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Pickleball’s meteoric rise, with 19.8 million players in the U.S. alone in 2024, has transformed it from a leisurely pastime to a highly competitive sport.
As players of all ages and skill levels embrace pickleball, mastering spin has become a key strategy to gain an edge.
Spin shots—whether topspin, backspin, or sidespin—make the ball’s trajectory unpredictable, challenging opponents to return effectively.
While technique is critical, the right paddle can significantly enhance spin generation. This article, an update to our 2019 guide, presents the best pickleball paddles for spin in 2025, drawing on expert reviews from our team members.
Why Spin Matters in Pickleball
Spin is a powerful tool in pickleball, allowing players to control the ball’s flight path and behavior. Topspin causes the ball to dip sharply, ideal for aggressive drives or passing shots.
Backspin makes the ball float or “die” on the court, perfect for dinks or defensive play. Sidespin curves the ball, confusing opponents.
These techniques, once the domain of advanced players, are now essential across all levels as the sport grows more competitive. A paddle optimized for spin—featuring a textured surface, suitable weight, and responsive core—can amplify these effects, making it easier to execute spin-heavy shots.
About Pickleball Paddles for Spin
Not all paddles are created equal when it comes to spin. The paddle’s surface material and texture are critical, as they determine how well the paddle grips the ball.
Carbon fiber and fiberglass surfaces, often textured, provide superior spin compared to smooth or wooden surfaces. The core material, typically honeycomb polymer or polypropylene, affects the paddle’s feel and responsiveness, while the shape and weight influence leverage and maneuverability.
Paddles designed for spin often balance control and power, enabling players to place shots precisely while adding spin.
Why Having the Right Paddle Is Important
A paddle optimized for spin enhances a player’s ability to manipulate the ball, making shots harder to predict and return.
For example, a textured surface grips the ball longer, allowing for more spin with less effort. This is particularly important for intermediate and advanced players who rely on spin to outmaneuver opponents.
However, even beginners can benefit from a spin-friendly paddle as they develop their skills.
Why You Don’t Need to Spin Every Shot
While spin is a valuable weapon, overusing it can make your game predictable. Mixing spin shots with straight, no-spin shots keeps opponents guessing, maintaining the element of surprise.
Additionally, spinning every shot without proper technique can lead to errors or faults.
The key is to practice spin techniques alongside using a paddle that enhances your ability to execute them effectively.
Top Pickleball Paddles for Spin in 2025
Below is a curated list of the best pickleball paddles for spin in 2025, based on expert reviews and player feedback.
Each paddle is evaluated for its spin capabilities, suitability for different skill levels, and key features.
1. Proton Series One Type A
- Why It’s Great for Spin: Boasting a perfect spin rating of 10/10, this paddle’s textured surface grips the ball exceptionally well, making it ideal for spin-heavy playstyles. Its design ensures consistent spin across serves, drives, and dinks.
- Best For: Players of all levels who prioritize spin.
- Price: $280
- Key Features:
- Surface: Textured carbon fiber for maximum spin.
- Core: Honeycomb polymer for a large sweet spot.
- Shape: Standard, offering versatility.
- Weight: Midweight (8-8.5 oz) for balanced power and control.
- Player Feedback: Reviewers praise its ability to generate spin effortlessly, making it a top choice for competitive players.
2. Bread & Butter Filth
- Why It’s Great for Spin: With a spin rating of 10/10, this paddle features a T700 raw carbon fiber face that produces exceptional spin. Its unibody design and foam-injected walls extend the sweet spot, ensuring stability during spin shots.
- Best For: Intermediate to advanced players seeking a mid-range option.
- Price: $140.25 (with discount code PICKLEHEADS15)
- Key Features:
- Surface: T700 raw carbon fiber for aggressive spin.
- Core: Honeycomb polymer for responsiveness.
- Shape: Elongated for added leverage.
- Weight: Midweight (8-8.5 oz) for power and control.
- Player Feedback: Known for its durability and cool aesthetics, it’s a favorite among aggressive players who value spin and power.
3. Selkirk LABS Project 008 Tour
- Why It’s Great for Spin: Rated 9.5/10 for spin, this paddle uses a T700 Raw Carbon Fiber face and foam construction to reduce vibration and expand the sweet spot, enhancing spin control, especially on drives.
- Best For: Players focusing on drives and high-performance spin.
- Price: Premium range (exact price not specified).
- Key Features:
- Surface: T700 raw carbon fiber for spin and control.
- Core: Foam-enhanced for reduced vibration.
- Shape: Elongated for leverage.
- Weight: Midweight (8-8.5 oz) for balanced performance.
- Player Feedback: Ideal for players who want confidence in their spin-heavy drives, with a focus on precision.
4. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion
- Why It’s Great for Spin: Its Carbon Grip Surface (CGS), a rough carbon fiber texture, facilitates easy spin generation. The elongated shape provides leverage for powerful spin shots.
- Best For: Advanced players needing precision and spin.
- Price: ~$212
- Key Features:
- Surface: Carbon fiber with CGS for superior spin.
- Core: Honeycomb polymer for responsiveness.
- Shape: Elongated (16.5” x 7.5”) for leverage.
- Weight: Lightweight (7.9 oz) for quick reactions.
- Player Feedback: Endorsed by top player Ben Johns, it’s praised for its spin and control, ideal for competitive play.
5. Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated
- Why It’s Great for Spin: With a spin rating of 10/10, its textured fiberglass surface and elongated shape make it excellent for spin-heavy playstyles, balancing power and control.
- Best For: Power players incorporating spin.
- Price: $233.99 (with discount code PICKLEHEADS)
- Key Features:
- Surface: Textured fiberglass for spin control.
- Core: Polymer for a large sweet spot.
- Shape: Elongated for power and spin.
- Weight: Midweight (8-8.5 oz) for versatility.
- Player Feedback: Players appreciate its ability to deliver spin without sacrificing power, making it a top choice for aggressive players.
6. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
- Why It’s Great for Spin: While the best all-around paddle, it offers a solid spin rating of 8/10. Its balanced design supports spin shots alongside power and control.
- Best For: Players seeking a versatile paddle with spin capabilities.
- Price: Value option (exact price not specified).
- Key Features:
- Surface: Carbon fiber for spin and durability.
- Core: Polymer for responsiveness.
- Shape: Standard for versatility.
- Weight: Midweight (8-8.5 oz) for balance.
- Player Feedback: Noted for its exceptional value and all-court performance, it’s a great choice for players who want spin without specializing.
7. Vatic Pro PRISM Flash
- Why It’s Great for Spin: With a spin rating of 9/10, this control-oriented paddle excels at spin while maintaining precision, thanks to its textured fiberglass surface.
- Best For: Control players adding spin to their game.
- Price: $89.99 (with discount code PICKLEHEADS)
- Key Features:
- Surface: Textured fiberglass for spin.
- Core: Honeycomb polymer for forgiveness.
- Shape: Wide-body for control.
- Weight: Midweight (8-8.5 oz) for balance.
- Player Feedback: Affordable and forgiving, it’s ideal for players developing spin techniques.
8. Selkirk AMPED Pro Air – Invikta
- Why It’s Great for Spin: Its fiberglass surface and honeycomb polymer core facilitate easy spin generation, particularly for aggressive shots.
- Best For: Advanced players prioritizing spin and power.
- Price: Premium range (exact price not specified).
- Key Features:
- Surface: Fiberglass for spin and durability.
- Core: Honeycomb polymer for responsiveness.
- Shape: Elongated (15.75” x 8”) for leverage.
- Weight: Midweight (7.8-8.2 oz) for balance.
- Player Feedback: Players value its control and spin capabilities, especially for serves and drives.
| Paddle Name | Best For | Price | Spin Rating | Surface Material | Core Material | Shape | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton Series One Type A | All levels | $280 | 10/10 | Carbon fiber | Honeycomb polymer | Standard | 8-8.5 |
| Bread & Butter Filth | Intermediate/Advanced | $140.25 | 10/10 | T700 raw carbon fiber | Honeycomb polymer | Elongated | 8-8.5 |
| Selkirk LABS Project 008 Tour | Drive-focused | Premium | 9.5/10 | T700 raw carbon fiber | Foam-enhanced | Elongated | 8-8.5 |
| JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion | Advanced | ~$212 | High | Carbon fiber (CGS) | Honeycomb polymer | Elongated | 7.9 |
| Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 | Power players | $233.99 | 10/10 | Fiberglass | Polymer | Elongated | 8-8.5 |
| Six Zero Double Black Diamond | Versatile | Value | 8/10 | Carbon fiber | Polymer | Standard | 8-8.5 |
| Vatic Pro PRISM Flash | Control players | $89.99 | 9/10 | Fiberglass | Honeycomb polymer | Wide-body | 8-8.5 |
| Selkirk AMPED Pro Air – Invikta | Advanced | Premium | High | Fiberglass | Honeycomb polymer | Elongated | 7.8-8.2 |
Advances in Paddle Technology Since 2019
Since the 2019 article, pickleball paddle technology has evolved significantly:
Carbon Fiber Surfaces: Now standard in high-performance paddles, carbon fiber (e.g., T700 raw carbon fiber) is lightweight and spin-friendly, offering superior grip compared to older materials like graphite.
Textured Surfaces: Manufacturers have developed advanced textures, such as JOOLA’s Carbon Grip Surface (CGS), to maximize ball grip and spin. These textures are more refined than the fiberglass surfaces of 2019.
Honeycomb Polymer Cores: These cores dominate the market for their balance of power, control, and spin, providing a larger sweet spot than Nomex or aluminum cores.
Unibody and Foam-Injected Designs: Paddles like the Bread & Butter Filth use unibody construction and foam-injected walls to enhance stability and extend the sweet spot, improving spin consistency.
Spin Metrics: In 2023, top paddles achieved spin rates of 1,800-2,000 RPMs, a significant leap from 1,600 RPMs in prior years, reflecting ongoing improvements in surface technology.
These advancements have made modern paddles far more effective for spin than those listed in 2019, such as the Engage Encore Pro or Onix Composite Z5.
How to Choose a Paddle for Spin
Selecting a paddle for spin involves balancing several factors to match your playing style and skill level:
- Surface Texture: A rough or textured surface (e.g., carbon fiber or fiberglass) grips the ball better, enabling more spin. Look for paddles with specialized textures like JOOLA’s CGS or Selkirk’s raw carbon fiber.
- Weight:
- Lightweight (7.5-8 oz): Easier to maneuver for quick spin shots, ideal for finesse players (e.g., JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion).
- Midweight (8-8.5 oz): Balances power and control, suitable for most players (e.g., Proton Series One Type A).
- Heavy (8.5-9 oz): Offers more power behind spin shots but requires strength (less common for spin-focused paddles).
- Shape:
- Elongated: Provides leverage for powerful spin shots, favored by advanced players (e.g., Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0).
- Wide-Body: Offers forgiveness and control, ideal for beginners or control players (e.g., Vatic Pro PRISM Flash).
- Standard: Versatile for all-around play (e.g., Six Zero Double Black Diamond).
- Core Material: Honeycomb polymer cores are preferred for their responsiveness and large sweet spot, enhancing spin control. Foam-enhanced cores (e.g., Selkirk LABS Project 008 Tour) reduce vibration for better feel.
- Grip Size: A comfortable grip (typically 4.25-4.5 inches) supports wrist action, crucial for spin. Ensure the grip fits your hand size to avoid strain.
- Handle Length: Longer handles (5.5-6.25 inches) provide more room for grip variations, aiding spin shots, especially for two-handed players.
Additional Considerations
- Skill Level: Beginners should opt for forgiving paddles with wide-body shapes and midweight designs (e.g., Vatic Pro PRISM Flash). Advanced players may prefer elongated, lightweight paddles for precision (e.g., JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion).
- Budget: Prices range from $89.99 (Vatic Pro PRISM Flash) to $280 (Proton Series One Type A). Mid-range options like the Bread & Butter Filth offer excellent value.
- Testing: If possible, demo paddles through programs like Pickleball Warehouse’s demo program to find the best fit.
Tips for Mastering Spin
While a high-quality paddle enhances spin, technique is equally important:
- Topspin: Brush the paddle upward from below the ball, using a wrist snap to roll the ball forward.
- Backspin: Slice downward from the top of the ball, creating a backward rotation.
- Sidespin: Angle the paddle to brush the ball sideways, imparting lateral spin.
- Practice Drills: Use a practice machine with spin settings or drill with a partner to refine spin control.
- Mix Shots: Alternate spin and no-spin shots to keep opponents off balance, avoiding predictability.
Comparison with 2019 Paddles
The 2019 article highlighted paddles like the Engage Encore Pro, Prolite Crush Powerspin, Onix Composite Z5, Prolite Rebel PowerSpin, Onix Graphite Z5, and Gamma Sport New 2.0. While these were excellent for their time, they’ve been surpassed by 2025 models:
- Surface Materials: 2019 paddles relied heavily on fiberglass and graphite, which are less spin-friendly than modern carbon fiber surfaces.
- Core Technology: Nomex and early polymer cores in 2019 paddles offered less consistency than today’s honeycomb polymer and foam-enhanced cores.
- Spin Performance: Modern paddles achieve spin rates of 1,800-2,000 RPMs, compared to ~1,600 RPMs in 2019, reflecting significant advancements.
For example, the Engage Encore Pro’s fiberglass surface and polymer core are still relevant, but newer models like the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 offer superior spin ratings.
Similarly, the Onix Z5’s Nomex core is less common now, with brands like Selkirk and JOOLA dominating with carbon fiber designs.
The Evolution of Pickleball and Spin
Pickleball’s growth has driven innovation in paddle design. With a projected global market of $4.4 billion by 2033 and 68,000 courts in the U.S. by 2025, the sport is attracting younger, more competitive players who prioritize spin.
This shift has prompted manufacturers to focus on spin-specific technologies, such as textured surfaces and advanced cores, making 2025 paddles far more capable than their 2019 counterparts.
Conclusion
Spin is a game-changer in pickleball, and choosing the right paddle can elevate your performance.
In 2025, paddles like the Proton Series One Type A, Bread & Butter Filth, Selkirk LABS Project 008 Tour, JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion, and Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 lead the market for spin, offering options for every skill level and budget.
Advances in carbon fiber surfaces, honeycomb cores, and unibody designs have made these paddles more effective than ever.
Pair your paddle with dedicated practice to master spin techniques, and you’ll be outsmarting opponents in no time.
More Reviews: Best Pickleball Paddle
2021 Old Article: Best Pickleball Paddles For Spin
If you are looking for the best pickleball paddles for spin you have landed at the right place. We have analyzed lots of paddles for spin capabilities extensively and compiled the best list of paddles that can give you a great jumpstart.
The game of pickleball is constantly evolving as it continues to gain in popularity. From a slow relaxed game, it is becoming a fast aggressive sport as more and more young people are playing it and participating in tournaments.
For a pickleball player, making the ball spin is an important skill to learn. As you make progress with your pickleball game, you would like to have the ability to do more you’re your shots.
Simply serving or returning the ball in a straight line to the opponent is just the beginning of your skills. As you advance, you would like to have more scoring shots.
You can make it difficult for your opponent to return the ball if you can put some spin into it. By adding spin, the trajectory of the ball will become difficult to predict. It confuses the opponent and makes him miss or mistimed his shots. This will give your game an edge and help you win games.
About Pickleball Paddles for Spin, Why Important and How it Helps
Although a professional pickleball player can make a ball spin with any type of paddle, it helps to have a paddle optimized for spin play. The ability to control the trajectory of the ball makes it harder for your opponents to respond. Some paddles make it easy to impart spin and also to return such shots. It is imperative to choose the right paddle which helps the ball spin.
Besides practicing to spin the ball, you will also need the right pickleball paddle. The material of the paddle and especially the surface texture that provides more grip to the ball makes all the difference. With a paddle having a sweet spot for a spin, it becomes easier to place and control the spin.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin 2021
There is a wide range of pickleball paddles in the market, ranging from the ordinary to the specialized ones made from expensive materials. These pickleball paddles come with their specific advantages. However, not all of them are built for spin plays. To make things easy for you, here is a list of the best pickleball paddles for spin.
1.Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle
The Engage Encore Pro is the first choice of many professional pickleball players. The paddle has all the advanced features for a spin. No wonder, it is one of the most premia of paddles.
The paddle is 15.5 inches long and has a width of 8.13 inches. It comes in several shades like Red Fade, Black Fade, Green Fade, Purple Fade, etc. which are just a patch of a stripe on the top-right edge of the paddle.
One of its premium features is the core, which is made out of a blend of specialized polypropylene polymer honeycomb. It has a large sweet spot. Another exceptional feature is the specialized fiberglass skin with surface roughness helps grip the ball longer to help to impart the spin. The liquid graphite surface is also optimized to give less noise.
The ControlPro spin technology of fiberglass surface with the textured roughness and the comfortable grip makes the paddle easily spin the ball in the desired way. The grip size is 4.25 inches which provides good gripping options while making shots. The 7.8 to 8.3 ounces weight makes the paddle heavier, but not much and makes it excellent for a power play. Its 15.5” long and 8.13” width helps reach out to difficult shots.
The outstanding feature of the honeycomb core inside the paddle also gives more control and power. Also, It has a spongy soft feel when the ball hits the paddle face. While the rough skin makes it easier to spin the ball, the liquid graphite surface makes a softer pop sound. This is paddle especially made for spin and is suitable for all levels of players, especially those looking out to put more spin in their shots.
2.Prolite Crush Powerspin with SPINtac Pickleball Paddle
The Prolite Crush Powerspin paddle is made of composite materials and specially crafted for spin aficionados who also need more power in their shots. There are several outstanding features and technologies built into this paddle.
The first is the core, which is made of QuadCore polymer honeycomb cell technology. This helps give it a larger sweet spot. The second is the SPINtac hitting surface which delivers enhanced spin control. This fiberglass surface is textured to grip the ball for imparting more spin.
There is also the exclusive ProLite MicroEdge guard which protects the edges from wear and tear and helps the paddle last longer than others. It is a USAPA approved paddle that is recommended for quiet zones and noise restricted communities
The paddle is broad enough, 7.5 to 8”, to give you ample scope for effective slicing to spin the ball. The paddle length is good 15.5” so that you avoid missing those difficult to reach shots. The 5 1/2″ long handle is Comfort-Contoured and the grip circumference of 4.12” make is very comfortable for longer playing sessions.
The Prolite Magnum shape with its rounded edges, make it look distinctive. The paddle is available in three color graphics combinations called Surf, Skate, Snow, and in different weights varying from 7.5 to 8 ounces. The paddle is reasonably priced despite premium materials and is suitable for beginners to advanced players.
3.Onix Composite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
The Onix Composite Z5 has a Nomex core, which is a heavy dense material with smaller honeycombs. This makes the paddle heavier and built for power. The paddle weighing about 8.5 ounces is one of the heavier paddles available in the market. The weight helps deliver more power.
The fiberglass surface grabs the ball providing more control to let you add spin more easily. This paddle is excellent for beginners as also for the experienced players who have good ball control but are looking for more power and pop.
The wide-body paddle with the dimension of 18 x 8 inches has a large sweet spot and the 4.25″ grip is comfortable and lets you play for long. The paddles are available in several colors like Red, Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, and Yellow, and are priced differently.
This is one paddle that provides power as well as spin. You can play your shots with maximum power and pop from the baseline and at the same time, thanks to the honeycomb core and fiberglass textured surface, you get more spin. Go for it if you are looking for a versatile paddle that also gives you value for money.
4.Prolite Rebel PowerSpin Pickleball Paddle
The Prolite Rebel PowerSpin paddle, just like its name, is a revolutionary product. From the handle, it takes off in a slim near tear-drop shape and emerges as the paddle with the longest face and offers extra reach to hit those difficult shots.
The extra-long 16” hitting surface and the narrow profile makes the paddle quite distinctive in appearance. Beneath the striking physical appearance, the Rebel has the QuadCore polymer honeycomb core which provides a larger sweet spot.
The PowerSpin fiberglass hitting surface is textured for a good spin on the ball to add more spin. The 5” long contoured handle and the 4.25-inch grip comes with comfort contour grip for more comfort to play longer hours with better control.
This middleweight paddle, with weight ranging from 7.5 to 8.1 ounces, combines power with the best of spin. It comes in several colors like Gold, Blue, Purple, and Red which are just colored graphics on the right side of the paddle face, except the Red-White-and-Blue graphics edition which has a more colorful surface.
5.Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
The ONIX Graphite Z5 is the graphite textured surface version of its Composite Z5 paddles with the same dimension and core materials. The Nomex core provides a large sweet spot to hit the ball with power. The textured graphite surface is lightweight and works better at gripping the ball for an easy spin.
It is a medium weight paddle with weight ranging from 7.5 to 8.2 ounces. The 15.5” long face of the paddle gives ample reach and the 8.3” wide body helps to hit those almost missed shots. The 5” long handle and 4.25” grip size with cushion comfort, provides optimum comfort for long play and making powerful shots with added spin.
This is an excellent touch paddle for superior ball control and is very highly-rated popular paddle among pickleball players. The paddle is suitable for both beginners and advanced players. It is available in several pleasing full-face colored graphics like Green, Blue, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, and Yellow.
6.Gamma Sport New 2.0 Pickleball Paddle
The Gamma Sports 2.0 Pickleball Paddle gives great value at a very economical price. The materials used in this paddle are of premium quality. The Aramid Honeycomb polymer core gives a large sweet spot providing power with control. The paddle has a textured graphite face with ControlPro spin technology, which produces great spin.
The long length of 15.8 inches and the narrow width of 7.7 inches make it quite an aggressive paddle despite its traditional shape. It is a medium weight paddle with weight ranging from 7.5 to 7.8 ounces. The flush-fit bumpers around the edges provide added protection and durability.
The 4” honeycomb cushion grip is soft, comfortable, and has perforations to absorb sweat. The shorter grip helps wrist-play to add more spin effortlessly. The medium weight of the paddle, the cushioned grip, and the large face makes it easy to maneuver for spin play. This is the best spin paddle to buy for those with a limited budget.
Why Having the Correct Paddle For Spin Is Important For a Pickleball Player.
To put a spin to your paddleball you need to master the skill. There are two main types of spin used in pickleball. The first is the top-spin where you hit the ball from below and bring the paddle up towards the top. This is like rolling the ball in the air. The second type of spin the back-spin where you move the paddle from the top of the ball to the bottom as if slicing something. You can also spin the ball to the left or right, making it all the more difficult for your opponents to respond.
You need to have the right paddle which helps in imparting these spin to the ball. It is great to have a paddle that has the right characteristics for a spin. The paddle face must-have textures to grip the ball instead of just letting it slide. This extra grip helps you produce the spin when you hit the ball at the desired angle and with a snappy wrist action. If your paddle is old, has soft spots in the middle or top edges, and lacks the texture on the surface to grip the ball, then you will need to buy a new paddle.
Why you don’t need to put a Spin on every shot
Keeping your opponents unable to anticipate the type of serve you make is important for winning the game. If your opponent keenly follows the movement of your paddle, he can easily predict the kind of spin you are applying. Therefore it is not wise to spin every shot. The best strategy is to use no-spin shots between your top-spin and back-spin shots. This way you can keep your opponent guessing. The surprise element will help you score. Moreover, you also need to master the technique and accuracy of your spin. Without this, spinning every shot may make the ball go out of control and result in a fault.
Things to Look Out While Choosing For Best Pickleball Paddle for Spin
Pickleball paddles are made of different kinds of materials and have their specific properties. When buying a pickleball paddle that is good for spin, there are certain features to look for. Here are a few things that you need to pay attention to.
a. Paddle Material
The pickleball paddles are made of wood, polymer, composite, and graphite materials. Wooden paddles are economical and therefore the most popular choice for beginners. These are also strong and heavier. Polymer plastic paddles are made from a combination of plastics. These are light, affordable and durable. However, they lack the feel and performance of a great paddle.
Composite paddles are made with fiberglass. These are lightweight and responsive, offering power as well as control. Graphite paddles are excellent for experienced players. They have a honeycomb core and a graphite surface. They offer control and power and are great for spin. These have a strong ‘pop’ effect when the ball comes in contact with it. These are more expensive as well.
b. Paddle Weight
The weight of the paddle is more a matter of personal choice and playing style. The weight varies from 6 to 14 ounces. Heavier paddles are preferred by some players for the added force in their shots. Handling a heavier paddle requires more strength.
Lighter paddles, on the other hand, are easier to handle and maneuver. These cause less fatigue and can be used to hit the ball with lightning speed. Heavier paddles go with more power while lighter paddles go with more speed.
c. Paddle Size
The standard-sized paddles have a balanced ratio of hitting area and handle. These are the most common and popular types. Larger sized paddles offer more hitting area but come with a shorter handle. These have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages.
d. Handle Length
Long-handled paddles have handles longer than a standard paddle but a smaller face. These paddles are lighter and offer a lot more room to vary your grip. You can grip the paddle at the base of the face or grip the paddle near the end of the handle. Longer handles keep your gripping hand relaxed during the game and also helps you play shots easily.
e. Paddle Grip Size
The right grip size is important as the wrist plays a crucial part in imparting the spin. It is necessary to choose a grip size that is just right for your fingers. Players with bigger hands prefer thicker grips.
f. Paddle Core and Hitting Surface Material
The paddle cores are made from wood, aluminum, polymer or Nomex. Paddles with aluminum cores have smaller honeycombs, but they are lighter and suitable for beginners. They offer more control while hitting. Polymer cores are made from softer material with large honeycombs. They are more silent and offer more bounce and power.
Nomex cores have smaller honeycombs and are harder. They give a louder pop sound while providing more control. The polymer and Nomex cores are good for spin. The hitting surfaces of good paddles are made of graphite or fiberglass, both of which are good for imparting spin. Now carbon fibers being used for paddle surfaces, which offer superior control.
Conclusion
With spin coming into prominence in the game of pickleball, the characteristics of a good paddle are being defined more and more with its ability to play spin.
These days the manufacturers have shown interest in control technology, and are coming up with surface material with textures that grip the ball well for adding spin.
This brief guide should be helpful to know more about spin in pickleball and choosing the best paddle for spin.
A good paddle that allows you to spin the ball better will raise your game to greater heights. It may need some trial and error to discover the paddle that best suits you and your playing style.