Pickleball is becoming one of the most popular paddle sports for people who want to have fun while getting an entire workout. If pickleball player wants to improve their skills, one of the main things they need to consider is what paddle they are playing with. This leaves a lot of new players wondering what pickleball paddles the pros are using.
If you were to ask some of the top pickleball players worldwide which paddle they use when competing, each pro player would name a different paddle. This is because every player needs a different type of paddle to perform their best while competing.
On this page, we will discuss some of the different pickleball paddles that the pros use and why they choose them. We will also cover how to pick out the best pickleball paddle so you can train like a pro.
How to pick out a pickleball paddle like a pro?
There are a few things people assume that professional pickleball players want when choosing the right paddle. Many new players believe that it’s essential to look at the brand of the paddle and the paddle’s specs.
These things do play a role in what to expect from the paddle, but they are at the bottom of the list of what the pros care about when they’re picking out a paddle. The top thing that most professional pickleball players claim is the deciding factor of whether or not they’re going to use a paddle is that it feels good.
So, what does that mean? It means that every player will have a different preference for the paddle they use to perform the best. Many pros, like Mark Renneson and Mark Friedenberg, will tell people that the paddle needs to feel good in their hands for them to play at their best.
One thing to take away from this is that the paddle can sound perfect on paper. It may have all the right specs and even be recommended by some of your favorite players. Yet, if you pick it up and it just doesn’t feel right, then it’s not going to be the best paddle for you to improve your techniques in the game.
Read on how to play like a pro and how much they make here: Is Pickleball a Professional Sport?
What pickleball paddles do the male pros use?
There are a lot of great pickleball paddles on the market. If you play the sport often, you may want to invest in a premium paddle. This may have you wondering which paddles the male pro pickleball players prefer to use. We gathered a list of some of the top male players in the sport and the paddles they prefer to use and a link so you can check them out.
- 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
Pro Ben Johns’ signature pickleball paddle
Ben Johns is one of the top pro pickleball players. He’s so good at what he does that a signature paddle is devoted to him. Franklin brand teamed up with Ben Johns to create a signature paddle. Johns first got into pickleball when he was in university in 2016. A few years later, he dominated the sport, becoming one of the top male players.
In 2021 alone, he was ranked the # 1 male player for singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. As one of the best players in the sport, it’s easy to see why many brands wanted to work with him. The Franklin Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle was released in 2019.
This paddle wasn’t just a hit with Ben Johns and his fans. Several other pro players use this paddle as well, including Zane Navratil, AJ Koller, and Rob Nunnery.
What pickleball paddles do the female pros use?
Do the female pickleball players use the same paddles as the males? Let’s look at what some of the leading female players use when they’re competing.
- 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
- Leigh Waters- Paddletek Phoenix Genesis
How important is the weight of a pickleball paddle?
The weight of a pickleball paddle can determine how well you perform with it. While you are getting a feel for the right pickleball paddle, make sure you feel how much it weighs.
It’s vital to avoid pickleball paddles that feel too heavy because you will be at a greater risk of hurting yourself when playing or even experiencing arm fatigue. However, you also want to steer clear of too-light paddles because getting consistent hits with them is challenging.
When choosing the right paddle, it’s essential to pick light enough where you still have control over your moves. Yet, you don’t want it to be too light because you won’t be able to deliver as much force when hitting the ball. Every player will have a different ideal paddle weight, and it may take some practice to find out what is perfect for you.
Read more in-depth on pickleball paddles here: What are Pickleball Paddles Made Of?
Final thoughts- What pickleball paddle do the pros use?
Do you want to learn how to play pickleball like a pro? To do this, you will need to find the right paddle first. As we discovered which paddles the pros are using, we determined that every pickleball player has a different preference. This is because what feels suitable for one player may not work for their competitor.
One of the top recommendations from pro players for finding the right pickleball paddle is to choose one that feels good to you. If it has the right weight and feels comfortable in your hands, you will likely perform best with that paddle. Some paddle companies have even customized signature paddles to be perfect for popular pro pickleball players so they can achieve their best.
