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Our Top Pick
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Our Ben Johns Pick
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Our Budget Pick
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4.5
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4.5
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3.6
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$250.00
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$200.33
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$149.99
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We’ve covered our favorite beginner and intermediate paddles; now, it’s time to get to the heavy hitters (literally). This list shows off our favorite pro-level pickleball paddles that are often seen on Championship Sunday at Major League Pickleball (MLP), Association of Pickleball Players (APP), and Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tournaments!
These five paddles represent everything you’re looking for when playing at the pro level, and we wanted to make sure we represented paddles for players of different playstyles, budgets, and backgrounds. We’ve tested paddles from a wide variety of brands, and these are the pro-level paddles we keep coming back to!
1. Our Top Pick: Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta
The Vanguard Power Air Invikta is the cream of the crop when it comes to pickleball paddles in our opinion, as it has become a staple on the pro scene. It was developed in partnership with pro players, such as Tyson McGuffin, in order to ensure the best possible product.
If you’ve played pickleball anywhere, chances are you’ve seen a Selkirk paddle, and for good reason. Not only have they become one of the most recognizable brands in the industry, but they continue to create high-quality paddles while pushing innovation through new technologies.
The Vanguard Power Air Invikta is the cream of the crop when it comes to pickleball paddles in our opinion, as it has become a staple on the pro scene. It was developed in partnership with pro players, such as Tyson McGuffin, in order to ensure the best possible product.
- Midweight Range: 7.7-8.1 oz – This is a great average weight to make sure your swings are comfortable while retaining power.
- Air Dynamic Throat technology: Yes, the hole in the middle of the paddle face looks cool, but it also optimizes the aerodynamics of the paddle to allow for quicker swings and better ball control.
- QuadFlex 4-Layer Hybrid Face: The hybrid blend of Fiberflex and carbon fiber materials maximize the feeling of shot control and spin.
- SuperCore Polymer Honeycomb Core: I don’t know what it is, but Selkirk’s always seem to have the most pop when compared to other paddles, and it likely has to do with their SuperCore technology.
2. Our “Ben Johns Uses This Paddle” Pick: Joola Perseus
Their attention to detail is unparalleled, and the Perseus exemplifies the saying that, when it comes to paddle design, the devil is in the details. You can tell they went all out to make sure everything felt perfect about this paddle before it hit shelves, and they knocked it out of the park.
Ben Johns is the number one men’s pickleball player in the world. Ben Johns uses the Joola Perseus Paddle. You do the math. In all seriousness, there’s a reason why many of the best pro players have turned to Joola paddles, and the Perseus is the latest and greatest that they have to offer.
Their attention to detail is unparalleled, and the Perseus exemplifies the saying that, when it comes to paddle design, the devil is in the details. You can tell they went all out to make sure everything felt perfect about this paddle before it hit shelves, and they knocked it out of the park.
- It comes in 14 mm and 16 mm thicknesses depending on your personal preferences. Thinner=Power, Thicker=Control.
- The carbon-charged surface gives the paddle a finish that maximizes feedback during shots, allowing the player to feel fully in control of shot power, angle, and direction.
- The Perseus has a classic paddle shape, which emphasizes a huge sweet spot.
- 5.5 inch long grip: Incredibly comfortable and allows full control over two-handed shots.
3. Our Budget Pick: Franklin Carbon STK
Not only is it notably cheaper than our top two picks, but it’s just as trusted by the pros. One of the best sibling teams in pickleball, JW and Jorja Johnson, both use the STK, and have been at the top of their game this year!
Franklin is one of the biggest names in sports, creating high-quality gear for everything from baseball to hockey. Now, they’re breaking further into the pickleball world, and their Carbon STK doesn’t disappoint.
Not only is it notably cheaper than our top two picks, but it’s just as trusted by the pros. One of the best sibling teams in pickleball, JW and Jorja Johnson, both use the STK, and have been at the top of their game this year!
- The polypropylene core comes in both 14.5 mm and 17 mm options: The 17 mm feels special, as we typically see control paddles clock in around that 16 mm mark. That extra millimeter definitely makes a difference, adding more control to your game.
- Averaging 7.9-8.3 ounces, this thing is closing in on the heavyweight category without being over-encumbering. It just feels solid in hand!
- It’s all about the carbon fiber surface these days, and the STK nails it! Its natural raw carbon texture gives the face an incredible amount of grip, maximizing spin and shot control.
4. Paddletek Bantam TS-5
The Bantam TS-5 is another solid budget option for a pro-level paddle. Yes, you could go with one of Paddletek’s premium Tempest models; but for half the price, the Bantam TS-5 definitely punches above its weight, literally!
Have you ever wanted to play like Anna Leigh Waters, one of the top-performing pro players in the world? Then look no further than her signature paddle model: The Paddletek Bantam TS-5.
The Bantam TS-5 is another solid budget option for a pro-level paddle. Yes, you could go with one of Paddletek’s premium Tempest models; but for half the price, the Bantam TS-5 definitely punches above its weight, literally!
- At just 7 ounces, this paddle is lightweight, allowing for quick, agile shots at the kitchen line.
- The surface is a fiberglass epoxy hybrid that is textured to ensure enough grit for spin – the perfect balance of power and control.
- The Ultra Cushion High Tack Performance Grip is easily the most comfortable stock grip on this list. Well-cushioned and sweat-resistant.
- The core is 12.7 mm thick, leading it to have incredible pop. We’ve launched some insane drives with this paddle!
5. Onix Evoke Premier Pro
The industry continues in the direction of raw carbon fiber for paddle face surfacing, and the Onix Evoke Premier Pro is the perfect example of why that technology has become so popular.
The industry continues in the direction of raw carbon fiber for paddle face surfacing, and the Onix Evoke Premier Pro is the perfect example of why that technology has become so popular.
- It comes in 4 thicknesses, 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, and 16 mm, making it one of the most universal paddle models in the game. Whether you’re looking to crush drives with the 10 mm or play it safe at the kitchen with the 16 mm, the Evoke has you covered.
- For the power focused options, the 10 mm and the 12 mm, the grip length is 5”. For the Max Control option (16 mm), the handle is a little bit longer at 5.35, which allows for additional reach and shot control.
- The 10 mm weighs on average between 7.25-7.75 oz, and at the top end with the 16 mm model, it weighs about 7.75-8.25 oz. This wide range of weight classes also contributes to the Evokes multiple playstyle applications.
- The raw carbon fiber face is why we dig this paddle so much. Of the raw carbon paddles we’ve tested, this always remains at the top of our list in terms of spin.
Honorable Mentions
Even though the following paddles didn’t quite make our top five, they are definitely worth bringing into the discussion. With how many paddle brands there are within the market, there are many companies worth a shot, a dink if you will, and many of which make truly pro-quality gear.
- Engage Pursuit MX 6.0: While we often prefer raw carbon fiber to graphite finishes, the Pursuit MX 6.0 has an omnidirectional friction-based graphite texture that is built to last. Spin for days with this paddle.
- HEAD Gravity Tour Lite: This is another spin-focused midweight paddle. Head uses a unique lacquer finish for their paddle faces that is like no other paddle on the market; we definitely recommend trying it out for yourself!
- Electrum Pro 2: This paddle plays similarly to the Perseus in our opinion and also sports a raw carbon fiber face. While Joola has the edge on it from our experience playtesting both paddles, the Electrum Pro 2 is still a solid paddle for advanced players.
- Diadem Warrior Edge: You might be catching on at this point that we favor raw carbon fiber paddles. The Warrior Edge follows this trend with their carbon fiber etched face that is protected by their Aero Guard edge guard technology.
- CRBN: I mean, it’s in the name. This has become an industry standard for carbon fiber paddles, and its sleek, all-black aesthetic is just too good.
