The Most Popular Pickleball Paddles

There are so many choices when it comes to pickleball paddles and Pickleball Central has what you’re looking for.

And if you want to know what’s selling in the world of paddles, check this out.

Here are the five most-popular paddles, according to Pickleball Central, with a bit of information about each.

1. CRBN-3X Power Series Carbon Fiber

Price: $229

Specs: The paddle comes in elongated, square or a hybrid version. It also comes in different widths – 14mm of 16mm. They all are weighted between 7.8-8.1 ounces. The elongated version has a 5.5-inch length. The square is 4.75 and the hybrid is 5.25. The grip width is 4.25 in.

What they’re saying: CRBN released its Power Series at the beginning of 2023 and the 3X in the spring of last year. The shorter handle on the 3x is what makes it different from the others in the Power Series, making the paddle more player friendly because of the increased paddle surface. 

The paddle is well-rounded, creates more power than the others in the series and is lighter, making the paddle easier to handle than the others in the series, as well. 

Shop the CRBN-3X Power Series Carbon Fiber here.

2. Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta 

Price: $250

Specs: The paddle weighs between 7.8-8.1 oz. The grip length is 5.35 in. The paddle is 20-mm thick.

What they’re saying: Endorsed by Jack Sock, a former tennis player, Selkirk says this paddle works well for players used to tennis. It has the longest face of any of the Selkirk paddles and is marketed to players who want to be aggressive, looking for extra reach. The paddle is edgeless. However, the 20-mm core helps with control, feels soft and the ball won’t come off the face as fast as other paddles. 

Shop the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta here.

3. JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16

Price: $249.95

Specs: The 16-mm paddle has a grip length of 5.5 in. and weighs close to 8 oz. The length is 16.5 in. long and the grip circumference is 4.25 in. 

What they’re saying: Along with the Selkirk, this Joola paddle is extremely popular everywhere, and you’ll see it lots at the park during rec play. Soft and crisp with excellent control, this paddle doesn’t feel stiff at all. It’s lightweight and the 16-mm core gives the paddle an element of control. The 14-mm version of this paddle is also popular and has more power. 

Shop the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16 here.

4. Gearbox PRO Power Elongated 

Price: $274.99

Specs: The 14-mm paddle weighs 8.0 oz. and is 16.5 in. long. The width is 7 ⅜ in. The Pro is also available in two other shapes, but the Elongated model is the most popular.

What they’re saying: This paddle is so lightweight and powerful, it’s not for everyone. There aren’t paddles like this one when it comes to power, so players who are unable to generate their own power, could see a benefit from this kind of paddle. The elongated shape helps with spin and while the 14-mm width isn’t as soft as the other paddles on the list, it’s wide enough at its core to have enough control, instead of it being just a power paddle. However, if you want something that hits hard, this one’s for you.

Shop the Gearbox PRO Power Elongated here. 

5. Selkirk Vanguard Control Invikta 

Price: $199

Specs: Available in midweight (up to 8.1 oz.) or lightweight (as light as 7.3 oz.), this paddle is 16 mm. thick and has a grip length of 5.5 in. The length of the paddle is 16.4 in. and the grip circumference is 4.25 in. 

What they’re saying: Less power, but more control, this paddle is popular. It’s a bit cheaper than the others on the list, making it more affordable without giving up quality. This paddle is forgiving, so it’s excellent for third-shot drops and resets. It can also create some quality spin. If you’re looking for big power, this isn’t the one for you, but if you’re looking at a consistent performer at a cheaper price, the Control Invikta is a good buy.

Shop the Selkirk Vanguard Control Invikta here.

(Make sure to read more about the different pickleball grips styles and the benefits of each one)