Ok, so if you haven’t heard the buzz around the burgeoning sport of Pickleball, you’ve probably been living under a rock. It happens the be the fastest growing sport in the U.S., especially among men over 40. But, women love Pickleball too, and some of the top players in the sport happen to ben women like Anna Leigh Waters, Anna Bright, and Catherine Parenteau. So the other day, my wife was invited to play pickleball with some of her friends, and she asked me which pickleball paddle she should go out and buy. Seeing as how I review things and all, I decided to take a few minutes and research the best pickleball paddles for women, and here’s what I found:
Best Pickleball paddle for beginners:
JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle
This is a great paddle for those new to pickleball because it offers a well-balanced, proportioned feel while still being lightweight. Black Feel-Tec sure grip technology offers a “tacky” feel to help increase grip and control. This paddle also offers increased shock absorption so that new players don’t get tired as quickly. Additionally, this paddle features:
- Polymer Core
- Fiberglass surface materials
- A wide, rounded shape
- 4 inch circumference grip for excellent control
Pros for this paddle include:
- Lightweight design
- Shock absorption built in
- Smaller grip circumference to enhance feel
- Reinforced edges (you can drop this paddle and not damage it as easily)
- Very versatile for a variety of playing styles
Cons:
- The surface of this paddle is smooth versus textured which does not allow for the player to put much spin on the ball (i.e. it’s not for the advanced player)
- This paddle is rated by the manufacturer as a “rec” paddle, meaning it won’t be suitable for more seasoned players
Best Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players:
PCKL Premium Pickleball Paddle Racket
Engineered with more experienced players in mind, the PCKL Pro series is a fine grit carbon paddle that offers excellent precision and a large sweet spot which is higher up on the face for those ladies that like to spend more time in the kitchen. The PCKL Pro series allows for good court coverage, placement, and power. It is on a par with a more expensive Selkirk paddle that costs $150, while this one currently sells for about $90.
Features:
- Fine Grit face texture (allows a player to put some spin on the ball)
- Carbon Face material
- Polypropylene Honeycomb core
- 3D Sweat-Resistant grip
Pros:
- Lightweight Feel with a good touch
- Excellent spin action
- Big sweet spot for good power
- Below average cost
Cons:
- Less durability than a beginner paddle
- Heavier with smaller sweet spot than some competitors’ paddles
- Low on power when hitting from the baseline
Best Pickleball Paddle for Juniors:
Designed for kids aged 4-14, this versatile, easy to hold and swing paddle is perfect for the junior Pickler in your family. It has a smaller grip length and tacky grip tape to allow younger players to swing with confidence. The honeycomb design makes the sweet spot nice and even on this paddle, while providing the power younger players need to drive the ball on the court.
Features:
- Lightweight 7.9 ounces
- Honeycomb polymer core for power and durability
- 4.75″ grip length and 4″ grip circumference
- Low profile design
Pros:
- Carbon Fiber face improves durability and power
- Honeycomb polymer core gives the best balance of power and control for new players
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Megladon design on paddle face is more gender oriented for boys, but this paddle is still a great starting point if you can get past the graphics.