Pickleball Paddle Guide: Watch This Before You Buy Your Next Paddle

I don't think there is one paddle out there that fits everyone, but there is a paddle out there that will fit each person. In my pickleball paddle guide I teach you how to read the specs of a paddle and then determine what the best paddle looks like for you. No more guessing, learn how shop paddles and find one that fits your game.
Please leave a comment, I'll answer any paddle questions you ask.
Time Stamps:
00:00 - Why you need a paddle guide
1:19 - Five paddle specs
1:30 - The core
2:33 - The Face
3:20 - The Shape
4:34 - Handle Length
5:10 - The Weight
6:07 - Paddle quiz
7:13 - Paddle research
8:00 - Gift
8:13 - How to demo paddles for free
Take our paddle fitting quiz - pickleballeffect.com/equipmen...
Shop paddles on our store with our intuitive filters to easily narrow down the right paddle for you, pickleballeffect.com/shop/.
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[@paulmceachin5515]

Thanks for putting all this info together. It is very helpful. My first paddle was a cheap one from Amazon that did well for me in learning the basics of the game and making some progress, but I’ve been in the market for an upgrade at a low price because I’m a real cheapskate. Yesterday I found on the engage website an option to buy cosmetic blemished paddles at $30 off so I pulled the trigger on an encore pro. Your video helped me to understand what to look for in a decent paddle for my style.

[@pickleballeffect]

Yes! I'm so glad to hear that. Thanks for sharing, I hope it does the same thing for lots of people.

[@devonthomasholden6771]

I watched a few and this was the best paddle breakdown I’ve seen as a new player. Thanks.

[@pickleballeffect]

Glad to hear it!

[@Nu2Tubes]

Great information! Thank you!

[@treezza2817]

Very helpful review! Thanks!

[@silberfarb]

Outstanding video. Thanks!

[@pickleballeffect]

Thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@OKCswag]

Great guide! Thank you

[@pickleballeffect]

Yeah, glad I could help.

[@CrazyCanuckFitness]

Great information. Thank you

[@pickleballeffect]

You bet!

[@kellenfleener]

Great video

[@scottiemcgee3838]

Great video. Well paced with salient points.

[@pickleballeffect]

Thanks, I hope it helped!

[@scottiemcgee3838]

@@pickleballeffect it did. I'll find out soon enough when the new paddle arrives!

[@networkdaemon]

Very informative video and nice website.

[@pickleballeffect]

Thank you, I appreciate it :)

[@donreinholz8121]

Thanks for your input. At first I liked the wider paddles but now I like the longer length for drinking. I lean towards control paddles. I like lighter faster paddle speed. It is easy to hit the ball long. Lol

[@pickleballeffect]

Yeah, that’s a common transition. As you get better you find the middle of the paddle more often and start to see the benefits of a longer paddle. Take a look at the Joola Vision 16. It has the length, control, and lighter weight you’re looking for.

[@toms9864]

Very good presentation.

[@pickleballeffect]

Thanks! I hope you found it helpful.

[@GD-dv3uk]

Thanks for the informative reviews! I live in Mexico where it can be hard to find a high quality paddle at a decent price so durability is a big deal for me. Gearbox paddles with their carbon fiber cores are supposed to be way more durable than paddles with polymer cores, or so it’s claimed. Have you found this to be the case? Are there any other paddles that last a long time that I should be considering? Thanks in advance for sharing your insight on this!

[@pickleballeffect]

Yeah, I'm glad you find them helpful! But yeah, a gearbox will last you a long time. Just make sure you get some edge guard tape too. I think some lead tape on the bottom two corners go a long way for Gearbox paddles too.

[@Deleeter]

This is a great guide. A couple of things I would add related to the handle to think about - handle shape and grip circumference. Coming from tennis I've found pickleball paddles with square grips feel a little strange in my hand personally. I much prefer a tennis octagon shaped grip over the square shaped grip. I tend to hit forehands with a western grip and backhands with a more continental grip and the square grip makes it hard to "feel" where I am sometimes on the grip when switching grips quickly. It's my only real complaint with the prince response pro paddle I use. If you don't know what size grip you like I would generally go for the smallest grip size sold for the paddle you want and add extra grip overwraps if you end up wanting to make it bigger.

[@pickleballeffect]

Great point, I like that. It is annoying that brands haven't all adopted the octagon grip. I wonder if it's harder to do for some reason.

[@rmonsipapa]

100% agree James.. Coming from a tennis background also I use the same grips for the forehand and back hand as you mentioned above. The paddle grips over all are VERY cheap, it's amazing how much they cost and the lack of detail in the grip and manufacture of some of these paddles. Of the ones I have right now, the Engage MX 6.0 is oval and the Electrum E and Niupipo's are both octagon. I'm thinking of getting some balsa wood and shaping it for the sides of the grip to give me that octagon shape. The feel is so important otherwise you have no idea if the paddle face is open or closed (like a tennis racket). I know you know what I mean! Good input James!

[@jimwaldemarsen472]

I would like to see you review the CRBN

[@kenmtb]

Really nice video. Well done. I am also checking out your site. I tried a Head radical tour gr and it is a nice paddle. It feels a bit heavy and sluggish for me but it is comfortable and somewhat forgiving. Can you recommend a paddle that is all court that leans towards control and power for indoor? Thanks

[@pickleballeffect]

Thanks, I appreciate it. Take a look at the TMPR Tantrum LX, it might fit the bill for you. pickleballeffect.com/hot-list/tmpr-tantrum-lx-best-all-court-silver-award/.

[@IamGadgetcom]

Good video. I never played. I will be checking local clubs etc. I enjoyed your video...of course i do not know what kind of racquet I want, but the information you gave me will be helpful. The hard part is I want power and control. However I do think being new i would want control...then to choose longer or shorter. Wonder how many paddles I will end up buying...Like Putters in golf Lol Thanks again

[@pickleballeffect]

Yeah, it can take a minute to find the right combination. Typically I’ll suggest a control oriented paddle with a standard shape for people just starting. Those are the most forgiving paddles and will help you dial in the soft game with things like drop shots, resets, and dinks since that’s the hardest part to learn. Check out the shop on my website. You can filter paddles down by control, all-court, or power paddles to help narrow down your search.

[@jimwaldemarsen472]

I would like to see you review the CRBN paddles specifically the 13 mm paddle and compare to the Gearbox and Icon. CRBN seems to be gaining momentum on tour. Your other reviews have been spot on. Thanks for all you do.

[@pickleballeffect]

I would like to see me review them too lol! You're right, they have been gaining a lot of momentum on tour. I have been chatting with them and hope to get some paddles to review this month! Thanks for watching and supporting my channel, I appreciate it.

[@shawnmaloney6845]

@@pickleballeffect Great video. I ordered the CRBN2 16mm few weeks ago and anxiously awaiting some feed back for when it might get shipped. My Engage Ex has come to an end as it now has several dead spots.

[@pickleballeffect]

@@shawnmaloney6845 Nice, you'll have to let me know what which paddle you like more. The Pursuit EX or the crbn 2 16mm. Seems like those are the brands everyone has been picking between lately.

[@7soccergeek]

Nice video and guide. I went to your web site to checkout the paddle reviews and looked at all 3 review areas and gave it a spin. Very nice thorough reviews and loved the narrated videos. The big question I have is I don't see any Paddletek paddle reviews which I thought was very surprising considering more top pros men and women play Paddletek more than any other paddle. Thoughts? I'm interested in a Crbn review too.

[@pickleballeffect]

Thanks for checking out the site, I'm glad you liked it. I've actually got a crbn paddle review in the works! Paddletek hasn't come out with a new paddle in ages and I've been putting my attention towards newer stuff.

[@7soccergeek]

@@pickleballeffect Thanks for the update!

[@jeffaston3580]

Great info! Im curious why there are no reviews or mention of the Paddletek line?

[@pickleballeffect]

Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful. I don't have a good reason for you, I just haven't gotten to one yet. There are a lot of paddles out there and I tend to focus on the new ones that come out.

[@susanscandles]

Great video. Want to learn how to play as I keep hearing how much people enjoy it. So many utube reviews and bit confused. Thanks again and will watch more of yours. Suggestion you feel for best beginner paddle. Took test and prefer, forgiveness, control.

[@pickleballeffect]

Hey Susan, thanks for reaching out. Check out the Engage Evolution Max. It’s a great budget control paddle that will help you keep the ball low and reduce errors as you learn and get better. You can check it out here, pickleballeffect.com/product/engage-omega-evolution-max/

[@pickleballeffect]

Forgiving, control paddles are the best way to go when you’re getting started because learning the soft game is the hardest part to learn so it will help you reign that in.

[@rmonsipapa]

A couple of paddles to add to your reviews: Electrum E and the Niupipo Explorer Pro and Voyager... I think these Niupipo paddles are really an untapped resource (great priced compared to most others and they play and feel great). Worth a check!

[@pickleballeffect]

I've actually got an electrum e in the mail right now so that was good timing ha. I've hit an original Niupipo Explorer and thought it was just okay. If I remember right it had a bit of a hot spot that was tricky to play with. I believe they have since come out with the Pro version that I haven't hit yet. I'll have to look into it. And the Onix Voyager, I don't know too much about. I haven't hit many Onix paddles. Is the Voyager your favorite of the bunch?

[@rmonsipapa]

@@pickleballeffect NOT the voyager from Onix... the Voyager I am referring to is from Niupipo, it’s new. I just got mine yesterday, on sale on Amazon for $79.99 (Reg $99.00)

[@rmonsipapa]

@@pickleballeffect Yes, try out both Niupipo paddles, the Explorer Pro and Voyager Pro. I've been hitting with the Explorer Pro and I like it. I sold my Gearbox CX14H and Selkirk graphite but kept my Explorer Pro. The Price was soon good I just picked up their new one the Voyager Pro (first elongated paddle from Niupipo). Going to hit with it in a few days. Will drop some feedback as soon as I hit with it! Will see how it compares to the Electrum E and the Engage MX 6.0. The E has got some grip to it and I think you will find that you don't have to hit the ball nearly as hard to get the same pace and MORE spin than the Engage MX 6.0... :-) Keep up the good work, your growth will come as you get more content and the word starts to spread! Best Wishes...

[@pickleballeffect]

@@rmonsipapa interesting, I might just pick one up too. If would be fun to do some head to head comparisons with the voyager vs engage or something like that.

[@rmonsipapa]

@@pickleballeffect I'll be taking the Engage MX 6.0, Electrum E and now the Voyager Pro and hitting with those on Wednesday. I hit 100 -150 balls with each (serves) and I really pay attention to how they feel, sound, perform... It's really a lot of fun. That's what convinced me to feel the Selkirk and Gearbox, they just didn't feel as good as these other 3. I think your going to like the E, the grip is on the small side and I took the original grip tape off because it was ribbed and felt awkward. You can really rip the serves with this paddle.

[@lorenbaughman9451]

I like forgiveness, control, with spin, and a balance weight and head speed. What do you recommend under $90.00? Prefer tennis type handle.

[@pickleballeffect]

The under $100 range of paddles is underserved so there aren't a ton of great options. You could look at the Gearbox GH7 and CP7 or the Xspak carbon fiber on Amazon. Selkirk is also coming out with a new mid market line of paddles in a month or so that will cost around $100 that are pretty good.

[@bobbytheblade2550]

I bought wood - $6.99 Walmart Play Level: 4.0 😮

[@NewWorldDAO]

what is the best paddle that as all w/ Longest grip w/ longest head w/ most power/ with most spin?

[@pickleballeffect]

Take a look at the Engage Pursuit MX and the crbn 1 13mm. Those both fit that description well.

[@trsbabu]

Great Video. Very informative. I played offensive Table Tennis for a number of years in my younger days and am now transitioning to Pickleball in my early 70s. I am limited to muscle strength on my wrist and left arm and tend to play with a table-tennis grip with my cheap pickleball paddle. Am looking to upgrade and after reviewing your video trying to decide on the following. i) wide body or elongated (to help with reach) ii) looking at a lightweight paddle with a short handle for more control and spin; iii) fibreglass or carbon fiber; iv) head lighter; v) weight - 7-7.3??? open to your ideas suggestions. Thanks again.

[@pickleballeffect]

Hi Badu, thanks for watching and I'm glad you found pickleball! Take a look at the Gamma Hellbender. I think that paddle might fit your needs. It's lighter weight, has a shorter handle for your ping pong grip, and is semi elongated to give you some extra reach without sacrificing the size of the sweet spot. I think you'll like that one, fromuthpickleball.com/product/24218/gamma-hellbender-pickleball-paddle-blue?rfsn=5939069.07b17a.

[@trsbabu]

@@pickleballeffect thanks for that Brandon. On checking, the weight of the Gamma Helbender is 7.6 - is there a lighter version available given that I dont have that much wrist and arm strength (thus wanted to opt for a lightweight or featherweight) and compensate for the loss of power by choosing a core and face that can help me with power. Thanks!

[@trsbabu]

apologies for spelling your name incorrectly Braydon. Thanks!

[@pickleballeffect]

@@trsbabu There isn't a lighter Hellbender. If light weight and power is what you are looking for then check out the Prokennex Pro flight. It weighs between 7.3 and 7.6 oz, which is the lightest paddle you'll find, but it still packs a punch. prokennex-pickleball.com/pro-flight-blue/

[@enricgmajoral5300]

Hey what a great video!!! Congrats. I find it a bit strange that nobody talks about the HEAD paddles. Being such an important tennis brand…But I have to admit I bought one (Radical Pro) thinking it would be a power horse, and I felt disappointed compared to some Selkirk I had previously tested. It felt empty and lifeless…

[@pickleballeffect]

Maybe that's why ha. I'm not super familiar with all of their paddles but from my experience, other than their Gravity series, they feel pretty cheap and dead.

[@northvanlarry561]

I think Radical Tour GR is a good one.

[@danielduck2114]

Does anyone know where I can get a custom made paddle with art of my choosing? I'm thinking a wutang one with a killer bee on on side and the emblem on the other.

[@pickleballeffect]

These guys do that sort of stuff, erne-pickleball.com/.

[@caroleberkoff8036]

Best paddle for a beginner moving up

[@pickleballeffect]

Vatic Pro Prism Flash if you want pure control. Six Zero Double Black Diamond if you want a blend of power and control.

[@pickleballgoyangcitykorea7988]

What I want is a paddle that has good grip and can apply spin well. Is it that kind?

[@pickleballeffect]

I'd suggest looking at Crbn and Electrum paddles if spin is your highest priority.

[@hobonickel840]

Thanks ..I'm new. Are there regulations about paddles? Or is it anything goes?

[@pickleballeffect]

Yeah, there are rules for how big the paddle is, how gritty the face is, and how much deflection or bounce the paddle has

[@seazestyt]

You forgot to mention graphite face which is also popular. For shape Octagon is my favorite rather than oval shape.

[@mrsbucky1]

Hi, I've been researching paddles. I'm leaning towards the Legacy Pro due to the octagon shape. But, I also like the ProXR. Could you please recommend one?

[@silberfarb]

Do you have suggestions for a paddles with octagon shaped handles?

[@pickleballeffect]

Yeah, a few come to mind but I’ll need more info to make a good recommendation. Take this survey I made and that will give me the info I need to suggest something for you, docs.google.com/forms/d/1jLJfhMl9vj6nlDqRkdmmYGkW5lPOSGQ7FCiiKlGI1qM/viewform?edit_requested=true

[@chenhsu7675]

The elongated paddle has the length of 18 inches as opposed to 16 inchehs as you stated in your video for the total lenght of the paddle surface width (6 inches) + the paddle length has to be no more than 24 inches). Please correct it . Thanks. CHEN HSU

[@jillrobinson6767]

How do I see your guide

[@tm-fq9ru]

What are your thoughts on graphite paddles like Ben John’s Joola paddle?

[@pickleballeffect]

The graphite on Ben Johns paddle is commonly called raw carbon fiber and it’s a nice surface material if you’re lookin for control and spin. I’m a fan of it.

[@arkansasman1]

Ben Jones Hyperion or Gearbox CSX 14?

[@pickleballeffect]

Those are very different paddles ha. Both offer good control and spin but the Hyperion is much heavier, more stable, more forgiving, and bit more more power while the CX14 is lighter and faster so it just depends what you want.

[@PickleballJoy]

Your paddle reviews are interesting. I'm an old tennis teacher and coach, playing the last six months with the Franklin Ben Johns Signature. "Leaded up" from the shoulders down to the grip to get rid of the "dead spot" between the sweet spot and the grip. I like the pop and feel of this paddle. I do wish it provided more spin. (When I try for sidespin, slice or topspin, it seems like I wasted my effort.) I don't like the idea of trying twenty different paddles. Any suggestions to help me narrow the choices to (a reasonable) 3-5 paddles? - Vic

[@pickleballeffect]

Yeah, take a look a look at these: 1) Diadem Warrior Edge (elongated, all-court, spin) 2) CRBN 1 16mm (elongated, control, spin) 3) Joola Hyperion CFS 14 (elongated, power, spin)

[@PickleballJoy]

@@pickleballeffect Thanks! Will do....

[@PickleballJoy]

@@pickleballeffect Received the CFS 14 yesterday. Trying it out in a few hours. Ordered the CRBN 1 from you. USPS' tracking app must be broken. It hasn't changed where the paddle is for three days....

[@pickleballeffect]

@@PickleballJoy Nice and okay, let me look into the shipping thing with your CRBN 1. I'll shoot you an email.

[@pickleballeffect]

@@PickleballJoy send me your order # at [e-mail].

[@Wiseeyehomeinspection]

How would one choose a face texture?

[@pickleballeffect]

If spin is a big part of your game then look for face texture that's built into the material and not some sort of paint or spray on texture. Spray on texture has a sand paper like feel to it and the stuff that is built into the material is typically directional and not as rough to the touch. There are multiple factors that affect spin like weight, handle length, and core thickness but texture plays a big role.

[@WorldTraveler222]

Great video, just wanted to let you know the audio is super low even at full volume.

[@pickleballeffect]

Appreciate it, and thanks for the heads up.

[@gravityracergt]

Moral of the story.. Choose between power and control 🤣

[@cmpoonyynful]

Whatever brand you want to buy, but not Joola. I have a Joola Hyperion 14mm paddle, which has issues of delamination and carbon fiber surface peel-off early after purchase, Joola said it is normal. Unless you are wealthy and is able to change paddle every few months, go for Joola.

[@Positively46]

Any opinion anyone on Electrum Pro 2?

[@pickleballeffect]

Yes, check out all my thoughts here pickleballeffect.com/equipment-reviews/electrum-pro-2-paddle-review/

[@Positively46]

@@pickleballeffect thank you!

[@jasonlowrey8317]

Braydon, do you read these comments? Can I send you a question and ask you to respond to it for me?

[@pickleballeffect]

Yes, I read them. Feel free to email me at [e-mail]. Always happy to chat paddles.

[@jasonlowrey8317]

@@pickleballeffect thank you Braydon

[@rbnjr]

I have been reading that all the paddles for this game regardless of price will only last one year before going dead..is that true? Any experienced player pro or not please chime in here as this really needs to be addressed.

[@pickleballeffect]

If you play regularly like 2 or more times a week then yes, your paddle will start to break down and won’t perform as well by the time a year rolls around. But if you only play a few times a month then your paddle will last longer. One brand that is known for longer durability is Gearbox, some of their paddles have a carbon fiber core and not a polymer core which doesn’t break down as quickly.

[@ginaflores9784]

Fromuth chat was super slow - very frustrating

[@harrygreenlee]

couldn't hear you

[@dotjai330]

get paddle that works best for you. Hosts is talking about what he thinks is best for himself. everyone is different

[@mahgismom]

Volume is too low. Get better sound