The sport of pickleball is gaining popularity throughout the United States. The number of individuals playing pickleball is projected to be approximately 4.8 million, which is more than twice the figure from five years ago. This growth may be attributed to the efforts of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
Those of us who are fans also know that pickleball has officially surpassed all other sports in terms of its rate of participation growth in the US. Pickleball courts are springing up all over the nation, and with them comes the opportunity to purchase specialized paddles and balls for the game, all while enjoying a game on one of the newest pickleball venues.
These days, manufacturers are emerging from everywhere to present a wide range of pickleball paddle products. Some of these firms have been working diligently behind the scenes for years to manufacture the greatest pickleball paddles, while others have opened their doors in an effort to cater to a group of players that they believe has not yet been well recognized in the market.
We did some research on the top pickleball paddle brands so that you don’t have to waste any of your valuable time on it. Your only remaining challenge will be selecting the kind of paddle that will provide you with the most success in all of your upcoming bouts. Keep reading and get ready to start shopping.
1. Echo Paddle
Source: ECHO-USA
The Wilson Echo is the most impressive paddle in terms of the amount of technology you get for the price of the paddle. The Echo is made of a PO3 fiberglass composite material, which gives it a lightweight and robust feel. It also features a PolyCore-X honeycomb core on the inside, which helps to absorb vibrations and strike controlled shots with every stroke. The paddle has a conventionally shaped form, and its playing surface is textured in a way that enables the player to impart a vicious spin on the ball.
2. Recess Pickleball
Another company that makes stylish paddles for pickleball, Recess, is known for its excellent quality and innovative designs. A few of their paddles, notably the Clarksville, have a thickness of 0.53 inches and have been given the OK to be used in USA Pickleball competitions. The fact that the paddle is protected by genuine leather and comes with a stylish canvas carrying bag is another feature that appeals to us.
3. Nettie
Nettie is a brand of pickleball paddles and other equipment that was established in the midst of the Pandemic. Catherine Baxter, the founder, and CEO of Nettie had the vision to develop superior pickleball items with designs that were bright and vibrant and influenced by vintage style. The Haight-Ashbury area in San Francisco, California, served as the basis for the design of the Ashbury, which incorporates a honeycomb core made of polymer and a face made of carbon fiber.
4. Ben John
Ben John, a 23-year-old American, is perhaps the most successful professional pickleball player of all time, having won a total of 51 titles in singles, doubles, and mixed contests on the PPA Tour. His official JOOLA paddle has been outfitted with a Carbon-Flex5 rough surface, a reactive polypropylene honeycomb core, as well as a customized foam edge wall with the purpose of providing an increased level of stability. We are aware that the paddle is somewhat pricey; but, in this case, we are talking about a Ben Johns paddle.
5. Selkirk
If you’re seeking an additional option at the competitive level, the paddles that Selkirk manufactures are of the highest quality and are stuffed with some of the finest materials available. You receive significant specifications when you purchase an Invikta, such as a Polypropylene X5 Core, a FiberFlex face, and a huge sweet spot that is capable of delivering powerful shots.
6. Wilson Juice
Source: Wilson Sporting Goods
The Wilson Juice is, in many respects, comparable to the Wilson Echo; however, the primary distinction between the two lies in the Wilson Juice’s skillfully woven carbon fiber face, which imparts a more powerful feel to your shots. The nicest thing about the Juice is that it is just a $20 improvement from the Echo, which means that if you are interested in moving into more competitive play, this is a terrific paddle to progress toward.
7. Rally Tyro 2
Pickleball Central is responsible for the production of a number of high-quality in-house pickleball items. The Rally Tryo 2 is a composite paddle with a polymer core that is designed to be easy on the budget. The most impressive aspect of it is its weight, which ranges from a towering 6.9 to 7.2 ounces. Those who are just getting started in the game might benefit from using this paddle. This is not only incredibly easy on the body but also on the pocketbook.
8. Onix Graphite X5
Source: Onix Pickleball
If you watch any of the PPA Tour tournaments, there is a good chance that you will see some of the professionals using paddles made by Onix. Although they offer a large selection of rackets, the Graphite Z5 is a good choice because of its broad body. This gives the player a greater possibility of making difficult drop shots with the racket. 7.5-8.2 ounces is the weight. Lengthwise, it measures 15.5″, and widthwise, it measures 8.3″. 4.25 inches is the circumference of the Grip “.
9. Head Radical Elite
For beginners who are just starting out in the sport, HEAD’s Radical Elite paddle is another option that is easy on the pocket. A honeycomb core, a fiberglass coating, and a cushioned grip may all be yours for less than sixty dollars. This weighs in at 8.1 ounces total. The length is 16.93 inches, and the width measures 12.13 inches. 4.25 inches is the circumference of the grip.
10. Nuipipo
This lightweight Niupipo pickleball paddle boasts the right balance of strength and stiffness for both control and power striking thanks to its graphite carbon fiber face and honeycomb construction.
The sturdiness of the interiors is ensured by the use of polymer honeycomb panels that are laminated between two sheets of fiberglass.
The grips have perforations, and they are cushioned and engineered to absorb perspiration so that you may play for extended periods of time without discomfort. The general design is one that is accessible to players of all skill levels, from novices to advanced.
11. Gonex Pickleball Paddle
Due to the fact that they have USAPA accreditation, the Gonex Pickleball Paddles drew our interest. They have a honeycomb construction with edge protection and are created with a face composed of graphitic carbon fiber that is very robust. When used together, all of these elements increase swing power and accuracy while simultaneously lowering the frequency of mishits. The whole set consists of two paddles, four balls, as well as a portable carry case for convenience in transporting the equipment. More force and control may be exerted on your shots when you choose the Wide form. The honeycomb-like structure of the polymer composite core provides accurate shot placement.
12. Pickleball Central
This pickleball paddle from Pickleball Central is designed with an emphasis on balance, and it has a strong honeycomb composite polymer core that makes for forceful but smooth strokes. It features a bigger sweet spot and an edge that is better for controlling the ball.
Due to the fact that it has a broad paddle face, the number of edge guard strikes you take will be reduced. In addition, the face of the paddle is textured, which helps to improve both spin and ball control. Even when shots are taken slightly off-center, performance is better when the sweet spot is greater. Players of all skill levels will find that its weight of 7.7 to 8 ounces is just right.
What Are the Things to Consider Before Buying a Pickleball Paddle?
Because there are many different pickleball paddles to choose from, it may be challenging to choose one that is ideally suited to your preferences and requirements. There are several factors at play, each of which varies depending on the particular player. Before you go out and buy a paddle for pickleball, there are a lot of different things you need to think about first.
Weight
When shopping for a pickleball paddle, the weight of the paddle should be the very first consideration you make. The weight of a pickleball paddle ranges anywhere from 4 to 14 ounces on average. A light paddle will not be as effective at driving the ball as a hefty paddle will be. On the other hand, a player has better control over the ball when they use a lighter paddle. Players who have a history of the elbow or arm ailments, on the other hand, should exercise caution while utilizing a heavy paddle since doing so may worsen their condition.
Paddle material
Pickleball paddles are typically crafted from one of three materials: wood, graphite, or composite materials. Wooden paddles are the most common and have been used for paddling for centuries. They are also the most cost-effective choice. However, they are fairly hefty, making it potentially challenging to use them for extended periods of time.
The most costly option out of the three varieties is a pickleball paddle constructed out of graphite. They have the benefit of being easy to carry about and may be used for extended periods of time. Pickleball paddles made of composite material represent a compromise between those made of wood and those made of graphite. They are costlier than paddles made of wood, but their price is not nearly as high as that of paddles made of graphite.
Elongated paddle vs. Wide-body paddle
It’s important to consider the size of the paddle’s striking surface while making your selection between an extended pickleball paddle and a wide-body pickleball paddle. Paddles that are elongated have a shorter width but a longer striking surface than standard paddles.
On the other hand, paddles with a broad body offer a larger surface area for striking the ball. Out of the two, wide-body paddles are the more typical option. Players who are just starting out in the game should use paddles with a wide body, while more experienced players may benefit from using longer paddles, which may help to enhance their reach.
Grip size
It’s just as vital to purchase pickleball paddles with the appropriate grip size for the size of your hand as it is to choose footwear with the appropriate size for your feet. You will have more stability and less pressure applied to your arm if you use a paddle that has a bigger grip.
If you play with a paddle that has a big grip, it is possible that the paddle may slide out of your hand while you are playing. You will have more control over the ball and will be able to add more spin to your strokes if you use a paddle with a lower grip size. When playing with a paddle that has a smaller grip size, it is also simpler to transfer hands throughout the game.
If you find yourself choosing between two pickleball paddles with varying grip sizes, choose the one with the more compact handle. This is due to the fact that over-grips may be used to increase the grip size of a paddle that originally had a smaller size. There is no way to reduce the size of the grip on a paddle that already has a huge size.
Color
You should give some thought to the color of your paddle if you want to make a chic entrance into the court. In addition to the aesthetic value of the color you choose for your paddle, selecting a color that is easily identifiable may make it easier for you to choose your paddle from a large collection of paddles during competitions.
There’s also a chance that the color of the paddle’s face will provide you with an edge. It could be hard for your opponents to get a good read on your shot if you do this. For instance, a paddle face tinted yellow will blend in with the color of the ball, which can let you sneak up on your opponent when they aren’t expecting it.
Can I Get a Wood Pickleball Paddle?
To begin, let us make it quite clear that there is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a wooden paddle. Pickleball was first played in the 1960s, and the game’s first paddle was made of wood. However, technology has significantly improved since then, and modern paddles are now made of composite materials. The paddles used now make it simpler to return the ball to the opponent and, as a result, are more enjoyable to use overall.
Consider it this way: if it’s simpler to spin the ball, you can give more force, and you’re certain to have more control over the ball, doesn’t it make the game more enjoyable? When it comes to pickleball paddles, we believe that upgrading to any of the ones listed above is an investment that is well worth making. In addition to this, when you take into account the length of time that you will be able to use paddles of this excellent quality, you will end up saving money.