What paddle do most pros use pickleball?
The most popular paddle on the men’s and women’s pro tours is the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta… or is it? If you come from a tennis background, you’re probably familiar with the term endorse. It could become just as important in pickleball. The thinner the paddle, the more “pop” you’ll get off the surface. The thicker a paddle, the more it will absorb the ball’s energy. If a paddle comes in 13mm and 16mm thicknesses, 13mm will be the “power” and 16mm will be “control”.Pickleball paddles come in various thicknesses, but the two most common are 16mm and 14mm. The number refers to the thickness of the paddle’s core, and the thickness influences how the paddle plays, including power, control, and feel.The main difference between 14mm and 16mm pickleball paddles is the thickness of their core.It’s true that not all pickleball paddles are created equal. Higher-end paddles often feature advanced materials like carbon fiber, raw carbon, and fiberglass, which can provide more control, power, or spin.The best pickleball paddle in 2025 is the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV pickleball paddle, thanks to its unmatched balance of power, spin, and control. But the right paddle depends on your playstyle – so we’ve selected the top options for power hitters, control players, and value seekers alike.
What type of pickleball do pros use?
The Dura Fast-40 Pickleball: Why It’s The Tournament Ball Everyone Wants. It’s the pickleball professional pickleball players demand to use in tournament play. The Dura Fast-40 from ONIX Pickleball is the fastest ball on the market due to its material and rotomolded construction. Other than Dura, the X-40 is the go-to ball for most major tournaments.
How do you pick a good pickleball paddle?
Find the perfect pickleball paddle based on your player type. Beginner paddles should be comfortable to hold and easy to swing. Key features include light to medium weight, comfortable grip, large sweet spot and balance of power and control. Power paddles tend to have tighter sweet spots and provide greater feedback. Pickleball paddles with thinner cores are typically lighter, faster to swing, and provide more power but are usually considered to have less control. They’re great for players who are more aggressive, like to attack, and counter.Like the other attributes of choosing the best pickleball paddle, the thickness of the paddle does play a role in the feel of the paddle in your hand. For instance, the CRBN 13mm pickleball paddles provide more power and spin, whereas the CRBN 16mm pickleball paddles provide more control and feel.Selkirk pickleball paddles are the original line of paddles from Selkirk Sport. These pickleball paddles include the AMPED, LUXX, VANGUARD, and Power Air. Priced between $150 to $250, Selkirk paddles cater to everyone from the pickleball enthusiast to the elite tournament veteran.Number One and Two: Coming in at number one among our best pickleball paddles for beginners is the Vatic Pro Prism Flash. The Vatic Pro Prism Flash is a paddle that you’re going to see topping lists of all different types. The best paddle under $100, the best paddle for beginners, the best control paddle, and more.Low cost pickleball paddles are under $50 and high cost pickleball paddles are $150 and up.
What is the best pickleball paddle to reduce vibration?
If you’re certain that you want a paddle with in-built tech for vibration-dampening and shock prevention, I recommend the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid first. The material on the face of the paddle also contributes to the weight and play of the paddle. Some paddles have a rough textured surface (to produce spin) while smoother surfaces produce better touch and consistency. Wooden paddles are for more entry-level players and are heavier and less experience.Because a Lightweight paddle gives you quicker hand speed and a Midweight paddles give you more power, many players choose to use a Lightweight paddle for doubles and a Midweight paddle for singles.If you want more power, then a fiberglass paddle is the right choice for you. Since fiberglass isn’t as stiff, it excels in the power department. Some players have complained that it doesn’t control as well though.Fibreglass Padel Rackets: Soft, Forgiving, and Affordable Fibreglass is a popular choice for beginner and intermediate players due to its softer and more flexible nature. Here’s why: ✅ More Comfort – The softer surface absorbs impact, making shots feel smoother and easier to control.The paddles are lightweight yet super durable, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned players. The fiberglass construction feels high-quality, and the grip is really comfortable—even after long matches.
Does an expensive pickleball paddle matter?
Higher-end paddles often feature advanced materials like carbon fiber, raw carbon, and fiberglass, which can provide more control, power, or spin. However, you don’t necessarily need the priciest paddle to perform well on the court. The key is finding a paddle that matches your current level of play and style. While all pickleball paddles wear out in a few years (or less depending on use) carbon fiber will hold up the longest.Overall, our experts at Dink believe that carbon fiber stands out as the top choice for pickleball paddles, offering unmatched quality and performance for an enhanced playing experience.The pickleball paddle material also matters as fiberglass and carbon fiber paddles are lightweight and durable, making them excellent choices for seniors. These materials typically provide better control, which is helpful for players who rely on precision rather than power.Pickleball paddles can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, composite, and graphite. While wood may be the cheapest option, it’s also the heaviest and least durable. On the other hand, graphite paddles are lightweight and durable, but they’re also the most expensive.Weight: While both materials are lightweight, carbon fiber paddles often feel more solid in hand. Cost: Carbon fiber is a premium material, so it can be pricier. Performance: Both materials offer excellent performance, but carbon fiber might have a slight edge when it comes to power shots.
Is there really a difference between pickleball paddles?
Pickleball paddle faces are made from various materials including fiberglass, wood and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is renowned within the pickleball community for offering a superior level of precision compared to fiberglass paddles and more power than other carbon polymer options. Whether you enjoy the strategic play of padel or the relaxed pace of pickleball, each sport offers a distinct experience. Padel involves using walls and has a faster pace, while pickleball is simpler and easier for beginners.The key to finding the best pickleball paddle is to find the proper balance of core material and thickness, surface material, paddle weights, and grip size for an individual player.Whether graphite or fiberglass is better depends on what you’re looking for in a pickleball paddle. If you want great handling and feel, then choose graphite. If you want more power, then a fiberglass paddle is the right choice for you. Since fiberglass isn’t as stiff, it excels in the power department.Padel uses a depressurised tennis-like ball and solid rackets, whereas pickleball uses a plastic perforated ball and paddles. Padel is almost always doubles, with an underhand serve and longer rallies, making it more physically demanding.
Should I get a light or heavy paddle for pickleball?
The heavier a paddle is, the more power you’ll gain but at the price of less control and agility. And the inverse is true for a light paddle, meaning you’ll have increased control by comparison but less power. And a paddle with a weight somewhere in between finds a balance. As a rule of thumb, the heavier a paddle, the more power it will deliver. The lighter a paddle, the quicker you can position it for your next shot. This yields an increase in shot control, and the optimal weight is different for each athlete.Thinner paddles offer more pop and power and are typically lighter than their thicker counterparts, which helps with paddle agility. Thicker paddles, on the other hand, provide more control and consistency on each shot.The ball hops off the face more, so harder to control. If you swing too hard, open the face a little too much etc.It’s true that not all pickleball paddles are created equal. Higher-end paddles often feature advanced materials like carbon fiber, raw carbon, and fiberglass, which can provide more control, power, or spin. However, you don’t necessarily need the priciest paddle to perform well on the court.