Updated on April 15, 2024
The growing popularity of pickleball in North America and around the globe has increased the number of available equipment options. Many new pickleball paddle brands from the United States and other countries saturate the market today. It has become increasingly challenging for pickleball enthusiasts to distinguish reputable manufacturers from the numerous mass marketers and resellers.
Although selecting the right paddle is not solely dependent on brand recognition, it can serve as a helpful starting point for your research to find the optimal model. This post highlights the pickleball paddle brands you need to know without delving deep into specific models. You may also want to check out this post titled, “Pickleball Paddles: How to Find the Right One Without Overpaying.”
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Pickleball paddle brands popular with the pros
Selkirk
Selkirk Sport, a family-owned and operated business headquartered in Hayden, Idaho, distinguishes itself by producing its entire range of pickleball paddles in-house within the United States. Their paddles are positioned towards the higher end of the price spectrum, catering more to intermediate and advanced players. Selkirk offers a wide selection of designs, models, and colors, including paddles with the popular open-throat design. The company has established a solid reputation through its effective marketing strategies and recent high-profile sponsorships. The signing up of top professional players such as Catherine Parenteau and Jack Sock are examples.
Brand | Product | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Selkirk LUXX Control Pickleball Paddle
| 4.9 | $250 on Amazon | |
Limited Time Deal | SLK NEO 2.0 by Selkirk
| 4.6 | $60 on Amazon |
The key specifications to look for while shopping for a pickleball paddle are its weight, height, width, thickness, handle length, grip size, core material, and surface type/material.
Shown below is an example.
Selkirk Luxx Control Air Invikta - Key Specs | |
---|---|
Weight | 7.8 - 8.1 oz (Midweight) |
Height | 16.45 inches |
Width | 7.5 inches |
Thickness | 20mm |
Grip/Handle Length | 5.35 inches |
Grip Size | 4 1/4 inches |
Core Material | Thickset Honeycomb |
Surface | Florek Carbon Fiber |
Paddletek
A family-owned business founded in 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Paddletek, has since relocated to Niles, Michigan. Paddletek specializes in producing a range of top-of-the-line pickleball paddles used by some of the most prominent names in the professional pickleball landscape. Paddletek sponsors Anna Leigh Waters. She is widely recognized as one of the most successful female professional pickleball players in the game today.
Product | Model | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Paddletek Phoenix G6 Pickleball Set
| 4.9 | $150 on Amazon | |
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
| 4.6 | $180 on Amazon |
A family-owned business founded in 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Paddletek, has since relocated to Niles, Michigan. Paddletek specializes in producing a range of top-of-the-line pickleball paddles used by some of the most prominent names in the professional pickleball landscape. Paddletek sponsors Anna Leigh Waters. She is widely recognized as one of the most successful female professional pickleball players in the game today.
Joola
Joola (pronounced yoola), originally a German brand, is now an American-owned business based out of Rockville, Maryland. A well-known brand in the table tennis industry, Joola is new in the pickleball paddle business. However, by signing Ben Johns, the world’s top-ranked male pickleball player, Joola has made a significant mark on the pro circuit.
Product | Model | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball Set
| 4.6 | $77 on Amazon | |
Limited Time Deal | JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16
| 4.8 | $105 on Amazon |
Onix
Onix, a leading brand in the pickleball industry, has been crafting high-quality paddles, balls, and accessories since 2005. They are based in Evansville, Indiana. Onix’s reputation stems from its innovative designs and the broad range of paddles suitable for players of all skill levels. From advanced to intermediate and recreational players, Onix offers a diverse selection of paddles. Their Z5 Graphite is a popular choice among club players. Collaborations with top-notch pickleball professionals, including Lucy Kovalova, a former number one woman’s player in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, further solidify Onix’s position in the market.
Engage
Engage, a pure-play pickleball company manufactures high-quality paddles that effectively balance power, control, and feel. The company proudly states that the entire Engage paddle lineup undergoes start-to-finish production in the United States. However, it is worth noting that certain lower-priced Omega paddles from Engage might be produced overseas. Engage is a prominent sponsor of professional pickleball players. One of its paddle models is named after Jessie Irvine, a highly-ranked player in the sport.
- RAW T700 Carbon Fiber Surface for unmatched spin.
- Counter Balance Construction for quicker hand speed and less fatigue.
- Improved force distribution.
Franklin
Sporting goods company, Franklin Sports is headquartered in Stoughton, Massachusetts, and has been manufacturing high-quality sports equipment for over 75 years. Franklin has a well-established presence in various sports, such as boxing, football, basketball, and baseball. In recent years, Franklin Sports has gained recognition for producing superior-quality pickleball paddles. Their “Signature” series was popularized by the number one-ranked pickleball professional Ben Johns before he switched sponsors. Franklin caters to recreational players with their four-paddle sets and advanced players with their high-end models.
- Professional Quality: Designed by the pros.
- Built for durability and effortless shot-making.
- Larger sweet spot.
Gamma
Perhaps best known for their tennis strings, grips, and ball hoppers, Gamma Sports is a Pittsburgh-based company that produces pickleball paddles designed for players of all levels. Gamma paddles are made with high-quality materials, including graphite and fiberglass. Gamma paddles are available in various shapes and sizes to suit different playing styles and skill levels. Brendon Long, a top-30 pickleball pro, plays with Gamma paddles.
- Tapered edges for a faster swing speed.
- Raw carbon surface provides massive amounts of spin.
- A generous sweet spot.
Head
Initially launched in Baltimore, Maryland, as an alpine ski-manufacturing company, Head has come a long way. Today, Head is a major supplier of racquets, sports accessories, and pickleball paddles. Head, currently headquartered in Austria, designs paddles for players of all levels. Their paddles incorporate a range of materials such as graphite and fiberglass. Head pickleball paddles are popular with the pros as well as club players since they are a well-recognized brand readily available in most sporting goods stores.
- Diamond Shape for more control
- Composite Hitting surface for power
- Ergo grip for comfort and feel
- USAPA approved
Vulcan
Vulcan is an Arkansas-based company that has been in business since 2015 and manufactures baseball, softball, tennis, and pickleball products. For a small company, they sponsor several professional players, including Jay Devilliers, a tennis player who has done well at pickleball.
Volair
Volair, the Texas-based company, is another new entrant in the pickleball paddle business. Julian Arnold, a college tennis player who switched to pro pickleball, is a promoter and uses Volair paddles.
- Designed for spin, control, and power.
- High-Performance Polypropylene Core.
- Raw Carbon Fiber T700 Paddle Face.
Check out the post The Elite World of Pickleball Paddles to find out what the professionals play with.
Other pickleball paddle brands you may recognize
CRBN
Garrett Gosselin, an American pickleball pro turned entrepreneur, founded CRBN in 2020. CRBN paddles have gained popularity among pros and club players. Typically used by advanced players, CRBN paddles are on the higher end of the price spectrum. CRBN appears to have overcome past setbacks that saw USAPA banning some of their paddle brands for not conforming to approved specs. View deals on CRBN pickleball paddles.
Gearbox
California-based Gearbox is a sports equipment manufacturer that has been around since 2007. Over the years, Gearbox has expanded beyond its racquetball roots to become a prominent player in the pickleball paddle market. Gearbox offers paddles from low to high-end price points for various levels of play. Check prices on Gearbox pickleball paddles.
PCKL
Based in Atlanta, GA, PCKL sells paddles and balls that are popular among club players. From a price perspective, PCKL’s Pro, Power, and Launch series of paddles fall in the mid-range. Here’s an affordable starter bundle from PCKL.
TMPR
Pronounced “temper,” TMPR brand of paddles are designed and manufactured by a family of pickleball enthusiasts in Buchanan, Michigan. TMPR offers paddles at prices that range from “budget” to mid-range, making them affordable for beginners and club players.
Armour
Armour was founded by Steve Wong, a six-time national pickleball champion and former exec at USAPA. They are based in Surprise, Arizona. Since 2019, Armour has produced and sold pickleball paddles priced in the low to mid-tier range. If you don’t recognize the Armour brand, you may recognize their popular model of paddles sold under the Helix name.
Lifestyle Pickleball Paddle Brands
Nettie
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Nettie produces premium pickleball paddles with great designs and meaningful stories. Nettie’s classic paddles have a retro vibe and are colorfully designed with specific American landmarks in mind. San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood inspired the Ashbury paddle.
J.Crew
It was only a matter of time before fashion retailers entered the pickleball market. J.Crew has recently launched a line of pickleball paddles in collaboration with Recess, a popular pickleball paddle and accessories brand. The limited-edition collection features affordable paddles in J. Crew’s classic prints and colors.
RAD
You may notice a west coast flare to RAD pickleball paddles. The Newport Beach, California company was born from the shared passion of three friends who were tired of settling for pickleball paddles that were either high-performance or stylish, but never both. They set out to create paddles that would be both powerful, functional, and beautiful. Today, RAD Pickleball paddles are known for their innovative designs, cutting-edge materials, and various colors and styles that stand out.
Holbrook
Holbrook Pickleball is a family-owned business founded by two brothers. While Holbrook has several reviews on their website touting their paddles’ performance, durability, grip comfort, and design, I have included them in the lifestyle section of this post for their visual appeal and affordability.
LUXE
LUXE Pickleball paddles are all about looking good while playing well. With more focus on aesthetics and design, the company’s paddles come in colorful checks, stripes, and patterns that make them stand out. For a brand named LUXE, their pickleball paddles are affordable, making them great gifts for recreational players.
Tangerine
Tangerine paddles are for you if you are playing pickleball for fun and camaraderie. Tangerine’s vibrant and colorful pickleball paddles are purpose-made for recreational players who are not “aspiring Pro players.” So, if you love playing pickleball, you can now look good doing it!
Tennis Brands in Pickleball
Prince
For over 50 years, Prince has been a familiar brand name in the racquet sports industry. Currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, Prince has expanded their product set beyond squash and tennis. In 2018, Prince partnered with Paddletek to launch their pickleball line, offering paddles with innovative technology and a large sweet spot embraced by some of the top players in the sport.
ProKennex
The Taiwanese racquet manufacturer is no longer the powerful racquet sports brand it used to be. However, some top players in the sport have embraced their pickleball line of paddles. Callan Dawson, a pro pickleball player, is believed to have a stake in ProKennex Pickleball. For a company with a history in tennis and squash, the company’s homepage now opens with a pickleball video.
Wilson
The sporting goods company, Wilson, has its roots in the meat-packing business, from which it expanded to manufacturing tennis strings. The Chicago-based company, now owned by Chinese sporting equipment giant Anta Sports, has launched a line of affordable pickleball paddles. Wilson is a sporting powerhouse with products spanning multiple sports.
Diadem
Florida-based Diadem is a relatively new tennis racquet and string manufacturer. In business since 2015, Diadem has branched into the pickleball business and offers a line of paddles priced in the mid to high tier.
Babolat
The 150-year-old French company Babolat, known best for its tennis racquet sponsorships, has launched a series of pickleball paddles aimed at all levels of play. Categorized under their BPKL range of products, Babolat’s pickleball paddles are colorful and affordable. It is telling that Babolat, who stayed clear of the squash business, is now chasing pickleball.
The pickleball industry offers a wide array of paddle brands and models that cater to players of all levels. Each brand boasts distinctive features and benefits. It is essential to find a paddle that suits your playing style and desired level of control and power. For recreational players who see pickleball as a lifestyle, the overall look and feel of the paddle may be just as significant as its feature functionality. Many of the featured paddle brands in this discussion are proudly American-made, which can be a significant factor for players seeking locally-produced products.
So, go ahead, and try out different brands and models until you find the perfect pickleball paddle that works for you!
Please share your experiences in the comments below, if you have used any of these pickleball paddles. Also, are there other paddles that should make this list? Let us know.
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