Best Pickleball Paddles for 2023 (Reviews & Buying Guide)

We have researched and tested various pickleball paddles to offer you the best options. 

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the right paddle can make all the difference in your game. 

We will provide you with a list of the best pickleball paddles that we believe will enhance your performance and provide you with the best playing experience.

Best Pickleball Paddles for 2023

1. ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

The ONIX Graphite Z5 is a leading pickleball paddle from one of the top manufacturers in the industry. 

With its graphite face and nomex core, this paddle offers exceptional ball control and feel, making it a great choice for players who value precision and accuracy on the court.

The ONIX Graphite Z5’s medium-weight design is one of its most distinctive characteristics because it effectively balances power and speed. This makes it a versatile paddle that players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, can use.

While the paddle’s unique handle shape may take some getting used to, many players find that it provides great spin and control during play. The Widebody shape offers a large sweet spot, making hitting the ball accurately and consistently easier.

Pros

• The graphite face and nomex core provide outstanding touch and ball control.
• The medium-weight design strikes a perfect balance between power and speed.
• The wide-body shape is great for players of all skill levels.

Cons

• Some players may find the handle shape uncomfortable.
• It may take some time to adjust to the paddle’s unique feel.
• The price point may be higher than some other options on the market.

2. Joola Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball

The Joola Ben Johns Hyperion is a top-rated pickleball paddle that receives high marks from players and reviewers alike. It is a great choice for players who are looking for a paddle that can offer a combination of control, spin, and power.

It is comparable to other high-end pickleball paddles such as the Selkirk Amped 16, the ProKennex Black Ace, and the Onix Z5. All of these paddles offer excellent performance, but the Hyperion has a slight edge in terms of spin generation.

Who is this paddle for?

The Joola Ben Johns Hyperion is a great paddle for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a paddle that can do it all. It is perfect for players who want to generate spin, hit powerful shots, and have a forgiving sweet spot.

Pros:

• Excellent blend of control, spin, and power
• Large sweet spot for forgiveness
• Comfortable elongated handle
• Durable construction
• Carbon friction surface for increased spin
• Reactive core for enhanced power

Cons:

• High price point
• Some durability issues reported
• Grip can be slippery for some players

3. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle

The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle is a high-performance paddle that is designed for players who want a combination of power, control, and forgiveness. 

It features a Smart Response Technology (SRT) core that provides a more responsive feel on contact with the ball, while the carbon fiber face helps to generate power and spin. 

The paddle also has a large, consistent sweet spot that makes it forgiving on off-center hits.

Pros:

• Excellent combination of power, control, and forgiveness
• Smart Response Technology (SRT) core provides a more responsive feel
• Carbon fiber face generates power and spin
• Large, consistent sweet spot
• Durable construction

Cons:

• Some players may find it to be a bit heavy
• The price is on the higher end

4. SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles

The SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles are a great option for beginner to intermediate players looking for a comfortable, balanced, and affordable paddle. 

They feature a multilayer face that combines the power of graphite with the control of fiberglass and an SX3 honeycomb core that provides a large sweet spot and a soft feel. 

The paddles are also lightweight, weighing in at just 7.5 ounces, which makes them easy to maneuver.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Large sweet spot
• Soft feel
• Affordable
• Good for beginner to intermediate players

Cons:

• Not as powerful as some other paddles
• May not be ideal for advanced players

5. MTEN Pickleball Paddles

These paddles are designed with a fiberglass surface for excellent rotational performance and a polypropylene honeycomb core for stable speed. The wide paddle area provides more sweet spots for the perfect shot, making it a great option for beginners, intermediates, and professional players alike.

The MTEN Pickleball Paddles also come with a complete set that includes two paddles, four outdoor pickleballs, one carry bag, and two grip tapes. The set makes for a perfect gift for pickleball enthusiasts.

The MTEN Pickleball Paddles are a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, USAPA-approved paddle set that provides exceptional power and control.

Pros

• The paddles are USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) approved, ensuring high safety and professionalism for tournament play.
• The unique fiberglass and polypropylene honeycomb core technology provides exceptional power and control, while reducing vibration for an optimal ball strike feel.
• The perforated, sweat-absorbent, and cushioned grip is comfortable and helps users better grasp the paddle.

Cons

• The paddle weight falls in the medium range, which may not be ideal for players who prefer a heavier or lighter paddle.
• Some users may find the grip circumference to be too small or too large for their hand size.
• The included outdoor pickleballs may not be suitable for indoor play.

6. HANISNA Factor Pickleball Paddle

The HANISNA Factor Pickleball Paddle is a great option for players who want a lightweight paddle with exceptional control and spin. 

The ultra-cushion grip and carbon fiber grit surface make this paddle durable and consistent, and the ultra-honeycomb core makes it comfortable to play for longer.

The HANISNA Factor Pickleball Paddle has a lightweight design, which may be a detriment for players who rely on power shots due to the paddle’s potential inability to match the power of heavier paddles. The blue color of the paddle may not appeal to all players, and the 5-inch grip size may be too small for others. 

With its unique carbon fiber grit surface, enhanced honeycomb core, and ultra-cushion grip, this paddle is definitely worth considering for players of all skill levels.

Pros

• The carbon fiber grit surface creates a unique texture that enhances durability and control, with a larger sweet spot for maximum power and spin.
• The enhanced honeycomb core maximizes bounce consistency and maintains a constant speed while absorbing hits.
• The ultra-cushion grip made from Ultra-Comfort material is sweat absorbent and comfortable, with ergonomic design to fit multiple hand shapes.

Cons

• Some players may find the lightweight design to be less powerful than heavier paddles.
• The blue color may not appeal to everyone’s aesthetic preferences.
• The 5-inch grip size may not be comfortable for players with larger hands.

7. Niupipo Pickleball Paddle

The Niupipo Pickleball Paddle set has passed USAPA testing and is approved for sanctioned tournament play. 

The interior of the paddle is constructed by polymer honeycomb and sandwiched between two sheets of durable carbon fiber, which offers great energy to spin the balls. 

The paddle set is made of graphite carbon fiber face and graphite-honeycomb composition for an ideal level of strength and stiffness with a surprisingly lightweight.

The Niupipo Pickleball Paddle is comfortable to handle and works well while in gameplay. The paddle is perforated, sweat-absorbent, and cushioned, to allow for a better paddle grip, for longtime play without fatigue.

The widebody pickleball paddle shape with 4-4/5” (4.8) grip length and 4-1/4” (4.25) grip circumference offers a perfect balance in great control and power.

This pickleball paddle set comes with 1 bag and 4 balls, and is designed to be an awesome pickleball paddle for either a beginner or a professional player. 

The Niupipo Pickleball Paddle set is the perfect set of pickleball paddles for beginners to intermediate players, with the desired stiffness and surprisingly lightweight. Your shots will be more accurate and have much more control over how much force you put into the pickleball.

Pros

• USAPA Approved for Victory
• Improved Strength by The Honeycomb Core
• Ideal Balance with Graphite Carbon Fiber

Cons

• Some may find the grip too thick
• Some may find the paddle too heavy
• The included bag may not be the highest quality

8. Asbocer Pickleball Paddles

Asbocer Pickleball Paddles are designed to be lightweight and easy to use, making them a great choice for beginners. The wide paddle design provides more sweet spots for the perfect shot, and the edge guard protection enhances paddle strength and durability.

The pickleball paddles are also perforated, sweat absorbent, and cushioned, providing a comfortable grip that helps users better grasp the grip and provides cushioning so that you will not be tired from playing for a long time. The grip is the right size and comfortable to hold.

In addition to the two pickleball paddles, this set also comes with 4 pickleball balls, 2 cooling towels, and a durable bag, making it a great value for those just starting out in the sport.

The Asbocer Pickleball Paddles set is a great option if you are looking for a beginner-friendly pickleball set that includes everything you need to get started.

Pros

• USAPA approved for tournament play
• Lightweight and wide paddle design
• Comes with a set of 2 paddles, 4 balls, 2 cooling towels, and a durable bag

Cons

• Not suitable for professional players
• May not provide enough power for advanced players
• Some users may prefer a different grip size or material

9. YILLOG Pickleball Paddles

The YILLOG Pickleball Paddles are engineered with a cutting-edge design, combining a lightweight honeycomb core and a fiberglass face to provide players with the perfect balance of control and power. These paddles are also USAPA-approved, making them a great choice for official tournament play.

In addition to their high-quality construction, the YILLOG Pickleball Paddles are also lightweight and feature a wide body shape with ample sweet spots, enabling players to move quickly while maintaining control. 

With edge guard protection for added strength and durability, these paddles are the perfect tool to elevate your game and reach your full potential on the court.

While the YILLOG Pickleball Paddles are a great choice for many players, they may not be suitable for advanced players looking for a more specialized paddle. 

Some users also find the grip to be too thin, which can be uncomfortable during extended play sessions. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the balls included in the set, so you may want to consider purchasing additional balls separately.

The YILLOG Pickleball Paddles are an excellent option if you are shopping for a set of high-quality paddles for the sport.

Pros

• USAPA-Approved Pickleball Paddles
• Durable Construction
• Lightweight & Wide Body Shape

Cons

• May not be suitable for advanced players
• Some users find the grip to be too thin
• Some users report issues with the balls included in the set

10. niupipo Pickleball Paddles

The niupipo Pickleball Paddles are USAPA approved for sanctioned tournament play, making them a great choice for serious players. 

The fiberglass face and polypropylene-honeycomb composition provide more power and less noise, while the noticeably lighter design reduces stress on the elbow and shoulder. 

However, some users may prefer a heavier paddle and it may take some time to adjust to the lightweight design. 

Overall, the Niupipo Pickleball Paddles are a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate players looking for a high-quality set.

Pros

• USAPA approved for sanctioned tournament play
• More power and less noise with fiberglass face and polypropylene-honeycomb composition
• Less stress on elbow and shoulder with a noticeably lighter design

Cons

• Some users may prefer a heavier paddle
• May not be suitable for advanced players with specific preferences
• May take some time to adjust to the lightweight design

Buying Guide

There are several factors to consider when looking for the best pickleball paddle. We want to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are some features to look for:

Material

The material of the paddle can affect the weight, durability, and power of your shots. Some popular materials include:

• Composite: These paddles are made of a combination of materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and/or aluminum. They tend to be more durable and offer more power.
• Wood: These paddles are typically less expensive, but also heavier and less durable.
• Polymer: These paddles are made of a plastic material and are lightweight and durable.

Weight

The weight of the paddle can affect your swing speed and control. Lighter paddles are easier to maneuver and provide faster swings, while heavier paddles offer more power and stability. It’s important to find a weight that feels comfortable for you.

Grip Size

The grip size of the paddle can affect your comfort and control. A grip that is too small or too large can lead to discomfort and affect your ability to make accurate shots. It’s important to find a grip size that feels comfortable in your hand.

Shape

The shape of the paddle can affect the sweet spot, power, and control. Some popular shapes include:

• Widebody: These paddles have a larger sweet spot and provide more power, but can be less maneuverable.
• Standard: These paddles have a smaller sweet spot but offer more control and maneuverability.

Price

Pickleball paddles can range in price from under $20 to over $200. It’s important to find a paddle that fits your budget while also meeting your needs.

By considering these features, you can find the best pickleball paddle for your playing style and preferences.

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