What pickleball paddles do the pros use

What pickleball paddles do the pros use？Even with over 100 pickleball makers out there, only a few paddle brands rule the game for the pros. It could be because only a handful produce top-quality paddles, or they’re the ones sponsoring the big-league pickleball players. Maybe it’s a mix of both.

While lots see pickleball as fun and games, some folks are making serious cash playing it pro.

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) throws big-money tournaments where top players battle it out, not just for glory but also fat purses and sponsorships.  As pickleball’s popularity skyrockets, so do the hottest paddles. Pros aren’t just players; they’re paddle developers too. Crafted to their liking, these paddles are all about spin, power, touch, and feel. And as the game grows, so do the pros and the paddles they swear by.

Now, who are these ace players, and what’s up with their paddles? How do they differ from beginner gear? And why splurge on a top-notch paddle when you can snag a great one for under $50?

Our Paddle Experts will tell you all. Let’s kick off with a rundown of the top pickleball players in the country and the paddle brands they trust.

Defining a professional pickleball player can be a bit tricky. But in simple terms, it usually means someone who competes for money or makes a living from playing pickleball.

It’s clear-cut for big names like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, who rake in thousands from both prizes and sponsorships. And of course, it’s crystal clear that folks just having a good time at the local park aren’t pros. But in the middle, it gets a bit hazy.

Now, talking about pickleball paddle brands and the pros in this article, we’re focusing on the paddles used in 2024 by the touring pros under contract with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).

I found that most professional players use JOOLA and Selkirk paddles. JOOLA has 43 players listed on its website, and it’s sure to add more this year. The Selkirk website has 17 players on its list, and I’m sure the brand will continue to add to its team this year.

Paddletek’s official website has a list of eight players, and the number one female singles player Anna Leigh Waters is using their brand of paddle.

The remaining paddle brands sponsor fewer players than those three brands. I won’t go into detail here.

The following players are singles. I ranked them according to the Rank data of PPA official website.The list will be updated with the new season and league performance.

Paddletek BANTAM ALW-C 12.7 / 14.3

BANTAM ALW-C 12.7 Paddle Specs：

WEIGHT: 7.5-7.8

GRIP CIRCUMFERENCE:

Standard Grip 4 1/4″

Thin Grip 4″

GRIP LENGTH: 5″

SURFACE: Unidirectional RAW Carbon Fiber

CORE: Bantam SRT Core

CORE MATERIAL: Advanced High Grade Polymer Composite Honeycomb

CORE THICKNESS: 12.7 mm

TOTAL LENGTH: 15 5/8″

WIDTH: 7 3/4″

BANTAM ALW-C 12.7 Paddle Rating：

POWER 9.5 / 10

CONTROL 7.5 / 10

FORGIVENESS 7.5 / 10

BANTAM ALW-C 14.3 Paddle Rating：

POWER 9 / 10

CONTROL 8 / 10

FORGIVENESS 8 / 10

Price: $ 229.99 from paddletek

Bottom Line：

Breaking away from the trend of longer paddles, the Bantam ALW-C paddle stands out with its standard shape.  Most paddles come in either 16mm or 14mm thickness, but the Bantam offers a choice between 14.3 or 12.7 width.  You can also get it with a thin or regular grip.

I went for the 14.3 Regular version.  It feels like your typical paddle, so if you’re used to that shape, you’ll get the hang of it fast.

This paddle does a lot of things really well, finding a sweet spot between power, control, and spin without sacrificing any of those three.  On a scale of 10, I’d rate power, control, and spin at a solid 8.75 across the board.  They’re all excellent but not outstanding.

Other paddles in this price range usually excel more in one category over the others.  That’s why I consider this a fantastic all-around paddle—it’s great in every area, even if it’s not exceptional in one.

Playing impressions:

• It’s a soft-hitting paddle with no vibrations, which is great for those with tennis or pickleball elbow. (This is for the 14.7 mm version; I’m not sure about the 12.7 mm.)
• The sweet spot is generous, and hits off-center feel forgiving.
• Serves and full-swing returns have power, but it won’t do the work for you. You don’t have to swing hard, but if you put in the usual effort, this paddle will likely give you more power than your old one.
• Volleys pop, but it’s easy to control, never felt out of hand.
• Ball placement is precise, giving a sense of control.
• Spin is very good, though there are paddles out there that spin more. For most players, the Bantam offers plenty of spin.
• Mine weighs 7.8, and it feels light, just the way I like it.

Choosing a paddle is personal, and nothing beats a real play. This is an excellent paddle, but there are many outstanding ones in this price range. You need to consider your playing style and what matters to you in a paddle. If you want an all-around paddle that excels in everything, the Bantam might be your match.

For me, it won’t be my top pick for singles. I prefer a longer, elongated shape and handle.  The Bantam has the traditional shape with a standard-sized handle, and in singles, I wished for a bit more length, especially on a two-handed backhand.

But, for doubles where quick reactions and handspeed matter, and volleys with spin and pop are key, this paddle fits the bill. The traditional shape gives me more space at the kitchen line, increasing my chances of getting my paddle on a fast ball compared to an elongated paddle. So, I’m excited to try this paddle at my next doubles session.

Selkirk Catherine Parenteau Vanguard Power Air Invikta Pickleball Paddle

Specs:

Midweight Range: 7.7 – 8.1 oz.

Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″

Grip: Selkirk Geo Grip

Handle Length: 5 1/4″

Paddle Length: 16 1/2″

Paddle Width: 7.375″

Face: Hybrid Blend of Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber

Core material: Polymer Honeycomb

Core Thickness: 13mm

Edge Guard: Edgeless DuraEdge

Rating：

Power 10 / 10

Control 6.0 / 10

Spin 10 / 10

Price: $ 250 from selkirk

Bottom Line：

This paddle isn’t my favorite type—I played with it before, and it was okay, but it felt a bit dead in certain spots. It’s more of a power paddle, and it has an almost long handle, allowing for a two-handed grip.

The bottom part is designed for aerodynamics, aiming for a faster swing. When you buy this paddle, it comes with lead tape to address potential dead spots.

I went for the 14.3 Regular version, and it feels like a standard paddle. In terms of performance, it does many things well, striking a balance between power, control, and spin. However, it’s not outstanding in any one category.

The tap test reveals some dead spots, especially around the edges, which might require additional lead tape. The handle is nice, the grip is good, and it’s thin, likely made of carbon and fiberglass.

For the short shots, it feels solid on dinks, surprisingly so. However, when I picked up the pace and hit the ball faster against the wall, it started feeling dead, and I had to put in extra effort to keep it moving. Overall, my personal review would give it an 8 for the tap test.

Moving to the midcourt, despite claims of impressive topspin potential, I didn’t feel much topspin. It was okay, but still with noticeable dead spots. The midcourt performance was just alright.

As for the backcourt, I wasn’t a fan at all. Even in wet conditions, the bounce was lacking, and I couldn’t get a decent rally going. For a paddle priced at $250, I’d rate it a 6 out of 10. This is my opinion, and I recommend demoing paddles before making a purchase to ensure it suits your style.

JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 14 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Specs:

Average Weight: 7.8 ounces
Weight Range: 7.6 – 8.0 ounces
Grip Circumference: 4.125″ (Small) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8″
Grip Style: Sure-Grip Technology
Grip Manufacturer: JOOLA
Handle Length: 5.5″
Paddle Length: 16.5″
Paddle Width: 7.5″
Paddle Face: “Charged” Carbon Friction Surface (CFS)
Core Material: Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core
Core Thickness: 14mm (0.55″)
Edge Guard: 1/8″ overlapping paddle face

Price: $ 249.95 from Joola

Bottom Line:

The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pickleball Paddle has been causing a buzz in the pickleball community, and as a big fan of the sport, I had to give it a go and spill the beans on how it performs and what it brings to the table.

Pros:

Ben Johns Signature Design: This collaboration with the world’s number one pickleball player is a big deal, and the paddle reflects that.  It’s made for aggressive players who want to up their game (9/10).

Charged Carbon Surface: The innovative tech gives a crisp feel with extra energy return.   The poppy response and ball feedback step up your gameplay, giving you a noticeable edge (8.5/10).

Fully Carbon-Encased Construction: It’s strong and stable, perfect for aggressive play.   This design ensures the paddle stays consistent over time, crucial for serious players (9/10).

Engineered Shape: The paddle’s shape creates a larger sweet spot, boosting accuracy and control.   Great for players aiming to finesse their shots (9/10).

Feel-Tec Pure Grip: The grip is excellent, offering a tacky handle for a firm hold, even in intense rallies.  Plus, it absorbs sweat, adding to the overall comfort during play (8/10).

Cons:

High Price: The significant downside is the cost.  Despite the cutting-edge features, the price might put off some players (6/10).

Weight: At 8.0 ounces, it might feel a bit heavy for those used to lighter options, affecting maneuverability, especially for specific playing styles (7/10).

In a nutshell, this Pickleball Paddle is like a tool straight out of the pro playbook.  It’s packed with awesome features that make you feel like a champ on the court.  The generous sweet spot, top-notch grip, and durable build are major pluses.  But, and there’s a catch, the price is on the high side, and it’s a tad heavy.

Should you go for it?  Well, if you’re a committed pickleball player looking to step up your game and don’t mind splurging a bit, this could be your secret weapon.  But if you’re just starting out or want something lighter on your wallet, exploring other options might be a good idea.

SELKIRK LABS PROJECT 002

Specs：

Skill Level: 4.5+

Height: 16.5”

Width: 7.375”

Handle Length: 5.25”

Grip Circumference: 4.25”

Price: $ 333 from selkirk lab

Bottom Line：

Now, let’s dive into the interesting stuff. The Project 002 Invikta is a paddle like no other, a real standout in the Selkirk Labs lineup. It’s elongated, has a long handle, and packs a punch with both power and spin. If you’re considering entering the Selkrik Labs world, this paddle might be the reason.

When it comes to power, especially in singles play, the Project 002 Invikta shines. It feels different from any other paddle, but the power is undeniably there. However, where there’s power, there’s also spin, and this paddle takes it to another level. The spin it generates is quite impressive, offering a unique experience compared to its predecessor, the 001.

But, here’s the kicker—I personally find the sound feedback uncomfortable with this paddle. While other paddles give clear feedback on miss-hits, the Project 002 adds a layer of uncertainty. Even hitting the ball decently can feel awkward, creating doubt and confusion. For this reason alone, I stepped away from the paddle.

Now, with practice and experience, you might adapt to the unique feedback. It’s a journey, and if you decide to go for this paddle, you’ll eventually get the hang of it. However, despite its uniqueness, the performance boost doesn’t quite justify the hefty price tag. The valuation seems off, and it’s not a bang for the buck.

I’d recommend Selkirk Labs to two specific groups:

• You’re a competitive singles player with a 4.5+ rating who can leverage the Project 002 Invikta.
• You’re a devoted Selkirk fan.

She has used many brands of paddles，such as Legacy pro paddle, vatic pro paddle, Joola paddle or Paddletek paddle.

We have previously written a post about Legacy pro paddle review，you can check it out.

If you’re interested in the player’s story, check out this interview.

Price: $150 on the Legacy

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Heavyweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Specs：

Paddle Weight: 8.2 – 8.5 oz

Paddle Face Material: Carbon Friction Surface

Paddle Core Material: Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Core

Paddle Shape: Elongated

Paddle Length: 16 1/2”

Paddle Width: 7 1/2”

Grip Thickness: Standard – 4 1/4″

Handle Length: Long – 5 1/2″

Core Thickness: 16 mm

Colorway: Black

USA Pickleball Approved

Ben Johns Professional Model!

Price：$219.95 from Joola

Bottom Line：

Alright, let’s break down the details of this paddle. It’s 16.4 inches long, 7.3 inches wide, and 14 millimeters thick. The grip is a bit longer at 5.5 inches, giving it a unique feel. It weighs 7.8 ounces and boasts an arrow-curved design on top. Now, for the price, it’s at $219, just crossing that $200 mark.

Now, onto the performance ratings:

Control (5/5): This paddle excels in control, especially with soft shots like drops. It offers a forgiving feel, making off-center shots more manageable.

Power (4/5): It leans towards being head-heavy, which affected power, particularly on drives. There’s a bit of a trade-off here.

Spin (5/5): Spin is a strong suit, especially evident at the kitchen line. The longer grip allows for effective flicks and enhanced spin.

Aesthetics (5/5): A sleek black design with the Ben Johns signature gives it a top-notch look. The added rubber band is a nice touch for durability.

Now, who’s this paddle for? It’s a top-tier, all-around paddle, ideal for players seeking control, forgiveness, and good spin.

If you’re into precise third-shot drops and value stability, this paddle could be your match. However, given its price point of $220, it’s more suited for experienced players who are willing to invest in a high-quality paddle. If you’re just starting or not looking for a top-tier paddle, you might want to explore other options.

JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Specs：

Average Weight: 7.8 ounces
Weight Range: 7.6 – 8.0 ounces
Grip Circumference: 4.125″ (Small) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8″
Grip Style: Sure-Grip Technology
Grip Manufacturer: JOOLA
Handle Length: 5.25″
Paddle Length: 16″
Paddle Width: 8″
Paddle Face: “Charged” Carbon Friction Surface (CFS)
Core Material: Reactive Honeycomb Polymer
Core Thickness: 14mm (0.55″)
Edge Guard: 1/8″ overlapping paddle face

Price：$249.95 from Joola

Bottom Line：

This JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus paddle.  It’s got a carbon friction surface, a 14mm core, and weighs 7.8 ounces.  The length is 16 inches, a bit shorter, and the width is 8 inches, slightly wider.  The grip is 5.25 inches long, with a circumference of 4.125 inches.  It’s thermoformed and features foamed edges for added durability.

In my opinion the power is a bit lacking, especially compared to other paddle shapes.   Adding lead tape helps, but it won’t match the power of elongated or hybrid paddles.   Control is good, particularly at the kitchen, but the edges feel a bit dead.

Spin performance aligns with other foamed edge paddles. It’s super headlight, making it quick in hand battles, but adjusting to its speed might take a bit.

In terms of durability, it’s robust, and customization involves slapping some lead tape on the throat and head.

However, it’s on the pricier side at $250, and unless you’re a die-hard Anna Bright fan, there are more budget-friendly options with similar performance.  The shape might not be everyone’s cup of tea, so exploring other brands like Vatic Pro, Six Zero, Bread and Butter, or Ronbus could be a more sensible choice. Prices are getting a bit out of hand for paddles, so finding the right balance is crucial.

JOOLA Magnus paddle

Specs：

Player level: Pro

Surface: Carbon Friction Surface (CFS)

Core: Reactive honeycomb polymer core

Thickness: 14.0 mm

—–

He partnered with selkirk paddle brand in 2023 with the new tyson mcguffin signature vanguard power air invikta paddle.

On January 3, 2024, JOOLA announced that Tyson McGuffin had signed a contract with the JOOLA team. He has his own paddle：Magnus paddle (Not yet officially released and mass-produced)

Price：$277 from pro-pickleball.ch

Selkirk vanguard power air invikta paddle

Specs：

Skill Level：Intermediate to Pro

Power：10/10

Spin：9.5/10

Control：7/10

Forgiveness：7/10

Midweight Range：7.7 – 8.1 oz

Length：16.5″

Width：7.375″

Thickness：0.5″

Core：Polymer HoneyComb

Face：Hybrid Blend – FibreGlass and Carbon Fibre

Edge：Edgeless DuraEdge

Grip：Selkirk Geo Grip

Grip size：4 1/4″

Handle Length：5 1/4″

Bottom Line：

The Vanguard Power Air Invikta grabs attention with its sleek, futuristic design, resembling something out of an aviation factory rather than a pickleball paddle shop. It’s a premium paddle, crafted with top-notch materials and cutting-edge technology, and it comes with a price tag that reflects its quality.

The paddle maintains its aviation theme by feeling ultra-lightweight yet robust and flexible. The precision engineering is evident in the satisfying ‘swoosh’ sound during swings.

Selkirk has nailed the “midweight” specification, providing a balanced feel—not too light, not too heavy. The aerodynamic design makes the face feel lighter than the specs suggest, which might not be everyone’s preference.

While not a control-focused paddle, the Power Air is ideal for aggressive players who favor banger shots or use 3rd shot drives.

It may lack the forgiveness and feel of some other paddles, like the JOOLA Perseus or Paddletek Tempest Wave v3, but for those seeking power and precision, especially in aggressive playstyles, the Power Air is hard to beat.

ProXR Connor Garnett Signature 14 Pickleball Paddle

Specs:

Average Weight: 8.2 ounces

Weight Range: 8.0 – 8.4 ounces

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

Grip Style: Performance-Tac Cushion

Grip Manufacturer: ProXR

Handle Length: 6″

Paddle Length: 16.5″

Paddle Width: 7.5″

Paddle Face: Raw Carbon Fiber

Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb

Core Thickness: 14mm (0.55″)

Edge Guard: 1/4″ Overlapping Paddle Face

Price：$209.99 from ProXR

Bottom Line：

Fantastic paddle – lightweight and flickable. It offers excellent spin and a great feel on the face, allowing me to shape the ball effectively.

Overall, it’s a fantastic paddle, and I especially appreciate the longer handle for two-hand blocks, resets, extended reach, and occasional two-hand backhand shots that I’m practicing.

Diadem Edge 18K Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Specs:

Average Weight: 8.0 ounces

Weight Range: 7.8 – 8.2 ounces

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

Grip Style: Comfort Max Grip

Grip Manufacturer: Diadem

Handle Length: 5.3″

Paddle Length: 16.4″

Paddle Width: 7.5″

Paddle Face: 3D 18K Carbon Fiber

Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb

Core Thickness: 16mm (0.63″)

Edge Guard: Edge Shield Pro

Price：$229.95 from Diadem

Bottom Line：

Diadem has given the Warrior Edge a fresh update with a new hitting surface, while maintaining the same specs as its predecessor. The Warrior Edge 18K weighs around 8 ounces and boasts a polypropylene Honeycomb Core paired with a unique triaxial carbon fiber surface for impressive spin potential and comfort in every shot.

Upon picking up the paddle, the standout feature is the captivating 3D effect of the new hitting surface. Both players found it easy to adjust to this paddle during playtesting, with reliable spin and predictable ball response. The hitting surface grips the ball well, allowing for various spins, including a notable Top Spin and effective underspins on serves.

While power felt increased compared to the previous model, players noted that the real power came through on full swings, particularly during serves and baseline shots. The 16-millimeter thickness of the paddle provided a good amount of pop.

Regarding the handle, the paddle’s design allowed for a two-handed backhand grip, but one player found it to be average in space, requiring a slight adjustment to whip the ball effectively. The paddle offered a dampened feel, which worked well at the net for absorbing power and preventing overhits. However, one player preferred a livelier response, especially in doubles play.

In summary, the Diadem Warrior Edge 18K showcases a visually appealing design and performs well with its spin potential, controlled feel, and increased power. It suits players who appreciate a quieter sound at the net and enjoy a versatile paddle that handles various spins effectively.

When it comes to sports, we all love to imagine ourselves mirroring the skills of top-notch professionals on the field, court, or wherever we play.

This holds true in pickleball, where anyone can step onto the court and pull off a fantastic, almost-pro shot every now and then (maybe not every time like the real pros, though).

We can even match our favorite pickleball pros by using the same paddle, whether we’re making amazing shots or not-so-amazing ones on the court.

Is your pickleball paddle a twin to those used by your favorite pros? When you hit the pickleball court, especially during open play, do you spot the same kind of breakdown of paddle choices at the recreational level?

In my opinion, only when you are intermediate or advanced level, you can try these professional players rackets, after all, the rackets they use are expensive, almost all cost more than $200. You can use an alternative paddle to complete every match you play in the community.