Top 8 Best Pickleball Paddles For 2018

Note: This guide is OUTDATED! Please head on over here to see the updated list for 2019!

Every time I go out to play pickleball someone comes up to me seeking advice about pickleball paddles. It’s always fun and fulfilling answering people’s questions about paddles. But now and then, someone will ask “what’s your favorite paddle?” or something along those lines.

It’s a tough question to answer.

I’ve been mulling over this for a few months now, and I’ve finally come to some conclusions. Below are some of the best pickleball paddles that you should look out for in 2018. If you want some more recommendations, click here to check out some paddles based on what kind of player you are.

Keep in mind that although I’m ranking these paddles based on how great they are, I’m also ranking them based on how much impact they will have in 2018. Believe me, all of these paddles will stay relevant throughout 2018 and possibly beyond. You don’t have to worry about them becoming outdated.

Also, I’ve scattered a few affiliate links throughout the article. I get a small commission if you decide to buy something on Amazon through the link at no extra cost to you. I don’t take sponsorships so my advice to you remains unbiased. As always, make sure you check around because prices flucuate!

Ok, let’s take a look at the list!

#8 Paddletek Element

Great for beginners, intermediate players, and previous tennis players.

Specifications:

• Core: polymer
• Face: polymer vinyl
• Average weight: ~7.6 oz
• Paddle length: 15 5/8″
• Paddle width: 7 3/4″
• Grip circumference: 4 1/8″
• Grip type: perforated, stitched and ribbed cushion
• Handle length: 5″
• USAPA approved

This paddle is not new by any stretch, but it’s a good one and is quickly becoming a classic. I know multiple people who use it successfully.

Regarding construction, the paddle isn’t anything to write home about. It’s standard in almost all ways. Its traditional shape and polymer core give you the consistency and balance that you need in pickleball.

But the unique aspect of this paddle is the polymer vinyl finish on the face. It’s not very often when you see paddle faces like this. You can easily mistake the face for fiberglass, but it’s not. It’s actually a polymer-vinyl finish (polymer is plastic). That leads me to my next point.

The common theme that I’ve noticed with the Element is that tennis players love it! As I said, the Element doesn’t have a fiberglass face, but it does have a very rough, plastic finish on it. That roughness equates to spin. If you’re coming from tennis then you’re going to love this paddle. Forehand strokes are solid and packed full of topspin.

The Paddletek Element will continue to make a strong impact throughout 2018 because of how it brings tennis players easily into the pickleball fold. If you’re a tennis player looking to get into pickleball, this can be a great starter paddle for you.

The Element comes in a few different colors which you can check out here on Amazon.

#7 Gamma Mirage

Great for players who love power and have the arm strength for it

Specifications:

• Core: polymer
• Face: composite
• Average weight: ~8 oz
• Paddle length: 15 7/8″
• Paddle width: 8″
• Grip circumference: 4 1/4″
• Grip type: Honeycomb cushion
• Handle length: 4 3/4″
• USAPA approved

You probably haven’t heard of this paddle, but it’s a hidden gem that I’ve wanted to share with you. I love showing people this paddle because they always have a surprised look on their face. I guess that’s the “mirage” part.

Similar to the Element, the specifications for this paddle are ones that you typically see in pickleball. However, an 8 oz paddle is getting on the heavier side of things. But it’s not just the heaviness of the paddle that is significant, but the weight balance.

This paddle is very “top-heavy” or “face-heavy.” This means that the majority of the weight in the paddle is focused towards the end of the paddle instead of in the handle. So even though the average weight of this paddle is around eight oz, it feels much heavier than that. This combination gives you a ton of power. This is why I consider the Gamma Mirage to be a power paddle.

But the great thing is that you get to keep the control and touch that the polymer core and composite face give you. This paddle shines with drives but especially overhead smashes. It really is a mirage. Expect your opponents to be blown away by your smashes.

Gamma also put their newest grip on this paddle. Instead of tiny punctures in the grip, Gamma has put in larger holes to increase the absorption of sweat. I wasn’t able to test this when I played with the paddle because my hands don’t sweat much when I play, but you can’t go wrong with a grip from Gamma!

There are two other paddles that come in this line that you can check out.  You can check out the different colors and prices here.

#6 Selkirk 30p XL Epic

Great all-around paddle for people who need more power.

Specifications:

• Core: PowerCore (polymer)
• Face: graphite
• Average weight: ~7.5 oz
• Paddle length: 15 3/4″
• Paddle width: 8″
• Grip circumference: 4 1/4″
• Grip type: Gamma Pro-Lite
• Handle length: 5 1/4″
• USAPA approved

Important note: this paddle is now discontinued and is difficult to find. If you like this kind of paddle, the closest thing to it would be the paddle below, the Tempest Wave.

Another Selkirk paddle has made the list! Before I get into it, there are two different versions of this paddle. One is the regular one, and the other is the Enrique Ruiz version. The picture you see above is the Enrique Ruiz version that I used for many months. It’s the same as the regular 30p XL Epic but weighs a bit more.

Selkirk is well known for creating proprietary polymer cores for their paddles. They don’t skimp out on materials; they go all the way all the time. The polymer core in this paddle is called “PowerCore,” a plastic technology that gives you more power.

And it really does.

This paddle is awesome because the non-Enrique Ruiz version has an average weight of around 7.5 oz. That’s a middle-of-the-road kind of weight that can suit many people. This allows you to react quickly on the court, but still have loads of power because of that “PowerCore” tech inside. Smashes and drives with this paddle are outstanding. This paddle is especially great for women who are tall, strong but need the power.

#5 Paddletek Tempest Wave

One of the best paddles ever made (in my opinion) and is great for anyone on any level.

Specifications:

• Core: polymer
• Face: graphite
• Average weight: 7.6 oz
• Paddle length: 15 ⅞”
• Paddle width: 8”
• Grip circumference: 4 ¼”
• Grip type: Gamma perforated ribbed
• Handle length: 5 ¼”
• USAPA approved

This is the paddle that I’m using at the moment. The reason why I have it further down the list is that this paddle has already made its impact in the pickleball world. But even though it’s an older paddle, it’s still an incredible work of art. It’s close to legendary status.

The reason why this paddle is so great is that it can do everything with one of the best sweet spots in the industry. When you first try the Tempest Wave, you will be amazed. The polymer core and graphite face give you the control and power, while also remaining confident because of how forgiving the sweet spot is.

This paddle will continue to make its impact throughout 2018, and I still recommend it even though it’s starting to get “old.” It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced player, the Tempest Wave will work wonders for you. Click here to read a more in-depth review of the paddle that I wrote.

On Amazon, you can find blue, red, or pink versions of the paddle. It also comes in a special “US Open” version that costs a bit more. But keep in mind that there is no physical difference between the two versions.

#4 Paddletek Phoenix LTE

My #1 beginner paddle pick. This is also a great lightweight and affordable paddle.

Specifications:

• Core: polymer
• Face: composite
• Average weight: ~7.1 oz
• Paddle length: 15 ¾”
• Paddle width: 7 ¾”
• Grip circumference: 4 ¼”
• Grip type: Gamma perforated ribbed
• Handle length: 4 ½”
• USAPA approved

This is one of my favorite paddles even though it’s far too light for me. The Paddletek Phoenix LTE is my “go to” paddle for seniors and young kids. The reason is that the paddle is lightweight but well balanced. I reviewed this paddle recently if you want to get into the details.

Whenever someone comes up to me asking for recommendations for lighter paddles, I immediately whip this paddle out of my bag. They come back off the courts with a pleased look on their face. I’m never surprised. The Paddletek Phoenix LTE is one of the best lightweight paddles on the market. And it’s not very expensive!

It’s even great for players who are young and strong if you don’t mind how light it is. As I said above, I used to use this paddle, and I’m a 31-year-old man. It’s just that good. The characteristic of the paddle that attracted me to it was ball control and touch. The dinking game around this paddle is phenomenal. It feels soft, precise and leaves you with a sense of confidence.

I recommend this paddle to seniors or anyone that loves light paddles. Yes, you lose a lot of power due to its feather nature, but what you gain regarding control is monumental.

The Phoenix LTE comes in red or blue and can be viewed here.

#3 Selkirk Lightweight AMPED Omni

Amazing for players who need more reach, but don’t mind a short handle.

Specifications:

• Core: X5 polymer
• Face: FiberFlex™ – fiberglass
• Average weight: ~8.1oz
• Paddle length: 16 1/4″
• Paddle width: 7 1/4″
• Grip circumference: 4 1/4″
• Grip type: Selkirk ComfortGrip
• Handle length: 4 1/4″
• USAPA approved

This paddle is a part of the AMPED line that Selkirk released back in October 2017. There were four paddles released: the S2, Epic, Omni, and Maxima. The Omni is the longer version of the Epic and S2. The paddle width is 7 ¼” while the Epic and S2 are 8” wide. However, you gain around in terms of length.

The most significant reason why people use long paddles like the Omni is that they want more surface area and reach with their paddle. This allows you to cover more court without sacrificing much regarding the sweet spot. This kind of paddle is great for people who need more room to work with, need more reach, but are OK with using a small handle. If you want to read more about the AMPED Lightweight line, including the Omni, you can read my review of them here.

As players get better at pickleball, they can afford to move to longer paddles because their accuracy is good enough. I think the Omni is going to be one of the tools in their mind when they go shopping.

The AMPED line from Selkirk is unique. The paddles are some of the thickest on the market but are still relatively lightweight. They are expensive, but they’ve got everything you would want in a paddle.

The Omni comes in four amazing colors and can be bought on Amazon. If you choose to buy, make sure you select the right option!

#2 Pro-Lite Chrome N-R-G

Amazing for power players who are accurate and like a “whip” feeling to their strikes. Not for beginners.

Specifications:

• Core: polymer
• Face: fiberglass (vinyl coated)
• Average weight: ~7.8 oz
• Paddle length: 15 5/8″
• Paddle width: 7 5/16″
• Grip circumference: 4 1/4″
• Grip type: Selkirk ComfortGrip
• Handle length: 4 1/2″
• USAPA approved

It’s been awhile since I’ve used a Pro-Lite paddle, but I was happy to try this one for the first time. This is another long paddle similar to the Omni above. But the Chrome N-R-G isn’t just a long-board paddle; it also has a teardrop shape. Let me just speak informally here: this paddle is so cool!

The first thing you will notice about this paddle is the shape. Similar to the Omni, the Chrome N-R-G is a “blade” or “long-board” paddle. This just means that the paddle face is longer, but narrow on the sides. Don’t worry, these paddles are legal for tournament play, but they are hard to use.

When I was trying this paddle out, I had one word in my mind: whip.

I don’t precisely know what it is, but this paddle has so much whip to it. When you swing, it feels extremely top-heavy, but still feels light! This translates to power. Smashes are quick and brutal with the Chrome N-R-G.

If you’re thinking about going from a traditional paddle to a longer one like this, please remember that the transition will take time. You will have to get used to the way the paddle feels in your hand. Not only that, but you’re going to need more accuracy to use this paddle effectively. Also, the sweet spot is more narrow considering the paddle’s length.

If you’re already using long paddles and you want one with more power, this could be the best thing for you.

Check out prices here on Amazon.

#1 Selkirk AMPED/Lightweight AMPED Epic

Awesome paddle for people who want a softer game without sacrificing much power.

Specifications:

• Core: X5 polymer
• Face: FiberFlex – fiberglass
• Average weight: ~8.1oz
• Paddle length: 15 3/4″
• Paddle width: 8″
• Grip circumference: 4 1/4″
• Grip type: Selkirk ComfortGrip
• Handle length: 5 1/4″
• USAPA approved

When Selkirk released their AMPED paddle line back in late October 2017, I immediately bought the paddle without thinking. I posted a review of the paddle which is still receiving an immense response from pickleball players. It’s not hard to see why.

As most of you know, I’m a huge Selkirk fan. Their paddles are works of art, and the AMPED Epic is no different. This paddle will undoubtedly be making waves throughout the pickleball world for years to come. This is one of the best pickleball paddles around and the one that I’m most excited for in 2018.

As I mentioned above, the AMPED paddles are unique in almost every way. Selkirk likes to go proprietary when they can, and they’ve done that in spades with the AMPED Epic. Both the polymer core and fiberglass are manufactured specifically for this paddle.

The “FiberFlex” fiberglass is a perfect example of how Selkirk brings new things to the table. Fiberglass faces are known for giving you spin and power but at the cost of increasing the weight of the paddle. Selkirk has figured out a way to bypass this effect. Also, the AMPED paddles are some of the thickest in the line. This should make the paddle heavier, but it doesn’t. The average weight is 8.1 oz, which isn’t too bad.

The AMPED Epic can do anything. It has spin, power, consistency, touch and dinking covered along with whatever else you can think of. It’s got the best of all worlds.

Selkirk is leading the pack when it comes to paddle innovation, and I have a sense that they’re not stopping anytime soon. If you want the latest and greatest, you can’t go wrong with the AMPED Epic.

You can check out the prices here on Amazon.

That’s it!

So that’s my list of the best pickleball paddles for 2018. Depending on your style, any of these paddles are going to work well for you in 2018 and most likely beyond. Have you tried any of these paddles? Let me know what you think in the comments below!