The Best Pickleball Paddles In 2023 — Pickleball University

It’s hard to beat the feeling of peeling off the wrapper of a brand-new pickleball paddle and rubbing your hand over the face as visions of dinking, dropping, and driving your opponents into submission roll through your mind.

Today’s article is all about the best pickleball paddles available in 2023 and how each can help you realize your wildest pickleball dreams–or at least help you have a whole lot of fun trying.

#1 JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 14mm

JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 14mm Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Price: $249.95

The Ben Johns Perseus is the newer version of the popular Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 14 paddle. Slightly lighter for a faster swing, and with a squared-off paddle offering a slight increase in surface area, this new paddle is an advanced player’s dream. This great paddle offers excellent ball control with the elongated carbon friction textured surface for spin shots and it has a longer 5 1/2” handle that will help you with two-handed backhands and drives.

The Perseus 14mm has a 14mm reactive honeycomb core that is perfect for a finesse game with a larger sweet spot but is a power paddle that delivers increased swing speed for devastating overhead smashes. The foam-injected edge and thermoformed construction were made for precision and stability, and pickleball players of all skill levels will appreciate the versatility and durability of this midweight paddle.

Features

Core material: Reactive honeycomb polymer core
Core thickness: 14mm (0.55")
Edge guard: 1/8" overlapping paddle face
Grip Circumference: 4.125" (grip sizes may vary up to 1/8")
Grip Style: Sure-Grip Technology
Paddle face: "Charged" Carbon Friction Surface (CFS)
Paddle handle length: 5.5"
Paddle length: 16.5"
Paddle weight range: 7.6 - 8.0 ounces
Paddle width: 7.5"
USA Pickleball approved

#2 Onix Evoke Premier Pro Raw Carbon Pickleball Paddle

Onix Evoke Premier Pro Raw Carbon Pickleball Paddle

Price: $199.99

Move over, Graphite Z5. New and improved quality paddles like the Onix Evoke Premier are making their debut in 2023 and are well worth the price point. If you prefer a standard shape but want the latest technology, look no further. This is a cousin to the Evoke Premier Composite and Evoke Premier CT-16 Composite paddles.

If paddle thickness is important to you - there are 4 thicknesses to choose from with the Onix Evoke Premier. Featuring a polypropylene honeycomb core for lightness and dampening vibration, the sweet spot is enhanced for power in the 10mm and 12 mm options while the 14mm and 16mm options are best for control players who prefer to dink at the net.

This paddle is a winner for all types of players. Advanced players will enjoy the paddle face made from raw carbon fiber to enhance spin and the texture of the hitting surface that creates ample dwell time for slices. Tennis players will appreciate the tennis racket-inspired handle and the comfortable grip. New players can use this paddle to figure out their playing style due to its easy maneuverability, while the edge guard protects against chips and damage.

Features

Core material: Polypropylene honeycomb
Core thickness: 10mm (0.39"), 12mm (0.47"), 14mm (0.55"), 16mm (0.63")
Edge Guard: Atomic13 Minimal Edge Guard by ONIX
Grip circumference: 3-7/8" (10mm), 4-1/8” (12mm, 14mm, and 16mm)
Grip style: Perforated Cushion Grip
Handle length: 5" (10mm and 12mm), 5.35" (14mm and 16mm)
Paddle face: Raw carbon fiber
Paddle length: 16"
Paddle width: 8"
Weight range 10mm: 7.25 – 7.75 oz
Weight range 12mm/14mm: 7.5 – 8.0 oz
Weight range 16mm: 7.75 – 8.25 oz

#3 - Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro V3

Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro V3 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Price: $209.99

This new and improved paddle is updated from the Tempest Reign Pro and comes with a new ICED carbon fiber hitting surface with Perma-Spin technology integration which enhances spin more than any of their previous paddles. The Smart Response Technology in the thick honeycomb core provides maximum control of the large sweet spot, while the shape of this elongated paddle and longer handle provide excellent reach and leverage. Choose between a small or medium handle size for your comfort.

Features

Core material: Polymer honeycomb
Core thickness: 14.3mm (0.563")
Edge guard: 1/8" overlapping paddle face
Grip Circumference: 4 1/4" (Medium) or 4 1/8" (Small)
Grip Style: Cushion (Standard), Flat (Thin)
Handle length: 5.25"
Made in USA
Paddle face: ICED Carbon Fiber
Paddle length: 16.5"
Paddle width: 7.5"
Weight range: 7.6 – 8.0 ounces

#4 VERSIX® RAW 6C+ Elongated Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

VERSIX® RAW 6C+ Elongated Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Price: $109.99

Ready to dominate on the pickleball court and look good doing it? The all-new VERSIX® RAW 6C paddle offers an elongated shape with a raw carbon fiber face to help you drive the ball deep into your opponent’s court.

Use the T700 Toray carbon fiber surface and the 5 3/4” handle for precision two-handed backhands and add incredible spin to your shots. The middleweight of this paddle offers the perfect amount of power, while the 15mm polypropylene core provides forgiveness to enhance your soft game.

If you’re rough with your paddles or play frequently, there’s no need to worry about damage, as the edge guard is secure and protects against chipping and scrapes. The quality materials of this paddle will hold up over time and are on par with many of the more expensive paddles out there.

Features

1-year limited warranty
30-day playtest guarantee
Average Weight: 8.0 ounces
Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
Core Thickness: 15mm (0.59")
Edge Guard: 1/8" overlapping paddle face
Grip Circumference: 4 1/8" (Small) Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8"
Grip Manufacturer: PickleballCentral
Grip Style: Cushioned, Perforated
Handle Length: 5.75" (5-3/4")
Manufacturer: PickleballCentral
Paddle Face: T700 Toray Raw Carbon Fiber
Paddle Length: 16.375" (16-3/8")
Paddle Width: 7.375" (7-3/8")
Weight Range: 7.8 - 8.1 ounces

#5 - Babolat MNSTR+ Pickleball Paddle

Babolat MNSTR+ Pickleball Paddle

Price: $159.99

If you’re looking for a middleweight paddle with the power of a heavyweight paddle, the Babolat MNSTR+ is worth taking a look at. This elongated paddle boasts a long 5.5” handle for maximum reach at the net.

The “plus” may stand for reach and power, but the hitting surface of 80% carbon and 20% fiberglass is unparalleled, and the graphite “skin” layer on top of the RPM Max Grit Surface offers impressive spin for control players.

The feedback from the thick honeycomb core enhanced with EVA foam limits vibrations and expands the sweet spot for better off-center strikes, and the small polyurethane handle keeps the paddle firmly in your hand.

Features

Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb w/EVA Foam Layer
Core Thickness: 16mm (0.63")
Edge Guard: 1/5" Overlapping Paddle Face
Grip Circumference: 4" (small)
Grip Style: Syntec Uptake
Handle Length: 5.5"
Paddle Face: 80% Carbon, 20% Fiberglass, Graphite Skin Technology, Textured Paint
Paddle Length: 16.4"
Paddle Width: 7.4"
Weight Range: 7.9 - 8.3 ounces

Conclusion

Every year, new pickleball paddles come out, and the paddles we’ve seen in 2023 surpass all expectations. Whether you want to improve your serves, your high lobs, or forehand drives, a new paddle can give you the motivation to get on the court, practice some skill drills, and dominate in matches. For tips and strategies for all levels of play and more paddle recommendations, Pickleball University has you covered.