Best Pickleball Paddles
If you are choosing among hundreds of pickleball paddles, start with your skill level, budget, and whether you want more control or more power. Below are research-based picks for common recreational needs—not lab-test scores we invented.
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Quick picks
Jump to a recommendation, then read the full write-up below.
| Category | Recommendation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm | Check price |
| Best beginner | Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm | Check price |
| Best lightweight | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 | Check price |
| Best for control | Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic (InfiniGrit) | Check price |
| Best for power | JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm | Check price |
How we chose these paddles
We compared manufacturer specifications, construction category, price band, and the player profile each paddle is designed for. We do not claim on-court testing unless it actually happened. Recommendations explain who the paddle fits and who should skip it.
How to use this guide
Scan the quick picks, then read the recommendation that matches your situation. If you are still unsure about thickness, shape, or surface material, start with our how-to-choose guide before buying.
Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
Best for: Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Franklin Sports |
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Length | 16.5" |
| Width | 7.5" |
| Grip length | 5.6" |
| Grip circumference | 4.5" |
| Surface | Fiberglass with MaxGrit |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Shape | elongated |
| Price range | $70–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +Approachable price for a USAP-approved paddle
- +16mm core favors control and a softer feel for newer players
- +MaxGrit surface helps generate spin without a steep learning curve
Tradeoffs
- −Not as powerful as premium carbon paddles
- −Larger 4.5" grip may feel thick for smaller hands
- −Build quality is solid for the price, not flagship-tier
Who should buy it
Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle Players shopping around or under $100 Recreational players who want a forgiving fiberglass face
Who should skip it
Players who specifically want a carbon face for max spin Competitive players seeking premium thermoformed construction
Alternatives
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Check price on Amazon →Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic (InfiniGrit)
A thicker-core Selkirk control paddle for intermediate players who want soft, precise playability more than raw pace.
Check price on Amazon →
Paddletek
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
Best for: Players who want a truly lightweight paddle
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Paddletek |
| Weight | 7.0–7.5 oz |
| Thickness | 12.7mm |
| Length | 15.625" |
| Width | 7.75" |
| Grip length | 5.0" |
| Grip circumference | 4.25" |
| Surface | Textured fiberglass epoxy hybrid |
| Core | Bantam PolyCore polymer honeycomb |
| Shape | standard |
| Price range | $80–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +Light static weight (7.0–7.5 oz) for hand speed
- +Standard shape is approachable for most recreational players
- +Strong value from a established paddle brand
Tradeoffs
- −12.7mm core is thinner than typical “control” 16mm recommendations
- −Fiberglass hybrid face, not carbon
- −Less brand hype than JOOLA/Selkirk for some shoppers
Who should buy it
Players who want a truly lightweight paddle Recreational players seeking faster hands at the kitchen Shoppers who want a reputable sub-$100 all-court option
Who should skip it
Players who specifically want a thick 16mm+ control core Players chasing elongated reach or premium raw carbon
Alternatives
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Check price on Amazon →Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic (InfiniGrit)
A thicker-core Selkirk control paddle for intermediate players who want soft, precise playability more than raw pace.
Check price on Amazon →
Selkirk
Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic (InfiniGrit)
Best for: Players prioritizing soft hands and reset consistency
A thicker-core Selkirk control paddle for intermediate players who want soft, precise playability more than raw pace.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Selkirk |
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz |
| Thickness | 19mm |
| Length | 15.85" |
| Width | 7.85" |
| Grip length | 5.25" |
| Grip circumference | 4.25" |
| Surface | Florek carbon fiber (InfiniGrit) |
| Core | X7 Thickset polypropylene honeycomb |
| Shape | hybrid |
| Price range | $200–$280 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +19mm core profile favors control and dwell time
- +Hybrid Epic shape balances reach and forgiveness
- +InfiniGrit carbon surface is positioned for durable spin texture
Tradeoffs
- −Premium pricing
- −Less pop than thinner power-oriented paddles
- −Multiple Selkirk shapes can confuse first-time buyers
Who should buy it
Players prioritizing soft hands and reset consistency Intermediate players who win points with placement over pace Anyone comparing thicker control builds to standard 16mm paddles
Who should skip it
Players shopping for raw plowing power at a lower price Beginners who would be better served by a sub-$100 upgrade first
Alternatives
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Check price on Amazon →Paddletek Bantam TS-5
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Check price on Amazon →
JOOLA
JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm
Best for: Intermediate players ready for a premium elongated paddle
JOOLA’s elongated Perseus Pro IV 16mm for intermediate-and-up players who want power and spin in a premium carbon paddle.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | JOOLA |
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Length | 16.5" |
| Width | 7.5" |
| Grip length | 5.5" |
| Grip circumference | 4.25" |
| Surface | Textured carbon fiber |
| Core | PP core + EVA foam wall |
| Shape | elongated |
| Price range | $230–$250 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +Elongated Perseus shape adds reach
- +Textured carbon face supports spin generation
- +16mm core stays more controllable than thinner power builds
Tradeoffs
- −Premium price relative to casual recreational needs
- −Elongated shape can feel less forgiving off-center than wider options
- −Overkill if you mainly play casual open-play doubles
Who should buy it
Intermediate players ready for a premium elongated paddle Players who want accessible power with carbon surface texture All-court players who drive from the baseline and finish at the kitchen
Who should skip it
True beginners still learning contact consistency Strict control-first players who prefer thicker soft cores Shoppers staying under $150
Alternatives
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Check price on Amazon →Paddletek Bantam TS-5
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Check price on Amazon →
Engage
Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 Graphite
Best for: Intermediate players who want elongated reach with a control-oriented core
An elongated USA-made Pursuit with a graphite friction skin and control-oriented core—distinct from Engage’s raw-carbon Pursuit Pro models.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Engage |
| Weight | 8.0–8.4 oz |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Length | 16.5" |
| Width | 7.5" |
| Grip length | 5.75" |
| Grip circumference | 4.375" |
| Surface | Proprietary graphite friction skin |
| Core | Control Pro “Black” polymer composite (~5/8") |
| Shape | elongated |
| Price range | $180–$200 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +Elongated MX shape with a long 5.75" handle
- +Graphite friction skin is built into the face rather than a temporary overlay
- +Control-oriented polymer core paired with USA manufacturing positioning
Tradeoffs
- −Premium price for recreational players
- −Model naming (MX Graphite vs Pursuit Pro carbon) is easy to confuse
- −Standard weight band sits on the heavier side of midweight
Who should buy it
Intermediate players who want elongated reach with a control-oriented core Players comparing USA-made premium alternatives to JOOLA/Selkirk Players who want durable face texture without raw-carbon marketing hype
Who should skip it
Beginners who should start with a lower-priced fiberglass paddle Shoppers who specifically want a raw T700 carbon Pursuit Pro variant
Alternatives
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Check price on Amazon →Paddletek Bantam TS-5
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Check price on Amazon →
FAQ
Troxgo Editors
Research & editorial
We research manufacturer specs, compare paddles against consistent criteria, and explain who each product actually makes sense for—without fabricated “we tested it” claims.
Published 2026-03-20 · Updated 2026-03-20
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