7 Best Pickleball Paddles For Control and Accuracy in 2023
Learn about the qualities of a pickleball paddles for control
What to look for in a paddle designed for control
When it comes to control in pickleball, several factors contribute to a paddle’s ability to provide precise shot placement and maneuverability. Here are a few key aspects that make a pickleball paddle better for control:
- Weight: A lighter paddle allows for better control as it offers more maneuverability and responsiveness. It allows players to make subtle adjustments and place shots precisely.
- Core Material: Paddles with a softer core material, such as polymer or a composite with a softer density, tend to provide more control. The softer core absorbs some of the ball’s impact, allowing for better touch and finesse.
- Grip Size: A comfortable grip that fits your hand size well is crucial for control. A grip that is too small or too large can affect your ability to have a firm hold and accurately control the paddle.
- Paddle Face Texture: A paddle with a textured surface can generate more spin and control over the ball. It helps players to place shots with greater precision and have a better grip on the ball.
- Shape and Balance: Paddle shape and balance play a role in control. Paddles with a wider face offer a larger sweet spot, which aids in control, while a balanced weight distribution provides stability and control during shots.
- Paddle Thickness: The thickness of a pickleball paddle can affect its control characteristics. Paddle thickness is typically measured in millimeters and refers to the thickness of the paddle’s core material. Thicker paddles offer more control and tend to have a larger sweet spot. This can help improve your drops, reset and blocks.
- Price: When it comes to pickleball paddles, there is often a correlation between price and quality. Higher-priced paddles often incorporate better materials and advanced technologies, which can enhance your ability to control the ball. However, it’s important to note that having a top-quality paddle is not a requirement for achieving good control.
Best Pickleball paddles for control
If you’re looking for more affordable paddles as these are meant be higher priced due to their increased quality, click here.
Rally Graphite Power 5.0
Rally Graphite Power 5.0 is a high-performance paddle designed to provide players with a winning combination of power, control, and a large sweet spot. It features a honeycomb core, which offers excellent durability and a responsive feel on the court.
The paddle’s face is constructed with a graphite/polymer hybrid composite, delivering a balanced blend of power and control. The graphite material provides added strength and stiffness, while the polymer enhances touch and feel during shots.
With its well-designed construction, the Rally Graphite Power 5.0 paddle offers players the ability to generate powerful shots while maintaining precise control. The large sweet spot increases the paddle’s forgiving nature, allowing for improved shot placement and consistency.
Gearbox CP7 Pickleball Paddle (8.5 OZ)
The Gearbox CP7 Pickleball Paddle is a lightweight paddle weighing approximately 8.5 ounces. It is designed to offer players a balanced combination of power and control on the pickleball court.
With its lightweight construction, the CP7 paddle allows for quick maneuverability and swift reactions during gameplay. This makes it an ideal choice for players who value agility and speed.
The paddle is crafted using high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. It features a well-balanced design that promotes a comfortable grip and precise shot placement.
Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle
The Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle is a high-quality paddle designed to elevate your pickleball game. It features a fiberglass face, known for its excellent durability and responsiveness on the court. The paddle’s core is made of a polypropylene X5 material, which provides a balanced blend of power and control.
Crafted in the USA, Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddles are built with meticulous attention to detail and precision. The paddle’s construction ensures optimal performance and a solid feel during gameplay.
With its fiberglass face and X5 core, the Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle offers players the ability to generate powerful shots while maintaining precise control. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive athlete, this paddle is designed to enhance your performance and provide a reliable playing experience.
Selkirk SLK Omega Max Pickleball Paddle
The Selkirk SLK Omega Max Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle designed to elevate your pickleball game to new heights. It features a high-performance design with a blend of power, control, and maneuverability.
The paddle’s face is constructed with a premium fiberglass surface, providing excellent durability and a responsive feel on the court. The core is made of a polypropylene material, which offers a solid and consistent performance.
With its Omega Max shape, the Selkirk SLK Omega Max Pickleball Paddle provides an extended sweet spot, allowing for enhanced shot placement and forgiveness. The paddle’s balanced weight distribution and comfortable grip ensure optimal handling and control during gameplay.
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 Pickleball Paddle is a professional-grade paddle designed in collaboration with Ben Johns, a top-ranked pickleball player. This paddle is crafted to meet the demands of competitive players seeking exceptional performance on the court.
The paddle features a carbon fiber surface, known for its excellent strength and responsiveness. This allows for powerful shots and increased control during gameplay. The core is made of a high-quality material that provides a balanced blend of power and touch.
With its optimized weight distribution and ergonomic grip, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 Pickleball Paddle offers superior handling and maneuverability. It allows players to execute precise shots with ease and confidence
Rally Graphite Power 5.0
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle is a high-performance paddle designed in collaboration with Ben Johns, a top-ranked pickleball player. This paddle is built to provide players with exceptional power, control, and precision on the court.
The paddle features a Carbon Fiber Composite (CFC) surface, known for its excellent strength, stiffness, and responsiveness. This advanced material allows players to generate powerful shots while maintaining control and accuracy.
With its optimized weight distribution and ergonomic grip, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle offers excellent handling and maneuverability. The paddle’s balanced design ensures players can easily execute a wide range of shots, including dinks, volleys, and smashes.
Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Premium
The Selkirk Vanguard Power pickleball paddle is a high-performance paddle designed to deliver exceptional power and control on the court. This paddle combines advanced materials and innovative technologies to enhance your game.
The Vanguard Power features a carbon fiber face, known for its excellent strength and responsiveness. This allows for powerful shots and increased ball control during gameplay. The paddle’s core is constructed with a polypropylene material, providing a solid and consistent performance.
With its optimized weight distribution and comfortable grip, the Selkirk Vanguard Power paddle offers excellent handling and maneuverability. The paddle’s shape and design maximize the sweet spot, allowing for precise shot placement and improved consistency.
The Sweet Spot
The sweet spot is a crucial concept when it comes to pickleball paddles. It refers to the specific area on the paddle face where you can make solid contact with the ball, resulting in optimal control, power, and accuracy.
Having a larger sweet spot on your pickleball paddle is advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, it increases the margin for error, meaning that even if your shot is slightly off-center, you are still likely to achieve a solid hit. This can help minimize mishits and maintain consistency in your shots.
Secondly, a larger sweet spot provides a larger effective hitting area, allowing you to make clean contact with the ball more frequently. This translates to improved control over shot placement, as the paddle face will have a greater chance of making flush contact with the ball.
A paddle with a smaller sweet spot, on the other hand, can be more challenging to control. Shots hit outside the sweet spot are more likely to result in less power, reduced accuracy, and a less consistent feel. It requires more precise shot placement and timing to achieve desired results.
By choosing a paddle with a larger sweet spot, you increase your chances of achieving better control and consistency in your shots. It allows you to maximize the paddle’s potential and optimize your performance on the pickleball court.
It’s important to note that the size and location of the sweet spot can vary between different paddle models. Some paddles are specifically designed to have an expanded sweet spot, while others may prioritize other features. When selecting a paddle, it’s recommended to consider your playing style, skill level, and personal preferences to find a paddle with a sweet spot that suits your needs
