Best lightweight pickleball paddles - top 5 compared

Buy if:

• You love spin:

  I'm impressed with the 10/10 spin this paddle generates.

• You want to be quick yet powerful:

  this paddle moves fast but doesn't sacrifice too much power.

• You want a forgiving, standard-shaped paddle:

  with this paddle's 8" wide face, you get a large sweet spot and lots of control and forgiveness.

Pass if:

• You prefer thermoformed paddles:

  this isn't thermoformed, so a paddle like the JOOLA Scorpeus might suit you better.

• You need more reach:

  try the MX 6.0 LITE on this list—the elongated version of this paddle.

• You're on a budget:

  the SLK Latitude 2.0 on this list is my favorite cheap lightweight paddle.

Buy if:

• You're a beginner:

  this is a brilliant paddle to get started in pickleball, it plays better than almost every beginner paddle I've tested

• You're on a budget:

  at just $70 this is a bargain, performing way better than most paddles at this range.

• You want a little spin in your game:

  the textured graphite face gets good spin for a beginner paddle.

Pass if:

• You need power:

  this is strictly a control paddle, so try the Six Zero Sapphire if you want an affordable power paddle.

• You play with two-handed backhands:

  try a paddle with a longer handle like the Bison Summit.

• You're upgrading to intermediate level:

  check out our best intermediate pickleball paddles to help you step up.

Buy if:

• You're a big spin player:

  I could generate big topspin with this paddle.

• You want a lightweight performance elongated paddle:

  at 7.7 oz, this is a lot lighter than most powerful elongated paddles.

• You want an all-court paddle:

  spin and power are backed by really good control and forgiveness.

Pass if:

• You want to focus on your touch game:

  the standard-shaped EX LITE, top of this list, is a more forgiving, control-oriented alternative.

• You don't want to spend $260:

  the Bread & Butter Filth is an elongated performance power paddle for just $165.

• You want a thermoformed paddle:

  these Engage paddles are not thermoformed, so check out the Ronbus R1 PULSAR.

Buy if:

• You want the best beginner paddle:

  this is the most advanced beginner paddle I've played with (though it is pricey)

• You want a lightweight control paddle:

  the ALW-C is fast in hand battles, and really boosts your touch game.

• You can spend over $200:

  at $230 this is very expensive for what I'd call a beginner paddle.

Pass if:

• You're on a budget:

  the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is a top rival to this, for just $100.

• You need more power:

  this doesn't pretend to be a power paddle, so check out something like the Bread & Butter Filth.

• You're upgrading from beginner level:

  check out the JOOLA Perseus, a similar paddle that suits intermediates and advanced players more.

Buy if:

• You play with power and spin:

  I could play an aggressive game with spin and plenty of pop.

• You're coming from tennis:

  ProKennex brings their experience making tennis rackets to their pickleball paddles.

• You're prone to injury:

  ProKennex paddles are designed to prevent arm and elbow injuries.

Pass if:

• Your focus is control:

  try a paddle that suits your touch game like the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C above.

• You're a beginner:

  this will have too much power and spin so check out number 2 on this list, the SLK Latitude 2.0.

• You play with two-handed backhands:

  the short 5" handle won't suit you, but the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy with its extra-long handle might.