Whether you’re new to the sport of pickleball or already hooked but wondering how to get the right equipment for your game, this guide will help you get the right paddle in hand. Paddles come in different weights, shapes and feature various construction elements. Below we breakdown our selection of paddles by class and for whom they are best suited.
JOOLA Paddle Classes:
Performance Paddles
Essential Paddles
For those just getting their feet wet and still learning the fundamentals of the game, the Essential Paddles would be a great fit. Our Essential Paddle series offers a well-balanced profile providing equal parts power, control, and spin, ideal for dialing in stroke technique. The core and surface work in conjunction to provide nice pop while reducing vibrations for optimal feel.
Method Paddles
The Method Paddles feature a unique square-like widebody shape which lends itself to having a generous hitting surface and larger sweetspot. This caters well to those looking to get more balls back in play and fine-tune their shot precision. Also noteworthy is that these paddles come in three different versions, offering different paddle surfaces and thicknesses. Let’s explore each option, the playing characteristics they provide, and which would be the best fit for your game.
The Method CGS 12 and Method CGS 14 paddles consist of a Carbon Grip Surface– a durable, long-lasting textured surface for optimal ball bite and spin production. They also feature a Response Polymer Core which provides a generous sweetspot and optimal feedback, feel and control. The difference between the two paddles is the paddle thickness which is notated in the number in the paddle’s title. For example, the CGS 12 paddle features a 12mm thick core whereas the CGS 14 paddle features a 14mm thick core. See below for more information on how the differences in core affect playability.
The Method CTS 12 features a Carbon Touch Surface and the same Response Polymer Core found in the other Method paddles. For this paddle, the core is constructed to reduce friction coming off the face of the paddle so that you get ultimate control and feel. If you’re someone who prioritizes the soft game and wants to become a master dinker, you’ll love the forgiving feel of this CTS model. And with a weight of 8.2 ounces and thinner 12mm core, there’s plenty accessibility to taping into raw power when having the window to attack.
Core Thickness
When it comes to core thickness, the thicker the core, the more ball energy absorption on contact, which equates to a more a controlled response when the ball leaves the face of the paddle. A thinner core on the other hand will have a more direct return of energy creating a more powerful response. Therefore, when it comes to the Method CGS paddles, the CGS 12 will have the slight edge on power over the CGS 14 for those looking to add more heat to their game, however, both will offer a nice balance of control and feel thanks to the paddle surface and core materials.
Professional Paddles:
Many of our paddles will fall into the professional category as they cater to a wide range of pickleball players, be it various skill levels, playing styles or athletic backgrounds. They offer high-quality materials and innovative technologies well-suited for intermediate to advanced players. In fact, you’ll see several of these paddle models in the hands of our tour sponsored players.
Radius Paddle
Inspired by table tennis paddles, the JOOLA Radius CGS 16 has a more rounded shape than any other JOOLA paddle and features a shorter 5-inch handle. It also features a 16mm thick core and weighs in as one of the lighter paddles offered at 7.6 ounces. The result is a paddle that’s easy to swing, offers a generous hitting surface, and feels ultra-soft on contact. Those attributes cater to top control on resets and blocks as well as ideal feel during those long kitchen dink rallies. Technologies include a Carbon Grip Surface for optimal ball grip and spin production and a Response Polymer Core to aid further in feel and control, while still allowing room for generating power on big swings. This paddle is well-suited for players who enjoy a softer feel, are looking to add control and consistency to their game and for players transferring over to pickleball from table tennis.
Solaire Paddles
While they feature a unique aero curve design, the Solaire paddles offer a more standard or traditional shape than others in this category. Those coming from traditionally shaped paddles might find a more familiar feel with this paddle in hand. The Solaire series offers two models that differ in core thickness as well as surface material. They therefore have subtle differences in feel and play characteristics, so let’s see which one is best for you.
With an average weight of 8.2 ounces, the Solaire FAS 13 paddle feels plenty maneuverable in hand and with a multi-layer process that combines multiple layers of fiberglass, there is impressive access to power. The FAS in the title refers to the Fiberglass Abrasion Surface, a unique sandblasted fiberglass textured surface that aids in spin production. The Response Polymer Core helps reduce vibrations and provide optimal feedback, feel, and thereby control on your shots. Of the two paddle options this paddle will swing slightly faster through the air and offer a more powerful response off the face of the paddle.
The Solaire CFS 14 paddle is well suited for the technical player looking for optimal spin and control without sacrificing power. It weighs slightly heavier than its counterpart at 8.4 ounces and features a slightly thicker 14mm core. It also utilizes a Carbon Friction Surface, Hyperfoam Edge Wall and Reactive Honeycomb Core. These technologies are specially tuned for the high-level player looking for maximum spin and maximum consistency in rebound and overall feel across the face of the paddle. Additionally, the paddle features a carbon-forged flex handle for a flexible, comfortable feel in hand that aids in harnessing raw power.
The Solaire CFS 14 also comes in a lighter model, the Solaire CFS 14mm Swift. The Swift model has an average weight of 7.7 ounces. For those looking for ultimate swing speed, the Swift model would be the way to go.
Vision Paddles
Those looking to improve their reaction time at net while harnessing in control will gravitate to the Vision series. At 7.8 ounces, the Vision paddles allow you to capitalize on speed while also attaining optimal levels of spin thanks to the Carbon Grip Surface. The Response Honeycomb Polymer Core further aids in providing a consistent feel as the ball leaves the paddle. The paddle features an aerodynamic, slightly tapered design making it an aggressive swinging paddle, and has a 5.5 inch elongated handle allowing for plenty of room for players to use a two-handed backhand or maximize space for their main hand. An elongated handle is often preferred by tennis players switching over to the sport, and the speediness of the paddle will lend itself well to those with a racquetball background.
The Vision CGS 14 and Vision CGS 16 have the same technologies and dimensions, the difference lies in the paddle thickness (14mm vs 16mm). The Vision CGS 14mm will therefore be a touch more powerful and offer added pop on shots, whereas the Vision CGS 16 will have a slightly softer feel and will offer the slight edge on control.
Premium Paddles:
JOOLA premium paddles are constructed from premium materials and offer advanced technologies. The paddles have been designed with the help of top touring professionals to ensure top playability for the elite player.
Ben Johns Hyperion Paddles
Paddle of choice of world #1 Ben Johns, the Hyperion CFS 16 paddle was designed to perform at the highest levels of competitive play. When designing this paddle, special attention was given to creating a paddle that offered optimal forgiveness, meaning enhanced consistency in response across the face of the paddle, ensuring solidity in feel no matter where contact with the ball is made. Further technologies allow for optimal spin production, reduction in vibrations on contact for a more fine-tuned feel, and flexibility in the handle for added comfort and increased power potential.
Also available is the Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 14 paddle. Players who prefer a thinner core paddle for a slight boost in power and feedback will gravitate to this 14mm edition.
For players looking to maximize on swing speed and who prefer lighter feeling paddles, then the Ben Johns Hyperion Swift models will be up your alley. Both the CFS 16mm and CFS 14mm paddles are available in a Swift edition, meaning they weigh in at an average weigh of 7.9 ounces vs the 8.4 ounce average weight found in the regular model.
We’ve also recently added a Ben Johns Hyperion CGS 16 and CGS 14 paddle for players looking for even more feel and pop to their paddle.
Simone Jardim Hyperion Paddles
The Simone Jardim Hyperion paddles features the same great technologies and playing attributes as found in the corresponding Ben Johns Hyperion paddles, but with a unique design and Simone’s signature imprint. The Simone Paddle Series consists of the Simone Jardim Hyperion CFS 16 paddle, as well as the Simone Jardim Hyperion CFS 16 Swift and CFS 14 Swift.
Once you select the paddle that’s right for you, keep it well-protected with one of our neoprene paddle covers.
