If you’re a beginner wondering about the best lightweight pickleball paddles—whether lightweight, mediumweight, or heavyweight is better—here’s a tip: heavier paddles can be more challenging.

Best lightweight pickleball paddles are known for their powerful strikes and energy.  Contrary to common belief, they’re not just for beginners or women.  Many professionals prefer lightweight paddles for their powerful spin and wide reach.

By lightweight, we mean paddles that weigh less than about 7.5 ounces.  Generally, paddles under 8.2 ounces are also considered lightweight.  For more on choosing the right pickleball paddle weight, explore our article archive on pickleball paddle weights.

When I started playing pickleball, I spent a lot of time testing lightweight pickleball paddles to find one that could truly change my game.

If you’re specifically interested in lightweight paddles, let’s jump right into this review!

SPECS：

Paddle Weight Featherweight: 6.9 – 7.3 oz

Paddle Face Material: Proprietary Omni-directional friction based Graphite

Paddle Core Material: Proprietary Polymer Composite (Control Pro ‘Black’ Technology)

Paddle Shape: Elongated

Paddle Length: 16 1/2″

Paddle Width: 7 1/2″

Grip Thickness: Standard – 4 1/4″

Handle Length: Long – 5 3/4″

Core Thickness: 12.7 mm

Price：$175.99 from justpaddle

Bottom Line：

The Pursuit MX is Engage’s first graphite paddle, available in two core thicknesses. The paddle’s graphite face is specifically developed to work with Engage’s black core, which is the softest on the market. This graphite face has a rough texture that is part of the paddle face itself, ensuring durability and longevity. Designed to increase friction, it allows the ball to stay on the paddle longer, enhancing control, spin, and feel.

The MX model has a longer 5 3/4″ handle compared to the 5″ handle on the EX model. It features a 1/2″ thick core, providing similar control and feel to the 5/8″ core but with increased power.

SPECS:

Weight Average: 7.6 ounces

Grip Circumference: 4 1/8” (Small) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8″.

Grip Style: Cushion, perforated, ribbed

Handle Length: 4 1/2″

Paddle Length: 16 1/8”

Paddle Width: 7 5/8″

Paddle Face Finish: Textured Graphite

Core Material: NeuCore Poly Core

Core Thickness: 5/8″ (0.625″)

Price：$144.59 from Amazon

Bottom Line：

I’m very happy with this paddle.  It’s extremely lightweight, and the shorter handle ensures I grip it correctly.  The square handle shape provides a better grip, preventing the paddle from turning in my hand when hit forcefully.  The extra length of the paddle head helps when reaching for the ball.  Serving and returning are effortless due to the paddle’s responsiveness.  Initially, the ball spun wildly, but after adjusting to the touch needed, my game improved significantly.

​Its hybrid shape provides extra reach without shrinking the sweet spot.  It’s very forgiving, and touch and soft shots come easily.  The paddle has an even response across the face and surprising pop, allowing for good spin.  If you’re not looking for a specialty-shaped paddle or one that leans heavily towards control or power, this is a great option.  It suits a variety of playing styles and its forgiving nature makes it easy to use.

​As a casual player, $150 feels a bit pricey, but I highly recommend this paddle to beginner and intermediate players looking for a player-friendly performance paddle.  Advanced players might seek something with more power, but the Hellbender excels in all other areas.

SPECS:

Weight Average: 6.9-7.4 oz
Paddle Length: 15.5″
Face Width: 7.625″
Handle Length: 5″
Grip Size Circumference: 4.25″
Face: Graphite
Core: Polypropylene
Paddle Shape: Oversized
Handle Shape: Tennis

Price：$61.59 from Amazon

Bottom Line：

A friend, who has been playing for a few years, recommended getting a lightweight paddle under 8 ounces—the lighter, the better. This one fits the bill at about 6.9-7.4 ounces. The paddle is light with a tennis-style handle, which suits me well as a former tennis player. Its lightweight design helps me avoid wrist pain even after playing for hours. While wooden paddles are cheaper than the Onix, a lightweight paddle makes a huge difference in your ability to learn and enjoy the game.

The only drawback is that it makes a high-decibel buzzing sound upon impact, especially when smashing lobs, which I haven’t experienced with other paddles. However, this might just be me. Overall, it’s $70 well spent.

SPECS:

Skill Level: Beginner to Pro

​Weight Average: 7.5 oz

​Weight Range: 7.2-7.8 oz

​Grip: Owl Tru Grip

​Grip Circumference: 4.06″ (actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8″)

​Paddle Length:1 6.3”

​Handle Length: 5.0″

​Paddle Width: 7.5″

​Paddle Face: Proprietary Acoustene™ Composite

​Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb

​Core Thickness: 13 mm (0.51″)

​Edge Guard: Woven Acoustene™ (patent pending)

Price：$169 from OWL

Bottom Line：

This paddle isn’t the most powerful, but it has enough power for my play style. I’m focusing on improving my accuracy rather than just hitting hard. The paddle offers great control and lots of spin. It’s light and feels great in hand. Many players were curious about it, and I let them try it out. The only concern is how long it will last since the carpet material seems easy to wear out. I’ll be using it more to see how it wears out.

SPECS:

POWER RATING: 7.5 / 10

CONTROL RATING: 8 / 10

FORGIVENESS RATING: 7.5 / 10

WEIGHT: 7.0 – 7.5 oz

GRIP CIRCUMFERENCE: 4 1/4″

GRIP LENGTH: 5″

SURFACE: Textured Fiberglass Epoxy Hybrid

CORE: Bantam PolyCore

CORE MATERIAL: High Grade Polymer Composite Honeycomb

TOTAL LENGTH: 15 5/8″

WIDTH: 7 3/4″

Price：$96 from pickleballsuperstore

Bottom Line：

The Paddletek Bantam TS-5 gets a lot of attention for being an affordable paddle (under $100) designed for beginners, partly because it’s the paddle of choice for 16-year-old sensation Anna Leigh Waters.

When I first unboxed it, I thought the design was fairly standard: a sleek, modern Paddletek paddle. It didn’t feel particularly unique or have the premium feel of raw carbon fiber paddles, but as a beginner paddle, that’s to be expected.

On the court, this paddle excels at meeting beginner needs. Its lightweight design makes it very comfortable to play with, ensuring your arm doesn’t tire after long sessions. It’s user-friendly and easy to get used to—I got a feel for it straight away.

The lightweight construction makes it super maneuverable, providing quick hands at the kitchen. In my first game, I faced opponents who hit every third shot as a drive right at me. I was able to react with solid blocks and won a lot of games that way.

The paddle is also very forgiving, with a widebody face and a large sweet spot. It’s hard to mishit the ball, even if you try. Control is another strong point; I loved the accuracy on hard serves and touch shots like drops and dinks. It has a satisfying pop, which helped me connect with the ball and play a controlled game, giving beginners the confidence to take pickleball seriously.

However, if you’re looking for power, you might be disappointed. The light weight means you have to swing hard to generate real power, and many of my returns and serves didn’t go as deep as they would with an elite paddle like my CRBN-3X Power Series. Getting spin was also challenging. While I didn’t expect the same level of spin as the Six Zero DBD Control, I hoped for more. Many of my hard topspin drives sailed long.

That said, if you’re a beginner wanting to get to grips with pickleball, you can’t go wrong with this paddle. It’s far better than most beginner paddles, It will ground you in the game, boosting your confidence in your control skills. Once you’ve mastered that, you’ll be ready to move up to something more advanced.

SPECS:

Weight Average: 7.4 ounces

Grip Circumference: 4 ” (Medium) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8″.

Grip Style: Textured, high-tack grip

Grip Length: 4 3/4 “

Paddle Length: 15 1/2″

Paddle Width: 7 3/4″

Paddle Face: Carbon Fiber

Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb

Player Style: Hybrid

Price：$39.99 from Vulcan

Bottom Line：

The Vulcan 510 Blade Lightweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is designed for all-court players who prefer a thin grip. It offers a blend of power and control, with an aerodynamic design that allows for faster hand movements. The paddle features a modern shape, an 11mm polypropylene core, and Vulcan’s carbon fiber V-Skin surface. It weighs in at approximately 7.4 oz (+/- .2).

Paddle Benefits

• Great for Singles Play: The lightweight design and elongated shape provide extended reach, making it an excellent choice for singles matches.
• Aerodynamic Design: Its lightweight and aerodynamic build make it highly effective at the kitchen, perfect for players who attack the net with finesse and can quickly move to the backline.
• Spin and Control: The carbon fiber V-Skin surface allows for effective spin shots from the backline and provides excellent control at the net.
• Comfortable Grip: Equipped with the Vulcan Max Control Grip at 4”, no extra grip is needed, ensuring a comfortable and secure hold.Overall, the Vulcan 510 Blade Lightweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is ideal for players looking for a versatile paddle that offers both power and control, with efficient movement and excellent handling on the court.

SPECS:

Weight Range: 7.2-7.7 ounces (Light)

Grip Circumference: 4 1/8″(Small) or 4 3/8″ (Large) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8″.

Grip Style: thin, flat (small) or perforated cushion (large)

Grip Length: 5″

Paddle Length: 15 3/4″

Paddle Width: 8 1/4″

Paddle Face : Textured UV coated

Core Material: Polymer honeycomb

Core Thickness: 9/16″ (0.5625″)

Edge Guard: 1/8″ overlapping paddle face

Price：$99.99 from Amazon

Bottom Line：

The first thing you notice about the Prince Spectrum Pro is its grip shape. Due to its thick core, the grip is more squared compared to the usual oval or elongated rectangle shape. This is a positive feature as it makes it easier to maintain the proper angle of the paddle, minimizing off-angle hits. The paddle is available in both thin (4 1/8″) and standard (4 3/8″) circumference sizes, catering to different preferences.

I believe this is a power paddle. Its larger sweet spot makes shots more predictable and enhances ball control across all shot types. Despite its weight, the paddle feels lighter, which can result in surprising power and pop. The wide range of weight options allows players to choose more or less power or control according to their preference. As a product manager, I appreciate that this paddle comes in various weight and grip options, letting customers pick what works best for them.

In terms of ball feel and shot control, the Spectrum Pro excels. It feels great from the start. Initially, I hit a lot of balls out the back because I wasn’t anticipating how much pop the paddle has and was likely overswinging due to its light feel (the weight seems to be more handle-biased). After about 15 minutes, I got the feel for it and could add a lot of spin to the ball while still maintaining control and placement.

The paddle is quick and maneuverable, and its wider face inspired confidence, especially when spinning serves, defending volleys, and making backhand returns. The wide, consistent sweet spot allows for more creative and risky shots while maintaining consistency. This truly boosts confidence.

Because of these attributes, I believe this paddle is excellent for players of all levels who are looking to improve their game. The larger face and sweet spot make it forgiving, yet it’s also used by pros like Jennifer Lucore, showing it’s a paddle you won’t outgrow.

SPECS:

– 16.5″ x 7.5″

– Raw T-700 Carbon Fiber

– 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core

– 5.5″ handle length

– 4.35″ circumference

– Approximately 7.5 oz

Price：$69.99 from Rev

Bottom Line：

The Aria is the latest addition to the REV collection. It features a raw T700 carbon fiber face paired with a honeycomb polypropylene core, offering excellent durability and performance. The 16mm width enhances control and provides a large sweet spot, while the elongated face allows for extra reach.

The paddle’s handle is longer, crafted with a high-quality grip and an added ridge for extra comfort. Made from top-notch materials, the Aria rivals other “pro” level paddles on the market but comes at a fraction of the price.

Whether you’re new to pickleball or have been playing for a while, choosing the right paddle can be challenging. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll highlight the key features to consider.

​Weight

Pickleball paddles range from 6 to 14 ounces.  While this may not seem like much, you can really feel the difference after playing for a while.  The perfect paddle should feel balanced in your hand.

Paddles fall into three weight categories:

Lightweight: Under 7.5 ounces

Mid-weight: 7.6 to 8.2 ounces

Heavyweight: 8.4 ounces and above

For paddles up to 7.5 ounces, which tend to feel light in the hand, this review covers those to give a clear picture of the lighter options available.

Grip and Handle

The grip is as important as the weight when choosing a pickleball paddle.   Grip sizes typically range from 4 to 5 inches and above.   Many lightweight and mid-weight paddles come with a 4-inch grip, which can be increased using tape.   The grip should fit comfortably in your hand for easy handling.

Since palms can get damp during a game, textured grips are common to prevent slipping.   Some grips can even absorb sweat.

​Handle length is also worth considering.

A standard handle is between 5 and 5.5 inches.   A longer handle allows for more maneuverability and can be used with both hands, while shorter handles can offer better control.

​Surface

Pickleball paddles usually have a textured surface to help grip the ball, reducing spin from your opponent and returning shots with more power.   The surface material should be strong enough to provide powerful hits and have a large sweet spot for consistent accuracy.

​Core

When shopping for a paddle, you’ll often see references to honeycomb structures, which make up the paddle’s core.  A large honeycomb structure can absorb the ball’s impact, reducing noise and offering more control. The thicker the core, the lower the impact, allowing for more powerful returns.

Polymer honeycomb is common, with some brands using innovative honeycomb technologies for enhanced performance.

​Shape

The sweet spot is a crucial part of the paddle, where you want to hit the ball to generate the most power and spin. Paddles come in various shapes to optimize the sweet spot, with some being long, others wide, and some just overall larger.

We’ve come to the end of our comprehensive review of the 9 Best Lightweight Pickleball Paddles of 2024! Now that you’re informed about the strengths and potential drawbacks of lightweight paddles, we hope you’re ready to choose your next pickleball paddle!

For each of our top picks, we discussed how the face, surface area, weight, grip, and core affect overall performance. Thanks to their lightweight design, these paddles are easy to control. They’re constructed from high-quality materials, featuring excellent polymer honeycomb cores that deflect impact and reduce noise. Plus, all five are USAPA-approved for tournament play!

We also addressed some common questions about lightweight paddles and pickleball in general. If you’re intrigued by the gear used by top athletes, be sure to check out our detailed post on What paddles are the top professional pickleball players using. This comprehensive guide explores the choices of elite players and provides insights into why they prefer certain paddles over others. Don’t miss it!

Hopefully, we’ve answered your questions, but if you have more, feel free to reach out to us!