Pickleball players around the world have different types of paddles they use when competing, so if you were to ask some top pickleball players in the world what pickleball paddle do the pros use when competing, each would mention a different type of paddle. Each player requires a different kind of paddle to perform their best.
Our website aims to inform you about some of the best pickleball paddles that professionals use and explain why they choose them. We will also explain how to choose a pickleball paddle that will be ideal for your training, and you will be able to train like a professional.
As a result of the above analysis, we have gone over 80 interactions with “Open” level players posted on the Pickleball Central blog to find out what they use. We asked them several questions, including which paddle they played with and why. And in this article, we will share our findings with you.
Which Pickleball Paddle Brand Do Professionals Use?
Professional pickleball is a vague concept. However, it generally refers to people who play pickleball competitively for money or to make a living. Some people on the fringes play pickleball for thousands of dollars in prize money and even more thousands of dollars in sponsorship. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. That said, the data on pickleball paddle brands and the pros in this article is based on the pickleball paddles used.
As a whole, this data pool includes 70 professional pickleball players and only 15 paddle manufacturers. These paddle brands can be classified into three clusters:
- Among pro paddle brands, three stand out (either because they invest in pro players or use these paddles for performance). In order to build brand awareness and increase sales, the paddle manufacturers Joola, Selkirk, and Paddletek have sponsored pro players. Joola is supporting 13 pros, Selkirk 11, and Paddletek 10. It is particularly fascinating for Joola, which entered pickleball in early 2022. Joola paddles have clearly been popular with the pros.
- Several other brands, including Franklin, CRBN, and Electrum, aim to increase their pro-player sponsorships to achieve the same effect, but they have fewer pros than the three that came first. Franklin, CRBN, and Electrum all have five or six pros playing.
- In contrast, the remaining nine pickleball paddle manufacturers are each sponsoring just a handful of players (with an average of one to four professional players per company). As sponsorship agreements expire or terminate, and as new and improved technology impacts the paddle manufacturing process, the breakdown of pickleball paddle brands will evolve over time.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, knowing how to choose pickleball paddles is essential. Our guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to pick a pickleball paddle, taking into account factors such as weight, grip, and durability. With our tips, you’ll be able to confidently choose a pickleball paddle that will help you play your best game.
Does your favorite pickleball player use the same paddle?
When it comes to sports, we all like to imagine ourselves looking like the best of the best professionals out on the field, court, or another playing field. Pickleball is an excellent example of this, where anyone can step on a court and play an incredible shot from time to time (although not as often as the pros do). When we are making amazing or not-so-amazing shots on the pickleball court, we can even look like our favorite pickleball pros we can’t help but wonder what pickleball paddle do the pros use.
Looks like any of your favorite pro players’ pickleball paddles? Do you see this same kind of pickleball paddle breakdown at the recreational level, especially in open play? Are you seeing more Joola pickleball paddles in 2022? Are there more Paddleteks and Selkirks than other brands?
Professionals Players & Their Pickleball Paddles
Top Pro Pickleball Paddles for Men
Kyle Yates- Paddletek Bantam EX-L
Ben Johns – Franklin Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle
Johnny “Pickleball” Andrews – Engage Elite Pro Maverick
Scott Golden – Monarch Golden Axe
Matt Wright – Onix Evoke Premier
Riley Newman – Selkirk Amped Epic
See More : How to Hold a Pickleball Paddle
Top Pro Pickleball Paddles for Women
Lucy Kovalova- Onix Evoke Premier
Simone Jardim- Prince Response Pro Simone Jardim Signature Paddle
Lea Jansen – Engage Elite Pro Maverick
Sarah Ansboury- Head Extreme Tour
Lauren Stratman- Electrum
Honorable Mentions Of The Pro Players
Ben Johns’ signature pickleball paddle
Pickleball pro Ben Johns is so good at his game that he is honored to receive a signature paddle from Franklin brand. Franklin teamed up with him to create his signature paddle. Johns became a pickleball enthusiast at university in 2016. As a result, he dominated the sport for a few years, becoming one of the top men’s players.
A prominent player in pickleball, Franklin Ben Johns achieved top-ranking performances in the sport of pickleball in 2021. In singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, he has also made a name for himself as a top player and has been honored with the Franklin Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle.
Read More : How to Make a Pickleball Paddle
A few other players who use this paddle, such as Zan Navratil, AJ Koller, and Rob Nunnery, as well as a number of professional players who are fans of Ben’s, are also famous for using this paddle and were well known among his followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thirteen pros use Joola paddles, 11 pros use Selkirk paddles, and Paddletek paddles are used by 10. Joola is particularly interesting here because it just entered pickleball this year. The pro players have taken a liking to the Joola paddles.
The lighter the paddle, the more control it gives you, while the heavier it provides you, the more drive and power it gives you. However, the more serious the paddle, the more elbow strain, and arm fatigue it will cause. In the beginning, you should use a paddle that isn’t too heavy until you gain more strength.
Different core materials are used in other paddles, and the more expensive ones are generally made of a better-quality polymer that will not break as easily over time. The polymer will offer you a better feel all over the paddle. One other thing to consider when describing the core material is the core density.
The Bottom Line
So, it’s a little give and take. Typically, experienced players choose paddles between light and heavy weight – they are not fond of paddles that are too light or too heavy to move around on the court, nor do they prefer paddles that feel like they are fighting a battle axe. However, if I had to choose a pickleball paddle for professional play I would look what pickleball paddle do the pros use. As they will be certified and easier for me to grasp and handle.
