The Best Pickleball Paddles of 2023
Our playtester's list "The Best Pickleball Paddles" currently available for all skill levels. (Updated June 2023)
Looking for the perfect pickleball paddle? We can help! Our playtesting team has spent countless hours testing ALL the paddles we offer looking for the best paddles in the following categories: Value, Control, Power and Spin. Choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial for players as it directly affects their performance and gameplay on the court. Considering factors such as play style, physical needs, and personal preferences ensures that players can optimise their skills and enjoy the game to the fullest.
The Best Pickleball Paddles
| CATEGORY | OUR PICK |
| Best Overall | JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle |
| Best Value | Onix Z5 Widebody Pickleball Paddle |
| Best Control | CRBN 2 16mm Pickleball Paddle |
| Best Power | JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 Pickleball Paddle |
| Best Spin | Selkirk Power Air Paddles |
The Best Overall: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle
One of the hottest paddles of 2023, it is a must-hit for intermediate to advanced players.
What makes it great: Maximum bite for a spin, solid feel at contact. The carbon fibre hitting surface offers excellent spin for all shot types, especially serves and deep slices. The paddle comes in a 16mm, it offers a crisp and controlled response. While providing a good blend of power and spin. This is a top seller for a reason and can be used from intermediate to professional skill levels. We highly recommend starting with this paddle or adding it to your collection.
Playtester Favourite: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle
The Best Value: Onix Z5 Widebody Pickleball Paddle
Affordable price appeals to new players while playability appeals to experienced dinkers.
What makes it great: One of the best bangs for your buck currently out in the market. the Onix Z5 Pickleball Paddle encompasses everything a player needs to take their game to the highest level. This wide-body paddle has a large, 8-inch face, Nomex Honeycomb Core, Graphite hitting-surface, and many other bells and whistles that make the Z5 an easy choice. Falling right into the most popular weight range at 7.7 ounces, this paddle is a great option for almost every player.
Playtester Favourite: Onix Z5 Widebody Pickleball Paddle
The Best for Control: CRBN 2 16mm Pickleball Paddle
A must-have for intermediate to advanced players desiring control and feel.
What makes it great: There are few paddles that amaze from the first hit, and our playtesters unanimously agree that the CRBN 2 16mm Pickleball Paddle has a premium feel and playability right out of the box. It features a raw T700 carbon fibre face which produces lethal levels of spin and offers a consistent feel across the face off the paddle. This is further enhanced by the paddle's square shape which is shorter and wider than the Crbn paddle, thus extending the sweet spot out wider. The 16 mm core provides a softer feel than the 13 mm version, thus catering to those who crave added touch and control.
Playtester Favourite: CRBN 2 16mm Pickleball Paddle
The Best for Power: JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 Pickleball Paddle
A widened paddle face and excellent power potential make this paddle perfect to overpower your opponents!
What makes it great: Offering a speedy aero curve design and a large sweet spot, the JOOLA Solaire paddles are a great option for the intermediate to advanced player. The FAS 13 model caters to those craving more power and response, while the CFS 14 model is optimal for those who prioritizse touch and control.
The Best for Spin: Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Pickleball Paddles
An excellent paddle for intermediate to advanced players with excellent finesse and speed capability, along with a longer grip wanting to move their opponent around with spin.
What makes it great: A standard-shaped paddle with a long 5 1/4-inch handle and fibreglass/carbon fibre surface will appeal to tennis players or pickleball players with a two-handed backhand looking for spin, control and maneuverability. The fibreglass/carbon fibre face absorbs energy, creating precision and allowing players to add more "oomph" to their swings. With a headlight balance, players have a versatile weapon that offers speed for quick reactions and power for deep shots or serves. Overall, we recommend the Power Air Invikta for pickleball players wanting additional spin or tennis players transitioning to pickleball.
Summary
Selecting the right pickleball paddle is important for players, as it can have a significant impact on their performance and overall enjoyment of the game. Factors such as play style, physical needs and personal preferences should be carefully considered to find a paddle that complements individual strengths and compensates for any limitations. Demoing or trying out different paddles is highly recommended, as it allows players to assess how a paddle feels in their hands, test its performance characteristics and make an informed decision based on their own experience. By investing time in paddle selection and demoing, players can optimise their gameplay, improve their skills and enhance their overall pickleball experience.
Paddle Performance Factors & Review Criteria
When considering the best overall characteristic of a pickleball paddle, it often comes down to a balance between control and power. A paddle that offers a good combination of control and power allows players to maintain accuracy and finesse while still generating enough power for impactful shots. This characteristic is especially valuable for players looking to have versatility in their gameplay and adapt to different situations on the court.
Key factors for the best value paddle include affordability and durability. A paddle that provides decent performance at a reasonable price point and withstands regular use without compromising quality can be considered the best value. It allows players to make a cost-effective investment while still enjoying a reliable and enjoyable playing experience.
Accuracy can be key for a variety of reasons, the best control paddle would offer precise shot placement, maneuverability and a responsive feel. It provides players with the ability to accurately place shots, maintain consistency and have a strong command over the ball. A paddle with excellent control is favoured by players who prioritise finesse, touch and strategic play.
Power paddles normally deliver a combination of solid construction, weight distribution and surface texture. It allows players to generate power in their shots, making it ideal for aggressive play styles or players who rely on strong drives and smashes to dominate the game. A paddle with excellent power characteristics can significantly enhance shot speed and effectiveness.
For spin, the best paddle would have a textured surface or a rougher face, allowing players to generate spin on the ball. It allows for improved ball rotation, increased control over shot trajectory and better shot placement. A paddle with excellent spin capabilities is an advantage for players who rely on spin serves, spin shots, and spin placement to outmaneuver opponents.
It's important to note that the "best" characteristic may vary depending on individual preferences, playing style, and skill level. Ultimately, players should consider their own needs, try out different paddles, and find the one that aligns with their specific requirements and enhances their playing experience on the pickleball court. These are our choices for The Best Pickleball Paddles within their specific category.
Our Testing Methods
Our "The Best Pickleball Paddles" list is composed of a variety of our best-performing paddles based on our playtester feedback. We started with around 30 paddles and tested each one under similar conditions. Our playtesters would score each paddle based on a variety of criteria and playtester experience level. The best pickleball paddles in each category made up our top 5 list below.