What Pickleball Paddles Do the Pros Use? Top Brands and Models

What Pickleball Paddles Do the Pros Use? Dominate the Court Like a Champion

Professional pickleball players use high-quality paddles from top brands like Selkirk, Onix, Paddletek, ProKennex, and Engage. These paddles are chosen based on factors such as weight, material, surface texture, core thickness, grip size, and face shape to suit their individual playing styles. Pros categorized as aggressive baseline players often prefer paddles with thick cores and heavy weights for power and spin, while finesse players opt for thin cores and lightweight designs for touch and control. All-around players choose paddles with medium-thickness cores and balanced weight distribution for versatility and adaptability.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial for players of all skill levels to enhance performance and develop their unique playing style.
• Professional players rely on high-quality paddle brands like Selkirk, Onix, Paddletek, ProKennex, and Engage.
• Key factors to consider when selecting a paddle include weight, material, surface texture, core thickness, grip size, and face shape.
• Different playing styles (aggressive baseline, finesse, and all-around) require specific paddle characteristics to maximize performance.
• Experimenting with various paddles and considering individual preferences is essential to finding the perfect paddle for your game.
• With the right paddle and dedication to practice, anyone can improve their pickleball skills and dominate the court like a champion.

Choosing the right pickleball paddle is crucial for both beginners and experienced players alike. The right paddle can:

• Enhance your performance
• Improve your accuracy
• Help you develop your own unique playing style

Pro pickleball players understand the importance of selecting the perfect paddle, and they often rely on specific brands and models to optimize their game. By understanding the factors that influence a pro’s choice of paddle, you can make an informed decision when selecting your own equipment.

Popular Pickleball Paddle Brands Used by Professionals

When it comes to professional pickleball, there are several brands that stand out as the top choices among the sport’s elite players. These brands have earned their reputation by consistently delivering high-quality paddles that meet the demanding needs of the pros.

Brand	Key Features	Sponsored Players
Selkirk	Innovative designs, superior craftsmanship, AMPED series with advanced composite materials	Tyson McGuffin, Kaitlin Christian
Onix	Excellent balance, responsive feel, durable construction, Evoke series for different playing styles	Lucy Kovalova, Matt Wright
Paddletek	Commitment to innovation and quality, Tempest series with advanced composite materials and proprietary technologies	Simone Jardim, Joey Farias
ProKennex	Exceptional balance and feel, Flight series designed for speed, control, and precision	Collin Johns, Michelle Esquivel
Engage	Innovative designs, top-notch quality, Encore series with advanced composite materials and proprietary technologies	Anna Leigh Waters, JW Johnson

Factors Pros Consider When Choosing a Pickleball Paddle

While the brands mentioned above are all popular choices among professional pickleball players, it’s important to understand that there is no single “best” paddle for everyone. Each player has their own unique style, preferences, and needs, and what works for one pro may not work for another. That being said, there are several key factors that most professionals consider when selecting a pickleball paddle:

1. Paddle Weight: Lightweight paddles (under 7.3 oz) are often preferred by players who value quick reactions and maneuverability, while heavyweight paddles (over 8.0 oz) are favored by those who prioritize power and stability.
2. Paddle Material: Composite paddles, made from materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber, are known for their excellent power and durability. Graphite paddles are lighter and more flexible, offering superior touch and control.
3. Paddle Surface: Smooth surfaces are ideal for players who prioritize speed and consistency, while textured surfaces provide more grip and spin potential.
4. Paddle Core Thickness: Thinner cores (under 14mm) offer a softer feel and more feedback, while thicker cores (over 16mm) provide more power and stability.
5. Paddle Grip Size and Shape: Players should choose a grip size that feels comfortable and secure in their hand. Some paddles also feature unique grip shapes for additional comfort and stability.
6. Paddle Face Shape and Size: Wider paddles offer more surface area for power and consistency, while narrower paddles are more maneuverable and precise.

By considering these factors and experimenting with different paddles, professional pickleball players are able to find the perfect equipment to suit their individual playing styles and preferences.

Specific Paddles Used by Top Pros

Now that we’ve discussed the factors that professionals consider when choosing a pickleball paddle, let’s take a closer look at some of the specific models used by the sport’s top players:

• Ben Johns: Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 paddle
  • Thick polymer core and carbon fiber surface
  • 16mm core and 8.0 oz weight
  • Ideal for players who prioritize hard-hitting shots and quick reactions
• Simone Jardim: Prince Response Pro paddle
  • Thin polypropylene core and fiberglass surface
  • 13mm core and 7.8 oz weight
  • Perfect for players who rely on precise shot placement and quick hands
• Tyson McGuffin: Selkirk AMPED Epic paddle
  • Thick polymer core and fiberglass surface
  • 16mm core and 8.3 oz weight
  • Ideal for players who prioritize aggressive play and shot variety
• Lucy Kovalova: Onix Evoke Premier paddle
  • Medium-thickness polypropylene core and composite surface
  • 14mm core and 7.8 oz weight
  • Ideal for players who value all-around performance
• Zane Navratil: Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro paddle
  • Thin polypropylene core and graphite surface
  • 13mm core and 7.6 oz weight
  • Perfect for players who prioritize speed and control

Top Pickleball Paddles for Different Playing Styles (Inspired by the Pros)

While professional pickleball players have their own unique preferences when it comes to paddles, most can be categorized into one of three main playing styles: aggressive baseline, finesse, or all-around. Each style requires a different set of paddle characteristics to maximize performance. Here’s a breakdown of the top pickleball paddles for each playing style, inspired by the pros:

Aggressive Baseline Players (Focus on Power and Spin)

Aggressive baseline players rely on hard-hitting shots and deep court positioning to overpower their opponents. They often prioritize paddles with thick cores and heavy weights to generate maximum power and spin.

Popular paddle choices for aggressive baseline players:

• Selkirk AMPED Invikta (16mm core, 8.3 oz weight)
• Engage Poach Extreme (16mm core, 8.3 oz weight)
• ProKennex Pro Flight (16mm core, 8.0 oz weight)

Finesse Players (Focus on Touch, Control, and Spin)

Finesse players rely on precise shot placement, quick reactions, and strategic ball movement to outmaneuver their opponents. They often prioritize paddles with thin cores and lightweight designs to maximize touch and control.

Popular paddle choices for finesse players:

• Onix Evoke Premier (14mm core, 7.8 oz weight)
• Prince Response Pro (13mm core, 7.8 oz weight)
• Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro (13mm core, 7.6 oz weight)

All-Around Players (Balanced Combination of Power, Control, and Spin)

All-around players rely on a versatile skill set to adapt to different playing situations and opponent styles. They often prioritize paddles with medium-thickness cores and balanced weight distributions to achieve a perfect mix of power, control, and spin.

Popular paddle choices for all-around players:

• Selkirk AMPED Epic (16mm core, 8.0 oz weight)
• Engage Encore MX (14mm core, 7.9 oz weight)
• ProKennex Kinetic Pro (14mm core, 7.8 oz weight)

Where to Buy Pro-Inspired Pickleball Paddles

If you’re looking to purchase a pickleball paddle inspired by the pros, there are several online retailers and physical stores that offer a wide selection of top-quality equipment:

• Pickleball Central
• Total Pickleball
• Amazon

When shopping for a paddle, it’s important to purchase from a reputable dealer to ensure that you’re getting a genuine product. One of the best ways to ensure that you’re buying an authentic pro-inspired paddle is to check the official website of the pickleball paddle brand you’re interested in. Most brands have a list of authorized dealers on their website, so you can be sure that you’re getting a genuine product when you purchase from one of these retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need an expensive paddle to play well?
   While high-end paddles used by the pros can certainly enhance your performance, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank to play well. There are many affordable paddles on the market that offer excellent quality and performance. The most important thing is to find a paddle that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
2. Can beginners use pro-level paddles?
   Absolutely! While pro-level paddles are designed for advanced players, there’s no reason why beginners can’t use them as well. In fact, starting with a high-quality paddle can help you develop good technique and habits from the outset. Just be sure to choose a paddle that feels comfortable and manageable for your skill level.
3. How often should I replace my pickleball paddle?
   The frequency with which you need to replace your pickleball paddle will depend on how often you play and how well you maintain your equipment. On average, most players will need to replace their paddle every 1-2 years, or sooner if they notice significant wear and tear. If you play frequently or at a high level, you may need to replace your paddle more often to ensure optimal performance.
4. What is the best pickleball paddle for spin?
   If you’re looking to add more spin to your shots, there are several paddles that can help you achieve this:
   • Paddles with textured surfaces, like the Onix Evoke Premier or the Selkirk AMPED Epic, are particularly well-suited for generating spin.
   • Paddles with thicker cores and heavier weights, like the Engage Poach Extreme, can also help you impart more spin on the ball.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pickleball paddle is a crucial decision for any player looking to take their game to the next level. By understanding the factors that professional players consider when selecting a paddle, such as weight, material, surface texture, core thickness, grip size, and face shape, you can make an informed decision when choosing your own equipment.

While there is no one “perfect” paddle for everyone, there are certainly some brands and models that stand out as popular choices among the pros. Brands like Selkirk, Onix, Paddletek, ProKennex, and Engage have all earned a reputation for producing high-quality paddles that meet the demands of the sport’s top players.

Ultimately, the best pickleball paddle for you will depend on your individual playing style, preferences, and needs. Whether you’re an aggressive baseline player who prioritizes power and spin, a finesse player who values touch and control, or an all-around player who needs a versatile paddle to adapt to different situations, there is a paddle out there that can help you take your game to the next level.

So don’t be afraid to experiment with different paddles and find the one that feels right for you. And if you need more information on pickleball equipment and strategy, be sure to check out resources like the USA Pickleball Association website for expert advice and guidance.

With the right paddle in hand and a commitment to practice and improvement, you too can dominate the pickleball court like a champion!