The Top 5 Pickleball Paddles On The Market 

Did you know that pickleball grew in popularity by over 20% in 2020? While it is primarily known as a 'senior sport,' more age groups are beginning to join the fun! Pickleball is an easy game to learn and an exhilarating sport for anyone to pick up, but finding the perfect new pickleball paddle to bring your game to the next level can be challenging. With pickleball reaching new heights in popularity, more companies are showcasing their lineup of paddles. With so many options, choosing the perfect paddle can be tedious. Luckily, we have put together a comprehensive list showcasing five pickleball paddles (including boards from beginners to experts) that can't miss, literally! Read on for more information.

Criteria for the Best Pickle Ball Paddles 

When choosing the best pickleball paddle, the most important criteria include the board's materials, grip, and shape. You also want to find a board that balances comfort with high-quality performance. The U.S. Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA) has specific criteria for regulation-approved paddles. While wood is your cheapest option, it generally ranks the lowest in terms of performance and can weigh more. Heavier paddles can help you hit the ball harder, but they can put you at a higher risk for injuries. Almost 85% of pickleball injuries are in adults over 60, and strains and sprains are the most common type of injury. You'll likely want a lightweight to midweight paddle for the best comfort and control. Larger grip sizes can increase your stability, reduce the strain on your elbow and wrist, decrease your chances of injury, and even boost your performance. 

After determining the best weight and grip for you, you will need to decide if you want a composite or graphite paddle, the two most popular options. Composite tends to have cheaper alternatives, but it is slightly heavier. Graphite is exceptionally lightweight and responsive with a softer touch. Both are excellent choices; however, composite paddles appeal to a broader skillset. 

Vinsguir Pickle Ball Set

PRICING ON AMAZON

Material: Graphite

Grip Size: 4.92 inches

Weight: 7.8 Ounces

The Vinsguir pickleball set includes two paddles made of graphite. Many players find the Vinsuir paddle extremely comfortable and durable. Vinsiguir paddles give you better control if you are an intermediate player who likes to put some serious spin on the ball. Its lightweight design and long handle make it ideal for beginners as well.

Helium Versus Pickleball Set

PRICING ON AMAZON

Material: Graphite

Grip Size: 4.5 inches

Weight: 7.5 - 7.7 Ounces

The Helium Pickleball Set comes in a pack of four pro paddles. Crafted with graphite and designed for an hour of play, you simply cannot go wrong with this set. These versatile paddles are made to survive the elements, so don’t worry about getting a little rain on them.  Perfect for people of all ages, you can teach both your children and grandchildren the great game of pickleball with this wonderful set of four.

Niupipo Pickle Ball Set

PRICING ON AMAZON

Material: Fiberglass

Grip Size: 4-4/5”grip length

Weight: 8 Ounces

Another USAPA-approved pickleball set is the Niupipo brand. One thing that sticks out about Niupipo paddles is their bright and colorful paddle designs. There are two main material options when choosing Niupipo: fiberglass and graphite. Fiberglass is typically less responsive and a bit cheaper than its counterpart, graphite. While the unique design of fiberglass can make the paddle better for spinning the ball, graphite tends to offer better performance for beginner pickleball players overall. 

JoncAye Pickle Ball Set

PRICING ON AMAZON

Material: Fiberglass

Grip Size: 4.25''

Weight: 8 Ounces

The JoncAye pickleball set comes at a higher price than other beginner pickleball paddles but for a good reason. It uses graphite materials, has a wide surface area, and features an excellent sweet spot for power hits and finesse. It also comes in a medium-weight paddle, ensuring that your wrists and elbows do not strain after hours of play. The JoncAye set boasts anti-grip materials and a mid-size handle, making it an excellent option for every age group. 

Best Pickleball Racket Set for Kids

TICCI Pickle Ball Set

PRICING ON AMAZON

The TICCI pickleball set is a USAPA-certified lightweight paddle is an excellent present for your kids or grandchildren. The square face and ergonomic grip make it a durable and user-friendly paddle for all ages, especially seniors. It is also cheaper than other USAPA-certified paddles so that you won't break the bank if your little ones are just getting started with this fun hobby!

Pickle Ball Rules

Pickleball is played with two to four players on a court similar to a small-sized tennis court. A pickleball court has various markings, the most significant mark being the horizontal line closest to the net. Inside this box, called 'the kitchen,' different rules limit your options for movement. Serving takes place much like tennis or ping pong. While the opposing team returns the serve, the offensive team must let the ball bounce before hitting it. Then, both teams can move their way up to the 'kitchen line.' 

Ultimately, both teams should play right at the line, where the real magic happens! You can hit the ball in the air or let it bounce, but be aware of hitting it too high, or you might have a pickleball welt on your skin when it lands! If the ball bounces into the 'kitchen,' you can also step in to hit it back. But if the ball is in the air, you can't enter the kitchen region. Games are played to 11 points (typically, you win by two), and you can only score if you're on the offense. Here is an extensive breakdown of all pickleball rules. 

What Clothing Do You Need?

While some pickleball courts are built for the indoors, most people still enjoy playing outside. If you already own golf or tennis clothing, you're in luck because these are perfect for pickleball! Golf shirts are also great for pickleball because they are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and protect your skin against harmful UV rays. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses for a more enjoyable and safe experience. Lastly, choosing the right pickleball shoes makes all the difference, allowing for better traction on the court. 

Origins of Pickleball

Pickleball is the ultimate sport that combines tennis, ping pong, and badminton. Played on a similar but smaller court than tennis, it uses a paddle, a plastic ball with holes, and a net. Like tennis, you can play in doubles or singles. Pickleball originated 50 years ago in the United States, and stories vary about how it came to be called “pickleball.” While some speculate that it was named after a dog, “Pickles,” most reports state that the name pickleball arose from Joan Pritchard, the inventor's wife. She referenced thrown-together leftover non-starters in the “pickle boat” of crew races. She thought it represented a fun, carefree game that combined a bunch of odds and ends from other sports. The name stuck, and over four million people in the United States now play pickleball! 

Getting outside, exercising, and spending time with friends are just a few of the benefits of pickleball. These positive activities reduce stress, increase your heart rate, boost Vitamin D levels with good ol’ fashion sunshine, and improve your immune system! When it comes to excelling at this sport, you need the right pickleball equipment like shoes, lightweight clothing, and, of course, the perfect paddle. Whether you are a beginner or professional, high-quality pickleball paddles can undoubtedly make a massive difference in how well you play. 

Improving Pickleball Through Yoga

If you are looking to improve your ability to scoop up balls at the net, you can consider implementing exercises that target core strength and flexibility. Yoga exercises can help you improve core strength, which is excellent for the versatility and side-to-side movements required in pickleball. Yoga is undoubtedly safe for seniors, and thus we recommend it to take your game to the next level! 

Start Enjoying Outdoor Sports

Whether you are just starting pickleball or have played for years, upgrading your pickleball paddles can bring your game to the next level. Pickleball is a fantastic sport for seniors to get exercise while spending quality time in the sunny outdoors with friends and family.

Choosing the best paddle comes down to what feels comfortable to you, helps you avoid strain on your wrists and elbows, and allows you to control the ball. We hope this article helps you find your next pickleball paddle and get started with the fun! Check out our exercise and nutrition category for other wellness-focused senior activities if you enjoyed this article!