In today’s article we are featuring our favorite pickleball paddles for each game style… control, power, and spin!
You may or may not know, many of the top pros now have their own customized signature pickleball paddles…
If you have a pro that you want to play like, see if they have a custom paddle. Here are a few examples:
Collin Johns is known to have the best resets and defense in the game. His custom paddle (featured below) is designed for maximum control.
Anna Leigh Waters and Daniel de la Rosa are known for a more aggressive, powerful style of play. Their customized paddles are both designed to provide as much power as possible… if that’s the style of play you prefer, these paddles will be right up your alley.
Zane Navratil is known for inventing the spin serve… although it is no longer legal, he still uses a lot of spin on his shots. His custom paddle featured below was made with maximum grit resulting in effortless spin.
Related: What Pickleball Paddle Do The Best Players In The World Use?
Best Pickleball Paddles For Control
The main thing that effects the control you feel is the thickness of the pickleball paddle… For control you will want to look for 16 mm thickness.
JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus 16mm Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Price
$249.95
Used from $224.95
Description
JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus 16mm Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
The JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus Paddle is the result of JOOLA’s ongoing desire to bring the newest and latest innovation into the market. With direct feedback from the world’s #1 Men’s Double player, this paddle will check off all the important elements needed for a paddle to perform at the highest level. Each aspect of the Colin Johns signature pickleball paddle has been carefully engineered and tested.
Paddle Benefits
A thick-core performance pickleball paddle for the most serious players on the court. A standard paddle shape for an enhanced sweet spot for battles at the kitchen line. A middleweight paddle and a standard handle for superior comfort on the court. Pushing Collin Johns to the next level of pickleball to continue to dominate the court!
Warranty
JOOLA warrants the paddles to be free from major defects in workmanship and materials when used for the intended purpose under normal use and conditions FOR A PERIOD OF 6 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF RECEIPT ON ORIGINAL PURCHASE* in the United States and Canada. The warranty is non-transferable and only valid to the original purchaser. The warranty does not apply to replacement paddles. Registration on JOOLAUSA.com is required within 14 days of purchase to be eligible for the warranty policy. This warranty covers all manufacturer defects, missing parts, and workmanship.
Features
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- Collin Johns Signature Professional PaddleCollin Johns Signature Professional Paddle
- Paddle Weight: 8.0 oz
- Paddle Face Material: Charged Carbon Surface Technology
- Paddle Core Material: Honeycomb Polypropylene Core
- Paddle Shape: Standard
- Core Thickness: 16 mm
- Paddle Length: 16”
- Paddle Width: 8”
- Grip Thickness: Standard – 4 1/4”
- Handle Length: Standard – 5 1/4”
- Colorway: Black
- JOOLA warrants the paddles to be free from major defects in workmanship and materials when used for the intended purpose under normal use and conditions for 6 months!
- USAP Approved!
Shop the JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus 16mm Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle here.
Onix Evoke Premier Pro Raw Max Control Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Price
$199.99
Includes Free Onix Protective Pickleball Paddle Cover (Value of $18.99)
Description
Onix Evoke Premier Pro Raw Max Control Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Introducing the all-new Evoke Premier Raw Carbon Pickleball Paddle from ONIX Pickleball, this raw carbon fiber surface texture increases traction on the pickleball for maximum spin and control without sacrificing pop and power. The polypropylene core provides a lightweight and durable pickleball paddle with excellent all-around maneuverability.
Paddle Benefits
The Onix Evoke Premier Pro Raw Max Control is a raw carbon fiber control paddle with a 16 mm core to provide the pop on the court. Gripped wtih a non slip comfort grip at 4 1\8” circumference for a controlled feel around the court. A standard paddle shape at 16” paired with a slightly longer than standard handle at 5.35” for reach at the net to the backline. The one piece constructed core will allow for stability throughout the face of the paddle and making for a longer lasting paddle. Don’t forget the textured face that will give bite and grip on the pickleball with a natural feel.
Warranty
Onix is kind enough to extend a one-year manufacturer’s warranty period on this paddle. This warranty is for workmanship and manufacturer defects. If you get this paddle and experience any structural or performance trouble on it within a year from the purchase date, be sure and let the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles know your experience. The Paddle Experts are trained in product knowledge and will be happy to get you the information for starting a warranty claim with Onix.
Features
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- Paddle Weight: 7.75 – 8.25 oz
- Paddle Face Material: Raw Carbon Fiber
- Paddle Core Material: One – Piece Honeycomb Polymer
- Paddle Shape: Standard
- Core Thickness: 16 mm
- Paddle Length: 16”
- Paddle Width: 8”
- Grip Size: Thin – 4 1/8″
- Handle Length: Long – 5.35″
- Colorway: Orange
- The singular piece core construction maximizes structural integrity between the paddle face and handle for enhanced paddle stability and durability.
- PREMIUM PERFORATED GRIP – The ONIX premium perforated grip provides increased comfort, tackiness as well as shock absorption.
- Manufacturers 1 year warranty for workmanship and manufacturer defects.
- USAP Approved!
Shop the Onix Evoke Premier Pro Raw Max Control Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle here.
Best Pickleball Paddles For Power
If you are looking at pickleball paddles for power, you will want a thinner thickness. You will want to look for 10 mm-14mm. The thinner, the more pop and power it will have… but also let control on drops and dinks.
ProKennex Black Ace LG Daniel de la Rosa Middleweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle
Price
$250
Includes Free ProKennex DDLR Paddle Cover (Value of $18.99)
Description
ProKennex Black Ace LG Daniel de la Rosa Middleweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle
Get the first-ever one-piece Toray carbon fiber pickleball paddle, making it one of the most aerodynamic and quick paddles on the court today. The edgeless design of the ProKennex Black Ace Ovation Middleweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle will give players a consistent and powerful shot with every hit ball. The Black Ace Pro is equipped with kinetic technology, a patented shock, and a vibration-absorbing system. An additional kinetic system is added to the paddle handle and acts as a last-pass filtration system due to the enhanced power of the Black Ace.
Paddle Benefits
The standard shape of the Black Ace, with a not-so-standard performance. Lightweight, massive sweet spot, and Toray carbon fiber will make this one of the best pickleball paddles in the game today.
A slightly elongated handle gives players reach and the ability to have a two-handed backhand. A thin grip allows this paddle to be used for all players, creating a smooth wrist action for quick hands battles. A large sweet spot for defensive reactions and all paddle control from kitchen line to the backline.
An all around power paddle for players who love an edgeless design with the lightest swing on the court today. Get your ProKennex Black Ace Pro Middleweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle today and experience the best hand ever dealt on the court.
Warranty
ProKennex is kind enough to extend a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty period on this paddle. This warranty is for manufacturer defects. If you get this paddle and experience any structural or performance trouble on it within a year from the purchase date, be sure and let the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles know your experience. The Paddle Experts are trained in product knowledge and will be happy to get you the information for starting a warranty claim with ProKennex.
Features
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- Paddle Weight: 7.95 oz
- Paddle Face Material: TORAY Faced Carbon Paddle
- Paddle Core Material: First One-Piece Toray Carbon Paddle
- Core Thickness: 10 mm
- Paddle Length: 16.4″
- Paddle Width: 7 3/5″
- Grip Size: Thin – 4″
- Handle Length: Long – 5.8”
- Colorway: White | Pink | Black
- Manufacturer’s 1 year limited warranty on all ProKennex paddles that covers factory and manufacturing defects
- 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. Give the Black Ace and if you don’t love it, send it back to us for a full refund.
- USAP Approved
Shop the ProKennex Black Ace LG Daniel de la Rosa Middleweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle here
Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 12.7 Lightweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Price
$229.99
Description
Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 12.7 Lightweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Use the pickleball paddle used by the best in the game, Anna Leigh Waters. She’s dominated the courts since she was 15 and still out there taking crowns while using the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C. Designed to give serious players power, spin, and versatility.
Paddle Benefits
Anna Lee Waters, the name feared and loved depending on where you stand on the court, now has her own pickleball paddle! ALW consulted on the design and in combination with Paddletek created the most versatile paddle pickleball that has seen. The ALW-C 12.7 features a standard shape, paired with a standard handle for all court & players. The PT-700 Raw Carbon Fiber will have grit which creates a natural spin on shots, and excels on drives with spin. The 12.7 mm core will give an advanced player a consistent shot off the paddle and play consistent power, spin, and control! The semi lightweight paddle will give you control, mobility and give you the advantage in firefights at the net!
Warranty
Paddletek has you covered and offers a Limited Lifetime Manufacturer’s guarantee on this paddle. This guarantee protects against manufacturer defects. To activate, coverage, customers must register their paddles within 14 days of purchase at paddletek.com. If you get this paddle and experience any structural or performance trouble on it, be sure and let the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles know your experience. The Paddle Experts are trained in product knowledge and will be happy to get you the information for starting a warranty claim with Paddletek.
Features
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- Anna Leigh Waters Signature Paddle
- Paddle Weight: 7.5 – 7.8 oz
- Paddle Face Material: PT-700 Raw Carbon Fiber
- Paddle Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Paddle Shape: Standard
- Core Thickness: 12.7 mm
- Paddle Length: 15 7/8″
- Paddle Width: 8″
- Grip Size: Standard – 4 1/4″
- Handle Length: Standard – 5”
- Colorway: Platinum | Sunset | Seafoam
- Manufacturer’s limited lifetime performance guarantee that protects against manufacturer defects. To activate coverage, customers must register their paddles within 14 days of purchase at paddletek.com. The performance guarantee applies only to the original owner and cannot be transferred after registration.
- USAPA Approved
Shop the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 12.7 Lightweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle here.
Best Pickleball Paddles For Spin
Spin is all about the grit! The pickleball paddles below are very gritty and will provide effortless spin.
Related: 3 Simple Tips To Skyrocket Your Pickleball Serve (Hint: SPIN!)
ProKennex Pro-Spin Lightweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle
Price
$220
Used from $174.95
Description
ProKennex Pro-Spin Lightweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle
From ProKennex Pickleball comes yet another technology-forward breakthrough in ball control; the Kinetic Pro Spin Paddle takes inspiration from its tennis relatives and features “strings” built into the paddle. While they may not look like the same strings found on tennis racquets, they are certainly derived from the same idea. These “visual strings” are full-length ridges embedded in the paddle and are combined with a Webspun textured surface to boost the potential for hitting technical spin shots that force mistakes from your opponents.
While adding spin, the ridges also enhance dwell time and work in concert with the Kinetic system ProKennex is known for spreading impact over the paddle’s face and mitigating impact vibrations. The result is a paddle that inspires confidence at the kitchen, and encourages cut shots that bamboozle from deeper in the court.
Paddle Benefits
The Kinetic Pro Spin Paddle shape offers the same 11mm (0.43″) thickness as the Ovation and previous ProKennex models, with a slightly shorter and narrower 15.7″ overall length and 7.6″ width and rectangular head shape that screams control and finesse. With the handle coming in at 5.1″ in length, slightly shorter than its Ovation Spin counterpart, the Pro is well-suited to players with ample power who are looking for a slight edge in control that will take them to the next level.
As you expect from ProKennex paddles, the Kinectic Pro Spin arrives with the replaceable Air-O-Guard bumper edge guard (coming soon for this model), a comfort cushion grip wrapped around the 4″ circumference handle, and an average weight of 7.6 oz. The high-performance Kinetic Pro Spin will prove to be a paddle you can rely on to help you win big points in big tournaments for years to come.
Warranty
ProKennex is kind enough to extend a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty period on this paddle. This warranty is for manufacturer defects. If you get this paddle and experience any structural or performance trouble on it within a year from the purchase date, be sure and let the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles know your experience. The Paddle Experts are trained in product knowledge and will be happy to get you the information for starting a warranty claim with ProKennex.
Features
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- Paddle Weight: 7.3 – 7.6 oz
- Paddle Face Material: Webspun Surface Coating with “Strings”
- Paddle Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb matrix with special quiet, high impact resistant Polymer
- Core Thickness: 11 mm
- Paddle Length: 15 7/10″
- Paddle Width: 7 3/5″
- Grip Size: Thin – 4″
- Handle Length: Standard – 5 1/10″
- Colorway: Blue and Orange
- Manufacturer’s 1 year limited warranty on all ProKennex paddles that covers factory and manufacturing defects
- USAPA Approved
Shop the ProKennex Pro-Spin Lightweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle here.
ProXR Zane Navratil Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Price
$209.99
Used from $189.95
Description
ProXR Zane Navratil Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Signature paddle of Zane Navratil, with a perfect combination of performance and reach. Zane uses this at the highest ranks in pickleball to take on the competition. ProXR Pickleball’s debut of our newest technology, the Shock Foam edge guard, improves playability throughout the entire face of the pickleball paddle by dispersing vibration for better consistency on miss-hit balls
Paddle Benefits
The signature ProXR Zane Navratil model has everything needed to take over your court. A 14 mm core for a balance of power and control. An elongated paddle shape paired with a long handle at 6”, for any two handed shot a player can think of. The 6” handle will provide reach at the kitchen line and more whip on overhead shots. The T700 Ultra-Raw Carbon grips the ball for longer creating extreme spin. T700 Ultra-Raw carbon is the strongest and most durable face material on the market, giving this paddle unmatched pop and long-lasting durability.
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear and tear not covered. Abuse, negligence and/or modification voids warranty. ProXR Pickleball has the sole discretion on any and all claims. Once a claim is processed replacement paddles are no longer covered. Warranty only applies to the original owner and cannot be transferred. Please contact us to make a claim
Features
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- Paddle Weight: 8.2 – 8.4 oz
- Paddle Face Material: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
- Paddle Core Material: Honeycomb Polypropylene Core
- Paddle Shape: Elongated
- Core Thickness: 14 mm
- Paddle Length: 16 1/2”
- Paddle Width: 7 1/2”
- Grip Thickness: Thin – 4”
- Handle Length: Long- 6”
- Colorway: Blue
- 30 day performance guarantee! If the ProXR handle doesn’t work for you, return it back to us for a full refund.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shop the ProXR Zane Navratil Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle here.