The Best Pickleball Paddles in 2023, Tested By Experts

Similar to a quality tennis racket or badminton racket, a pickleball paddle should be made from materials that help dampen the vibration of the ball while also providing flex to return the ball back in a more controlled manner.

When buying a pickleball paddle you want to look at weight, dimension, and material. The average weight for a paddle is going to be around 8 oz and fluctuate above and below that number. Anything at 9 oz is usually too heavy and anything under 7 is usually too light. “For weight, somewhere in between 7.5-8.3oz is a good range,” says Johns.

Dimensions can be tricky but the basic configuration most new players will want to use is called a “wide body paddle” according to Carl Schmits, Managing Director of Equipment Standards & Facilities Development for the USA Pickleball Association. “This configuration is easiest to maneuver and is also good for a controlled, more defensive style of play. Paddles that are close to 8″ wide and 16″ long fall within the wide body category.” Schmits continues, “Players that have well-developed stroke mechanics from other sports may be most comfortable with paddles having a longer shape (between 16″ and a maximum of 17″) and some with a longer handle will better facilitate two-handed backhands, an increasingly common grip used very successfully by tennis converts.”

And although there are tons of different types of materials out there the most common are made with polypropylene core (and formed in a “honeycomb” design) and have some sort of textured face that allows the player to put some spin on the ball. “When it comes to the material I like to look for a polypropylene core with a fiberglass or carbon fiber face,” says Johns.

When we asked our team of experts about grip circumference all agreed it was certainly just as important as it is in tennis. They also noted there are fewer options when it comes to shopping for specific grip sizes (most brands use a standard 4.25″ size). What you will find is most pickleball grips will vary from just under 4″ and no bigger than 5.5″

Cowley Sr. recommends starting with a smaller grip first (when picking between two paddles) and then adding an overgrip if needed.

“Very few manufacturers offer different grip sizes and materials, so customizing with an overgrip wrap is the best way to build up the grip to a comfortable size,” added Schmits.

Similar to how you might shop for a driver in golf, your pickleball paddle is going to have a formula of power and control that works for you. “You are trying to find the recipe that works best for you,” says Crowley Sr.

Some players like to play a power game with strong returns that put their opponent on their heels. Other players prioritize returning the ball to a strategic spot on the court, making their opponent twist and turn as they attempt to get the ball back over the net. In general, a power paddle will have a tighter sweet spot and deliver a shot with more pop while a control paddle is softer with less feedback, thus opening up the sweet spot and allowing for a more consistent return.

If you want a paddle with more control, one with maneuverable dimensions and a carbon fiber face (as opposed to a fiberglass face, which is harder) is recommended. “I’d look for at least 8” of width on the paddle head and for a thicker core that’s 16mm+ or 5/8”+,” says Johns.

For a power paddle, you’re looking for something tighter and more compact in all areas of the design.

“Paddles that have thinner cores, like a 13mm-14mm, have longer configuration, and typically made with fiberglass faces will return more power, although hitting the ball with heat is as much a result of an efficient kinetic chain than anything,” says Schmits.

First, let us be clear there’s nothing wrong with getting a wood paddle. While a wood paddle was the original pickleball paddle design back when it was invented in the 1960s, technology has since advanced, and most of the experts we talked to don’t recommend them as a beginner paddle. Today’s paddles make it easier to return the ball and ultimately are more fun to play with.

Think about it this way; if it’s easier to spin the ball, deliver more power, and guarantee better control of the ball, doesn’t that make the game more fun? For us, making the jump up to any of the pickleball paddles above is well worth the investment. Plus, when you factor in how long these high-quality paddles last you end up saving money over time!

Like any sport, pickleball does pose some injury risks (it’s common for games to last over 2+ hours at a time). The most common injuries include tennis and golf elbow, which can be caused by swinging a paddle that’s too light or too heavy—or simply by swinging it too much and not allowing for proper rest.

“Grip size, paddle weight, and ‘swingweight’ (how the weight is distributed) all contribute to the efficiency and comfort of the ‘human-paddle’ interface,” says Schmidts. “A grip that is too small may require an over-clenched grip to prevent spinning in the hand, a paddle that is too light may not have enough mass to prevent twisting on off-center shots and will transmit unwanted vibration, an overly head-heavy paddle may require more torque to snap through. Also – a paddle that is too heavy will quickly fatigue muscles, as well as slow down hand speed.”

A paddle with good vibration absorption is also important, which is why a wooden paddle is a no-go if you’re an active player. ” Anything that absorbs more energy in the paddle and reduces the amount of vibration that travels up your arm is good at preventing soreness,” says Cowley Sr.

While paddles are resilient. They can beat on the court, after all, but off the court, you should keep them away from the sun and heat for extended periods of time.

If you’re concerned about keeping your paddle pristine-looking, invest in a paddle cleanse kit to clean the face, and pack it in a paddle cover to prevent scuffs. “I wipe down my paddle face once a week with water to prevent any accumulation of dirt,” says Schmits.

“Keep your paddle stored in a cool, dry environment and never leave it in a hot car. Also, don’t smash it when you’re angry,” says Johns.

For the past 8 months, we consulted with Men’s Health‘s editors and writers on the top pickleball paddles. Experts, including our Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, put a number of pickleball paddles to the test and evaluated their performance, durability, and weight. We also spoke with a panel of experts in the sport and considered top-reviewed paddles that had high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.