How to Pick a Pickleball Paddle – What to Look for

One of the best things about pickleball is that it’s easy to pick up! You can start playing games with friends, or if none of your friends play, by joining pick-up games. Since there are so many public courts, you only need a paddle and a ball.

You can buy cheap paddles online (which we don’t recommend. Here’s why), but you’ll want to upgrade if you play regularly. Paddles have various prices, but with anything I do, I prefer investing in something that I can get long-term use out of. Plus, many people have a few paddles, whether they play competitively or with friends. It’s always nice to have a few so you can introduce the game to your friends.

Here are some key performance features to keep in mind when selecting your ideal pickleball paddle

Core Material: The core material affects the performance of a paddle. Polymer cores are the most common and give you a balance of power and control. Nomex cores give you more power; aluminum cores are the most durable but least powerful. Face Material: The face affects the feel and performance of a paddle. Composite faces are the most common and offer good durability and feel. Graphite is more durable but less forgiving. Weight: Generally, paddles have three categories: lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. Lightweight paddles give you the most control but the least power, while heavyweight paddles offer the opposite. A midweight paddle has a balance and is a good starting point for beginners, but consider your play style when choosing the weight. Grip Size: The grip size of the paddle should be comfortable for your hand to maintain control and prevent fatigue during extended play. Find the right grip size by wrapping your hand around the paddle and measuring the distance between your index finger and the base of your palm. The measurement should be between 4 inches and 4.5 inches. Find a balance between a secure grip and maneuverability. Surface Texture: The paddle’s surface texture affects spin. Paddles with a rough surface can generate more spin, an advantage in certain situations. Smooth surfaces, on the other hand, may offer better control. Shape: The shape of paddles affects aerodynamics and performance. Most paddles are oval, but you can also find teardrop and wide-body paddles.

How We Reviewed and Selected the Best Pickleball Paddle

There are some great resources for pickleball paddles that test RPMs, speed, swing weight, technical aspects, and more. We’ve read and watched many reviews but saw that it doesn’t always translate for the average player. This could be a difference in play style since pros or higher-level players often review them.

We decided to take a different approach. We had seven players between 3.0 and 4.0 try all the paddles by using a ball machine to feel how the strokes were and dinking with each other to get a feel for the control. After using the paddle, we rated power, spin, control, overall feel, and look. Then we averaged the scores. In addition, each player picked their favorite five paddles.

The goal was to give you paddle reviews from someone who plays at a similar level or has a similar play style. We’ve also profiled each player below so you can look at their specific ratings.

The Paddle Reviewers

Below is a quick description of each player’s play style, rating, when they started playing, and current go-to paddle. Click through to the spreadsheet if you want to dive deeper into how each player rated the paddles.

JACOB

Play Style: Focused on control, ball placement, and defense. Can put away at angles but doesn’t focus on power.
Rating: 3.5+ Player
Started Playing for eight months in 2017, then restarted in May 2023
Current Paddle: Selkirk 006 or Six Zero Double Black Diamond (Played the most with SLK Halo 16mm)

GREG

Play Style: First time playing a paddle sport or any sport actually. Here to have fun, exercise, and do trick shots!
Rating: 2.69-3.0 Player trying 5.0 things
Started Playing: January 2023
Current Paddle: Head Radical Elite

TONY

Play Style: Focused on soft game (dinks, drops, resets) and powerful putaways and serves. Quick and athletic.
Rating: 3.5 Player
Started Playing: January 2023
Current Paddle: Vatic Pro Flash and V7 (mostly Flash)

JEREMY

Play Style: Prefer control over power, but focus on a well-rounded game.
Rating: 3.5+ Player
Started Playing in the summer of 2019 but more consistently for the past 2+ years.
Current Paddle: Vatic Pro Prism V7

UNCLE ROGER

Play Style: Banger, defense/blocks, shot placement.
Rating: 2.5 Player
Started Playing: January 2023
Current Paddle: Franklin Centre

PONO

Play Style: Wanting to be more controlled but can put it away if needed.
Rating: 3.0-3.5 Player
Started Playing: July 2023
Current Paddle: Six Zero Double Black Diamond Infinity

RYAN

Play Style: Defensive/soft. Prioritize resets and dinking over aggression.
Rating: 3.0-3.5 Player
Started Playing: December 2022
Current Paddle: Volair Mach 1 Forza

Which Paddles Did We Review

Here is a comprehensive list of paddles we reviewed. If you’d like us to add any paddles to the list or test them out, let me know in the comments!

Paddle Coupon Codes: If you want coupon codes, click to skip to them here.

Best Overall Pickleball Paddles – Best Pickleball Paddles 2023

Let’s start by looking at the best overall paddles. This considers all aspects of the paddle, including power, spin, control, feel, and look. You can see the top performers below if you prefer to focus on power or control.

1. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Infinity ($220) ?

This Six Zero paddle performed well in all aspects. This wasn’t originally on our list of paddles to test, but Pono brought his, so we decided to test it, too. We were all impressed with it! It made the top of our list for best pickleball paddles for intermediate players (and players of all levels).

Here are some comments from the players:

“Smooth and easy to play.” – Jacob “Great control, feel, spin, power, good combination of everything.” – Tony “Great paddle. Overall good control and spin with power.” – Jeremy

Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off

2. Selkirk Luxx ($250) ?

The Selkirk Luxx is a beautiful paddle that plays well out of the box. It’s smooth as butter but lacks power. Overall, it’s still ranked as the best Selkirk pickleball paddle.

Here are some comments from the players:

“Need to generate own power but so cushy” – Jacob “Great control, just enough power, looks slick” – Tony “Good control paddle, very forgiving, paddle for soft players” – Jeremy “Great control, spin, resets, dinks, just not enough power for me for putaways.” – Pono

Coupon Codes: ADV-JACOBF to receive a gift card for future purchases

3. Six Zero Double Black Diamond 16 ($180) ?

When I first played with this Six Zero pickleball paddle, I was surprised at how well I played with it. It took very little adjustment time. This carbon fiber pickleball paddle earned a heart from everyone and is the most favorited paddle from this review.

Here are some comments from the players:

“Don’t love the standard grip (too skinny), but that’s easy to change.” – Jacob “Light, good control, wish had little more power” – Tony “Have already bought a 3rd one for personal use” – Pono

Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off

4. Bread & Butter Filth ($165) ?

The Bread and Butter pickleball paddle was the underdog that surprised all of us. We didn’t expect to like it as much as we did! It’s a great all-around paddle, and the brand embraces fun.

Here are some comments from the players:

“Surprised how easy it played. A bit of vibration on hard hits.” – Jacob “Liked the handle length, even though paddle was large I felt I had good control, adequate power, a little heavy looked cool” – Tony “Great paddle, overall good control and spin with power” – Jeremy “Feels good in the hands. Good swing weight for me. Poppy with good control and spin” – Pono

Bread & Butter Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer for 15% off

5. Selkirk Project 006 ($333) ?

The Project 006 is the most expensive paddle on the list. Most of us commented that it’s a great paddle but too pricey. There are other comparable paddles for much less.

Here are some comments from the players:

“Gotta get used to shape but plays well and is expensive.” – Jacob “Great control and spin, wish had more power” – Tony “Great all-around paddle.” – Pono

Coupon Codes: ADV-JACOBF to receive a gift card for future purchases

6. SLK Halo 16 and Halo 13 ($140) ?

The SLK Halo 16mm was my go-to paddle until recently. It’s a great paddle for the price and one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners. If you prefer a little more pop, the 13mm is a great choice, too.

Here are some comments from the players:

“Good overall paddle, wish there was more power” – Tony “Overall great paddle, good choice for any skill level” – Jeremy “Has decent control. Would play with if the looks were nicer, Lol.” – Pono

The SLK Halo 13 placed 12th overall, so I will include some of the notes here as well:

“Overall good, but I like the 16 better” – Jacob “Surprisingly good.” – Pono

Coupon Codes: ADV-JACOBF to receive a gift card for future purchases

7. Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy ($149.99) and Pro Line Energy S ($169.99) ?

Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy and Pro Line Energy S held back-to-back spots. It all comes down to preference on paddle shape. The Pro Line Energy S is better if you primarily play doubles. If you like a long handle or more reach, the Pro Line Energy is one of the best elongated pickleball paddles.

Here are some comments from the players:

“Nice power, but lots of vibration and little touch” – Jacob “Liked the handle length, not as much power as I’d hoped, like the look of the kevlar, a little heavy, had good spin” – Tony “Overall good paddle, long handle for players who like two-handed backhands.” – Jeremy “Great pop, control, spin, speed, power. Would use it if given one.” – Pono

8. Ronbus R1 Nova ($180) ?

This Ronbus pickleball paddle is a popular thermoformed paddle. It didn’t stand out from other paddles, but it also didn’t raise many complaints. It’s an excellent all-around paddle to consider.

Here are some comments from the players:

“Not bad. Standard Carbon but easy to play with.” – Jacob “Feels good in hand, great control and power.” – Tony “Plays well. Has a soft touch but also has some put away power when needed.” – Pono

9. Vatic Prism Flash ($99) ?

Vatic is a popular brand for pickleball paddles. We have a bunch of friends who use the Vatic. This is another great paddle if you like carbon paddles and are for something under $100.

Here are some comments from the players:

“Easy to play with and good sweet spot.” – Jacob “Easy to swing” – Greg “Good feel in hand, control, lightweight, lacking power” – Tony “Very forgiving, light paddle for faster hands, good control and spin” – Jeremy “Very poppy. Could not keep a drive in to save my life.” – Pono

Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off

10. Vatic V7 ($139.99) ?

The V7 is another great all-around paddle from Vatic. It didn’t perform quite as well as the Prism Flash, but we know players who prefer this paddle to the Prism Flash.

Here are some comments from the players:

“Too top heavy” – Jacob “Good power, not much control” – Tony “For the quality of the paddle, pretty budget friendly” – Jeremy “One of the better paddles out there for the price. Handles decently well but lacking in some areas that are covered by the Ronbus or DBd.” – Pono

Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off

11. Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 ($160) ?

There are better paddles for this price range, including the Halo, which costs less. It never hurts to try it out, though, if it fits your game!

Here are some comments from the players:

“Do not like, too soft/mushy” – Tony “Really liked this one” – Roger “Good as an entry-level paddle” – Ryan

Coupon Codes: ADV-JACOBF to receive a gift card for future purchases