Updated on October 17, 2024
The growing popularity of pickleball in North America and around the globe has increased the number of available equipment options. 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 can trust 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.“
The pickleball paddle brands included in this post are popular with the pros as well as club players. So, here they are.
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 high-profile player sponsorships such as Catherine Parenteau, Jack Sock, and others.
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 |
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- > Increased spin consistency with the innovative SpinFlex surface.
- > Light-weight Carbon Fiber Face enhances shot precision and control.
- > Increased thickness for control and power.
- > Ultra Comfort Grip – 4.25″ grip circumference and 5.25″ length.
- > Available in two shapes – MAX & XL.
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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.
- Caters to competitive players seeking to elevate their game.
- Optimized Sweet Spot.
- Superior Construction ensures resilience and optimal performance.
- Features a new ergonomic handle and high tack ultra cushion grip.
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. However, if you are particular about playing with a USAPA-certified paddle, you may want to stay clear of Joola’s Gen 3 line for now.
- Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle.
- Suitable for aggressive, offensive players.
- Crisp feel with greater energy return.
Black Friday Deals on Joola paddles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out the post The Elite World of Pickleball Paddles to find out what the professionals play with.
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.
Disclosure: Racquet Social participates in Amazon’s affiliate advertising program and may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. The prices, ratings, and availability of products included in this post are subject to change.
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