Best Pickleball Paddles 2022

As the fastest growing sport in the US, pickleball has a lot going for it. Each day, an increasing number of people learn about pickleball and they become a part of the pickleball community. Part of the sport’s success can be accredited to paddle brands involved in it.

From manufacturing giants such as Gamma and Head to entry-level manufacturers such as Rally Sports and Amazing Aces, each of these companies is constantly competing with each other to provide the best products to pickleball players in various price segments.

Hundreds of new pickleball paddles roll out each year. With every company trying to top their last offering, the competition is tense and extremely beneficial for the players. The only downside of this growth is that it leaves people spoilt for choices and thus causes a dilemma when choosing between these paddles.

If you’re one of the players, looking to start off or perhaps jump ship from one paddle to the other, this guide is definitely geared towards you. After hours of research and comparison, we’re here with our comprehensive list covering the best pickleball paddles of 2022.

In this guide, we’re covering everything about pickleball paddles, from their material to their weight and size. After sharing the selection process with you, I’ll be listing my favorite pickleball paddles based upon the price, paddle size, and construction, its material and core followed by weight.

How did we pick our best pickleball paddles?

Our choice of best pickleball paddles largely relies on five aspects –

• Price
• Size
• Material
• Core
• Weight

Yes, there are other elements such as weight, grip size, pattern, etc which might extremely important to you. But these are the factors that are the most important in choosing the best pickleball paddle for you.

1. Price

Pickleball paddles can range anywhere between $30 to $180-200. It goes without saying that the more you pay, the more you can expect. However, that bandwagon doesn’t apply to all the paddles.

I like to segregate different costs into different categories. Each paddle can fall into either of the five price brackets.

Price Range of Pickleball Paddles
$15-30	Wooden paddles with higher weight Pretty much only good for beginners who want to get into the sport cheaply.
$30-45	Wooden/Graphite Paddles higher weight There can be some good paddles in this price range but you have to be careful
$46-80	Decent quality with balanced weight & grip Every pickleball paddle in this range is pretty good. Choose the best one based on your own opinion.
$81-$120	Great quality with balanced weight & grip
$121-$160	Premium quality with best features & comfort

Here and there between these price ranges, you’ll find paddles from one brand which have the capabilities of outdoing the premium paddles from other brands. Thus, price is not a barrier in terms of overall qualities when it comes to paddles.

For instance, three years ago $60 would get you an entry-level composite paddle with no extra-edge to it. However, in 2022, for $60, you can get some of the best pickleball paddles which have the latest technology with respect to core, grip and overall construction.

What I want to say is that do not judge a pickleball paddle entirely based on its price. Yes, it’s the first thing most people look at. Yes, it can determine your decision. Yes, it can be painful buying an $80 pickleball paddle when you see hundreds retailing below $30.

However, knowing about the intricacies of paddles will help you become your own boss when choosing the best pickleball paddle. Our aim here is to provide you with information that can help you understand the difference between two paddles and what makes one paddle better than the other.

2. Size

Getting the size right is as important as the price. Most pickleball paddles have 15” length and 8” width. These can increase to up to 16-18” in length and decrease to 6-7” in width with the newer and less used elongated paddles. Understanding the size of a paddle is important because the last thing you want to do is to start with a paddle of the wrong size.

For instance, if you’re just starting out, you want to start with a more rectangular paddle than an elongated paddle. An elongated paddle is quite popular in the current scene due to its increased length.

However, as a beginner, your emphasis should be on buying a paddle with a bigger sweet spot and not length so you can easily connect with the ball.

3. Materials

The material that the paddle is constructed out of hugely affects the pricing of a paddle. Currently, pickleball paddles are made from one of four materials

• Wood
• Composite (normally Graphite)
• Graphite
• Fiberglass

Wood, as we know, was the first material used to manufacture paddles. As newer technologies were introduced, Composite, Graphite, and Fiberglass paddles were added to the mix. These materials are used to increase the strength of the paddle while making it lighter. These materials allow you to hit the ball with more power and more spin by increasing the contact surface with the ball.

Typically cost increases as you use more advanced materials. Wood pickleball paddles are generally the cheapest. These are pretty much only good for sets or for cheapskates.

I love graphite pickleball paddles as some of the best entry-level pickleball paddles.

Paddles made from these materials are in high demand as compared to wooden paddles.

Wooden paddles are the heaviest and cheapest paddles whereas Graphite and fiberglass paddles are the lightest and the most expensive paddles. There’s no one material that can be declared as the best. Each one has its own fan base comprising of players wanting to play the sport in a certain way. Some prefer to spin, some like power shots whereas the other seek overall balance.

Which paddle material should you begin with?

As a beginner, you shouldn’t start with wooden paddles. In fact, you should avoid using wooden paddles at all costs because they are nowhere near the other three materials in terms of quality. Generally, a composite pickleball paddle will be your best choice as a beginner. Graphite and Fiberglass paddles tend to increase in cost to $60+. Some of the best composite pickleball paddles (which we’ll go into below), can be had for $35 to $40. With that said, you shouldn’t buy Graphite or Fibre Glass if you’re just starting out.

4. Core

One technical yet simple aspect of a paddle is its core. The core of all pickleball paddles is made of either of the three materials – Nomex, Aluminium or Polymer. Still, in a marketing sense, you’ll see the paddle manufacturers rely heavily on these terms and make it look like they’re the make and break technology in every paddle. Not really.

Every core does have a specific role in a paddle. For instance, Polymer core has noise dampening properties which can help you play pickleball without disturbing others in Eco-zones. That’s just one of the examples. Based upon any paddle that you choose; you’ll get an edge in one area and will miss out on the other. That’s the truth with not just paddles but with most equipment in sports.

Here’s a table that acts as an example of how we chose our desired paddle with respect to noise.

Ideal Core	Sound	Characteristics
Nomex	Popping Sound (the dink!)	Durability, power shots
Aluminum	Noise Dampening	Great for control
Polymer Core	No Sound Disturbance	For players who like a mix of speed and power

Let’s learn more about these core properties, so you can form a table of your own when deciding upon the core.

Aluminum Core – Great for players who like overall control over the game. Extremely lightweight construction enables substantial control. Way less noisy than Nomex paddles.

Nomex Core – Great for players who like that popping sound with every shot they hit. One of the most preferred cores, Nomex is known for its overall durability and power shots.

Polymer Core–Great for players who like to play with speed and power. Quietest paddle core in the market which makes it perfect for recreational centers, shared gym and noise-controlled areas.

5. Weight

Regardless of your level in pickleball, weight is an important factor in determining the overall construction quality of a paddle. As a player who loves to have control over his shots, I prefer middleweight paddles weighing between 7.8-8.2oz. However, if you want to achieve more spin, you should opt for a lighter paddle which is under 7.4oz.

Paddle Size	Weight
Lightweight Paddle	Under 7.3oz
Midweight Paddle	7.4-8.4oz
Heavyweight Paddle	8.05oz and above

Having understood the technical aspects, it’s time for the meaty part. Here’s our list for the best pickleball paddles in the market based upon price, practicality and their overall application.

Best Pickleball Paddles of 2022

1. Selkirk Amped Invikta

Selkirk unveiled the AMPED paddle line a couple of years ago. Since then, they’ve released numerous paddles boasting their new line of technology called the X5. The unibody core of X5 is noticeably thicker when compared to the standard paddles, which gives it a unique feel. Since its arrival, the Amped Series has received great responses from the pickleball community by and large. For me personally, among all the paddles, Selkirk’s Amped Invikta stands out the most.

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Though on the heavier side of the spectrum. It still manages to offer considerable control along with the burst of power. Invikta simply ticks all the right boxes and thus undeniably is my favorite pickleball paddle of 2022. Designed in conjunction with Tyson McGuffin, National pickleball champion, we can see why it’s the player’s paddle. Invikta though an elongated paddle has a sizeable handle length which adds to overall comfort and manoeuvrability.

With regards to specification, the Selkirk Amped Invikta comes with a medium grip which is 5-1/4” long. It weighs between 7.3-7.8oz which puts it in the right lightweight category. However, it’s also available in a medium weight size of 7.9-8.04oz. Overall, it’s a well-balanced paddle capable of hitting any kind of shots whilst helping to maintain your control.

Specifications:

Skill Level	Advanced to Professionals
Weight	7.3-8.4 oz
Paddle Length	16 1/2 in
Width	7.375 in
Grip Design	Perforated Cushion
Face	Fiberglass
Core	X5 Polymer Honeycomb
Price	$$$

Ratings:

Aspects	Performance
Shot Control	9.8
Shot Power	9.8
Shot Spin	9.8
Paddle Grip	9.8
Sweet Spot	9.8
Price Range	9.3

2. Engage Poach Advantage

Going head to head with Selkirk’s premium offering is Engage’s Poach Advantage, which is equally impressive. The Poach Advantage is the first paddle in pickleball to feature 6 layers of the face. At most, pickleball paddles tend to have 2-3 layers. As shocking as it sounds, with “Variable Release”, Engage managed to build this terrific 6-layer paddle capable of offering amazing ball responsiveness and power whilst offering a soft feel upon connection. Poach’s texture helps achieve great spin. Whether you want to use backspin or topspin, Engage’s Poach Advantage is a great paddle.

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It’s not just the texture or the surface which amazes me, but its core as well. With Variable Release Technology, you can add or reduce the spin and decide whether you want your paddle to act as a power paddle or a control paddle. Now, this in terms of technology and construction is simply mind-boggling. And they’re not just claiming that! You can actually see the poly core propylene backing their statement!

With regards to specification, similar to Selkirk’s Invikta, you can choose between two weight categories – Lite i.e. Lightweight or Standard i.e. middleweight. Poach Lite weighs between 7.5 to 7.8oz whereas Poach Standard weighs between 7.9oz to 8.3oz. If you’d like to enjoy between balance and speed, you can choose the standard. However, if you prefer to spin, go for Lite. Apart from the weight, its 5” handle length and a medium grip make it a great fit in the hands. Add to the fact a generous surface area and that makes it a perfect premium paddle even for beginners.

Specifications:

Skill Level	Advanced to Professionals
Weight	7.5-8.3 oz
Paddle Length	16”
Width	8”
Grip Design	Perforated Cushion
Face	Fiberglass
Core	Polymer Composite Honeycomb
Price	$$$

Ratings:

Aspects	Performance
Shot Control	9.8
Shot Power	9.8
Shot Spin	9.7
Paddle Grip	9.8
Sweet Spot	9.7
Price Range	9.3

3. Onix Z5 Graphite

With Onix Z5 Graphite, you really do get the best of both worlds. A classic Onix face with a legendary Gamma grip. With its amazing quality construction boasting the traditional wide-body paddle shape, you can achieve a sweet connection whilst maintaining overall control over your shots. The only reason why this paddle’s not in the top two is that Onix announced that they’ll be rolling out paddles with their own grip. Now, I’m not a demotivator but with regards to grip, you simply can’t top Gamma.

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Due to its lightweight construction, the Onix Z5 graphite helps you control the game. Its Nomex honeycomb core helps you get a pop every time you make a fine connection with your paddle. In comparison to other wide-body graphite paddles, Onix Z5 is the most balanced paddle in the market.

Its construction prowess can be effectively seen in its well-balanced design. Weighing between 7.5-8.02oz, it’s the perfect middleweight paddle to offer you great balance and control. Add its 8 1/8” face to the mix, and you get a large sweet spot capable of hitting some powerful shots. The best part about the Onix Z5 is that it’s available in multiple weight categories and is affordable as compared to the other two options mentioned above.

Specifications:

Skill Level	Beginner to Advanced
Weight	7.5-8.02oz
Paddle Length	151/2″
Width	8 1/8″
Grip Design	Perforated Cushion
Face	Textured Graphite
Core	Nomex Honeycomb
Price	$

Ratings:

Aspects	Performance
Shot Control	9.2
Shot Power	9.3
Shot Spin	9.3
Paddle Grip	9.2
Sweet Spot	9.4
Price Range	9.6

4. Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle

If you’re looking to improve your control, the Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle could be your savior. It helps you achieve power, control, and spin to take your game to the next level.

Versatile with a wide surface, this paddle helps you place the pickleball with precision and its FiberFlex face allows you more time to choose the right stroke.

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This Selkirk paddle’s face is designed to ensure that the ball bounces off its surface to unbalance the opposition while generating increased power. The more power and spin that you achieve, the better chance you have of beating your opponent.

This paddle is available in two weights meaning you can choose the one that is right for your style of play. The lighter paddle provides an easier movement while the heavier option offers more power.

The handle is shorter than most other paddles but this is to offer a larger face and attack zone. With six different color combinations, there is a design to suit everyone.

5. Gamma Legend NeuCore Pickleball Paddle

Here, we have the Gamma Legend Graphite Paddle which offers a long and handy reach as well as a top-quality polymer core. NeuCore is known for producing top-quality paddles and this is no exception. It utilizes larger cells and a 25% thicker core making the paddle feel softer during impact but with sufficient power.

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The spin on the ball is enhanced by the textured surface of the graphite. Although a long paddle at 16 ⅝ inches and weighing 7 ¾ ounces, it has a great balance that can help you control shots from all angles. The handle itself is only 4 ¾ inches long allowing for fast position changes. Thanks to its smooth feel and long-lasting durability, the Compass Graphite paddle will certainly help you improve your level of play.

With a dynamic feel, the NeuCore technology also offers a softer feel and a wonderful hitting experience. Its long face helps you achieve harder shots and its textured graphite surface offers exceptional grip to generate more spin.

6. Gamma Neutron 2.0

The best from Gamma makes it to this list of best pickleball paddles. The Neutron 2.0 is Gamma’s lightest paddle which also makes it the fastest paddle in the 2.0 range. It’s ideal for players who like to feel and control their paddles while placing their shots. By far, the Gamma Neutron has one of the most exquisite maneuvering capabilities which allows you to play dink shots conveniently. Its graphite surface gives you added ball bite which adds a great amount of spin to your shots.

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With its Live Periphery Frame, there are no dead spots and edges are reinforced. What excites me the most about this paddle is its Unibody along with its honey grip. Any pickleball player who’s serious about the sport will tell you how great Gamma’s grips are. In this particular paddle, they are perforated stitched to add comfort whilst absorbing moisture so they can offer a better grip.

Weighing at 7oz, the Gamma Neutron 2.0 is an ultralight paddle designed to control the net. It’s also known as the best Junior Pickleball paddle owing to its tiny grip size of 4”. What’s not so tiny is the shot execution. With its textured graphite surface, you get a fine grade sandpaper feeling when you run your hands across the surface. However, that works to its advantage as it helps achieve tremendous spin.

Specifications:

Skill Level	Beginner to Intermediate/Adanced
Weight	6.8-7.2oz
Paddle Length	15 3/8”
Width	8 1/8”
Grip Design	Ribbed, Perforated, Stitched
Face	Textured Graphite
Core	Nomex Honeycomb
Price	$

Ratings:

Aspects	Performance
Shot Control	9.4
Shot Power	9.3
Shot Spin	9.4
Paddle Grip	9.3
Sweet Spot	9.4
Price Range	9.7

7. Head Extreme Tour

The Head Extreme Tour is one of the most affordable yet technologically advanced paddles in the market. With its reactive and unique design, Extreme Tour allows players to handle quick back and forth with quite an ease. Its unique shape isn’t just for aesthetic appeal but it also serves a unique purpose of generating power.

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With the Head Extreme Tour, you can hit groundstrokes with absolute ease. This lightweight paddle with tampered edges and carbon graphite face help add power. Moreover, its inlaid EVA grip makes it comfortable in hands and dampens the vibration in a quick exchange. Head Extreme Tour is one of the premium paddles which features one-piece construction. This technology-induced paddle is easy to hold and hit quality power shots whilst achieving considerable spin.

Weighing between 7.5 to 7.7oz, the Extreme Tour Graphite is a lightweight paddle that allows quicker movements. It’s 5” handle length ensures that you get a better reach. Overall, this the best budget-friendly option in this list alongside Gamma Neutron 2.0. The lower portion of this paddle has a neon-yellow color with a bright neon HEAD logo in between set against black and grey background.

Visit our Head pickleball paddles guide to view all our top picks and reviews!

Specifications:

Skill Level	Intermediate
Weight	7.6 oz
Paddle Length	16 in
Width	7 7/8 in
Grip Design	HydroSorb Pro
Face	Graphite
Core	Polymer Honeycomb
Price	$

Ratings:

Aspects	Performance
Shot Control	9.6
Shot Power	9.3
Shot Spin	9.5
Paddle Grip	9.2
Sweet Spot	9.4
Price Range	9.7

8. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro

Utilizing smart and responsive technology, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro enhances sensitivity and power. It provides responsive touch and increased power to control the whole game. This added power is not too much, however. It’s just enough to get the edge over your opponent. 

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You have the option of a thin or thick handle to suit your needs. The grip is 5 ¼ inches long, providing additional space to adjust your grip and reach for harder shots. The face is 8 inches wide to achieve a larger hit zone and hit smoother shots. 

Offering supreme power and precision, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro provides maximum performance every time with smart and responsive technology. 

9. Gamma Poly Core Pickleball Paddle

The Gamma Poly Core Pickleball Paddle helps maintain your target to give your opponent a hard time every time. With a combination of a graphite face and Sensa Poly Core, your strokes will be gentler and more powerful, especially combined with its honeycomb design. The ball rebounds so quickly and powerfully. Perfect for those searching for extra speed and power in their game.

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This paddle’s design allows for ultra-fast contact between the ball and the paddle’s surface. This also results in a wonderful touch to the handle. Its small handle is very useful and easy to grip and its thin-edge protection provides a wider sweet spot. 

Its design and image combine a smoky pattern with lines on the side but others are available with more simple patterns. Not only does this paddle look great, but it will improve your performance in the game of pickleball. 

Personal Verdict

In this comprehensive review, we’ve covered paddles from different range boasting different cores, grip technology, and face materials. We’ve seen graphite, fiberglass and carbon fiber paddles. We’ve seen affordable paddles priced less than $100, between $100-150 and even $150+. It’s hard to compare these paddles unless you experience them personally.

For me, price alone is never a deciding factor based on which I buy my paddles. I consider different factors such as size, ideally less than 16”, weight between 7.8 to 8.3oz and grip of 4.5” or more since I have huge hands. Considering all these factors, Selkirk’s Invikta feels as if it was personally designed for me. Sounds funny, I know. But that’s exactly how your paddle should make you feel.

More than the price and the specifications, it’s important that you’re able to feel your paddle. Once you learn to feel it, you can easily choose between what’s right for you and what isn’t.