Best Pickleball Paddles for Control

The Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta delivers surgical precision, along with a measured degree of both mass based and elongated paddle shape power. Relative to the more lively and thinner cored Power Air Invikta, the LUXX Invikta features a thicker core profile. Comprised of Selkirk's ultra-control oriented Thikset Honeycomb material, this 20mm core not only affords next level ball control, but also quiets the LUXX Invikta's response at contact of the ball. The 360 Proto Molding process and Air Dynamic Throat results in a durable paddle construction that is slippery through the air. And combined with the ProSpin + NextGen Textured surface materials, the LUXX Control Air Invikta supplies edge-to-edge precision and good spin potential.

The Gamma RCF Airbender is an amazing pickleball paddle in stock form. The option to easily customize the Airbender with Gamma's aftermarket weight kits makes it one of the most versatile and fun to play with paddles available.

What makes it great: The Gamma RCF Airbender paddle could have been listed in the Best Control category, as it rivals the precision and feel of the much thicker LUXX Controls. However, with the two weight kits available (sold separately), a player can dial up paddle power or agility depending on how much weight is added to the tail or throat. One kit includes three Shockbuster plugs at different weights that are easily inserted at the bottom of the paddle's face. This material enhances comfort and increases the weight-based power of the Airbender. A second kit features three weighted butt caps that are also easy to swap out. The butt cap and plug weights start at 3 grams, then graduate to 6 and 9 grams. The fine grit feel of the Airbender's Raw Carbon Fiber face supplies long-lasting and easy access to spin. Paired with an industry standard 16mm polymer core, the Gamma RCF Airbender is a great choice for players who prefer a soft feeling, spin-friendly paddle platform that is ripe for modification.

In terms of controllable power, a soft feel, and great long term spin potential, it is hard eclipse the performance of the Six Zero Ruby. Unique is the Kevlar material used for the face of the Ruby's slightly elongated shape, which is long lasting and incredibly spin friendly, resulting in pinpoint shot precision. Thermo-Formed construction encases a 16mm polypropylene core, which improves overall durability, power, and the Ruby's already stable 8.3 oz. weight.

The traditional, 16 in non-elongated shape of the Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 helps maximize paddle maneuverability and the thicker 16mm Control Pro Black Polymer Core increases ball dwell time, thus improving command of the ball and control of play. This paddle is available in a range of weight (7.7-8.4 oz), allowing the player to dial up paddle agility or mass based power, making the Pro EX 6.0 a great choice for a wide range of playing styles and skill sets. In addition, Engage has a more identifiable cosmetic with the bull's eye etched on the paddle face's sweetspot without the branding disrupting the incredible spin potential of Pursuit Pro EX 6.0’s Raw T700 Carbon surface.

Both the core materials and Raw Carbon surface of the Head Radical Tour RAW paddle steer its overall feel and performance in the direction of high control, low powered precision. The result is free-swinging power from the baseline, without sacrificing the quality of point converting touch shots like mid-court blocks, resets and third shot drops. Due to the slight flare of the face which widens toward the tip, the Radical Tour Raw's sweetspot feels larger than average, sits a little higher and boosts its realistic power as a result. The Radical Tour Raw sports a 15mm polypropylene core which straddles the fine line of core power and control, while further improving paddle comfort. And the classic 16 in overall paddle length, combined with a compact 5 in handle, increases the agile and maneuverable feel of the Head Radical Tour RAW.

For players who naturally have a bigger swing, and want to utilize more of their own power to get the on-court job done will, no doubt, benefit from the Babolat WZRD paddle! The primary sources of the WZRD's precision are its control oriented 20mm polypropylene core, and compact 15.8 inch overall length. The dwell time afforded by the WZRD's thicker core increases ball dwell time, and therefore improves shot predictability. And the shorter paddle length helps maintain paddle speed, and agility from any part of the court, along with providing a connected feeling to every shot.

Selkirk finally acknowledged the benefits, of using a full carbon surface for a pickleball paddle, and came up with one of their best all-around performance paddles yet, the Vanguard Control Epic. Utilizing two sheets of Selkirk's T700 Raw Quadcarbon on either side of the updated 16mm X5+ Polypropylene core, the Vanguard Control Epic delivers a level of power and precision that bridges the gap between the more lively Selkirk Power Air, and LUXX Control paddles. A wide range of weight furthers the versatility of this medium powered paddle, and the new octagonal handle shape complements shot accuracy, along with easy grip changes during play. The Vanguard Control Epic is sure to please players who want a little power from the baseline, with a lean towards touch at net, and incredible spin potential from any part of the court.

In what seems to be an ever-growing menu of paddle choices, selecting a suitable paddle can be a lengthy process. Considering one’s skill set, budget, play style, frequency of play, strengths/weaknesses and even injuries are all important when trying to locate a paddle that best benefits a player in an overall sense. Total Pickleball offers a no-questions asked 30-day trial on each paddle purchased new from us. That affords 30 days of testing, from the day they arrive at your door. If for whatever reason you would like to send them back, the paddle will qualify for a 100 percent refund. In addition, a pre-paid return label is conveniently included with shipments inside the contiguous 48 states.

How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle