The 10 Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin (February 2023)

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Updated February 9, 2023

The 10 Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin

The goal of this guide is to simplify your buying decision and provide you with a thoroughly researched list of the 10 best pickleball paddles that experienced players agree, help pickleball players create great spin.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). 

Our overall pick for the best pickleball paddle for spin is the Onix Z5 Fiberglass Paddle.

It works well for players at all levels, is at a fair price point and is tried and true.

It’s been around for years and players continue to enjoy playing with it and feel confident that it helps them improve their pickleball game and put more spin on balls.

You’ll notice that 4 out of the 5 paddles on this list have a fiberglass face.

The PaddleTek Tempest Wave Pro has a textured graphite face instead. This doesn’t mean that this paddle is any less capable of helping you make great spin shots.

In fact, it has received fantastic reviews for all-around play-ability including spin.

Top Pickleball Paddles For Spin

	Paddle	Specs	Pros	Cons
Best Overall Pickleball Paddle for Spin	Onix Z5 Pickleball Paddle	Core: Nomex Weight 8.4-8.7oz Paddle face: Fibreglass  Grip size: 4 1/4″	– Large hitting surface. – Excellent balance of ball spin, power, and control. – Fantastic reach. – Affordable price point.	– Small sweet spot can prove difficult to get used to. – Large surface area causes more wind resistance.
Best Pickleball Paddle Under $75	Gamma Sports 2.0 Micron Pickleball Paddle	Core: Aramid honeycomb Weight: 7.9 oz Paddle face: Textured fiberglass  Grip size: 4 1/8″	– Beginners & intermediate players. – Excellent ball spin characteristics. – Comfortable grip – Lightweight construction.	After-sales service could be better. – Sweet spot is a little small. – Edge material chips easily
Best Pickleball Paddle Under $100	Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle	Core: Polymer Weight: 7.5 – 8.0 oz Paddle face: Fibreglass Max Grit Grip size: 4 1/4″	– Excellent accuracy and control. – Comfortable grip – Lightweight – Balance between ball spin, control, and power. – Professional level paddle.	– Sweet spot a little small – Surface wears quicker. – Large grip – Not suitable for beginners.
Best Pickleball Paddle Over $100	Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle	Core: Polymer Weight: 7.4 – 7.7 oz and 7.8 – 8.4 oz Paddle face: Fibreglass  Grip size: 4 1/4″	– Impressive ball spin and control characteristics. – Exceptional comfort. – Great build quality and durability. – Excellent reduced noise levels.	-Pricey. – The narrower face can take some getting used to.

Table of Contents

Best Overall Pickleball Paddle for Spin

Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin Under $75.00

ESPR Pickleball Paddle

Composite Paddle – Polymer Core

SPECS:

• Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb core
• Weight: 7.6 – 7.8 oz
• Paddle face: Textured graphite carbon fiber
• Grip size: 4 1/4″

PROS

• Excellent value for money.
• Solid build quality 
• Textured surface promotes spin
• Multiple ergonomic grip selection.

CONS

• Small sweet spot.
• Suitable for more experienced players rather than beginners.
• Prone to miss-hits.

The ESPR paddle is extremely well priced for what you are getting. It competes successfully with paddles that are twice its price. Players particularly enjoy the added control it adds to their games.

The textured graphite surface has had some complaints as many players considered it illegal and not conforming to the existing rules.

However, the textured graphite surface is USAPA approved and can be used for tournament play.

The paddle generates a huge amount of power while still providing an impressively high level of control and spin. This was particularly evident when playing drop shots.

It is easy to disguise your intended play given its lightweight and a slightly narrower profile.

An unexpected feature is the added wrapping tape that comes with the paddle.

If you have slightly larger than average hands, then you can increase the circumference of the handle by wrapping the additional padded tape around the existing fabric.

The small sweet spot may affect less skillful players initially, but it is something you get used to quite quickly and the quality of your game improves dramatically. 

One thing you will notice is that the handle is a little short. If you have wide hands, then this may not be the best paddle for you.

Players compare this paddle very favorably with more expensive products from competing brands.

Performance and feel were two of the stand-out characteristics on which players have commented.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin Under $100.00

Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle

Composite Paddle – Polymer Core

SPECS:

• Core Material: Polypropylene
• Weight: 7.5 – 8.0 oz
• Paddle face: Fibreglass Max Grit
• Grip size: 4 1/4″

PROS

• Over-sized sweet-spot.
• Excellent accuracy and control.
• Comfortable octagon grip with lightweight construction.
• Provides an excellent balance between ball spin, control, and power.
• Professional level paddle.

CONS

• Sweet spot a little on the small side for less experienced players.
• Max grit surface wears rather quickly.
• The grip is large and can slip in your hand.
• Not suitable for beginners.

The competition is quite tough in this category with several contenders offering professional-level pickleball paddles with enhanced-spin qualities in the sub-$100 range. Ultimately, the Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle won out.

Without exception, this paddle receives excellent reviews from all players who have tried it. However, it is aimed at the experienced or professional player, so it can be a little unwieldy in a beginner’s hands.

The control surface provides players with the ability to finesse the ball and also provides power and accuracy when required.

The lightweight and balanced grip allows for easy adjustment to any playing scenario, whether close up to the net or playing from the rear.

However, if you have small hands, then you may struggle to maintain a firm grip. This can be overcome with added grip tape, but this does increase the circumference of the handle even more, so it is not an ideal solution.

The slightly longer handle allows you to play double-handed backhands if you wish to increase the power of your shots.

The polypropylene core reduces vibration and provides excellent rigidity for added power.

The textured surface provides a high level of ball-to-paddle contact with the attendant improvement in control and power.

Players are impressed with this paddle and happily recommend it as the perfect paddle if you are planning on upgrading your equipment or want to improve your game.

ONIX Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Composite Paddle – Nomex Core

SPECS:

• Core Material: Nomex, paper honeycomb core
• Weight: 7.5-8.2 oz
• Paddle face: graphite
• Grip size: 4-1/4″

PROS

• The paddle is approved for competitions
• Relatively quiet
• A middle of the spectrum price
• Built to last

CONS

• Some say it doesn’t have great power

The ONIX Z5 graphite pickleball paddle is common in most recreational courts and competitions for its quality. It is one of the most versatile and comes in common and popular shapes.

The classic shape and build quality are highlights and why it is such a workhorse, and its solid feel and weight make it a staple for all-around pickleball players.

Of course, there is still a section of players that feel comfortable in simple and conventional widebody pickleball paddles, and ONIX Z5 Graphite ticks the right boxes.

But apart from its old shape, the paddle is highly functional, with an easier-to-find sweet spot and broad hitting surface.

The surface has some texture, allowing for a good spin on the ball.

The cosmetic appeal may be an issue for some who focus on aesthetics, and some believe a graphic redesign would be good. However, its functionality overshadows any such shortcomings.

The paddle weighs less than 8.5 ounces and is ideal for beginners and intermediate players. Crossover players from racket sports will feel at home with the paddle.

While people with joint pains will love the paddle’s lightweight design, it’s not a good choice for singles. Singles players need a more blade style or elongation.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin Over $100

Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle

SPECS:

• Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb core
• Weight: 7.4 – 7.7 oz and 7.8 – 8.4 oz
• Paddle face: Fibreglass 
• Grip size: 4 1/4″

PROS

• Impressive ball spin and control characteristics.
• Exceptional comfort.
• Great build quality and durability.
• Excellent reduced noise levels.

CONS

• Pricey.
• The narrower face can take some getting used to.

The Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle has a fiberglass surface that imparts massive spin and has proven to be a game-changing paddle for most players who use it regularly.

With both a lightweight and a slightly heavier option available, there is just no good reason to be able to find the perfect match for your style of play.

At 8.3 oz, the heavier option has awesome power options which will favor the stronger player. 

Add to that the impressively sticky fiberglass surface giving greater control and you’ll have your dinks landing perfectly every time.

The control on cross-court shots needs to be seen to be believed with opponents standing wide-eyed as shot after shot eludes them.

It isn’t hard to understand why professional players around the world consider this their go-to paddle.

The slightly larger paddle face and large sweet spot endower this paddle with performance-enhancing abilities.

Players who tested the paddle immediately noticed an improvement in their game.

That being said, your endurance may suffer as the larger paddle area provides extra wind resistance and, therefore, more muscle power is required to make those power shots.

Underlying the enhanced control is the vibration-dampening technology built into the core.

This makes for a far more comfortable feel and enhances the feel of each shot. You will also appreciate the reduced sound levels achieved with this paddle’s X5 core technology.

The Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle that exhibits excellent build quality and durability. Engineered for the professional sportsperson, it allows amateur players to benefit from cutting-edge technology and design as well.

Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro

Composite Paddle – Polymer

SPECS:

• Core Material: Advanced High-Grade Graphite Polymer Composite honeycomb core
• Weight: 7.6 – 8.0 oz
• Paddle face: Textured graphite
• Grip size: 4 3/8″

PROS

• Excellent feel and sensitivity.
• Large sweet spot.
• Excellent grip with lightweight construction.
• Provides an excellent balance between ball spin, control, and power.
• Thin or cushioned grip options.

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than comparable paddles.
• The broad face requires more effort to swing.

The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle is a professional-level paddle that is designed for advanced players. However, more experienced players can benefit from the performance-enhancing properties of the technology built into this paddle.

The graphite polymer composite core provides a stable, rigid structure on which to rely when producing power shots.

However, the Tempest Wave Pro comes into its own when utilized in the soft game.

The lighter paddle construction enhances maneuverability when in defensive mode and allows players to absorb pressure from powerful opponents.

But the Tempest Pro is not only a defensive weapon.

It can produce powerful shots when required and, paired with its ability to impart impressive amounts of spin, becomes a formidable paddle in experienced hands.

Players repeatedly praised its ability at producing perfect dinks. You can expect your close-in game to improve by leaps and bounds within a short period with the Tempest in your hands.

For lighter, less powerful players, this paddle provides awesome balance, touch, and control. Backspin and topspin are easily achieved with the added ability to confuse opponents as to your ultimate target.

In sensitive hands, this ability wins points.

Accuracy is an essential component of the game and the Tempest Wave Pro excels in this. No part of the court is safe when you are confident with this paddle.

Players using the paddle for the first time were blown away by the level of control they could achieve within minutes. 

Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle

SPECS:

• Core Material: Polymer honeycomb core
• Weight: 7.1 – 7.7 oz and 7.8 – 8.3 oz
• Paddle face: Textured UV coated Fibreglass
• Grip size: 4 1/8″ or 4 3/8”

PROS

• Large sweet-spot.
• Excellent grip with a soft touch.
• Provides an excellent balance between ball spin, control, and speed.

CONS

• Intermediate to experienced players may find the bias towards spin and control degrades their power game.
• The broad face requires some getting used to.

The Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle is instantly recognizable by its large, rounded head. The resultant sweet spot is truly impressive, with players remarking on it being almost side-to-side in extent.

The large playing surface allows players to generate impressive power in just about every situation while still being able to maintain control over direction and spin.

A lot of the praise stems from the technology behind the thick polymer core which imparts an excellent feel, especially in power shots.

The edge guard is slim, making ample room on the striking surface. The paddle provides consistent performance which makes for repeatable stroke play and greater accuracy.

The longer handle of 5.5” allows for double-handed backhands as well as extended cross-court reach.

This is a definite advantage in a top-flight competition, which is the reason so many professionals rely on the Prince in competition.

Providing different grip sizes allows for perfect hand placement. The slim grip favors smaller, more petite players and offers excellent control.

This is an added advantage as the large face provides plenty of resistance and a poor fitting grip would be a serious impediment. 

Play around the kitchen is where this paddle comes into its own. Keeping the ball low and under control is much easier, thus avoiding popping dead shots into the net or setting the ball up for a perfect return smash.

This is a highly recommended paddle for taking your game to the next level. 

Although it is a fairly expensive purchase, the investment is worth it for the improvements you’ll see in your game.

Pro-Lite Titan Black Diamond Pickleball Paddle

Composite Paddle – Polymer Core

SPECS:

• Core Material: Polymer honeycomb core
• Weight: 7.6 – 8.0 oz
• Paddle face: Braided Woven Carbon Fibre
• Grip size: 4 1/4″

PROS

• Excellent ball spin control.
• Lightweight with enhanced control.
• Thin edge guard and extra-large hitting surface.
• Razor-sharp accuracy.
• Durable construction.

CONS

• Not for beginners.
• It is a little more expensive than some of the competition.

The Pro-Lite Titan Black Diamond Pickleball Paddle has a revolutionary design in the pickleball paddle arena.

Manufactured from premium materials, the black carbon fiber finish, large face, and extra-length grip are superb and quite a work of art.

The sweet spot provides plenty of pop with power shots cannoning off the face with glorious accuracy. Time and again, players nailed shots with power and accuracy that they hadn’t thought possible.

The sound-absorbing properties of the inner core are very efficient, with a significant drop in noise levels evident.

Players find the control and accuracy to be next-level and intermediate to experienced players will notice that their games improve measurably after spending a little time getting used to this formidable piece of equipment.

This paddle provides a great compromise between weight and feel.

With a well-designed grip and perfect balance, players found that the paddle failed to induce any fatigue despite long periods of play. This is a desirable feature and one that players of all levels can wholeheartedly endorse.

This is a high-end paddle with significant accuracy-enhancing features.

Razor-sharp accuracy was a remarked-on feature of this paddle and players were impressed with the variety of shots that they could play yet still maintain almost perfect control.

The paddle is forgiving on dinks and softer shots. When playing with harder balls, players found that they were able to maintain control on even the hardest of returns.

This paddle is confidence-inspiring and an excellent piece of equipment, especially for outdoor games.

 

ProLite Rebel PowerSpin Pickleball Paddle

Composite Paddle – Polymer Core

SPECS:

• Core Material: Quadcore polymer honeycomb core
• Weight: 6.2 – 8.5 oz
• Paddle face: Textured fiberglass
• Grip size: 4 1/4″

PROS

• Good value for money.
• Suitable for beginners due to a large sweet spot and above-average reach.
• Lightweight construction.
• Excellent ball spin and control characteristics.

CONS  

• Surface scratches easily.
• The handle construction appears flimsy.

This is an extremely long paddle with an all-in length of 16-inches. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners, allowing them to reach shots easily, giving them time to set themselves up for the return.

With rounded edges, the sweet spot is huge, which makes for a great entry-level paddle. 

The surface is forgiving, allowing the return of power shots as well as dinks with relative ease.

The large sweet spot is probably the biggest in this category, making ball control easier and providing confidence-inspiring performance for newcomers to the sport.

Spin control proved very good, with excellent back-spin being achieved regularly even by novices to the game.

This is a forgiving paddle with all the characteristics one would expect of a beginner-friendly paddle.

Of concern is the grip size, which is a little large for those with smaller hands. Despite this shortcoming, the paddle is lightweight, which aids in reducing arm fatigue when playing for extended periods.

This is not a cheap paddle, but it does fall into the budget-friendly range. 

The question of quality control has reared its head on several eCommerce platforms.

Rough, unfinished joints between the handle and the face seem to be the most common complaint. This is an easy fix if you have some tape available. 

Despite these minor issues, we still think this is an excellent option for novices or newcomers to the sport.

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