Pickleball is everywhere.
It’s not hard to see why. The game is easy for beginners to learn, and most competitors can up their skill level in no time.
If you’re playing pickleball regularly, you might be looking for a consistent paddle to compete with. Because of the rising interest in pickleball, about 600 companies have entered the market, many claiming to offer paddles featuring unique, cutting-edge technology that will supposedly have you dinking and lobbing like a pro.
However, you don’t need something made of polycarbonate composite aluminum engineered by NASA scientists (we don’t think that’s a thing—yet). In fact, you probably don’t need a fancy, expensive paddle at all.
Think of pickleball paddles like basketball sneakers: Just as wearing the most expensive model won’t help you dunk like LeBron James, buying the most expensive paddle won’t have you suddenly smashing power shots like a pro.
We tested eight paddles to find the best model for someone looking to buy their first serious paddle. After examining factors like grip, power, weight, and control, we recommend the Paddletek Bantam EX-L.
Our pick
Paddletek Bantam EX-L
Whether you’re hitting soft, short “dink” shots at the net or slugging power strokes from the baseline, this paddle makes most shots feel accurate and effortless.
The Paddletek Bantam EX-L has long been one of the most popular paddles because it offers a rare hybrid of both power and control.
It’s great for bangers (pickleball players who prefer smashing the ball) looking to improve their dinking skills without sacrificing power.
But it’s also suitable for precision players looking for a bit more pop on their strokes.
The Bantam EX-L doesn’t feel too heavy, and it’s a good option for practicing advanced shots like adding spin.
Also great
Engage Encore Pro
This lightweight paddle is easy to swing and control, but the short handle makes mastering other shots tougher.
The Engage Encore Pro’s wide head is designed to help with ball placement, and this is one of the better paddles we tested in terms of control. This paddle is slightly lighter than our top pick, but it still packs solid power.
However, even though the handle is listed as measuring 5 inches (the same length as our top pick), several testers said it played like it was shorter.
