Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last few years and is officially the fastest-growing sport across the US. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and offers players a less strenuous game with an easy learning curve.
Pickleball enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest equipment to elevate their game. As we step into 2024, the world of pickleball paddles has witnessed innovations and improvements that promise to enhance performance and enjoyment on the court. When it comes to conquering the pickleball court, the choice of paddle can make all the difference. Whether you’re an amateur stepping onto a court for the first time or a pro playing in a tournament the right pickleball paddle can significantly improve your performance, comfort, and enjoyment of the game. Factors such as playing style, performance, comfort, and durability should be considered when selecting a paddle. In this article, we’ll explore the best pickleball paddles of 2024, considering factors like materials, design, and player feedback.
As you read through our recommendations, keep in mind that there isn’t a universal paddle for every player. Carl Schmits, managing director of equipment standards and facilities development at USA Pickleball, advises players to “try as many different paddles as is practical.” There are numerous material combinations and configurations on the market, so we suggest using a demo program from a reputable retailer, such as Pickleball Galaxy Pickleball Paddle Demo Program | Pickleball Galaxy to test and arrive at your perfect paddle.
Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta
Price: $250
Key Features:
- Midweight Range:8 – 8.1 oz
- Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″
- Grip: Selkirk Geo Grip
- Handle Length: 5.35”
- Paddle Length: 45″
- Paddle Width: 7.5”
- Face: Florek Carbon Fiber
- Florek Carbon Fiber: Unmatched control and a larger sweet spot for optimal performance.
- 20mm X7 Thickest Honeycomb Core: More power and control with a consistent sweet spot.
- Air Dynamic Throat and Throat Flex: Optimal airflow, enhanced ball control, and power play consistency.
- ProSpin+ NextGen Texture: Unparalleled spin and precision.
- 360° Proto Molding and upgraded Aero-DuraEdge Edgeless Technology: Exceptional power and edge reliability.
- Flex Foam Perimeter: Increased durability, a larger sweet spot, and vibration absorption.
- CM Anti-Torque Technology: Unmatched stability for a smoother and more controlled playing experience.
With its distinct combination of crispness and plushness, the LUXX Control Air improves control without being overly soft, allowing you to feel closer to the ball. As the paddle is a true control paddle, it does a lot of the work for you in terms of keeping the ball down and under control. The ball doesn’t come off the face quickly and it absorbs pace off the ball well. What separates the Luxx from essentially all other paddles out there is that it has a 20 mm thickness which allows you to have more feel, control and a larger sweet spot. It also does an excellent job of dampening vibration. Your slice returns and dinks get more spin than carbon fiber paddles because you get more spin on all angles of your shots. It’s made with premium materials and comes in vibrant color choices.
Drawbacks:
- There are times when the LUXX can feel inconsistent, but it’s difficult to say why.
- This paddle is intended for players who are more skilled with technical paddle control. The “control” title may entice beginners and early intermediates which may not be suited for their game.
- Pricey
JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle
Price: $250
Key features:
- Paddle weight:8-8 oz
- Paddle length: 16 ½”
- Paddle width: 7 ½”
- Handle length: 5 ½”
- Grip circumference: 4 ⅛-4 ¼”
- Paddle face material: Raw carbon
- Core material: Reactive polymer core
- Core thickness: 14 mm or 16 mm (0.55″ or 0.63″)
- Sweet spot: Small
JOOLA is one of the best-known names in pickleball and the Perseus has become Ben Johns’ go-to paddle, if you’re a JOOLA fan, this is another great addition to the lineup. Thermoformed paddles are typically more powerful and a little heavier as they require additional materials such as foam injection and carbon fiber around the edges which adds weight. Surprisingly, JOOLA managed to keep the weight of the Perseus paddle to a minimum, making it the lightest swing weight among thermoformed paddles. This swing weight enhances the paddle’s maneuverability, speed, and responsiveness. JOOLA has managed to create a paddle that was lighter and feels less rigid. We’ve played other thermoformed paddles, and this one has a great feel and its improved maneuverability is evident right away. Its exceptionally low swing weight of 117 for an elongated shape is unmatched by any other thermoformed paddle. The Perseus series has the best control of the thermoformed paddles out in the market.
Drawbacks:
- This paddle is less forgiving than other thermoformed paddles, which are usually very forgiving.
- The sweet spot is smaller. If you are a higher-level player you probably won’t notice much difference. Lower level players will definitely feel it.
- Pricey
JOOLA Scorpeus Series
Price: $250
Key features:
- Surface: Carbon Friction
- Core: Reactive Honeycomb
- Core (mm):16
- Control:94
- Power: 95
- Spin: 96
- Average Weight: 8oz
- Paddle Length: 16in
- Paddle Width: 8in
- Grip Type: Feel-Tec Pure
- Grip Length: 25in
- Grip Circumference: 4.25in
Sharing all the same technology as the Perseus paddle, the Joola Scorpius delivers the latest innovation in a different package. These paddles feature a reactive polymer Honeycomb Core and a charged carbon friction hitting surface engineered with a wider shape. Players looking for a bigger sweet spot and more forgiveness should look no further. The Perseus has a classic shape instead of an elongated one found in the Perseus. The paddle stands out not only for its excellent control, but also for its lighter swing weight and static weight.
A simple comparison between the Scorpius and the Perseus. The Perseus is slightly longer in the handle but narrower overall. Compared to the Perseus, which has a marginally higher power rating (Perseus 95, Scorpeus 94), the Scorpeus seems to be more focused on control (Scorpeus 95, Perseus 94). Their respective spin ratings are 95.
Drawbacks:
- Joola Scorpeus is not as forgiving as other thermoformed paddles.
- A little lower spin rating compared to other thermoformed paddles
- Thin grip wrap
- Pricey
CRBN-3X Power Series
Price: $230
Key features:
- Paddle weight: 8 oz (14 mm paddle) / 8.1 oz (16 mm paddle)
- Paddle length: 16 ½”
- Paddle width: 7 ½”
- Handle length: 5 ¼”
- Grip circumference: 4 ¼”
- Paddle face material: Carbon fiber
- Core material: Honeycomb polypropylene core
- Core thickness :14 mm or 16 mm (0.55″ or 0.63″)
- Sweet spot: Large
The CRBN 3X Power Series pickleball paddle is a high-performance option designed for players seeking a balance between power and control. It is one true all-court paddle, offering power, control, and spin. The carbon fiber face on the original CRBN Control Series has a reputation for great spin, and that’s still true with the 3X. This paddle features injected foam running around the edges and down through the handle. This foam adds stability, eliminates vibration, and greatly expands the sweet spot leading to improved shot consistency no matter where you hit the ball. A 16mm Thick Core provides great stability, forgiveness, and the ability to slow the ball down when needed.
Drawbacks:
- Pricey at $230
Vatic Pro Flash 16mm
Price: $140
Key features:
- Weight Avg: 1 oz
- Swing weight: 114 (moderately low)
- Twist weight 4 (moderately high)
- Length x Width: 2″ x 7.7″
- Handle Length: 4″
- Handle Circumference: 25″
- Thickness; 16 mm
If you’re looking for a paddle to crush balls that has a lower swing weight the vatic pro flash 16MM is a great choice. The Flash’s popularity is due in large part to its hybrid shape. You no longer have to decide between elongated (stability) versus standard (maneuverability) paddle shape. In terms of stability, it is much closer to an extended paddle than it is a standard one which is impressive. The Flash shines brightest when it comes to spin, since it’s shorter you can accelerate the paddle face through contact very quickly which is a recipe for more spin. In addition to all these amazing features the best part is that it is priced very reasonable.
Drawbacks:
This paddle might not work for players who have gotten used to swing characteristics of either a standard or elongated length paddle