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The Best Pickleball Paddles of 2026
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Credit:
Ronald Martinez / Getty Images
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Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
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Vatic Pro V7 Carbon Fiber 16mm
This 8-ounce advanced paddle is perfect for intermediate and advanced players looking to play serious paddleball. Read More
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Offers plenty of control
- Thin, comfy handle
Cons
- Less power than other paddles
Holbrook Sport Series Paddle
This Holbrook paddle is made of durable layered fiberglass, and available in three stylish designs—tan and white, black and gray, or blue and white. Read More
Pros
- Forgiving and vibration-free
- Durable fiberglass surface
- Three style options
Cons
- Best for occasional use
Franklin Sports Pro Player Series Aluminum Paddle
The Pro Player Series paddle is made with a dual-plated aluminum surface and designed for a balance of comfort, accuracy, and durability. Read More
Pros
- Reinforced with plastic casing
- Padded non-slip grip
- Excellent value
Cons
- Heavier than average
NewFit Sports Mana Pickleball Paddles
These graphite-and-polymer paddles from NewFit will feel quite a bit lighter and more modern than a wooden set. Read More
Pros
- Powerful, forgiving sweet spot
- Vibration-dampening grips
Cons
- None that we could find
Franklin Sports 2-Player Paddle and Ball Set
This paddle-and-ball set from Franklin Sports comes with two seven-ply wooden paddles and should hold up for years of outdoor use. Read More
Pros
- Durable wooden construction
- Regulation outdoor balls
- Padded non-slip grip
Cons
- Best for occasional use
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Vatic Pro V7 Carbon Fiber 16mm
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Holbrook Sport Series Paddle
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Franklin Sports Pro Player Series Aluminum Paddle
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NewFit Sports Mana Pickleball Paddles
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Franklin Sports 2-Player Paddle and Ball Set
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Sprypals Pickleball Paddle Set
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How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle
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How We Evaluate Pickleball Paddles
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More on Summer Family Fun
- Vatic Pro V7 Carbon Fiber 16mm
- Holbrook Sport Series Paddle
- Franklin Sports Pro Player Series Aluminum Paddle
- NewFit Sports Mana Pickleball Paddles
- Franklin Sports 2-Player Paddle and Ball Set
- Sprypals Pickleball Paddle Set
- How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle
- How We Evaluate Pickleball Paddles
- More on Summer Family Fun
Whether you’re looking to get more exercise or just enjoy the warm weather this summer, playing pickleball is a fantastic way to get moving. Two to four players can enjoy this popular pastime, either indoors or outdoors, so long as you have the right equipment.
Pickleball courts have a 34-inch-high net, which you can easily find online should you need your own. Aside from the net, you’ll just need a set of quality paddles to play with. Whatever your skill level, goals, or budget, these are some of the best pickleball paddles you can shop online right now.
How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle
What Is the Best Pickleball Paddle?
While our research favored the balanced, well-priced Vatic Pro V7, only you can know your play style and personal preferences. A high-quality carbon-fiber paddle will be lighter, and perhaps more forgiving, than a wooden one—but maybe you’ll like the familiar, old-fashioned feel of wood. If you’re looking to stay within a certain price range, an aluminum paddle from a trusted brand might also offer great value.
How to Hold a Pickleball Paddle
There are three main ways to grip a pickleball paddle: the Continental Grip (or Hammer Grip), the Western Grip (or Swat Grip), and the Eastern Grip. If you work with tools often, the Continental Grip is essentially how you hold a hammer, so you might find it a comfortable place to start. It’s also ideal for backhand shots.
The Western Grip turns the paddle about 90 degrees from the Continental; it’s more akin to how you hold a flyswatter. If the Continental Grip puts your arm parallel to the paddle surface, then the Western Grip has your wrist perpendicular to the surface. This is ideal for players who favor forehand strokes.
An Eastern Grip, meanwhile, positions the hand at more of an angle in between the other options. This compromise allows for a mix of forehand and backhand shots, so it’s the best choice for more advanced or competitive players looking to control the court.
Where to Buy Pickleball Paddles
We’ve recommended paddles across a wide variety of styles and price points; Amazon, Target, and Walmart all offer great options for every kind of player. But if you have the opportunity to visit a sporting goods store in person and try out different grips, materials, and weights firsthand, you might discover a bit more about your personal pickleball style.
How We Evaluate Pickleball Paddles
Our experienced product researchers look at a wide variety of factors, including specifications, user reviews, and price point. We recommend the best pickleball paddles for experienced and beginning players alike, emphasizing each paddle’s unique strengths. Many of our top picks are chosen with traveling families in mind—or the shopper who just wants to have a bit of fun at the beach.
More on Summer Family Fun
Meet the writer
Alex Kane was a former senior editor at USA Today’s Reviewed and the author of the Boss Fight Books volume on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He has written for Fangoria, PC Gamer, Polygon, Rolling Stone, StarWars.com, and Variety. He lives in west-central Illinois.
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