7 Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin 2024

Welcome to the best pickleball paddles for spin guide! If you’re here, you’re likely on the hunt for a paddle that can turbocharge your spin game.

The pickleball community is buzzing with excitement about spin, and all the big brands have paddles crafted to boost your spin. Even the creators of pickleball practice machines have upgraded to include a spin feature.

Stick around for our detailed reviews of the best pickleball paddle for spin, plus game-enhancing tips. Whether you’re a spin pro or just starting, we’ve got you covered.

And don’t miss our buyer’s guide at the end, tackling FAQs and helping you choose your next spin-friendly paddle. Let’s dive into the spin-filled world of pickleball!

Selecting a paddle that enhances your spin game is all about finding what suits your playstyle.

Here are three general pointers to guide you in picking the best spin-friendly paddle for your game:

1.Composite Hitting Surface: Look for a paddle with a composite hitting surface for a balance of control and power.

2.Textured Graphite Surface: Opt for a paddle with a textured graphite surface to boost the spin on the ball.

3.Gritty Paddle Face: Find a paddle with added “grit” on the face to improve ball grip.

If you feel like your current pickleball paddle isn’t delivering the spin you want, fret not! We’ve got you covered with all the insights to help you choose the perfect paddle.

There are paddles designed explicitly to elevate the spin rate on your pickleball shots! Calling all finesse and spin enthusiasts, this one’s for you.

Specs：

• Surface – Raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber with heat compressed texturing
• Foam Inject Walls for an increased sweet spot and added control
• Thermoformed edges and a Unibody Construction
• Average Weight – 8.1-8.5 oz
• Total Length – 16.5 Inches
• Width – 7.5 Inches
• Grip Circumference – 4.25 Inches
• Grip Length – 5.3 Inches (elongated for 2-hand backhands)
• Grip has 2 Ethylene Vinyl Acetate inserts to absorb shock and help with tennis elbow
• Core – Optimized C7 Polymers and high-grade performance Honeycomb
• Core Thickness – 16mm
• Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU

Price：$139.99 at Vaticpro

PROS:

-The Thermoform tech makes it tough as nails – Gives a nice touch while in action

-Easy on the pocket for a top-notch paddle

-I really liked the handle/grip. I appreciated that it was smaller than most 16mm paddles at 4 1/8″ and 4 1/4″ circumferences when you include the overgrip.

CONS:

-The paddle is soft, which may not be an option for players who prefer a stiffer feel.

-The shortage of extreme pop might not work for players who lean on a feistier paddle.

Summary:

For those looking for a more controlled style of play, the Vatic Pro V7 is a real catch.  Its soft feel allows for pinpoint shots, giving players more control over the ball.

Its lightweight design also makes it a snap to handle, allowing players to place their shots with pinpoint accuracy. This paddle strikes a great balance between control and power, making it a perfect fit for players who appreciate both sides of the coin.

What’s more, the Vatic Pro V7 features a generous sweet spot, which means players have a wider margin for error when hitting the ball. This feature is a real boon for players still honing their skills or those looking to improve their consistency on the court.

The low pop nature of the paddle also aids in controlled play by offering a more controlled reaction when hitting the ball.

Any fresh “raw” CF paddle spins like a tornado, and the Vatic Pro V7 didn’t buck the trend. It was right on the money and as expected.

The spin you can whip up with this paddle is kinda wild, especially when you stack it against older carbon-faced paddles. The TORAY T700 fiber surface they’ve got on this thing really pulls its weight and gives more spin than I’ve seen with carbon-faced paddles from the past.

I love to get fancy with spins in my games. I put a topspin on my serves and use backhand slices to my advantage.

The spin power I get with the Vatic Pro takes things up a notch and makes my game way more enjoyable (well, for me anyway, not so much for my rivals). Balls twist and turn like mad and drop quickly, causing the other team to miss or mishit.

There’s a heap of compliments for the Vatic Pro paddles, and they’re all well-earned. One thing nobody can debate is the bang for your buck. The Vatic Pro absolutely outperforms its price tag in today’s market.

This paddle holds its own against any high-end paddle out there right now but is a good deal less pricey than the big-name brands. Therefore, I recommend it as one of the best pickleball paddle for spin list.

Both paddles:

-swift as a hawk, great for quick hand-to-hand skirmishes

-strong spin like a tornado

-decent punch, though not as forceful as a longer paddle

-smaller face, with a small yet rewarding sweet spot like a hidden treasure

The two paddles are more like two peas in a pod than apples and oranges.  I don’t have hard facts to back this up, just my keen observation:

14mm – when squared off with the 16mm, it gives a more direct feel and immediate response.  There’s less shake-off and you can feel the ball’s position on the paddle as clearly as a deer tracks a rustle in the leaves. 

It offers superior direction control and a whirlwind of spin.  Judging depth can be tricky when you miss the sweet spot, but it feels like hitting a jackpot when you do.  Ideal for: offensive moves, counterattacks, swift dropping drives.

16mm – compared to the 14mm, it has a softer, cushioned touch like a feather bed, offering a bit more control.  It has slightly less power and spin.  The more muted feel provides comfort on off-center hits, but doesn’t pack a punch on off-center hits.  Best for: gentle plays and resets.

If you’re a tennis player, think of it this way: if you prefer a Wilson Pro Staff, go for the 14mm.  If a Wilson Blade is more your style, get the 16mm.  I guess most folks lean towards the 16mm, but lately, I’ve taken a shine to the 14mm for its straightforward feel.

I’ve dabbled with lead tape at various spots on both paddles, but they play like a dream in their original form with an over grip.  When I do use lead tape, it’s 4g at the handle’s base to up the static weight without adding swing weight, akin to a traditional tennis racket setup.

Specs:

• Weight: 8.00 oz (226g)
• Size: 16.5”x 7.375” (419mm x 187mm)
• Thermoformed T700 Unibody construction
• Face Material: Nano T700 Raw Carbon Fiber face
• Core Thickness 16mm
• High Density Polypropylene Core
• Graphics are UV printed directly onto core surface
• 5.5″ Grip Length, 4.25″ Circumference
• Octagon Handle with vibration dampening wrap
• USAPA APPROVED

Price：$165 at Bnbpickleball

PROS:

-It’s designed for aggressive players who enjoy powerful groundstrokes and those who need spin for better control on the court.

-The Filth offered similar power and feel to other paddles, though slightly softer at the net.

-The paddle allows for two styles of play. (I try my best to play a gentle, well-controlled game for most of the match, then if things are looking good, I change to a more aggressive style.)

CONS:

-It may take a while to get used to, especially if you’re not familiar with thermoformed paddles.

-It can be challenging to control the bounce and power initially.

-There are unresponsive areas near the handle and edges.

Summary:

Bread & Butter label The Filth as their top-tier paddle. Control with Gen. 2 thermoformed paddles like The Filth can be complex.

Unlike traditional paddles, The Filth isn’t soft or plush, but stiff and responsive. It might seem unforgiving to some, but I’ve grown to like its crisp feel. Although stiff, it’s one of my favorite paddles for control. 

The Filth’s accurate response, lightweight handling, and consistent pop give me confidence in drops and net dinking. It’s perfect for precise roll volleys, speed-ups, and punch volleys. 

The Filth also excels in soft game plays and powerful counters. Adding lead tape to The Filth further enhances its stability and control.

The Filth, a thermoformed paddle, gives a slightly lesser spin compared to Vatics and CRBN1X Powers. This is likely due to its quick-launch feel, offering less ball-into-paddle dwell time for the ball to grip the carbon. Yet, the difference is minimal. 

The Filth is on par with top spin paddles like Vatic Pro, Legacy Pro, Ronbus, Six Zero, and Volair. Some may offer a tad more spin, largely due to Filth’s crisp feel. Still, it’s a high-spin paddle, great for slicing and shaping shots. 

The paddle surface maximizes friction, visibly ripping off ball dust. If you’re after the sensation of gripping and flinging the ball with topspin or backspin, the Filth is a solid choice.

This paddle is excellent for seasoned players. While beginners can use it, they should focus on controlling their game and resist overpowering their ground strokes initially.

The key difference between the CRBN 1X Power 16mm and the Bread & Butter Filth lies in the “feel” of the paddle, indicating that despite their similar exteriors, their cores are distinct.

Although “completely different” may be an overstatement, it’s clear that they’re not just carbon copies of each other.

To put it simply, the CRBN’s core feels more technologically sophisticated than the Filth’s. 

This doesn’t imply that one is better than the other. The Filth provides a more raw, undiluted experience upon contact, as if there are no additional elements interfering with the pure paddle and ball interaction. 

On the other hand, the CRBN’s core seems designed to retain the ball a tad longer, which reduces some contact vibrations – a feeling that isn’t present with the Filth.

Specs:

• Thickness: 16mm & 14mm
• Weight range: 8.1oz average
• Shape: Hybrid (16.3 x ~7.7)
• Handle length: 5.3″
• Grip circumference: 4.25″
• Face: Toray T700 carbon fiber
• Core: 8mm Honeycomb polymer
• Swing weight: 114
• Spin: 2018
• Type: Control/All-court

Price：$180 at Sixzero

PROS:

• The paddle provides slightly more power than non-Fusion Edge 16 mm carbon paddles.
• It allows good control once you adapt to its unique feel.
• Due to its lower swing weight, the paddle is very maneuverable and light.
• It has a high spin rating, ranging from 1675 to 1700 RPMs.
• The paddle offers stability, reduced vibrations, and excellent forgiveness, making it more user-friendly and less likely to cause discomfort or injury.
• It features a comfortable octagonal handle and a unique hybrid shape, which can enhance grip and control.

CONS:

• Come in a single design and weight.
• Not as cushioned or comfy as a regular 16mm carbon paddle without Fusion Edge Technology.
• Has a distinct, lightweight, and clear touch that needs a bit of adjustment.
• Lacks in driving force.
• Needs a bit of lead tape to perform at its best.

Summary:

This is not just a control paddle, it also delivers a powerful strike. The ball comes off the face quickly, allowing you to play an assertive game when needed.

The last element that makes this a superb all-court paddle is its spin.

Expect to be impressed with the spin from the Double Black Diamond paddle. It’s truly excellent, ranking among the top spinning paddles I’ve used.

The surface material is compact and thick, similar to the Legacy Pro. Both these paddles can produce a lot of spin. The result you get is akin to what you’d get from the Power Air, another top spinning paddle.

Playing with slices and deep top spin drives is fun and easy with this paddle. Directing the ball from anywhere on the court seems effortless. You’ll feel like you can place the ball exactly where you want. This paddle’s spin has saved many uncertain shots from going out.

If you already have good spin in your game, be ready to see surprise and annoyance on your opponent’s face once you switch to this paddle. It will transform your spin shots into a formidable tool.

If you’re using a 16 mm raw carbon paddle without the Fusion Edge Tech and want to add a bit more power to your game, then the Double Black Diamond Control paddle could be a good choice for you.

If you’re used to playing with a Selkirk Power Air or any other high-power paddle and you’re looking for something that offers easier control without losing too much power, then the Black Diamond Power paddle might be worth considering.

It seems that you have done an extensive comparison between the Six Zero paddles and the CRBN paddles, both of which use Fusion Edge Technology (or Unibody Technology as CRBN calls it).

It’s clear that both brands offer similar playing experiences with minor differences. The CRBN 1X paddles are slightly heavier at the head and slower in the hands, but they are also slightly softer. The Six Zero Black Diamond Power, CRBN 1X 16mm paddles and Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control all offer a harder hit than a raw carbon paddle without Fusion Edge Technology, but their performance varies.

Adding lead tape to the Double Black Diamond Control made it almost as soft as the CRBN 1X 16mm paddles, and they played similarly after this modification. However, without any modifications, you prefer the feel of the CRBN 1X paddles over the Double Black Diamond Control.

I final recommendation boils down to the player’s preference and willingness to modify his paddle. If a player is comfortable adding lead tape, the Six Zero brand might be a cost effective choice that offers a similar experience to the CRBN 1X series for $50 less. On the other hand, if a player prefers not to modify the paddle, the CRBN 1X Series may be a better option despite the additional $50 cost.

Specs:

• Average Weight: 8-8.2 oz
• Paddle Length: 16.5 in
• Paddle Width: 7.5 in
• Thickness: 14 mm / 16 mm
• Handle Length: 5.5 in
• Grip Circumference: 4.125 in
• Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb, Foam Walls
• Paddle Face Material: Raw T700 Carbon Fiber

Price：$179.99 at Volair

PROS:

• High-quality thermoformed paddle
• Has a bit more power than the usual thermoformed paddle
• Solid and steady
• Rated highly for spin
• Not too costly and includes an eraser and additional grip
• Well-balanced in terms of power and control
• Compared to other thermoformed paddles, you find this one relatively easy to control. Although you think it’s slightly less forgiving than the Six Zero DBD, it’s much more forgiving than the Legacy Pro

CONS:

• Not precisely 16.5″ long as stated on their website, it’s more of a mixed shape at 16.3″
• Only comes in one shape
• Despite being a quality paddle, it lacks distinctive performance features to set it apart from other thermoformed paddles

Summary:

The Mach 1 Forza is a new entrant in the second-generation thermoformed paddle category. As with all such paddles, the Forza is crafted using a heat-treated, single-piece design.

It also features foam injections around the edges and a pure T700 carbon fiber front. This paddle is as well-crafted as the best second-generation options out there.

The way the Forza performs is similar to other thermoformed paddles, with a few unique features that make it stand out. It has the expected rigid feel of a thermoformed paddle, and it also delivers a powerful hit.

This paddle is versatile and can be used effectively all over the court. It offers a great balance of strength, precision, speed, and spin.

The Mach 1 Forza exhibits exceptional spin characteristics.  This, coupled with the Forza’s powerful strike, makes it a formidable pickleball paddle, earning it a spot on your list of top spinning pickleball paddles.

The paddle achieves an impressive average of 2028 RPM in tests, thanks to the high-quality gritty textured peel-ply paddle surfaces it uses.  This is similar to the surfaces found on the Carbon X Series and Ronbus paddles.

The high spin allows you to easily shape your shots and make the ball bounce in various directions, making it challenging for your opponents.  Your slice returns have been particularly effective with this paddle.

Even though you personally prefer to add weight to your Forza, you found that it already has fantastic spin capabilities straight out of the box due to its lighter stock weight. 

The paddle you used weighed in at 7.9 oz (which is admittedly on the lower end for this paddle), and you found that your first few games with it at this weight were particularly difficult for your opponent to handle your spin.

In summary, the Mach 1 Forza is a strong addition to the thermoformed paddle category. It’s a high-quality, powerful paddle that’s a lot of fun to play with.

Specs:

• Shape: Elongated
• Core thickness: 16mm
• Face: Raw Toray T700 carbon fiber w/ textured finish
• Average weight: 8.1 oz
• Grip length: 5.5”
• Swing Weight: 121
• Grip size: 4.125”
• Core: Honeycomb polymer
• Total length: 16.5”
• Width: 7.5″

Price：$150 at Ronbus

PROS:

• Good overall control due to combination of power and spin.
• Spin was good for both topspin and side and underspin.

CONS:

• Does not have the free speed and effortless power of a composite paddle
• Near touch shots lose some spin finesse

Summary:

The Ronbus R3 Pulsar is one of my go-to paddles because it’s trustworthy and it’s got immense spin. I’ve managed to whip up some wicked topspin and sidespin, which has let me play more aggressively when I serve and return.

The R3 Pulsar is a standout paddle with a big, forgiving sweet spot, which leads to a more steady performance.

The R3 Pulsar is pretty much the same size as the CRBN 1X; same length, same width, and they’re the only thermoformed paddles out there with a 5.5 inch handle. But it’s definitely not just a budget version of the CRBN 1X.

I found the R3P to be soft and cushy, which is pretty rare for a long thermoformed paddle. Its softer hit means you can tweak it more with lead tape to add some power and shift the balance to your preference. 

This isn’t something I’ve done with other long thermoformed paddles because they already had plenty of power.

If you’re someone who likes to customize paddles with lead tape and you’re not a fan of the stiff feel and high power of thermoformed paddles, I’d suggest giving the R3 Pulsar a look.

I’m also a big fan of how the paddle looks. Ronbus has the best logo on the market, hands down. It’s a fantastic addition to the thermoformed paddle market, and the price is right.

The R3 Pulsar is pretty similar to the R1 Pulsar, but it’s got a flat top instead of a round one. You’d think it’s just a small change in looks, but it actually affects how the paddle plays.

It shares a lot with the R1 Pulsar, like being really versatile on any part of the court and having that extra oomph that you don’t get with other Ronbus paddles. Plus, it’s pretty forgiving.

The real difference between the R3 and the R1 Pulsar is their swingweight. The R3 Pulsar weighs in at 122, which is 8 points more than the R1 Pulsar’s 114.

This extra weight means you can really wallop the ball from the baseline, giving you more power and distance. But keep in mind, the R3 Pulsar feels heavier and might feel a bit sluggish at the net.

In general, I’d probably point you towards the R1 Pulsar. It has the same style, but it’s lighter and easier to handle. But if you’re all about that extra swingweight, then the R3 Pulsar might be the way to go.

Specs:

• Surface：Toray T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
• Avg. Weight：8.0 oz.
• Thickness：16mm
• Core：Reactive Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Height：16.5 in.
• Length：7.5 in.
• Handle：6 in. handle length.
• Octagonal grip circumference of 4.25″

Price：$99.99 at Ballrpickleball

PROS:

• Comes with a free neoprene paddle cover.
• If you’re someone who plays close to the line and you’re looking for an extra reach or extra spin on your shots, then this is a perfect fit for you.
• If you like to swing with both hands, then this handle is just what you need.
• Best for intermediate players

CONS:

• The power is not as strong as it seems
• Only a few color choices are available

Summary:

Ballr Pro Paddle is the first product from a new entrant in the market, a company named Ballr Pickleball. 

This Gen 1 raw carbon fiber paddle stands out from the crowd with its unique 6-inch handle – longer than most of its kind, which often don’t exceed 5.5 inches.

The Ballr Pro Paddle has a regular elongated design, totalling 16.5 inches in length.   Playing with it feels similar to other Gen 1 paddles – a plush feel, great control, and decent spin.

The longer handle does offer advantages, allowing more power when driving the ball from the baseline, similar to the Gruvn 16-H, another Gen 1 Carbon Fiber paddle with a longer handle.

However, the Ballr Pro Paddle is still a control paddle.  While it does offer some power in baseline drives, it lacks the pop and power of thermoformed paddles when playing at the kitchen line.  The longer handle does make it slightly head-heavy and slower to swing than other paddles.

Players who want a control paddle with the ability to generate some power on their drives, especially in two-handed backhands, will find the Ballr Pro a good fit.  Ex-tennis players and those with larger hands may find the longer handle more comfortable.

The Ballr Pro Paddle is reasonably priced and stands out in the market filled with shorter-handled Gen 1 carbon fiber paddles. 

However, its comparison to the Vatic Prisms, which are priced similarly, reveals some differences. The Prisms have a shorter handle, but also an edge foam which enhances the sweet spot and a unibody design for durability.

After adding lead tape to the sides of the Ballr Pro, I found its power similar to that of the Prism V7, making both good options.

While the Prisms seem to have a better build quality, the Ballr Pro Paddle appeals to those wanting longer handles and quicker swing speed.

The Ballr Pro, with a spin rate of 2002 RPM in my testing, is a great choice for those seeking control and a longer handle at a budget-friendly price.

The Ballr is gonna give you a softer feel when you hit the ball, and honestly, it’s a pretty sweet paddle. If you’re into that softer face action, I’d say go for the Ballr. But if you’re the type who loves a sturdy paddle with some real power behind it, then the R3 is your choice.

I think the Vatic Flash or V7 because they feel too firm or too poppy when you hit the ball, right? They’re definitely some of the stiffest paddles out there right now. If you ask me, because of their lack of control and how stiff they are, I’d say go with the Ballr. It seems like it gives me better control of the paddle.

What is the big deal about pickleball spin, and why is everyone talking about it lately?

Well, there seem to be two main reasons for this growing trend:

The game is growing. Pickleball has come a long way from its slower dinking days to a more athletic sport. Players are more skilled today, and the sport is attracting more athletes.

Companies are responding with high-tech paddles to meet this demand and raise the level of play. Advanced skills, such as putting spin on the ball, have become mainstream. Equipment manufacturers are catching on, releasing paddles optimized for the style we see on the court, with new textured surfaces for maximum spin.

As pickleball grows, more and more former tennis players are getting involved. Skilled tennis players are adept at creating different effects on the ball, such as topspin, backspin, and side-spin.

They can put a lot of spin on their serve. Experienced tennis players usually have a strong topspin serve, execute well-placed drop shots with backspin, and can handle tricky serves. If you watch professional tennis, you’ll notice that forehand topspin is a dominant weapon.

Check out a composite paddle’s face closely, and you’ll see that textured material (usually fiberglass) compared to the sleek graphite/carbon fiber paddle face. Run your fingers over it, and you’ll feel (and maybe hear) that texture. It’s like the secret sauce—it gives the paddle some “bite” or “grab.” So, when you slice it across the ball, voila, you get spin.

In tennis, people tweak their racket’s “bite” with rough, textured, or tacky strings, adjusting the space between them for extra “grab.”

But here’s the pickleball scoop: once you snag a paddle, you’re stuck with its face. No fancy string adjustments here to up the texture or “grab” after you’ve sealed the paddle deal.

In short, choosing one of these seven best pickleball paddles for spin can be a game changer.

Remember, it’s all about finding the perfect balance between control and power to help put that extra spin on your shot.

So, whether you’re a pro or just starting to pick up the pace, these paddles can help you bring your A-game to the court.

More Information

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