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Paddles
Your paddle is the one piece of gear you feel on every shot, so it's worth getting right. Shop pickleball paddles from Selkirk, Joola, Onix, Paddletek and more - sorted by weight so you can zero in on the feel you want: lightweight for control and quick hands, midweight for the all-round balance most players choose, and heavyweight for power and stability.
How to choose: weight drives feel more than any other spec - lighter paddles are easier on the arm and faster at the net, heavier ones add put-away power. Grip size matters too (smaller for control and spin, larger for stability), and thicker cores are more forgiving for beginners. New to the game? Start midweight, then adjust once you know whether you want more pop or more finesse.
|
Weight class |
Feel |
Best for |
|
Lightweight (under ~7.8 oz) |
Fast hands, easy on the arm |
Control players, dinkers, tennis elbow |
|
Midweight (~7.8-8.4 oz) |
Balanced power and control |
Most players, all-court style, beginners |
|
Heavyweight (over ~8.4 oz) |
Maximum power and stability |
Bangers, doubles drivers, stronger players |
Start with weight, the spec you feel most: lightweight for quick hands and control, midweight for all-round balance, or heavyweight for power. Then consider core thickness, paddle shape and grip size. Top brands include Selkirk, Joola, Onix, Gearbox and Paddletek. For a step-by-step guide, read our paddle buying guide.
A midweight paddle with a 16mm core and a standard grip is the safest first buy: forgiving on off-centre hits, with enough power and control while you learn. Good-value options include the Selkirk SLK Atlas and SLK Geo. You don't need a top-of-the-line paddle to start, and you can move lighter or heavier once you know your style.
A thicker core, usually 16mm, gives more control, a softer feel and a bigger sweet spot, which makes it the most popular choice for most players. Thinner cores, around 13 to 14mm, are crisper and more powerful but less forgiving. Many lines come in both, like the Joola Pro V 14mm and 16mm, or Six Zero's 15mm and 16mm paddles. If you're unsure, start with 16mm.
Elongated paddles add reach and power on serves and drives, and often suit former tennis players. Widebody paddles have the largest sweet spot and are the most forgiving at the kitchen line. Hybrid shapes sit in between, balancing reach and forgiveness. Many models come in several shapes, like the Selkirk SLK Geo (elongated or widebody) or the Bread and Butter Loco (standard, hybrid or elongated).
Carbon fiber faces, including raw carbon, offer a controlled feel and a textured surface that helps generate spin, which is why they're found on most premium paddles from Selkirk, Joola and Six Zero. Fiberglass faces have more pop and power and are common on value paddles. Many players now choose carbon for its balance of control, spin and durability.
Sanctioned tournaments require a paddle that's approved by the sport's governing body, such as USA Pickleball. Most performance paddles from major brands like Selkirk, Joola, Gearbox and Onix are approved, but always check the product page and the official approved paddle list before a tournament. For recreational play, any paddle works.
Add edge guard tape to protect the rim from scrapes, store your paddle in a cover or bag, and avoid leaving it in a hot or freezing car. Replace the grip when it gets slick, and wipe the face clean to keep its spin texture. See all paddle accessories.