Let’s be honest, ladies. It’s not enough to have a game-ready pickleball paddle. We want something that performs and looks great! We want something that complements the game like it matches our outfit, which means we won’t settle for any old recess paddle.
Unfortunately, it seems impossible to find these elusive paddles. Sure, you can find something with a decent edge guard and sweet spot, but will it reflect your personality? Or is it another run-of-the-mill deal with a plain black carbon friction surface?
Well, worry no longer! Today’s blog post is dedicated to finding the perfect blend of style and function. After scouring the depths of the web and our local sporting goods stores, Pickle Goddesses staff have found the best USAPA-approved pickleball paddles for women! So, get your favorite pickleball outfit and prepare to find the best fit for your unique style.
The Different Types of Pickleball Paddles
Let’s start with a quick review.
There are four types of pickleball paddles; each “type” is defined by its shape. Generally, pickleball players have a preferred paddle style. Think of it as a tennis player’s racket choice. Whereas one person may prefer a heavy, hefty option, another may want something lightweight.
Let’s start with a quick review.
There are four types of pickleball paddles; each “type” is defined by its shape. Generally, pickleball players have a preferred paddle style. Think of it as a tennis player’s racket choice. Whereas one person may prefer a heavy, hefty option, another may want something lightweight.
1. The Classic Pickleball Paddle
The classic shape is a squarish paddle measuring 16×8 inches (40.6×20.3 centimeters). When people think of pickleball paddles, they probably imagine a classic paddle.
Performance-wise, you’ll get a balanced experience and a sizable “sweet spot.” (And, for the sake of clarity, the “sweet spot” is the ideal hitting area. Balls landing within a paddle’s sweet spot fly true and strong!) Many newcomers begin with a classic paddle shape. Some move on, choosing another style; others find that this tried-and-true design is their best fit.
2. The Singles-Friendly Blade Paddle
Next on our list is the lengthy blade-style pickleball paddle. These paddles have plenty of reach, making them a go-to choice for singles matches. That extended reach also makes it easier to maintain optimal court coverage.
As you probably guessed from the name, a blade paddle has a long hitting surface and comparatively shorter handle. Most are 17 inches long (43.2 centimeters) with varying widths, although a USA Pickleball-approved paddle will have a maximum width of 7 inches (17.8 centimeters) or less.
3. The Maneuverable Elongated Paddle
Like blade paddles, elongated paddles feature longer designs than classic shapes. The elongated design affords players plenty of control, although its shorter handle emphasizes the paddle’s heft. Thus, the elongated paddle is a power-oriented option for heavy-hitting play.
These paddles generally measure 16.5×7.5 inches (41.9×19.05 centimeters).
4. The Control-Oriented Widebody Paddle
Finally, the widebody paddle emphasizes the tool’s hitting surface. These paddles have a longer handle and comparatively larger sweet spot. Most measure 15.5×8.5 inches (39.4×21.6 centimeters).
Some players wrongly consider the widebody paddle a “beginner” pick. That’s not necessarily true! While plenty of newcomers adore widebody paddles for their generous sweet spot, many experienced players value its control-oriented design.
Pickleball Paddle Weight Classes
Similarly, there are three weight classes for pickleball paddles.
We’ll go in order, beginning with the lightest option.
Lightweight Paddles
Lightweight paddles are 7–7.6 ounces; some may even weigh less, though that’s an extreme rarity!
If you have joint conditions, such as arthritis or tendonitis, a lightweight paddle is your best fit. Paired with the right grip size, a lightweight paddle reduces the risk of repetitive use injuries and muscle tears.
Overall, lightweight paddles are a great choice for anyone who wants to play along the kitchen line. This is the pick for anyone who wants to maneuver around and control the ball, but it lacks power.
Midweight Pickleball Paddles
Next up is the all-around performer, the midweight paddle.
Like lightweight paddles, midweight paddles require less effort to use. They’re beginner-friendly options that emphasize your arm movement over your wrist control.
True midweight paddles are 7.6–8.2 ounces.
Heavyweight Paddles
Finally, weighing in at 8.2 ounces or more, heavyweight paddles are often reserved for experienced players. These hefty picks require plenty of strength and an impeccably fitted grip. Otherwise, you’re bound to hurt yourself!
A heavier paddle is the perfect pick for anyone seeking power over control.
A Note About Materials
Of course, we must also mention manufacturing choices.
There are many different materials used in modern pickleball paddle construction. Some — like a fiberglass face — offer more power. Others absorb energy and emphasize control.
We’ve discussed the importance of paddle materials before, so we won’t delve too deeply into the topic. Just know that your paddle’s construction is as important as its shape and weight. That polymer core may seem insignificant, but it may be the edge you need to win your next pickleball game!
The Best Pickleball Paddles for Women (By Shape)
Now, let’s get to the meat of the blog post.
After an exhaustive search, we’ve found countless examples of high-grade, meticulously designed pickleball paddles for women. However, we can’t list all of our favorites. (Unfortunately!) So, let’s start our countdown by reviewing our top four pickleball paddles according to their shape.
The Best Blade Pickleball Paddle
Blade-style paddles are less common than other paddles, but that doesn’t mean we excluded them from our list!
Don’t be scared by the $159.99 price tag. Gamma Sports’® Compass Neucore™ paddle is the best blade-style pick on the market. Its bold white and red face will draw attention on the court, but its high-powered performance guarantees your skills will shine.
Its small 4.25-inch (10.8-centimeter) grip complements its hefty 16.6-inch (42.2-centimeter) length, giving this pickleball paddle plenty of power and maneuverability. At the same time, its 7.1-inch (18.1-centimeter) width easily catches the trickiest of power shots.
Its Nomex construction places the Compass Neucore™ on the lighter end of the blade paddle weight scale, so you’ll sacrifice a small bit of power for swing speed. To be more precise, you’re getting a midweight paddle with an aerodynamic surface and spin-ready carbon fiber core.
The Best Classic Pickleball Paddle
It may be pricey (with a jaw-dropping $200 price tag), but Selkirk’s® Vanguard™ 2.0 Epic pickleball paddle may be the best all-around standard grip pickleball paddle. Its six color options — including a beautiful, beachy peach pink — guarantee it will match any outfit, while its technical specifications satisfy your every need.
Notably, Selkirk® offers a lightweight and midweight option, ensuring (almost) everyone gets their ideal weight.
Its 5.25-inch grip (13.3 centimeters) gives players more control and plenty of maneuverability. Its 15.5-inch length (40 centimeters) and 8-inch width (20.3 centimeters) make the Vanguard 2.0™ Epic one of the brand’s largest paddles, affording it an equally large sweet spot. That unprecedented amount of control is bolstered by the paddle’s gorgeous carbon fiber surface, which also gives the paddle a bit of built-in power.
True to its reputation for high-quality equipment, Selkirk® offers plenty of add-ons. For an extra $5, you can get a custom-tooled grip circumference. (Rejoice, players with smaller hands!) You can even get a heavier paddle! Adding weight costs only $5. And, yes, you can get a custom grip and weight for $10.
The Best Elongated Pickleball Paddle
Joola® is a huge name in pickleball, and they’ve earned their status. The brand manufactures so many paddles, including our pick for the top elongated shape paddle, the Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16™.
This heavyweight paddle may not afford excellent ball control, but it makes up for it with its hard-hitting weight. This is a pro-level paddle for anyone who loves those hard-to-return shots, like the two-handed backhand. It’s the right paddle for more power, more reach, and extreme play. Its 7.5-inch (19-centimeter) width and 16.5-inch (42-centimeter) total length give the Hyperion CFS 16™ a massive sweet spot, while its 5.5-inch (14-centimeter) grip packs an unbelievable amount of power into the polymer core.
In truth, the only concern we have about Joola’s® Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16™ is the paddle weight. At 8.4 ounces, it may be too heavy for some women. Fortunately, Joola® also makes a lighter version as part of its Swift series.
The Best Widebody Pickleball Paddle
Finally, we have our top widebody pickleball paddle.
The larger surface of this pick makes it a heavier choice, so buyers should expect a midweight paddle. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll get a clunky, low-control paddle. The Onix® Evoke™ Pro is the most affordable of our pickleball paddles, costing only $99.99. It’s also one of our two multi-colored choices — available in blue, green, purple, or red.
The control-oriented composite face ensures these pickleball paddles balance maneuverability and control. Moreover, at 8.3 inches (21.1 centimeters) wide, the Onix® Evoke™ Pro series is one of our largest pickleball paddles. But don’t worry about poor grip comfort. You’ll get a sizable 15.5-inch (39.4-centimeter) long paddle.
Learn More About Pickleball
Once you’ve found your pickleball paddles, you’re ready to play!
Find a court near you and dive into the wonderful world of pickleball. Soon, you’ll be meeting new friends and playing with people of all skill levels!
We also encourage you to share this post to spread Pickle Goddesses’ love for the sport. And don’t forget to browse the rest of our blog for more tips, tricks, and pickleball hints.
