Yahoo Lifestyle New Hobby Alert: These Aesthetic Pickleball Paddles Will Make Ya Want to Play
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New Hobby Alert: These Aesthetic Pickleball Paddles Will Make Ya Want to Play
IDK if you've heard, but pickleball is having a moment rn (and no, not just with your parents and grandparents). A combo of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball is basically the most fun you can have while working up a sweat, especially if you get yourself a sporty lil tennis 'fit to wear on the court. And if you're not looking to rent a sweaty ol' paddle from the gym (yuck), then you should know about all the best pickleball paddle options out there before you make the investment, whether you're a total newbie or already have experience on the court.
Everything from the thickness of the paddle core to the length of the handle can alter its performance, and choosing the right paddle all depends on whether you're looking for power or control (or a mix of both!). You'll find that a widebody paddle shape with a thick core, short handle, and carbon fiber or graphite surface will give you the most control and the biggest sweet spot, while an elongated paddle shape with a thin core, long handle, and fiberglass surface will give you a tighter sweet spot but a lot more power. And if you're looking for mid-price and exceptionally chic pickleball paddles great for both beginner and intermediate players, then you've come to the right place.
Our top picks for pickleball paddles for 2023:
Ahead, all the pickleball paddles worth your hard-earned $$$, as well as everything you should consider before buying yourself a new paddle.
Courtesy - 2/10
Recess Barton Springs Pickleball Paddle
Recess Pickleball
amazon.com
$86.00
Attention all power-hungry peeps: This Recess fiberglass paddle is calling your name. Since fiberglass is not as stiff as carbon fiber and graphite, the paddle acts as a sort of trampoline that takes the energy from the ball and transfers it right back, making for some seriously powerful shots. Reviewers also love this bb for its mid-weight design, classic shape, thinner core, and included canvas cover.
THE REVIEWS: "After switching to Recess paddles, my game has improved significantly!!" one customer writes. "The amount of speed and power I can achieve with this paddle makes it worth every penny. If you’re hesitating on purchasing this paddle, I urge you to do so! You will not regret it!!"
Recess - 3/10
NETTIE Ashbury Classic Pickleball Paddle
NETTIE
amazon.com
$79.99
Want a paddle with a lil more control? Carbon fiber is stiffer and more durable than fiberglass, so with carbon fiber paddles like this cutie from NETTIE, the energy of the ball at impact is spread throughout the entire face for a better feel and larger sweet spot. In addition to providing tons of control, this retro-inspired paddle boasts a surprisingly thin core for power and pop, a standard-length five-inch handle, and a large square-face shape.
THE REVIEWS: According to one reviewer, "I mean, does it get any better than a beautifully designed pickleball paddle with the sweetest of 'pop' noises when you dink the ball over the net? Nettie is the best paddle I've ever used and it's hotter than hot to look at."
NETTIE - 4/10
Holbrook Centre Court Pickleball Paddle
Holbrook
amazon.com
$89.99
Graphite tends to be slightly heavier and a little less durable than carbon fiber, but graphite paddles (like this groovy Holbrook option) are still another great choice for those who prefer control over power. With its stiff graphite surface, this paddle will allow you to direct the ball exactly where you need it to go with A+ precision. Other great features include its standard-length five-inch handle, relatively thin core, and mid-weight design.
THE REVIEWS: "Really like the weight of this paddle," one person writes. "It makes it easier to use and handle. The texture on the paddle is exceptional and gives the ability to control the ball without sacrificing power. For what it’s worth, it’s an outstanding paddle for beginners and experts."
Holbrook - 5/10
Tangerine Nantucket Pickleball Paddle
tangerinepaddle.com
$85.00
The lighter the paddle, the easier it is to maneuver, and you won't find a prettier lightweight paddle than this option from Tangerine, which weighs in at just 7.6 ounces. Though you'll have to swing this bb harder to get more power out of it, you'll love the satisfying "pop" provided by the elongated shape, fiberglass surface, and thin core.
THE REVIEWS: "Design, fit, and finish are spectacular," raves one reviewer. "Vastly superior to my previous paddle. Highly recommended!"
Tangerine - 6/10
OutWest Sport Sunrise Pickleball Paddle
OutWest
amazon.com
$75.99
If you're new to pickleball, then you'll want to go with a paddle that prioritizes control over power. Presenting: this ideal beginner paddle from OutWest, which boasts a shorter-than-average grip length, stiff graphite surface, mid-weight design, thin core for pop, and a huge sweet spot for people still perfecting their ball-striking skills. Oh, and did we mention that it's gorgeous as heck and comes with its own case?
THE REVIEWS: "Awesome product!" one person writes. "Lightweight and great for beginners. Doesn't hurt that it's super stylish and I received a lot of compliments from the group of folks I was playing with. Would highly recommend!"
OutWest - 7/10
Play Paddles Ripple Pickleball Paddle
Play Paddles
amazon.com
$79.49
Is comfort your top priority? Then you wanna get a paddle with a nice thick grip, like this colorful option from Play Paddles. Padded high-end keel grip tape covers the cushioned handle on this cutie, so it's perfect for extended play—not to mention the perforated design makes it sweat-absorbent and slip-free. In addition to feeling good in your hand, the surface of this graphite paddle features friction technology that'll give you more control and spin, as well as a thick core for stabilization.
THE REVIEWS: "I am so happy with this pickleball paddle!" one review reads. "It is lightweight and the grip is very comfortable. I had searched high and low for a pickleball paddle with a unique design. You will not be able to find any others that compare to this company’s designs. Also, it is great to play with. The pickleball pops off of it very nicely."
Play Paddles - 8/10
LUXE Pickleball Flower Pickleball Paddle
alalastyle.com
$80.00
Okay, but can we talk about the gorgeousness of this paddle?? Ofc, this option from LUXE doesn't just look good. Reviewers love the power provided by the fiberglass surface and lightweight build, as well as the control and spin you get from the unique textured face. The fact that LUXE happens to make some of the most precious designs around is just an added bonus.
THE REVIEWS: "This is my third paddle that I have bought from LUXE and I absolutely love them!!" says one tester. "They are super lightweight and SUPER CUTE!!!"
LUXE - 9/10
Rally Club Sun Chaser Pickleball Paddle
Rally Club
amazon.com
$79.00
Slightly more advanced players will wanna opt for a paddle that provides a combination of control and power, like this sporty option from Rally Club. Complete with a large sweet spot, textured carbon fiber surface, and mid-weight design, this paddle will help you generate plenty of spin while providing a fab balance of power and control in your swing.
THE REVIEWS: "Love the modern design (so did everyone in my pickleball league) and was super happy how well it played," one reviewer notes. "Really comfortable to grip and loved the power and pop!"
Rally Club - 10/10
Brooklyn Paddle Co Classic Green Paddle
brooklynpaddle.co
$55.00
Not ready to drop $70 to $90 on a new pickleball racket? Then you should check out the budget-friendly selection from Brooklyn Paddle Co. Complete with a super-thick core and carbon fiber face, this sturdy, mid-weight paddle has a suuuuper generous sweet spot that beginners will love, as well as a textured surface for extra spin and added durability—and tbh, you simply can't beat that price for the quality.
Brooklyn Paddle Co
