Fun Pickleball Paddles for Every Player

Ready to make your pickleball game more enjoyable? Fun pickleball paddles not only perform well but also add a playful twist to your matches. Whether you’re new to the game, an advanced player, or looking for paddles for family and kids, this guide will help you find the best options to match your needs and budget.

Best Fun Pickleball Paddles at a Glance

Finding the ideal pickleball paddle can be a game-changer. Here are the best picks at a glance:

• Best for Beginners: Selkirk SLK Neo 2.0

• Best Budget Option: GoSports GS1

• Best Value for Money: Friday Original

• Best for Control: Srikel Aura

• Best for Families: Amazin’ Aces 4-Pack

• Best for Kids: Helium 2-Pack for Kids

• Best for Spin: Evo-Lite Series Pickleball Paddle

• Best for Advanced Players: Aero Metallic Paddle

• Best for Power: Arma X

• Best for All-Round Performance: Holbrook Power Pro 16s

Best for Beginners: Selkirk SLK Neo 2.0

Price: $79.99

Specifications:

• Paddle Weight: 7.5 oz

• Paddle Length: 15.67”

• Paddle Width: 7.8”

• Handle Length: 5.25”

• Grip Circumference: 4.25”

• Paddle Face Material: Blend of graphite and fiberglass

• Core Material: SX3 polymer honeycomb

• Core Thickness: 13mm

• Color Options: Blue/red or green/purple

• Sweet Spot: Large

Pros:

• Large sweet spot for forgiveness

• Lightweight design enhances control

• Generates decent spin for a beginner paddle

Cons:

• Lacks overall power compared to advanced paddles

• Control does not match more advanced paddles

• New players may struggle with finesse shots

The Selkirk SLK Neo 2.0 is a fantastic paddle for those just starting their pickleball journey. Its features include:

• Lightweight design

• Large sweet spot, making it forgiving for beginners

• Blend of graphite and fiberglass for a balance of power and control

• SX3 polymer honeycomb core for consistent performance

I found it particularly helpful in developing my control and spin for more advanced shots.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The paddle lacks the power seen in more advanced paddles, and beginners might find it challenging to master finesse shots. But overall, it’s a solid, budget-friendly option that performs surprisingly well for its price point.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5

• Design: 4/5

• Performance: 3.5/5

Best Budget Option: GoSports GS1

Price: $25

Specifications:

• Paddle Weight: 7 oz

• Paddle Length: 15.75”

• Paddle Width: 8”

• Handle Length: 4.5”

• Grip Circumference: 4.25”

• Paddle Face Material: Textured fiberglass

• Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb

• Core Thickness: 13 mm (0.51”)

• Sweet Spot: Medium

Pros:

• Good pop and spin for a cheap beginner paddle

• USA Pickleball approved for tournament use

• The light weight helps your hand speed

Cons:

• Less forgiving than some beginner paddles, leading to more mishits

• Not as long-lasting as more expensive paddles

The GoSports GS1 is a great choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into pickleball without a hefty investment. Priced at just $25, it boasts a textured fiberglass face, an edge guard, and a 13 mm honeycomb core, all of which contribute to decent power and spin for entry-level players.

Weighing only 7 oz, it’s easy to handle and allows for quick reactions, making the game fast-paced and fun. On the downside, its affordability comes with compromises. The paddle is less forgiving than some of the more expensive beginner paddles, which can lead to more mishits. Additionally, it may not last as long as pricier options.

But for the price, it’s hard to beat the performance and features offered by the GoSports GS1 sport.

Rating:

• Price: 5/5

• Design: 3.5/5

• Performance: 3/5

Best Value for Money: Friday Original

Price: $69.99

Specifications:

• Weight Avg: 8.2 oz

• Swingweight: 118 (moderately high)

• Twistweight: 6.29 (moderate)

• Length x Width: 16.5″ x 7.5″ (elongated)

• Handle Length: 5.5″

• Handle Circumference: 4.125″

• Thickness: 16 mm

Pros:

• Great value for money

• Medium weight suitable for various players

• Lively response and good power

• Good spin out of the box

• Fun paddle face designs

Cons:

• Heavier side

• Sweet spot is not oversized

• Grit wears out quicker than premium paddles

• Limited design options for simplicity

The Friday Original paddle stands out for its exceptional balance of performance and affordability. Key features include:

• Medium weight and all-court style, making it versatile for various players

• Solid, medium stiff feel that ensures a lively response off the face

• Allows for powerful shots without compromising on control Priced at $69.99, it’s a fantastic option for budget-conscious players who don’t want to sacrifice performance.

However, the paddle does have a few downsides:

• It’s on the heavier side.

• The sweet spot is not oversized, which may not appeal to all players.

• The grit on the paddle face wears out quicker than on premium paddles.

• The design options are limited to more flashy styles, which might not suit everyone.

But overall, the value for money here is hard to beat.

Rating:

• Price: 4.5/5

• Design: 4/5

• Performance: 4/5

Best for Control: Srikel Aura

Price: $89.99 (on sale from $132, additional $10 discount available)

Specifications:

• Material: 3k T700 carbon fiber

• Paddle Thickness: 16mm

• Sweet Spot: Optimized for precision

• USA Pickleball Approved: Yes

Pros:

• Excellent control and precision

• Lightweight design enhances maneuverability

• High-quality materials and construction

• SpinPlus technology for enhanced spin potential

Cons:

• Premium price point

• May not suit players looking for more power

The Srikel Aura pickleball paddle is a dream for players who prioritize control and precision. Its features include:

• Lightweight design of 8.0 ounces, enhancing maneuverability for quick responses and precise shots

• Unique 16mm polymer honeycomb core that improves shot rebounds, providing greater reliability in gameplay

• SpinPlus technology that increases spin potential by 38%, making it easier to keep opponents on their toes

While the Srikel Aura excels in control, it’s not the best choice for those seeking more power. The premium price point might also be a deterrent for some players. However, if control and precision are your top priorities, the Srikel Aura is an excellent investment.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5

• Design: 4.5/5

• Performance: 4.5/5

Best for Families: Amazin' Aces 4-Pack

Price: Check Price

Specifications:

• Weight: 8.3 oz

• Core Material: Polymer

• Face Material: Graphite

Pros:

• Includes two paddles, balls, and a mesh bag

• Good for beginners

• Solid build quality

• Powerful shots

Cons:

• Heavy paddle may slow swing speed for smaller players

• Smooth painted finish not ideal for finesse play

The Amazin’ Aces 4-Pack is perfect for families looking to enjoy some casual pickleball fun. This set includes four pickle ball paddles, four balls, and a convenient mesh bag, making it a complete package for family play. The paddles feature a sturdy grip and a good spin with a large sweet spot, which offers decent forgiveness for players. The solid construction ensures that the paddles can withstand the rigors of family play without breaking the bank.

One downside is the paddle’s weight, which at 8.3 oz, might slow swing speed for smaller players. Additionally, the smooth painted finish is not designed for finesse play, but it does allow for some spin, making it versatile enough for casual games. Overall, this set is perfect for families who want to dive into pickleball together.

Rating:

• Price: 4.5/5

• Design: 4/5

• Performance: 4/5

Best for Kids: Helium 2-Pack for Kids

Price: $30.00

Specifications:

• Grip Size: 3 1/2 inches

• Material: Graphite

• Set Includes: 2 paddles, 1 bag

• Skill Level: Beginner

• Age Range (Description): Junior

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy for children to handle

• Fun and cute creative designs

• High-quality materials

Cons:

• None noted

For young players aged 4 to 11, the Helium 2-Pack for Kids is the perfect choice. Key features include:

• Each paddle weighs only 6 ounces, making them lightweight and easy for children to handle.

• The fun and creative designs appeal to kids, making the game more enjoyable.

• A grip size of 3 1/2 inches, designed to fit comfortably in a child’s hand, providing them with the control they need to play effectively.

Priced under $40, this set offers great value for young athletes. It includes two paddles and a convenient carrying bag, ensuring that kids can easily transport their gear to the court. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to improve their game, the Helium Junior Pickleball Paddle Set is an excellent choice.

Rating:

• Price: 5/5

• Design: 5/5

• Performance: 4.5/5

Best for Spin: Evo-Lite Series Pickleball Paddle

Price: $79.00 (Regular price $99.00)

Specifications:

• Thickness: 13mm

• Overall Dimensions: 16.5” X 7.5”

• Handle Length: 5.6”

• Handle Circumference: 4.25”

• Weight: 7.8-8.2 oz

• Core: 13mm Polypropylene

• Surface: Fiberglass

Pros:

• Excellent spin potential

• Lightweight and responsive

• Large sweet spot

• USA Pickleball approved

Cons:

• None noted

The Evo-Lite Series Pickleball Paddle is perfect for players who want to add spin to their game. Its fiberglass surface allows players to achieve significant spin while