'This Is The Cutest Pickleball Paddle I've Ever Seen'

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Itching to get in on the pickleball craze? ICYDK, it's the fastest growing sport in America and combines elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. You can play either indoors or outdoors with two to four people rallying a wiffle-like ball back and forth over a modified tennis net with paddles. So fun, right?

One of the main attractions to the sport is accessibility and inclusivity. “Everyone from beginners to intermediate or advanced players can play pickleball, and that’s one of the reasons I fell in love with the sport,” says Callie Jo Smith, professional pickleball player and seven time Pro Pickleball Association champion. Anyone can learn the basics of the game and all ages are competitive, she explains. “It’s not just about power, but control, touch, spin, and finesse, too.”

Meet the experts: Callie Jo Smith is a professional pickleball player and seven time Pro Pickleball Association champion. Meghan Sheehan-Dizon is a professional pickleball player on the Pro Pickleball Association Tour.

Ready to meet your paddle match? Take a sneak peek at the top pickleball paddles:

Whether you're looking for affordable gear or committed to leveling up your game, a perfect paddle for you exists. Here are the 15 best pickleball paddles (most are under $100!) of 2023, tested and reviewed by pickleball pros and pickleball-loving executive health and fitness director at Women's Health, Jacqueline Andriakos.

Pickleball Paddle

If you’re still on the fence about pickleball, this lightweight paddle is the perfect blend of power and touch. It features a polypropylene honeycomb core for stronger, more controlled hits that require less effort. The face of the paddle is made from fiberglass—that goes for most paddles on this list—which makes the paddle feel lightweight and gives the ball more spin. Who doesn’t love a high-quality design with an affordable price tag?

Tempest Reign Pro Pickleball Paddle

This paddle is all about speed and precision. The advanced high-grade graphite surface material helps promote shot accuracy, giving you extra force and control with each hit. Reviewers mention that this paddle has dramatically improved their game, saying "I am playing better since I bought this paddle. I like that it is longer and super lightweight."

Pro Speed II

Made with wind-resistant, edgeless construction and thin-core technology, this paddle is great when the weather may not be cooperating. It's also built for quickness and reflex enhancement, so it's super easy to use when you're playing in the kitchen. The kinetic technology within the paddle helps absorb the shock of the ball and reduce the risk of injury, such as tennis elbow or shoulder pain.

SLK Pickleball Paddles

The ultra-cushion grip on this paddle is literally a game changer. In addition to the sweat-absorbing, comfortable grip, this lightweight paddle contains a honeycomb core and graphite face to reduce ball vibration and add power. The paddle comes with its own case and four balls too, so you're set to head straight to the courts once your package arrives.

CX14E

This paddle is definitely an investment, but it’s a great option for advanced players looking for stability and reach with each hit. The longer handle helps accommodate two-handed shots and increases the velocity of the ball. With this paddle, you'll send your opponent running around the court. There's also two different grip options to choose from when you're checking out (3.6 in and 13.9 in), so you can pick and choose based on your preferences.

Pickleball Paddles Set

If you have a fam of four, look no further than this pickleball set. It comes with four paddles, four balls (two indoor and two outdoor), four overgrips in case your grip tape needs replacing, and one pickleball bag. It's a bestseller on Amazon because the paddles are super durable and lightweight (thanks, fiberglass!). Joncaye also donates part of its proceeds to an orphanage, so you know you're donating to a good cause by purchasing this set.

Summit C1

This paddle has a table tennis handle and elongated hitting surface that is designed for better reach and control. The handle can also put some major spin on the ball. It might look and feel a little different than other standard pickleball paddles, but it’s cleared for tournament play and you'll def notice a difference in the touch, power, and pop of the ball.

Pickleball Paddles Set

This pickleball paddle set is great for newbies and it also comes with four pickleballs and a carrying bag if you don't have much equipment. The graphite surface promises durability and the graphic art design on the face of the paddle is extra trendy. One reviewer says this paddle is great for starters. " I had never played pickleball before and wasn’t sure if it was for me. Bought this set and I'm now playing three days a week. Great for beginners, but don’t expect to put spin on the ball until you upgrade."

Kauai

I mean, how cute is this pickleball paddle? If you like this design, just take a scroll through Tangerine's website to discover a bunch of other fun patterns. And you won't be the only one whose obsessed. Women's Health executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos loves these paddles for their fun patterns, too. "These paddles are the cutest. I just got one. I think I have to get a couple more because I can't decide on the patterns—they're all too good!"

Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle

Goodbye tennis elbow, no one asked you to play anyway! Not only does this paddle have the perfect blend of power and control, but the brand's proprietary kinetic technology eliminates harmful shock and vibration from the ball, reducing the risk of wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries. The paddle also features cloud core technology, which reduces the paddle’s weight and helps you add power to your swings.

USAPA Approved Pickleball Paddle Set

If you’re just getting started with your pickleball career, this set comes with everything you need. It has two paddles, two cooling towels, four balls, and a carrying case. Not to mention, the fiberglass face and comfortable grip also checks the boxes for powerful (but comfortable!) hits. Reviewers love that this paddle has a super firm grip, which helps improve their game.

Premium Pickleball Paddles Set

Another great paddle for beginners, this set from JP Winlook features a lightweight graphite surface paired with a soft handle and protective edge guard. It's great for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can play all year long. It's also super durable, thanks to the honeycomb paddle construction, so you don't have to worry about it wearing out over time.

Pickleball Set

Another recommendation from Andriakos, this pickleball set is too cute not to purchase. It comes with two paddles (there are a few different designs to chose from!), two sweatbands, and two balls. If you've been wanting to pick up the pickleball game with your partner or bestie, try this set out and you won't have to do any convincing.

Pickleball Pickle Paddle

With 4.4 stars on Amazon, this pickleball paddle is loved by reviewers. "My son has been playing pickleball for a year or so and loving it," writes one reviewer. "He decided to get a better paddle and did a ton of research on which one would be best and within his teenage budget. He settled on this one. First impressions couldn't have been better—I am a sucker for packaging and this arrives like a super fun gift. We all loved the logo, paddle design, and they even included a tote bag!"

Pickleball Paddle

These wooden rackets (yup, wooden!) come in at only $14, making them the most affordable option on this list. But, just because they're affordable doesn't mean they slack on effectiveness. The paddles are built with heavy-duty wood and a non-slip comfort grip to provide performance and durability match after match.

How Our Team Chose The Best Pickleball Paddles?

For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner and freelance writer Andi Breitowich, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated pickleball paddles.

Our team consulted Callie Jo Smith, professional pickleball player and seven time Pro Pickleball Association champion, and Meghan Sheehan-Dizon, professional pickleball player on the Pro Pickleball Association Tour for the story. Additionally, the team evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best pickleball paddles for a wide range of needs and preferences.

How do you choose the right pickleball paddle?

If you want to level-up your game, the type of paddle and surface material matters more than you think because it can provide an advantage for power, control, touch, spin, and durability, says Smith.

Here's a quick rundown of the key characteristics to look for while shopping for pickleball paddles:

Surface material: Fiberglass composite is the most common and offers the best power and spin on the ball, but graphite surfaces check the box on firmness and durability.

Thickness: This also affects your power and control. A thicker paddle (14-16mm) offers a softer, more controlled feel by damping the vibration from the ball, while a thinner paddle (anything less than 14mm) increases power or “pop” since more energy at contact is transferred to the ball, explains Smith.

Grip size and length: These measurements impact how comfortable the paddle is in your hand. If the grip is too large it can affect how stable and secure the paddle feels, says Smith. It's better to start small and add overgrip, she explains. “Typically, a 4.25 inch grip size is most common, and a pretty safe choice if you’re unsure."

Is there really a difference in pickleball paddles?

While pickleball is a distant cousin of tennis and badminton, the paddle is much different. Tennis and badminton rackets have strings, making it easier to grab and spin the ball, Smith explains.

“Pickleball paddles have no strings, and the spin is determined by the skill of the player or the surface of the paddle,” she says. (Pro tip: Textured and gritty surfaced paddles offer more potential for spin on the ball.)

What types of pickleball paddles are available?

Pickleball paddles can be differentiated by their materials, length, width, grip circumference, and shape. The combinations of these specs are endless, so the type of pickleball paddle you chose really comes down to preference.

Most paddles are made of fiberglass, graphite, or carbon fiber. Each material comes with its pros and cons, but the paddle you choose changes your entire game, says Meghan Sheehan-Dizon, professional pickleball player on the Pro Pickleball Association Tour. “Some paddles have more power, others have more touch and feel, and some create more spin,” she says.

You should also consider paddle shape—square, rectangle, oval, or teardrop. If you want a lightweight, rectangular paddle with a lot of spin and a forgiving "sweet spot," for example,go for something like the Onix Summit C1.

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