When choosing the best pickleball paddle for women, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Just like choosing the right shoes based on your foot size and specific needs, choosing the right paddle is also dependent on the individual. But there are some criteria you can use to narrow your search. Keep reading to learn what to look for and 10 of the best options to choose from.
Table of Contents
Best Pickleball Paddle for Women: What to Look For
Core and Paddle Material
Both the core and surface material of pickleball paddles can differ between options. For the core, common materials include polymer, Nomex, and aluminum. Many female players prefer polymer cores, which are lighter and more flexible. Two of the most common surface materials are carbon fiber and fiberglass. Carbon fiber absorbs more impact than fiberglass, making it a popular choice.
Grip Size
On average, the best pickleball paddle for women has a smaller grip. This factor ultimately depends on your hand size, so you should pick a grip that might feel the most comfortable for you.
Weight
Although capable of producing more powerful hits, heavier paddles can also cause more wrist strain and be more difficult to maneuver than a lighter paddle.
Skill Level and Player Type
If you’re a beginner learning how to play, you may benefit from starting out with a cheaper paddle. Or, if you’re a recreational player, you might prefer a personalized paddle. On the other hand, if you’re looking to become a competitive player, you may be more interested in paddles with features that will enhance your play and are USA Pickleball-approved.
Best Pickleball Paddle for Women: Intermediate to Pro Players
Selkirk Amped S2
The Sellkirk Amped S2 is a great choice for intermediate to pro female pickleball players looking for a USAP-approved paddle. It has a polypropylene, or polymer, core, which reduces vibration. It’s also lighter, but if you prefer something with more control there are some midweight options as well. It has a small grip size of 3 ¼ inches and a large sweet spot (which is the ideal area for controlled and consistent hits). The paddle is currently around $150.
MTEN Pickleball Racket
With over 1,000 reviews, 97% of which are either 4 or 5 stars, it’s no question that the MTEN pickleball racket is a great choice overall. Similar to the Sellkirk, it has a polymer core and a fiberglass surface. It’s also USAP-approved for tournament use and is lightweight (around 7.8 oz.). However, as a racket targeted toward both men and women, it has a larger grip size of 4.57 inches. So it may not be the best pickleball paddle for women with a smaller hand size. But, at $39.99, it’s well worth the value.
Big Dill Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
The Big Dill Pickleball paddle is the best paddle for women who want a paddle that is a good mix of professional and fun. It’s USAP-approved and has a unique surface print. One great advantage to this option is the choice between three different surfaces; carbon fiber, fiberglass, and textured fiberglass. The carbon fiber option may be the best for those looking to reduce vibration. It’s mid-range for grip size and weight. It’s also mid-range in price at $89.99.
Diadem Icon V2
Another carbon fiber option with a polymer core is the Diadem Icon V2. It’s a great option for those looking for a mid-weight paddle (8.0 oz) that reduces vibration. It also has a good mid-size grip at 4 ⅛ inches. It’s designed with an easy-to-replace edge guard. This is a great perk, considering edge guards are one of the first areas of noticeable wear on a paddle. Each paddle costs around $200.
ONIX Z5 Pickleball Paddle
For a more affordable option, the ONIX Z5 pickleball paddle has a Nomex core with a graphite surface and is USAP-approved for around $90. It’s a great paddle for general play and is available in several colors. It also has a good, mid-size grip (4 ¼ inches). But it’s a bit heavier than the others at 8.0 – 8.2 oz.
Rogue2 Pickleball Paddle
Another option for the best pickleball paddle for women is the Rogue2. While it has a fiberglass surface, it has some unique features that make it great for both controlled hits and reduced vibration. These features include a hybrid polymer core and a carbon fiber base. The grip size is 4 3/16 inches and it’s lightweight at 7.5 oz. Options vary from around $140 – 160.
ProKennex Pro Flight
ProKennex is one of the most popular brands for pickleball paddles. At 7.6 oz and a carbon fiber surface, the ProKennex Pro Flight is a great paddle for female players or those who frequently experience wrist or elbow strain. It also has a good grip circumference of 4 inches. Each paddle costs around $190 – 195.
The Best Pickleball Paddle for Women: Beginners and Recreational Players
JoncAye Pickleball Paddles
If you’re a beginner pickleball player, it may make more sense to start out with a more affordable option or to purchase a paddle targeted for that skill level, such as the JoncAye pickleball paddle. It has a graphite surface, which is similar to carbon fiber in terms of shock absorbance. It also has a medium grip size and weight and comes with some accessories to start playing. It’s a great starter set and only costs around $55.
Play Paddles
Another great choice for those who love unique paddles is this one by Play Paddles. With a polymer core and carbon fiber surface, it’s an option that is both good quality and fun. Like the pro paddles, it is also USAP-approved. As far as weight and grip size it’s mid-range. You can currently buy several different designs, such as watermelon or sprinkles for around $80.
Hampton Technologies
When it comes to personalized paddles, Zazzle has thousands of options. The surface designs are created by independent artists and the paddles are manufactured by Hampton Technologies. The paddle itself is only 7.5 oz and is made from fiberglass. No matter which design you choose, each paddle is $76.47.
Conclusion
The best pickleball paddle for women depends on factors such as grip size, paddle materials, weight, and individual players. Serious players who have smaller-than-average hands may benefit from a paddle with a small grip size, such as the Selkirk Amped S2. For a paddle that is great for both frequent competitive play and reduced vibration, the Diadem Icon V2 may be the best choice. On the other hand, beginners may benefit from a more affordable paddle, such as the JoncAye set.
Did you like this article? If so, share it!
New to pickleball? Check out this article on 9 rules on how to play.