Best pickleball paddles

Start here: Six Zero Double Black Diamond. A 16mm honeycomb core with a carbon face gives the blend most players want — enough pop to put balls away, enough dwell time to control dinks and third-shot drops. The elongated shape adds reach at the kitchen line, and the 5.5" handle suits two-handed backhands.

Who the others suit:

• Selkirk Luxx Control Air — the control-first choice: a thick 19mm core and a textured surface that holds spin far longer than raw carbon.
• Selkirk LABS Boomstik Elongated — for advanced players chasing maximum power and reach.
• Friday Aura Pro — a light, fast elongated paddle for players who want hand speed at the net.
• CPX Hyper+ — foam-core pop with a raw carbon face, for aggressive drivers.
• Vatic Pro PRISM — a forgiving, well-liked all-rounder if you're still finding your game.
• Six Zero Quartz — the budget-friendly way into a solid carbon paddle.
• Monarch Golden Axe — a heavier, plush-feeling paddle for players who like mass behind the ball.

Beginners are usually better off with a wide-body, lighter paddle than an elongated one; the elongated picks above reward players who already have their strokes.