What Pickleball Paddles Do The Pros Use? (2026 Edition)

If you’re serious about improving your pickleball game, one of the smartest things you can do is study the gear the pros are using right now — especially their paddles.

And in 2026, that matters more than ever.

A few years ago, paddle shopping was mostly about broad labels like “power” or “control.” Now it’s much more specific. Pros are choosing paddles based on shape, swing feel, handle length, stability, dwell time, and how the paddle behaves in the exact situations that define their game — hands battles, counters, resets, roll volleys, serves, drives, and transitions.

The pro paddle market has also shifted fast this year, with major player changes including Anna Leigh Waters moving to Franklin, Gabe Tardio moving to Facolos, and JOOLA reshaping its top-end lineup around the new Pro V family.

So, what are the top pros actually using in 2026? Why did they choose those paddles? And what can recreational players learn from those choices without blindly copying them?

Let’s break it down — player by player, paddle by paddle — with the latest 2026 information, fresh tech context, and real-world takeaways you can actually use.

Top 15 Pros & Their Paddles – 2026

#	Player	Paddle	Core Thickness	Face / Build	Shape / Handle	What It’s Best For
1	Ben Johns	JOOLA Perseus Pro V	16mm	Pro V / carbon performance build	Elongated + long handle	All-court precision, reach, spin, stability
2	Anna Leigh Waters	Franklin ALW Signature C45 line	varies	C45 carbon fiber construction	Fast, aggressive performance shapes	Power, counters, speed-ups, attacking offense
3	Gabriel Tardio	Facolos EliteX Extreme Edition Elongated	16mm	Spin-focused performance carbon build	Elongated	Fast offense, counters, reach, pressure
4	Christian Alshon	Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX	12.7mm	PT-700 raw carbon	Elongated + XL handle	Explosive power, spin, two-handed offense
5	JW Johnson	Franklin C45 Dynasty	16mm	Carbon-forward thermoformed build	Elongated + long handle	Controlled power, baseline pressure
6	Federico Staksrud	JOOLA Kosmos Pro V	16mm	Pro V signature platform	Hybrid / modern all-court shape	Tempo control, spin, all-court command
7	Anna Bright	JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V	14mm	Pro V carbon build	Widebody / standard	Fast hands, doubles firefights, counters
8	Tyra Black	PIKKL Hurricane Pro	14mm	Raw carbon performance build	Elongated + long handle	Athletic offense, resets, sudden attacks
9	Catherine Parenteau	JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V	14mm	Pro V carbon build	Widebody / standard	Aggressive doubles play, countering
10	Kate Fahey	JOOLA Agassi Pro V	14mm	Pro V racket-inspired build	Elongated tennis-style profile	Clean ball striking, modern offense
11	Lea Jansen	JOOLA Agassi Pro V	14mm	Pro V racket-inspired build	Elongated tennis-style profile	Spin-heavy offense, structured point building
12	Collin Johns	JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V	16mm feel profile	Widebody control-oriented platform	Widebody + stable face feel	Resets, consistency, neutralizing pace
13	Jessie Irvine	Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation	12.7mm / line-specific	Raw carbon + SpinCore design	Elongated + 6″ handle	Precision, spin, smart doubles control
14	Parris Todd	Franklin C45 Parris Todd Signature	13.25mm	Double-thermoformed carbon build	Elongated / hybrid attack shape	Angles, quick hands, lively offense
15	Jaume Martinez Vich	adidas Adipower Pro EDT	16mm	Carbon performance build	All-court control profile	Touch, counters, composed all-court play

This list reflects the current April 2026 paddle landscape, which has changed meaningfully since 2025. JOOLA’s Pro V family now anchors several top players, Franklin has become even more visible at the top of the game, and a few previously stable paddle-player pairings are no longer current.

1. Ben Johns — JOOLA Perseus Pro V 16mm

Style: All-court dominance, controlled power, spin, and precision

Why it fits him: Ben is still the most complete player in the game, so his paddle has to be just as versatile. The Perseus Pro V fits because it blends reach, stability, spin, and enough put-away power to handle every phase of the rally — from soft resets and dinks to heavy drives and counters.

What’s special about it:

• Pro V shaping and construction built for a more refined all-court balance
• 16mm core for touch, control, and stability in resets and kitchen exchanges
• Elongated shape + long handle for extra reach and two-handed backhand comfort
• Strong spin potential for dipping passes, heavy rolls, and shaped serves
• Solid, stable feel that holds up well on counters, blocks, and off-center contact

Real-world feel: The Perseus Pro V feels like a complete-player paddle. It is stable enough for patient hands battles, precise enough for Ben’s surgical drops and passes, and powerful enough to finish when he decides to speed things up. It is less about being flashy in one area and more about being elite everywhere.

2. Anna Leigh Waters — Franklin ALW Signature C45 / Aurelius platform

Style: Fast-paced aggression, explosive counters, spin, and point-ending offense

Why it fits her: Anna Leigh plays on the front foot. She wants a paddle that is quick through the air, dangerous on speed-ups, and lively enough to punish anything that sits up. Franklin’s ALW C45 platform fits that style because it gives her pop, hand speed, and enough spin to keep her attacking patterns sharp and unpredictable.

What’s special about it:

• C45 carbon fiber construction designed for high-level power and responsiveness
• Fast, aggressive feel that suits counters, serves, and quick hands exchanges
• Signature build tailored to Anna Leigh’s attack-first style
• Spin-friendly face for heavy rolls, dipping drives, and shaped passing shots
• Balanced enough to stay dangerous in transition, not just on put-aways

Real-world feel: This paddle feels built for pressure. It is fast, lively, and aggressive — the kind of paddle that rewards early contact, fearless hand battles, and taking time away from opponents.

3. Gabriel Tardio — Facolos Elite X Extreme Edition Elongated 16mm

Style: Explosive athleticism, heavy pressure, fast hands, and spin-driven offense

Why it fits him: Gabe plays with a rare mix of speed and control. He can accelerate a point instantly, but he also needs enough stability to reset and counter under pressure. The EliteX setup fits because it gives him reach, spin, and a strong all-court platform without slowing down his hands.

What’s special about it:

• Elongated shape for reach on counters, rolls, and passing shots
• 16mm profile for more stability and control through transitions
• Spin-friendly surface for aggressive shape on drives and serves
• Solid feel on quick exchanges and reactive blocks
• Built to support explosive offense without becoming too wild

Real-world feel: It feels like a high-performance attack paddle that still has brakes. Gabe can rip, counter, and pressure opponents with it, but it still looks stable enough to survive the fast, messy parts of pro doubles.

4. Christian Alshon — Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX 12.7mm

Style: Power, reach, spin, and aggressive two-handed offense

Why it fits him: Christian plays a violent, pressure-heavy brand of pickleball. He wants to speed balls up, attack off the bounce, and use his athleticism to overwhelm people. A thinner 12.7mm power paddle with an elongated profile is a natural fit for that style.

What’s special about it:

• PT-700 raw carbon face for spin and ball grip
• 12.7mm core for extra pop and faster rebound
• Elongated shape for reach and leverage
• XL handle for two-handed backhand comfort
• Built with offense in mind, not passive control

Real-world feel: This paddle feels aggressive by design. It is made for players who want to create pressure, attack early, and turn neutral balls into offense fast.

5. JW Johnson — Franklin C45 Dynasty 16mm

Style: Smooth power, measured aggression, and two-handed precision

Why it fits him: JW does not look rushed, even when he is hitting big. He needs a paddle that feels stable and predictable, but still gives him enough pop to stay dangerous from the baseline and in transition. The Dynasty 16mm fits because it balances control with clean, modern power.

What’s special about it:

• 16mm build for added stability and softer control on touch shots
• Elongated profile for reach and two-handed backhand leverage
• Carbon-forward construction for spin and crisp response
• Strong balance of pop and predictability
• Comfortable fit for players who attack without overhitting

Real-world feel: It feels calm but dangerous. The paddle does not seem built for chaos — it is built for players who want to stay composed and still hit a heavy, confident ball.

6. Federico Staksrud — JOOLA Kosmos Pro V 16mm

Style: Strategic aggression, spin, tempo control, and surgical point construction

Why it fits him: Federico is not just a power player. He manipulates tempo, changes ball shape, and uses precision to open the court. JOOLA’s Kosmos Pro V fits that identity because it is designed for measured offense, dwell time, and all-court command rather than just raw pop.

What’s special about it:

• Signature Pro V platform built around Federico’s game
• 16mm profile for added dwell time and stability
• Spin-friendly face for loaded passes, dipping drives, and shaped counters
• All-court control that supports both singles and doubles
• Strong balance between touch and offense

Real-world feel: This paddle feels like a point-constructor’s weapon. It looks built for players who want to control tempo, disguise patterns, and stay dangerous without feeling overly jumpy.

7. Anna Bright — JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V 14mm

Style: Fast hands, aggressive doubles play, counters, and front-court pressure

Why it fits her: Anna Bright thrives in the fastest part of the court. She wants a paddle that feels quick, forgiving, and stable enough to survive hand battles while still giving her enough pop to flip defense into offense. The Scorpeus Pro V 14mm fits that perfectly.

What’s special about it:

• Widebody shape for a bigger sweet spot
• 14mm profile for quicker pop and faster rebound
• Maneuverable feel for counters and firefights
• Spin-friendly surface for topspin speed-ups and rolling attacks
• Stable enough to handle off-center exchanges at the kitchen

Real-world feel: It feels like a doubles specialist’s paddle. Quick in the hand, forgiving in chaos, and built for the player who wants to take over fast exchanges instead of just surviving them.

8. Tyra Black — PIKKL Hurricane Pro 14mm

Style: Athletic shotmaking, sudden offense, and deceptive all-court pressure

Why it fits her: Tyra blends creativity with explosive timing. She wants enough control to reset and shape points, but also enough pop to surprise opponents and finish fast. The Hurricane Pro 14mm fits because it gives her a quicker, more attacking version of that balance.

What’s special about it:

• Signature Hurricane shape built around speed and versatility
• 14mm option for more pop and quicker response
• Spin-friendly face for rolling attacks and shaped counters
• Long-handle, modern profile for aggressive two-handed play
• Good balance of creativity and structure

Real-world feel: This paddle feels sharp and athletic. It suits a player who wants to reset one ball, attack the next, and keep opponents guessing.

9. Catherine Parenteau — JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V 14mm

Style: Aggressive all-court offense, countering, and spin-heavy pressure

Why it fits her: Catherine plays with conviction. She likes to take space, attack from stable positions, and use her forehand to shape points. The Scorpeus Pro V 14mm makes sense because it gives her a fast, forgiving platform with enough pop to stay dangerous in doubles exchanges.

What’s special about it:

• Widebody profile for forgiveness and confidence in fast hands battles
• 14mm thickness for livelier offense and quicker punch
• Spin potential for sharp counters and heavier shape on attacks
• Stable enough for transition play and reactive blocking
• Built for high-tempo doubles, not just soft control

Real-world feel: It feels like a paddle for players who want margin without losing aggression. You get a bigger sweet spot, but the overall personality is still proactive and assertive.

10. Kate Fahey — JOOLA Agassi Pro V 14mm

Style: Clean ball striking, controlled aggression, and modern two-handed offense

Why it fits her: Kate’s game has strong tennis carryover, and the Agassi shape is designed to feel familiar to players who like that kind of strike pattern and spacing. The Pro V version gives her a modern attacking platform without sacrificing sweet-spot comfort.

What’s special about it:

• Agassi shape with a tennis-friendly design influence
• 14mm build for a livelier, more attacking response
• Enlarged sweet-spot concept for cleaner contact
• Good blend of spin, hand speed, and offensive feel
• Strong fit for players who like to strike confidently out in front

Real-world feel: It feels modern, quick, and familiar for players with a strong drive game. It is especially appealing for someone who wants an attacking paddle that still feels organized and playable.

11. Lea Jansen — JOOLA Agassi Pro V 14mm

Style: Heavy topspin, structured offense, and smart all-court control

Why it fits her: Lea has always played with shape, patterns, and controlled pressure. The Agassi Pro V makes sense because it supports that spin-heavy, well-constructed style while giving her a fresher, more offensive feel than some older control-first paddles.

What’s special about it:

• 14mm Pro V setup for quicker offense and cleaner acceleration
• Shape designed to support strong ball striking and court penetration
• Spin-friendly face for topspin drives and dipping passing shots
• Enough pop to stay dangerous in singles and attackable balls
• More modern offensive feel than an old-school soft control paddle

Real-world feel: It feels like a spin player’s upgrade path — still thoughtful and controlled, but with more pace and pressure available when needed.

12. Collin Johns – JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus Pro V 16mm

Style: Resets, consistency, discipline, and soft-game stability under pressure

Why it fits him: Collin is the opposite of random. He wants a paddle that absorbs pace well, stays stable on contact, and lets him win points through repeatability rather than flash. The Scorpeus Pro V fits that role because of its forgiving shape and strong defensive identity.

What’s special about it:

• Widebody shape for a generous sweet spot
• Stable feel on resets, blocks, and redirections
• Strong control personality for dinks and transition play
• Enough spin to stay offensive when needed
• Built to neutralize chaos rather than amplify it

Real-world feel: This is the kind of paddle that calms your hands down. It feels steady, reliable, and ideal for players who win by taking away opponents’ aggression instead of racing to outgun them.

13. Jessie Irvine – Engage Pursuit Pro1 Innovation

Style: Precision, touch, spin, and smart doubles problem-solving

Why it fits her: Jessie is one of the best examples of a player whose paddle needs to reward nuance. She relies on timing, shape, and decision-making more than brute force, so a refined control-and-spin platform makes a lot of sense. Engage’s newer Pro1 Innovation line fits that profile better than the older MX framing.

What’s special about it:

• Raw carbon face with a next-gen layered construction
• Elongated shape with a long 6-inch handle
• Built for spin, control, and cleaner directional accuracy
• Stable feel that helps on resets and counters
• Designed for players who want performance without excess chaos

Real-world feel: It feels smooth and deliberate — a paddle for players who like to outmaneuver opponents, not just overpower them.

14. Parris Todd — Franklin C45 Parris Todd Signature 13.25mm

Style: Creative offense, quick hands, angles, and stylish pressure

Why it fits her: Parris plays with flair, but her game is not random. She thrives on quick attacks, hand speed, and using angles to pull opponents off balance. A thinner, quicker Franklin signature paddle fits that identity really well.

What’s special about it:

• Signature build tailored to her all-court attacking style
• 13.25mm thickness for quicker pop and faster response
• Spin-forward surface for angles, shape, and creative offense
• Fast handling for firefights and quick contact out in front
• Enough touch to keep it from feeling one-dimensional

Real-world feel: It feels whippy, lively, and made for someone who likes to make the court look bigger than it is. Great for sudden offense and taking time away from opponents.

15. Jaume Martinez Vich — adidas Adipower Pro EDT 16mm

Style: Sharp hands, tactical composure, and all-court discipline

Why it fits him: Jaume’s game is built on timing, compact technique, and staying composed in fast patterns. A stable 16mm adidas build fits because it gives him enough forgiveness to defend and reset, while still supporting the clean redirections and counters he relies on.

What’s special about it:

• 16mm build for stability and softer control
• All-court profile that supports resets, counters, and touch play
• Strong feel in fast exchanges and transition shots
• Enough structure for tactical players who value placement
• Better fit for a composed, efficient game than a hyper-poppy frame

Real-world feel: It feels solid and composed — the kind of paddle that rewards players who stay balanced, keep their hands quiet, and win points through clean execution.

What These Paddles Tell Us About Pro Pickleball in 2026

The biggest takeaway is that pro paddles are getting more specialized, not more generic.

That is one of the most important trends of 2026. JOOLA alone now has very distinct identities inside one pro family: Ben Johns on Perseus, Federico Staksrud on Kosmos, Anna Bright and Collin Johns on Scorpeus, and Kate Fahey and Lea Jansen on Agassi. That tells you a lot. Even within the same brand, the best players are not all reaching for the same silhouette. They are choosing tools that fit how they actually play.

You can see the same thing outside JOOLA too. Christian Alshon’s thinner, explosive Paddletek setup is clearly built for reach and offense. Parris Todd’s thinner Franklin signature leans lively and quick. Jessie Irvine’s Engage setup is much more about feel, control, and nuance. Gabe Tardio’s new Facolos fit reflects the growing demand for paddles that can handle modern pro-level pace without becoming uncontrollable.

So the real lesson is not just “buy what the pros buy.” It is: notice why they picked it.

What Recreational Players Can Learn From the Pros

This is where things get useful.

You do not need to copy a pro exactly. In fact, that is often a mistake. But you should pay attention to the logic behind the choice.

If you play fast at the kitchen and love quick counters, a widebody paddle with a big sweet spot may make more sense than an ultra-elongated power frame.

If you hit with a two-handed backhand and like to attack with reach, a longer handle and elongated shape may matter more than raw pop.

If your game is built around resets, touch, and consistency, you probably do not need the liveliest 12.7mm paddle on the market.

And if you are a former tennis player who likes clean contact out in front and driving the ball with confidence, some of the newer racket-inspired shapes may feel much more natural than traditional control paddles.

That is the real value of watching the pros. You stop thinking in vague categories and start thinking in match-fit terms.

Ask yourself:

• Do I play fast at the net?
• Do I like to shape the ball or flatten it out?
• Do I need more stability or more speed through the air?
• Do I win with pressure, or with patience?
• Do I need help finishing points, or help surviving them?

Once you answer those questions honestly, paddle shopping gets a lot smarter.

Find the Paddle That Matches Your Game

The right paddle does not magically turn you into Ben Johns or Anna Leigh Waters. But it can help you play more like your best self.

That is the part recreational players should take seriously. The pros are not choosing paddles based on hype. They are choosing performance tools that match their timing, their hand speed, their mechanics, their point patterns, and the problems they want to solve on court.

Some need more pop.
Some need more forgiveness.
Some need more shape.
Some need more stability.
Some need all of it at once.

And their paddles reflect that.

So before you buy based on a name, a colorway, or whatever is trending this week, ask a better question:

⮕ What kind of paddle actually fits the way I win points?

That is the question the pros are answering. And if you answer it honestly, you will make a much better choice too.