but are a little more oversized, and balls with holes in them, making them look like wiffle balls or cheese balls if the holes were drilled all the way through. How you want pickleball games to play out depends on the type of pickleball paddle you use, your experience level, and how competitive you are. To that end, we assembled a list of pickleball paddles that best suit your gameplay needs so you can join in on the fun with your family and friends.
Here are our picks for five best pickleball paddles for every type of player in 2024.
1. Selkirk Sport SX4 Starter Pack
Best for Beginners
Paddle Weight: Medium
If you and your significant other or friend are jumping into the pickleball game for the first time upon invitation from your family or friend group, then the Selkirk Sport SX 4 Starter Pack is the perfect paddle set for you. You get two paddles in any color combination of your choice (red/blue or green/purple) and four pickleballs, all packed in a colorful sling backpack and ready for you to bring to the pickleball court.
Each paddle weighs 7.5 ounces, an even balance between lightweight and middleweight. Its honeycomb core absorbs the impact of every hit, combined with the SpinFlex Textured Surface technology, to give you and your pickleball partner increased spin consistency and ball control. At only $60 on Amazon, you’re getting the best pickleball beginner’s package for the price of one.
2. Head Radical Elite
Best for Intermediate Players
Paddle Weight: Medium
The Head Radical Elite paddle is great for pickleball players who have yet to become pros but aren’t exactly beginners either. At 8.1 ounces, it’s still as lightweight as the Selkirk paddles (see above) for maximum comfort, especially with the Ergo Grip on the handle combined with the polypropylene honeycomb core that allows little to no vibration every time you hit the pickleball in the sweet spot.
This paddle is laden with a fiberglass surface that gives you ample power regardless of how competitive you are on the pickleball court. So, if you’ve been playing pickleball hard but don’t want to break the bank to go pro just yet, the Head Radical Elite is the pickleball paddle for you at $70.
3. Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta Paddle
Best for Pros
Paddle Weight: Heavy
For the most professional pickleball players out there, the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta paddle will grant you more power with every swing and hit. As the name implies, this paddle has a hole in its throat that allows air to pass through it, allowing you to swing it at breakneck speeds. Plus, it’s sculpted with 360° Proto Molding for more consistent power and injected with FlexFoam Perimeter for maximum durability, vibration absorption from sweet spot hits, and weight.
This sleek and heavyweight paddle (10.5) costs $250 on Amazon, but it’s worth it if you’re competitive on the pickleball court.
Amazin' Aces
Best Wooden Paddle Set
Paddle Weight: Light
At first glance, the Amazin’ Aces pickleball set looks doomed to break apart after 10 plays simply because the paddles are made of wood. Actually, the wooden paddles are durable enough to withstand intense play sessions because they’re made of 7-play maple, which also grants them a forgiving sweet spot and even weight distribution at 10 ounces each, giving players an even balance of control and power.
The set comes with four paddles and four pickleballs, making it the perfect choice for beginners and families with children of all ages. You can pick up these wooden paddles for grab your friends and family for a game of pickleball game for an easy $40.
Onix Graphite Z5
Best Graphite Paddle
Paddle Weight: Medium
The Onix Graphite Z5 is considered to be the most popular paddle in the Onix line. The middleweight paddle’s popularity lies in its handle, which is designed after a tennis racket. This gives it a comfortable grip and control over gameplay and ball spin. The paddle itself is even wide enough to give it a larger sweet spot than and just as much power as most other paddles.
The 6.4-ounce paddle is protected with an Edge Guard to prevent chipping from overuse, ensuring optimal durability for even the most competitive pickleball players. At $90, you can experience the balance of tennis and pickleball in a single paddle.
How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle
There are a lot of different things to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle. There are a ton of different brands, weights, and materials to consider before you buy. That being said, none of that matters as much as your overall skill level and how much you plan on playing. You'll also need a USAPA approved paddle if you plan on playing in any official tournaments at any point.
The first thing you need to know before you buy is how serious about pickleball you are. If you're picking up the game for the first time with no prior experience, the beginner set featured on this list is a great entry point into the sport from a trusted brand. If you're a little bit more experienced, then you're probably going to want an intermediate option like the Head Elite, which offers a better overall performance without costing a fortune. You can also opt for a professional paddle like the Selkirk Vanguard, but at $250 you would only really see the advantages if you're already playing at a professional level.
Now if you are just looking for a set of paddles for your kids to start playing at your local court or at home, then wooden options are a great way to go. They are cheap and work just fine for casual play.
Pickleball Paddle FAQs
What's the Ideal Weight for a Pickleball Paddle?
One of the biggest differences between pickleball paddles is the weight of the paddle. The weight of a paddle can affect how much control and power you're able to put in each swing. A lighter weight paddle (under 7.2 ounces) is better for touch players, a midweight paddle (7.3 to 8.4 ounces) offers a good combination of power and control, and a heavy weight paddle (over 8.5 ounces) offers more power with less control. You can check out this guide to pickleball paddle weight to find what's right for you.
What's the Difference Between Graphite and Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles?
Two of the most common materials found in pickleball paddles are graphite and carbon fiber. The main differences between the two materials really comes down to how you want to play. If you're looking for something more lightweight and responsive, a carbon fiber paddle might be right for you. Whereas a graphite paddle will usually offer more comfort and control with each swing.
Can You Play Pickleball at Home?
Pickleball is best played on an official court, and you can check the Global Pickleball Network to find indoor and outdoor courts near you. If you're hoping to play casually at home, however, you can purchase a pickleball net online. You will still need a hard surface to play on, like a driveway or parking lot. If you want to play pickleball digitally, there's also a video game called Pickleball Smash that allows you to play on your home console.
Looking for more outdoor fun? Take a look at our guide to the best outdoor yard games you can play this summer.
Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. She has contributed her work to various publications, including Digital Trends, TheGamer, Twinfinite, Mega Visions, and The Escapist. She also plays pickleball recreationally.
