As an avid pickleball player, you’re always looking to improve your game and gain an edge over your competitors. The paddle you choose is one of the most critical elements in determining your power, control, and performance on the court.
Not all paddles are created equal, and having the right paddle for your playing style and skill level can mean the difference between dinking it over the net and slamming an unreturnable kill shot.
This article reviews some of the Best Pickleball Paddles for Power and Control. We evaluated over 30 top-rated paddles for spin, touch, balance, and pop to identify which ones give you the most bang for your buck.
Whether you prefer a paddle for finesse shots, hard-hitting drives, or an all-around performer, we have recommendations to take your game to the next level. The paddles on this list represent the latest technologies and materials to help you gain an edge on your competition and become a force on the pickleball court.
Our Top Pick: Selkirk Amped Best Pickleball Paddles for Power and Control
When it comes to power and control, the Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle is our top recommendation. This paddle is ideal for players looking to take their game to the next level.
The Amped paddle features a polymer honeycomb core and fiberglass face, providing an optimal blend of power and touch. The paddle surface area is slightly larger than average, giving players a bigger sweet spot and more forgiveness on off-center hits.
The elongated teardrop shape and thinner edge guard allow for quicker paddle speed through the hitting zone.
Superior Performance
The Selkirk Amped delivers superior performance for drinks, drives, and everything in between. The paddle’s surface, comprised of a fiberglass and graphite blend, generates substantial spin and velocity.
Players will notice an immediate boost in power and pace on serves, returns, and groundstrokes. For players seeking pinpoint placement and finesse, the Amped provides outstanding feel and control for delicate shots at the net.
Overall, the Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players looking to strengthen their game.
With its combination of power, control, and innovative technologies, the Amped will help you take your skills to the next level and beyond. For your best performance on the court, the Selkirk Amped should be at the top of your list.
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Runner Up: Gamma Atomic Best Pickleball Paddles for Power and Control
The Gamma Atomic Pickleball Paddle is a close second for power and control. This paddle features a graphite face and polypropylene core, offering a lightweight yet durable build.
Large Sweet Spot
The Atomic has an oversized face, measuring 8.3 inches wide, to provide a large sweet spot for solid contact and power on off-center hits. The paddle face is textured to produce spin and add extra bite to dinks and drops.
Control and Touch
The lightweight, balanced feel of the Atomic makes it easy to wield, allowing for excellent ball control and touch. The paddle weighs between 7.5 to 8.2 ounces depending upon grip size. The smaller grip circumference and tapered handle promote a comfortable, secure hold for finesse shots.
Durability
The graphite face and polypropylene core render this paddle highly impact-resistant and long-lasting. Gamma paddles are built to withstand frequent, intensive play.
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The Atomic comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
While not quite as powerful as the top pick, the Gamma Atomic paddle provides a blend of pop and precision that will elevate any player’s game. For those seeking maximum power, you may need to consider other options. However, if control and feeling are equally important, the Atomic is a solid choice for taking your skills to the next level.
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Best Value: Rally Tyro 2 Pickleball Paddle
The Rally Tyro 2 is an excellent value for beginners looking to improve power and control. At under $50, this lightweight paddle offers a large sweet spot and durable construction.
Composite Honeycomb Core
The Tyro 2 features an aluminum honeycomb core sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass. This provides power and stiffness while still being lightweight.
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The honeycomb structure helps reduce vibration and provides an even, responsive feel when hitting the ball. For players developing their swing, the large sweet spot makes it more forgiving of off-center hits.
Ergonomic Grip
An ergonomic grip contours to the shape of your hand for maximum comfort. The textured surface prevents slipping and gives you full control of the paddle during play.
Read More: Best Pickleball Paddles Under $75 for Any Skill Level
The grip comes already attached to the paddle, so you can start using it right away. For some players, the grip may feel slightly large, in which case replacement grips designed for pickleball paddles can be purchased.
Durability
The Tyro 2 is designed to withstand frequent use thanks to its durable construction. Fiberglass face sheets protect the honeycomb core and prevent warping.
While the paddle is not waterproof, the materials used are weather-resistant and can handle some exposure to moisture. For the best longevity, store your paddle in a dry location away from extreme heat.
Read More: Best Pickleball Paddle Under $40
For beginner and recreational players looking to improve power and control without a big investment, the Rally Tyro 2 represents an excellent value.
Its large sweet spot, comfortable grip, and durable yet lightweight design make it ideal for developing proper technique and enjoying the game of pickleball.
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Best for Beginners: Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
The Onix Graphite Z5 is an excellent beginner paddle that provides power and control at an affordable price. This paddle features:
Core and Surface
The Z5 has a polypropylene honeycomb core that is durable yet flexible, providing a good touch and feel. The paddle surface uses carbon fiber and fiberglass for added strength without sacrificing power or control.
The textured graphite surface helps generate spin and provides consistent performance even in hot or humid conditions.
Shape and Handle
With its classic teardrop shape, the Z5 is easy to maneuver and suits a variety of playing styles. Its flared handle and minimal offset (1 inch) allow for a comfortable, ergonomic grip suitable for players of all ages and abilities.
Read More: Best Pickleball Paddle Under $30
The handle circumference measures 4 1/4 inches, a size that should accommodate most hand sizes comfortably.
Additional Specifications
Weighing in at 7.4 to 7.6 ounces, the Z5 has a lightweight yet balanced feel that reduces fatigue over long playing sessions.
It is approved for tournament play by the USA Pickleball Association and comes with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
For beginners looking to improve power, control, and consistency, the Onix Graphite Z5 is an ideal choice at a price that won’t break the budget.
Its durable yet flexible construction, classic shape, and lightweight feel provide everything a new player needs to start playing like a pro. With the Z5 in hand, you’ll be dominating the court and taking your game to the next level in no time.
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What Makes a Pickleball Paddle Provide Power and Control?
To maximize power and control in your game, the paddle you choose is critical. Here are the key factors to consider:
Surface Material
The surface material significantly impacts how the ball responds off your paddle. Composite paddles with a textured surface provide the most power and control. Materials like polypropylene or fiberglass are durable yet flexible, allowing you to put spin on the ball. Wood paddles can also be effective but may lack the power of composite materials.
Paddle Weight
A heavier paddle, typically 8 ounces or more, gives you more power since the additional weight generates more momentum. However, a lighter paddle around 6 to 7 ounces provides more control and is easier to maneuver. Find a weight that balances power and control for your playing style.
Paddle Shape
A paddle with a wide body, between 8 to 9 inches, has a larger sweet spot so you can return balls with more power and accuracy. An elongated paddle shape also generates more power.
A smaller paddle, around 7 to 8 inches, provides more control and is ideal for drinking and drop shots. Consider your strengths as a player and the shots you want to emphasize.
Grip Size
The grip size influences how securely you can hold and wield the paddle. A grip that is too small or too large can negatively impact your power, control, and quickness.
Measure from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger to determine your grip size. Pick a grip that feels natural and secure but still allows your wrist to remain flexible.
With the right combination of surface material, weight, shape, and grip size, you’ll have a paddle that unleashes your full power and control on the court. Now get out there and take your game to the next level!
FAQs About pickleball paddle for power and control
As you start your search for a high-quality pickleball paddle that provides power and control, you may have some questions. Here are some of the most common FAQs and answers to help guide you:
What paddle attributes affect power and control? Several factors determine a paddle’s ability to generate power and give you more control over your shots:
- Weight – A heavier paddle, typically 8 ounces or more, can provide more power due to increased momentum. Lighter paddles around 7-8 ounces offer more control and maneuverability.
- Grip size – A paddle with a grip size that fits your hand well will give you better control and feel. If the grip is too small or too large, it can be more difficult to direct accurate shots.
- Core material – Polypropylene or polymer cores tend to maximize power while still being lightweight. Composite cores with carbon or fiberglass also provide power and vibration dampening for control. Wood cores typically offer the least power but more control.
- Surface texture – A slightly textured paddle surface, like graphite, helps add spin for more control. Smooth surfaces provide less friction and more speed.
- Shape – A paddle with a larger, rounded shape has a bigger sweet spot for more power and forgiveness. A smaller teardrop shape provides more control and touch for dinks and drop shots.
What are the most important attributes for beginners? For beginners, the most important attributes of a paddle are control, forgiveness, and ease of use:
- Focus on a lightweight paddle, around 7-8 ounces, with a medium-sized grip for maximum control and maneuverability.
- Choose a paddle with a large rounded shape for the biggest sweet spot. This makes it easier to hit the ball solidly even with off-center shots.
- Consider a paddle with a composite or polymer core that provides good power and vibration dampening without being too heavy.
- A slightly textured paddle surface can help add stability to your shots as you learn different strokes and techniques.
- Look for a beginner-friendly brand that offers paddles designed specifically for new players. These often provide the ideal combination of control and forgiveness.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing a pickleball paddle that enhances your power and gives you more control over your shots can make a huge difference in your game. With the variety of high-quality, specialized paddles now available at different price points, you have options to suit your needs and budget.
Whether you prefer a paddle made of composite or graphite, a longer or wider face, or more or less surface texture, do some research to determine what will work best for your playing style and skills.
Then get out on the court, practice your dinks, drives, and drop shots, and take your game to the next level with confidence and control. The right paddle in your hands can help make you a pickleball force to be reckoned with.
Pickleball Lover & Enthusiast. Sharing my love for the game on my website. Come join me for all the pickleball fun & get your paddle on!
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