Pickleball is everywhere.
It’s not hard to see why. The game is easy for beginners to learn, and most competitors can up their skill level in no time.
If you’re playing pickleball regularly, you might be looking for a consistent paddle to compete with. Because of the rising interest in pickleball, about 600 companies have entered the market, many claiming to offer paddles featuring unique, cutting-edge technology that will supposedly have you dinking and lobbing like a pro.
However, you don’t need something made of polycarbonate composite aluminum engineered by NASA scientists (we don’t think that’s a thing—yet). In fact, you probably don’t need a fancy, expensive paddle at all.
Think of pickleball paddles like basketball sneakers: Just as wearing the most expensive model won’t help you dunk like LeBron James, buying the most expensive paddle won’t have you suddenly smashing power shots like a pro.
We tested eight paddles to find the best model for someone looking to buy their first serious paddle. After examining factors like grip, power, weight, and control, we recommend the Paddletek Bantam EX-L.