Pickleball has been exploding onto the scene the past couple of years, and for good reason. Long gone are the days when only your grandparents played their leisurely game during their mid-morning social ritual and the usual gym classes where your PE teacher absolutely dominated every student they challenged.
Pickleball is a sport that has been taking America by storm with its fun, fast-paced, and accessible gameplay. Pickleball is no longer just a hobby for retirees or kids — it’s a growing phenomenon that has attracted millions of fans from all walks of life, including celebrities, athletes, and entrepreneurs. Just take a look at any social media platform, and you will find celebrities from Selena Gomez, Michael Phelps, Bill Gates, Drew Brees, Gary Vaynerchuk (who loves it so much he’s actually invested in the ‘sport of the future’), to Leo DiCaprio and George Clooney, all of whom love to play this crazed game. But what makes pickleball so appealing, and how can you join the craze?
For starters, it is easily accessible with little cost involved, and it does not require you to be as adept at racket sports, like tennis does. It is easy to learn and fun to play. The game gradually evolved into a sport with official rules and better equipment, and today, it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. According to a report by the Association of Pickleball Professionals, more than 36 million people played pickleball from August 2021 to August 2022, making it the fastest-growing sport in the country — and continues on today as we make our way into 2024.
Picking the right paddle
One of the most important factors for enjoying and excelling at pickleball is choosing the right paddle. The paddle can affect the power, control, spin, and feel of the game, depending on its weight, shape, size, surface, and core material. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, finding the perfect paddle for your skill level and playing style can make a big difference in your performance and fun on the court. We did the leg work for you and created this list of the six best pickleball paddles to reach for in 2024 as you hit the courts!
Best overall pickleball paddle: Bread & Butter The Filth 16mm Pickleball Paddle – White/White
When it comes to overall performance, there is only one paddle that can take the overall spot, and that paddle is this one. The Filth, from Bread & Butter, is a pickleball paddle that delivers power and spin for aggressive players. It has a raw carbon fiber face that lets you hit hard and put away points like a champ.
But this paddle isn’t all just one-speed power. It also has a thick polypropylene core that adds some touch and control, perfect for putting some finesse on shots. This paddle empowers players to enhance their aggressiveness on the courts by incorporating injected foam that extends along the edges and throughout the handle. This foam not only enhances stability and reduces vibration but also significantly enlarges the sweet spot, resulting in enhanced shot consistency regardless of where the ball is struck, partially due to its 8 oz. design.
Top it all off, The Filth has a sleek white-on-white design with a signature “bread and butter” black-faced design.
Top Reason to Buy: The Filth is a high-performance paddle that is cheaper than other power-focused paddles on the market. You can save money and still enjoy a quality paddle that can help you dominate the court with some “filthy” shots.
Best budget pickleball paddle: HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle – Red/Black
Sometimes you just wanna be (pickle)ballin’ on a budget, and if you are looking for a budget-friendly pickleball paddle that can still deliver great performance, look no further than this one. The HEAD Elite is a pickleball paddle that offers an excellent feel and ample power for intermediate players while still serving as a great option for beginners just starting out. It has a fiberglass surface that gives you smooth and consistent contact with the ball.
But this paddle isn’t just about smooth, consistent power. It also has a polypropylene honeycomb core that provides some touch and control, ideal for adding some spin and placement to your drop shots. This paddle also features HEAD’s innovative Ergo Grip, which enhances stability and reduces vibration, giving you a comfortable and confident grip. The Elite has a sleek black-and-red design with a signature “HEAD” logo on the face.
Top Reason to Buy: The Elite is a budget-friendly paddle that is comparable to other fiberglass paddles on the market. You can get a quality paddle that can help you improve your game without breaking the bank.
Best for tennis lovers: Wilson Echo Energy Pickleball Paddle – Blue
For those with a background based in tennis, you’re gonna want a paddle that is reminiscent of holding your preferred racket — you need a paddle that can match your skills and style that feels similar as well. The Wilson Echo Energy is a pickleball paddle that is perfect for tennis players who want to transition to pickleball smoothly. The Echo Energy has a large sweet spot and a wide body shape that gives you more surface area to hit the ball, just like a tennis racket. It also has a graphite surface that delivers a crisp and responsive feel, perfect for adding power and spin to your shots.
But this paddle is not just about hitting hard. It also has a polymer honeycomb core that absorbs shock and provides a soft touch, allowing you to finesse your shots and control the pace of the game. The Echo Energy also features Wilson’s Cushion-Aire perforated grip, which wicks away moisture and enhances comfort and grip. The Echo Energy has a vibrant wave-like blue-and-black design with the trademarked “W” logo on the face.
Top Reason to Buy: The Echo Energy is a pickleball paddle that is tailor-made for tennis players who want to excel at pickleball. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with this paddle that combines power, control, and comfort with the perfect oversized paddle.
Best pickleball paddle aesthetics: Tangerine Gardiner’s Bay Pickleball Paddle – Green/Cream
Add some color to your game with this pop of flair, thanks to Tangerine Paddle, and our top spot for those who seek aesthetics above all else. Sometimes you just wanna be (pickle)ballin’ with some flair and style, and if you are looking for a pickleball paddle that can make a statement on the court, look no further than this one. The Gardiners Bay by Tangerine is a pickleball paddle that combines stunning aesthetics with superb performance. It has a fiberglass surface that is adorned with a stylish green and cream striped design, making it stand out from the crowd.
But this paddle is not just about looks. It also has a polypropylene honeycomb core that delivers a balanced blend of power and control, perfect for players who want to add some finesse and accuracy to their hits. A pop of color meets a pop on your shot. This paddle also features a cushioned grip that provides comfort and stability, allowing you to play longer and better. The Gardiners Bay has a sleek and modern design with their signature “Tangerine” logo on the face and a leather-looking chestnut brown grip tape.
Top Reason to Buy: The Gardiners Bay is a paddle that will turn heads with its eye-catching design. You can get a paddle that will not only enhance your game, but also express your personality and style — oh, and all this is for under a hundred dollars, too. Not a bad deal.
Best advanced paddle: Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta Pickleball Paddle – White/Black
This paddle comes with a serious pricetag and is not for those for the faint of heart. If you consider yourself vehemently competitive at the sport, a semi-amateur, or a pro in the making, the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta Pickleball Paddle is the choice for you and allows you to live the motto: (pickle)ball is life. Sometimes you just wanna be the king or queen of the court, and if you are looking for the best pickleball paddle for advanced players that can still deliver great control, look no further than this one.
The Vanguard Power Air is a pickleball paddle that offers an unmatched feel and incredible power for expert players while still serving as a great option for intermediate players who want to level up their game. It has a carbon fiber surface that gives you optimal spin and precision with the ball.
But this paddle isn’t just about power, power, power. It also has a X5 polypropylene honeycomb core that provides some touch and stability, ideal for adding some finesse and accuracy to your volleys. This paddle also features Selkirk’s innovative EdgeSentry edge guard, which protects your paddle from damage and reduces weight, giving you a light and durable paddle. The Power Air has a sleek white-and-black design with a signature Selkirk “S” logo on the face.
Top Reason to Buy: The Power Air is the best paddle for advanced players who want to dominate the court with power and spin. This is the premium paddle that can help you master your game without compromising on control.
Best pro paddle by the pros: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Swift Pickleball Paddle – Black
Fake it til you make it. Or in this case, use the best paddle that the world’s best uses to elevate your game. If you are looking for the best pro paddle by the pros, look no further than this one. The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Swift is a pickleball paddle that offers unmatched power, spin, and speed for advanced players who want to dominate the court. It has a carbon friction surface that gives you a durable and textured face for enhanced spin and control.
But this paddle isn’t just about power and spin. It also has a reactive polymer core that provides a smooth and consistent feel while minimizing vibration. This paddle also features JOOLA’s Swift technology, which makes the paddle lighter and faster in your hand. The Hyperion CFS 16 Swift has a sleek blacked-out design with a signature “JOOLA” logo on the face and Ben Johns’ autograph on the face, as well.
Top Reason to Buy: The Hyperion CFS 16 Swift is a premium paddle that is endorsed by the world’s No. 1 player, Ben Johns. You can get a paddle that can elevate your game to the next level with its superior performance and quality.
Game. Set. Match. Paddle.
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, a power hitter or a finesse player, a budget shopper or a premium buyer, there is a paddle for you on this list. Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, and our list of the six best pickleball paddles will help you, our reader, of all skill levels, succeed and have fun with this addictive sport.