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Best pickleball paddles for 2023

Are you in the market for a new pickleball paddle? If so, you’re in luck! This blog post is going to discuss the best paddles for 2023. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s sure to be a paddle on this list that’s perfect for you. We’ll take into account skill level and budget to help you find the perfect paddle for your needs!

Our Top Pickleball Paddle Picks for 2023

Best Overall Pickleball Paddle

JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16 Swift Pickleball Paddle

JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16 Swift Pickleball Paddle

The JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16 Swift is our pick for the best overall pickleball paddle. JOOLA is a trusted name in the pickleball space and is used by some of the top players in the sport. The JOOLA Hyperion CGS 16 Swift is an excellent blend of price and performance which brings it to the top of the overall list.

The Hyperion CFS 16 Swift features an Aero-Curve design for less drag through the air to help increase overall swing speed. The swift model comes with upgraded materials to help create a lighter and faster swinging paddle. It also features an edge guard which is different from the edgeless design that is becoming popular with other paddles. The Hyper-Foam edge Wall features a special foam is also injected around the edge of the paddle to increase the size of the sweetspot and adding weight to keep the paddle balanced.

The Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) helps players get additional spin for topspin and slice shots. Some reviewers have said that the grip surfact on the paddle only lasts a few months, but this will be different for each player and depend upon how often you play and how aggressive you hit the ball. The Sure-Grip Elongated Handle comes in handy for a two-handed backhand and feels extremely comfortable in your hand.

Average paddle weight comes in at a light 7.9oz, which makes for great maneuverability at the net. The Response Honeycomb Polymer Core provides a large sweetspot and feedback while the 16mm thickness helps with touch and control. You can learn more about this paddle in our full JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16 Swift Review.

Best Budget Pickleball Paddle

Selkirk SLK Halo Control XL

Selkirk SLK Halo Control XL

The best budget pickleball paddle is the SLK Halo Control XL. We consider budget paddles to be anything under $150, although there are many budget paddle still under $100. With that being said, budget paddles are geared more towards beginners and intermediate players who are looking to upgrade from a paddle that comes in a set. This paddle would be a step up from your entry level paddle that comes included in a kit from your local sporting good store.

The SLK Halo Control XL is a huge step up from your entry level paddle from Selkirk and other pickleball brands. This paddle offers a large sweet spot thanks to the Rev-Core Control Polymer core and 16mm thickness. The weight is also on the lighter side coming in between 7.6-8.2oz which can allow for quicker hands at the net. This is one of our favorite paddles regardless of it also being considered a budget paddle. It plays well with great feel at the net, and offers plenty of spin for serves, slices, drives and passing shots.

One of the biggest benefits to this paddle is the elongated handle and faux leather grip. The grip length measures in at 5.75 inches, making it very comfortable to hit groundstrokes and drives with. Players can get more leverage on a topspin forehand since they can extend their index finger without putting it on the backside of the paddle. The grip also has plenty of room fit both hands on the grip for a two handed backhand. You can learn more about this paddle in our full Selkirk SLK Halo Control XL Review.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Spin

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta

JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 Swift

The best pickleball paddle for spin is the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta. Power and control are handled by the Quadflex 4 layer hybrid face and ProSpin+ Texture that helps to generate additional spin without wearing off after a month of use. The SuperCore Polymer Honeycomb Core offers a consistent feel during play. This is also a power paddle for someone looking to hit big shots and attack.

While the Vanguard Power Air Invitka is relatively expensive, it also has a number of unique features. The edgeless aerodynamic design includes an air dynamic throat with throat-flex for additional power and a flexfoam perimeter for more durability and a generous sweet spot. Some players don’t care for the hole in the throat area, especially if you find your index finger wandering to the back of the paddle.

Weight comes in between 7.7 - 8.1 oz and overall length of 16 1/2” with the elongated design and paddle. The Vanguard Power Air Invikta might be better for more advanced or intermediate players as the power can be difficult to control. This might also make for a great paddle for tennis players who are picking up pickleball and already have decent touch and feel.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Power

JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 Swift

JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 Swift

The best pickleball paddle for power is the JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 Swift Pickleball Paddle. It features a Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) and a Reactive Honeycomb Polymer core to produce both power and spin. The CX Forged Handle is carbon-forged to give added flex for comfort and power, while the sure-grip elongated handle increases shock absorption and makes two-handed backhands a breeze.

Aerodynamics comes in to play thanks to the Aero-curve design which features a unique curvature that has less drag through the air and helps increase swing speed. The sweet spot is increased by the Hyperfoam edge wall which adds additional weight and stability where it is needed most.

The average weight of the paddle is 7.7oz and 16 inches in length. A non Swift version is also available weighing in at 8.4oz on average if you prefer a heavier, more solid feel. The core measures in at 14mm providing the additional pop that power players are looking for. The paddle is also wider than other Joola models like the Hyperion series, and can give the appearance of a shorter paddle. There is also a non Swift paddle option that weighs in at 8.4oz but at the same price the swift may be worth jumping for given its lighter weight and similar playability. You can learn more about this paddle in our full JOOLA Solaire CFS 14 review.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners

HEAD RADICAL ELITE

HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle

The best pickleball paddle for beginners is the HEAD Radical Elite. Head is a popular and trusted brand for tennis racquets and they’re now making pickleball paddles. The Head Radical Elite is a great upgrade over an entry level paddle or one that comes in a pickleball kit from a local retailer. It is priced under $100 and won’t break the bank for those trying to upgrade their game or just getting started.

The paddle features Head’s Composite Hitting Surface (CHS) with an Extended Powercore to maximize power while also offering a softer feel for more touch. It also has a large and forgiving sweetspot thanks to the Dynamic Power Shape. The Ergo Grip has a foam handle for more comfort and feel while playing. The paddle is 8.1 oz and 16 inches long which makes it heavy enough that it makes solid contact but not too heavy that it is difficult to use.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players

Selkirk SLK Halo XL Power

Selkirk SLK Halo XL Power

The best pickleball paddle for intermediate players is the Selkirk SLK Halo XL Power. We picked the this paddle because it offers a blend of power and control at reasonable price. Intermediate players would benefit from the elongated handle to produce heavy topspin on both the forhand and backhand side. The grip length of 5.75 inches is plenty of room to fit both hands on the paddle for a nice two handed backhand. We found that the power version didn’t have that much more power than the control and might be better for an intermediate player.

Max and XL versions of the SLK Halo are available depending upon your needs. The Max features a larger paddle shape and increase sweetspot while the XL has an elongated shape and a longer handle. The paddle is 13mm thick and features T700 carbon fiber with Raw Spin Technology to provide additional control and spin. Weights range from 7.6 - 8.2oz with a maximum length of 16.4 inches for the XL version. We did find that the Power version felt less dense than the Control XL, likely due to the thinner paddle thickness at 13mm vs 16mm.

There is also a Control version of this paddle which is slightly thicker and also comes in an XL version. The Control is also a great paddle and better suited for players that hit big groundstrokes or want the extra control at the net. The sweetspot is also very large and extremely forgiving. You can learn more about this paddle in our full Selkirk SLK Halo Power XL Review.