Pickleball is an interesting and engaging sport that demands skills, strategy, and the proper equipment. But the paddle is one of the most essential pieces of equipment and may significantly improve your game. But what pickleball paddles do pros use? And how can you pick the perfect paddle for you?
In this post, I will address these questions and more. I’ll go over the features and benefits that various paddle manufacturers and models provide, as well as how they affect players’ performance and style. Along with that, I’ll also share which paddles pros use and why. You will have a better grasp of pickleball paddles and the pros who use them by the end of this article.
Pickleball Paddle Brands Favored by Pros
There are a lot of pickleball paddle brands and manufacturers on the market, but not all of them are developed equally. Some of them are known for making high-quality, long-lasting, and inventive paddles that are preferred by many professional players. Here are some of the most popular and well-known pickleball paddle brands among professionals:
- Joola
Joola is a German brand that has been manufacturing table tennis equipment since 1952. In 2019, they joined the pickleball industry with a range of premium paddles that have a unique honeycomb core made of polypropylene and carbon fiber. This core balances power, control, and touch while reducing vibration and noise. Additionally, the fiberglass surface of Joola paddles is strong and smooth, providing a reliable and responsive feel.
- Selkirk
Selkirk, a family-owned business based in Washington State, has been manufacturing professional pickleball paddles since 2014. They are well-known for their cutting-edge, patented technology such as the X5 core, the Fiber Flex face, and the Edge Sentry guard. These innovations improve the performance, durability, and appearance of their paddles. Selkirk is located in Hayden, Idaho, and makes its best pro pickleball rackets in the United States.
- Paddletek
Paddletek is one of the industry’s oldest and most reputable pickleball paddle brands. They’ve been creating professional pickleball rackets since 2010 and have a devoted following of players of all skill levels. Paddletek paddles stand out by their sophisticated core technology, which employs a special polymer blend to absorb shock while providing excellent control and feel. Paddletek paddles have a tough, textured fiberglass surface that improves spin and accuracy. They’re also well-balanced, reliable, and comfy. They also focus a premium on quality and warranties.
- Electrum
Electrum is a new company launched in 2019 by Travis Rettenmaier, a former pro tennis player and pickleball lover. They are the first and only brand that uses a carbon fiber honeycomb core, which is lighter, stronger, and more rigid than typical polymer cores. This core provides exceptional feel, sound, and performance to their paddles. Electrum paddles are quick, robust, and balanced, and they are the only paddles with a wave-shaped edge guard, which drops drag and enhances aerodynamics.
- Franklin
Franklin is a well-known and well-established sports equipment brand that has been in service since 1946. In 2015, they joined the pickleball market with their signature paddle, the X-40, which is the official paddle of the US Open Pickleball Championships. Franklin paddles are built with professional players in mind and use a special core material engineered for maximum performance. Franklin is the best professional pickleball paddle that has a tough, textured surface that improves grip and spin.
- Engage
Engage is a pickleball paddle premium brand formed in 2014 by a group of pickleball fans and engineers. They are committed to developing the top pro pickleball paddles for the sport, and they are always innovating and upgrading their offerings. Engage paddles are created using cutting-edge materials and technologies like polymer, polycarbonate, and fiberglass. Engage paddles are available in a variety of forms, sizes, and weights to improve spin, touch, and feel. The surface of Engage paddles is likewise high-quality and textured, providing superb spin and control.
What Pickleball Paddles do the Pros Use and Why?
Now that I’ve covered some of the best pickleball paddle brands, let’s take a deeper look at some of the top pickleball players and their paddles. I’ll also discuss why they chose these paddles and the benefits they provide.
Here are some of the top pickleball professionals and the paddles they use:
Ben Johns
Pickleball is a sport that has grown in popularity and recognition in the United States and around the world in recent years. The extraordinary performance of Ben Johns greatly considered the finest pickleball player in the country, is one of the reasons for this growing interest in pickleball. He is a rising star who has dominated the pickleball scene with his talents and strategies, winning countless national and international championships.
Ben Johns made a significant move in 2022 when he signed a contract with JOOLA Pickleball, a brand new to the pickleball market but with a lengthy history of creating high-quality table tennis equipment. JOOLA released his signature paddle, the JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm Ben Johns Signature, which is a heavy-duty paddle constructed from the surface to the core for pickleball. The paddle has a carbon fiber surface for durability and power, as well as a 16mm thick core for control and stability. The paddle also has a unique design and weight distribution that complements Ben Johns’ playing style and preferences.
Tyson McGuffin
Tyson McGuffin is yet another elite pickleball player who deserves our attention. He is one of the sport’s most exciting and versatile players, capable of playing both singles and doubles. He has won the US Open, the USAPA Nationals, and the Tournament of Champions, among other important tournaments. Tyson McGuffin’s favorite paddle is the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta, which has a unique design that allows for maximum spin and power while maintaining stability and the smooth touch you expect from Selkirk.
The paddle boasts a carbon fiber surface for increased durability and performance, as well as a 16mm thick core for additional control and consistency. Tyson McGuffin’s playing style and preferences are also complemented by the paddle’s unusual shape and weight distribution.
Paris Todd
Paris Todd is a top pickleball player who uses the Selkirk SLK Halo paddle. This paddle is not as pricey or as innovative as some of the other Selkirk paddles, but it still provides excellent touch, feel, and aerodynamics. Todd has more grip and control with the paddle’s long handle and expanded structure, which boosts the sweet spot and power. These characteristics are great for Todd’s two-handed backhand, which is one of her strongest and best shots on the tour.
The paddle also boasts a raw-carbon surface that improves durability and performance, as well as a 16mm thick core that provides consistency and stability. The paddle also has a specific weight distribution that suits Todd’s playing style and preferences. Todd has been using this paddle since 2022 and has won a number of major competitions with it, including the US Open, USAPA Nationals, and Tournament of Champions.
Jessie Irvine
Jessie Irvine, one of the world’s most successful pickleball players, uses the Engage Pursuit MX Middleweight paddle to crush her opponents. Because it was designed by Engage, an established name in the pickleball industry, this paddle is one of the most appreciated paddles of the year. The MX model features a longer 5 3/4″ handle length, which gives Irvine more leverage and comfort than the EX model’s 5″ handle.
This model also has a 1/2″ thick core and a middleweight design, which provide a similar balance of control and feel to the 5/8″ core, but with more power and speed. The paddle also includes a special graphite skin that improves friction and spin, as well as a distinct form and weight distribution that complements Irvine’s playing style and preferences. Irvine has been using this paddle since 2022 and has won the US Open, USAPA Nationals, and Tournament of Champions with it.
Catherine Parenteau
Catherine Parenteau has been among the top players in the PPA Tour rankings for the past few years, using a Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta paddle. Designed by Selkirk, a well-known brand in the pickleball world, this paddle is a popular pick among many pros. The paddle has a longer 5 3/4″ handle length, which gives Parenteau more comfort and leverage over the EX model’s 5″ handle.
The middleweight design and 1/2″ thick core of the paddle produces a similar but faster and more powerful balance of control and feel to the 5/8″ core. The paddle has a special graphite surface that improves friction and spin, as well as a unique shape and weight distribution that reflects Parenteau’s playing style and preferences. With the use of this paddle, Parenteau has been able to achieve incredible feats since 2022.
Zane Navratil
Zane, a well-known national pickleball trainer, is famous for his excellent teaching method that smoothly blends precision and enjoyment. He’s an important part of the ProXR family, supporting the game-changing ProXR Zane Navratil Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle and helping players grow through sought-after clinics and lessons. With a 6” extended handle and sophisticated T700 Raw Carbon Fiber design with a 14 mm core, this paddle ensures player control and keeps opponents on edge during matches.
Colin Johns
Colin Johns, who is well-known for his partnership with his brother Ben Johns, is excited to launch his newest innovation in the pickleball world: the JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus 16mm Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle. This paddle represents an important evolution for Colin, as he bids farewell to the Electrum Pro in favor of promoting innovation. Colin Johns becomes a vital part of the famed JOOLA Pickleball tradition with a relentless drive to deliver great performances.
Conclusion
Picking a pickleball paddle is a personal choice that is influenced by your preferences, goals, and money. There are several solutions accessible, each with its own set of pros and cons. You should try out different paddles to see which one works best for you. However, if you want some ideas, you can look at the most used pickleball paddle by pros. They are the finest in the game, with extensive experience and knowledge of pickleball paddles. They rely on paddles that are suitable for their style, personality, and expectations. Now that we have reviewed some of the top pro pickleball paddles brands and some of the top pickleball professionalists’ choices it will make your decision easy to choose one.
FAQs
Professional players take into account aspects such as paddle weight, grip size, material, core type, and shape. Their decision depends on their playing style, preferences, and the paddle’s feel.
Professional players frequently prefer graphite and composite materials. These materials provide a good mix of power and control.
Look for paddle models that have the same weight, grip size, and material as the pros. It’s also crucial to think about your own preferences and playing style.