Top pros favor high-performance paddles with advanced materials and customized specs. Ben Johns uses the JOOLA Perseus 3S ($279.95), while Anna Leigh Waters plays with her signature Paddletek ALW-C. Carbon fiber faces and specialized cores dominate the pro circuit, with thickness ranging from 10-16mm depending on playing style. You’ll notice men often choose power-focused paddles while women select more control-oriented options. Discover which pro-level features might elevate your own court performance.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Johns, the top-ranked player, uses the JOOLA Perseus 3S UPA-A Carbon Fiber paddle priced at $279.95.
- Anna Leigh Waters, a leading women’s champion, plays with her signature Paddletek ALW-C paddle.
- Carbon fiber materials dominate pro-level paddles, especially the premium Raw Toray T700 face material.
- Paddle thickness varies among pros, with men like Johns preferring thicker 16mm paddles for power.
- Pros often collaborate with manufacturers to create signature models tailored to their specific playing styles.
Top 10 Professional Players and Their Current Paddle Choices
The five most dominant pickleball pros are serving up victories with carefully selected paddles that complement their playing styles like perfectly paired ingredients. Ben Johns whips up wins with his JOOLA Perseus 3S UPA-A Carbon Fiber paddle ($279.95), while Anna Leigh Waters slices through competition using her signature Paddletek ALW-C. You’ll notice Tyson McGuffin folding power into his game with the JOOLA Magnus 3S, known for stability that’s as reliable as a cast-iron skillet. Federico Staksrud currently plates his shots with the Joola Perseus 16mm Mod TA-15 while preparing a fresh Adidas signature paddle for 2025. Zane Navratil’s game is seasoned with precision thanks to his ProXR Middleweight featuring T700 Raw Carbon Fiber and an extended handle—perfect for his spicy playing style. Additionally, the choice of paddle can greatly influence player performance and comfort, highlighting the importance of selecting equipment that suits individual playing styles.
How Professionals Select Their Pickleball Paddles
When shopping for their competitive “kitchen utensils,” pro players don’t just grab the flashiest paddle off the rack—they’re simmering through a complex recipe of personal preferences and technical specifications.
You’ll notice pros taste-test dozens of paddles before finding their perfect blend of power, control, and spin. Paddle specifications like weight, grip size, and core thickness are carefully measured against their playing style. Many pros even collaborate with manufacturers to create signature paddles that perfectly complement their technique. These custom paddles often leverage high-quality edge protection to enhance durability during intense play.
While endorsements certainly influence paddle selection, professionals prioritize performance over paycheck. They’ll switch brands faster than a quick-pickled cucumber when a more innovative design emerges. What you’re seeing on the pro circuit is the culmination of countless hours of testing and personal experience—not just marketing hype.
Technology Behind Pro-Level Paddle Performance
Beneath the surface of every pro player’s paddle lies a smorgasbord of cutting-edge technology that you’d never spot from the sidelines. Like a master chef selects premium ingredients, manufacturers blend advanced materials such as carbon fiber and composite polymers to create the perfect recipe for competitive performance.
You’ll find that paddle thickness (10-16mm) functions like the roux in a fine sauce—it’s fundamental to the paddle’s weight distribution and feel. Pro paddles typically feature honeycomb polypropylene cores that can be “seasoned” for either power or control. The high-quality face materials, particularly Raw Toray T700, provide a crisp, responsive surface that sizzles upon ball contact. Additionally, many pro paddles utilize thermoformed construction technology to ensure durability and control during intense play.
What truly elevates these paddles is the constant folding in of player feedback, ensuring each technological advancement serves up improved performance on the court.
Comparing Paddles Used by Men’s and Women’s Champions
While both genders compete on the same courts, men’s and women’s champions often season their gameplay with distinctly different paddle selections. Men’s champions like Ben Johns simmer with JOOLA paddles—particularly the Perseus 3S—which blend power with precision control. These power paddles feature thicker 16mm cores that pack a punch when serving up winners.
In contrast, women’s champion Anna Leigh Waters has crafted her recipe for success with the Paddletek ALW-C, which offers a lighter touch with balanced paddle specifications. You’ll notice advanced players across genders increasingly incorporate carbon fiber and composite build materials that add just the right spice to their game.
When selecting your own paddle, consider how these pros have carefully chosen equipment that complements their natural playing style—whether powerful or precise.
Signature Pro Models and How They Differ From Standard Options
Signature pro models aren’t just standard kitchen utensils with a celebrity name stamped on them—they’re meticulously crafted performance tools that have been simmered to perfection with a pro’s input.
When you grip Ben Johns’ JOOLA Perseus 3S or Tyson McGuffin’s Magnus 3S, you’re holding advanced technologies that cater to their playing style recipes. The unique core compositions and face materials, like Connor Garnett’s Raw T700 Carbon Fiber, deliver superior performance that budget-friendly paddles simply can’t serve up.
These paddles are marinated in rigorous testing by professional athletes to meet high-performance demands of competitive play. With specialized specifications like longer handles for enhanced grip control, these innovative features justify their $200+ price tag—a premium investment for players hungry to elevate their game.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Professional Paddle Selections
Not everyone needs to shell out $200+ for a pro-level pickleball paddle when you’re just getting your feet wet in the sport. Several budget-friendly options serve up impressive performance without breaking the bank.
The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash stands out as the best control paddle under $100, simmering with performance that rivals premium carbon fiber models. For beginners looking to develop their skills, the Friday Original offers a delicious 2-for-$99 deal with balanced power (7.5/10) and control (8.5/10) ratings.
Don’t overlook the Neonic Force and Monarch Jelly Bean from 11SIX24 – both priced around $99.99, these paddles deliver a satisfying blend of quality and performance. Remember, you can save an extra $10 with discount codes on select pickleball paddle brands!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Paddle Do Most Pro Pickleball Players Use?
Like stars aligning in the pickleball universe, pro player preferences vary widely. You’ll find JOOLA dominating with their Perseus and Magnus lines, while Paddletek and Selkirk also feature prominently through lucrative brand endorsements and technology advancements.
What Is the Best Overall Pickleball Paddle?
The Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control is your best overall paddle. It features exceptional control and spin at $180, offering better value than top paddle brands like JOOLA and Selkirk with its forgiving sweet spot.
Which Pickleball Paddle Hits the Hardest?
Craving raw power? The JOOLA Magnus 3S hits hardest due to paddle material differences and advanced paddle technology. Your grip size importance and hitting technique tips will maximize paddle weight impact, though player preference factors ultimately matter most.
Which Is Better, Joola or Selkirk?
Neither is objectively better. Joola features power with heavier paddle weight, while Selkirk innovations emphasize control levels and grip comfort. Your preferences for paddle shapes, durability comparison, price differences, and brand reputation should guide your choice.
