Let’s be honest—whether we like it or not, our paddle choice says something about us. There’s nothing wrong with a little stereotyping, and after seeing thousands of paddles in action, certain patterns start to emerge.
So, here’s an absolutely scientific and 100% accurate (okay, not really) breakdown of what your paddle might be revealing about you.
1. JOOLA Players: The Early Adopters & Upgraders
If you play with a JOOLA Perseus, Hyperion, or Scorpeus, you don’t settle. You’re always looking for the next best thing, convinced that the latest tech will finally transform you into the next Anna Bright or Ben Johns. You probably own multiple JOOLA paddles and deep down, you’re already planning your next upgrade.
Also, you definitely wear Babolat or Head shoes, have a nasty backhand slice drop, and refuse to admit that your paddle might be creeping into illegal territory.
2. CRBN Players: The “Cool Kids”
If you wield a CRBN 1X, 2X, or 3X, let’s be real—you’ve got style. Maybe it’s the paddle, maybe it’s the confidence, but CRBN players just have a vibe. You love sleek, minimalist design and probably have a matching CRBN hat. You swear by thin grips, obsess over paddle weight customization, and roll your eyes when someone asks if your paddle got banned.
Bonus points if you watch endless slow-motion tutorials of JW Johnson dinking but still speed up everything.
3. Selkirk Players: The Loyalists & Diehards
Selkirk players fall into two camps:
- The Selkirk Vanguard Pro & Amped Pro crew—die-hard brand loyalists who refuse to try other brands.
- The SLK Neo & EVO owners—budget-conscious beginners who grabbed one on Amazon and are convinced it’s “just as good.”
If you own a Selkirk Luxx Control Air, you probably were one of the first people to play pickleball in your area and wore a glove before it was cool. You’ve also tried every weight mod possible, and your paddle might be wrapped in lead tape like a mummy.
4. Franklin Players: The Old-Schoolers & Tournament Grinders
If you play with a Franklin Signature (Ben Johns model), you’re either a loyalist who’s been using the same paddle for years or a tournament grinder who loves consistency over flashy new tech. You might also be that player who doesn’t believe in lead tape and thinks hand speed drills are more important than paddle upgrades.
You also 100% tuck in your shirt—no exceptions.
5. Gearbox Players: The Overheads-First Crew
If you play with a Gearbox CX14E or CX11Q, you LOVE to hit hard. Your idea of a perfect point? An overhead slam that leaves a mark. Your soft game? Questionable.
Your banana serve? Deadly—when it actually lands in. Also, you might be the person constantly calling serves illegal, just saying.
6. Diadem Players: The Power Players
If you own a Diadem Warrior Edge or Icon v2, you bring intensity and enthusiasm to every shot. and celebrate points a bit too much. Your idea of a reset is hitting a spinny roll volley into your opponent’s shoelaces and calling it “controlled.”
You’re also not above a sneaky Erne and will absolutely practice speed-ups against your unsuspecting doubles partner during warmups.
7. Six Zero Players: The Statement-Makers
If you’re playing with a Six Zero Double Black Diamond or Ruby, you’re making a statement. You want people to notice, and they do. You’ve got insane spin, an all-court game, and an It Player energy—but you don’t rub it in. You let your paddle (and your perfectly placed ATPs) do the talking.
Also, you may or may not be the person ordering an Old Fashioned at the post-match hangout while everyone else drinks beer.
8. ProKennex Players: The Arm-Savers & Tinkerers
If you wield a ProKennex Black Ace, you’re likely recovering from tennis elbow and won’t stop telling everyone about how your paddle prevents injuries. You also spend way too much time talking about paddle weight distribution and shock absorption.
You might be a former tennis player who refuses to switch to an actual pickleball grip.
9. Paddletek Bantam Players: The Overconfident 3.5s
No matter which Bantam you’ve got in your hand, you think you’re a 5.0, but you’re probably a high 3 or 4.0. That’s okay! You play a solid classic game—good hands, soft dinks—but for some reason, your drives don’t quite match the power of your paddle. You still believe control beats power, even when you’re getting body-bagged by someone half your age.
Lighten up a little in open play; you’re taking it too seriously.
10. Holbrook Players: The Underrated Gamers
If you play with a Holbrook Power Pro, Aero T or Mav Pro, you’re the type of player who quietly dominates without the hype. You appreciate a paddle that gets the job done and don’t care about big-name endorsements. You probably discovered Holbrook through a friend who let you try it out, and now you swear it’s the most underrated paddle out there.
You’re also likely the player who doesn’t talk much but somehow ends up on the winning team every time.
Your Paddle, Your Personality
Sure, your paddle doesn’t define you—but let’s be real, it does say a little something about how you play and what you value on the court. Whether you’re a power smasher, a finesse magician, or just here for the post-game hangout, there’s a paddle (and a stereotype) for you.
Maybe you saw yourself in one of these, or maybe you’re convinced you’re the exception. Either way, one thing is for sure: pickleballers love their gear, their game, and yes—their opinions on paddles.
So, what does your paddle say about you? And more importantly… are you switching paddles after reading this? 😏🏓
