Best Pickleball Paddles

Every paddle on this page has been tested on court. Ratings are independent. Here are my top picks by category.

Top Rated Overall

Joola paddle review

Joola Ben Johns Hyperion 16mm Review: The Benchmark Paddle Everyone Compares Against

Six weeks with the paddle that launched a thousand comparisons. Is the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion 16mm still worth it now that it's dropped to around $160 in a crowded market?

4.5

$160

Engage paddle review

Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 Review: The Control Specialist That Serious Players Trust

Engage has a cult following among 4.0+ players who prioritize feel and control. The Pursuit MX 6.0 shows why — if you can stomach the price.

4.4

$130

Gearbox paddle review

Gearbox Pro Power Elongated Review: The Carbon-Rib Paddle Built Like a Tank

Gearbox skips the honeycomb core entirely, using carbon-fiber ribs (Solid Span Technology) instead — and the result is a paddle unlike anything else on the market.

4.3

$275

Vatic Pro paddle review

Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16mm Review: The Budget King That's Making Me Question My $220 Paddle

After six weeks and 40+ hours on court, we put the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16mm through its paces. Spoiler: it's absurdly good for $99.

4.3

$99

Selkirk paddle review

Selkirk SLK Halo Control XL Review: A Carbon Control Paddle That Punches Above Its Price

The SLK Halo Control XL puts a raw carbon face and Selkirk build quality in a mid-priced control paddle. After eight weeks of testing, here's where it lands.

4.2

$120

Paddletek paddle review

Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Review: A Reliable All-Rounder From a Trusted Brand

Paddletek's Tempest Wave Pro is a solid, consistent performer that delivers dependable all-around play. Not flashy — just works.

4.1

$150

Best Budget Paddles (Under $100)

Vatic Pro paddle review

Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16mm Review: The Budget King That's Making Me Question My $220 Paddle

After six weeks and 40+ hours on court, we put the Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro 16mm through its paces. Spoiler: it's absurdly good for $99.

4.3

$99

Franklin paddle review

Franklin Ben Johns Signature Paddle Review: The Budget Paddle That Overachieves

Franklin's Ben Johns signature paddle streets around $70 and is one of the best bang-for-buck options for new players. It plays better than it has any right to at this price.

4.0

$70