5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Women

Pickleball is a popular paddle sport that is played on a court with a small, perforated plastic ball and paddles that are similar to oversized table tennis paddles. Pickleball paddles for women are designed with a specific focus on women’s needs and preferences in terms of weight, grip size, and style.

These paddles are typically lighter than standard paddles, which makes them easier to maneuver and control for players with smaller hands or less upper body strength. They also come with smaller grip sizes to accommodate women’s hand sizes, which can help reduce the risk of injury and improve comfort during gameplay.

In addition to these functional considerations, pickleball paddles for women often feature more stylish and feminine designs, with a wider range of colors and patterns to choose from. Some brands also offer paddles specifically designed for women’s playing styles, such as those with a focus on finesse and control.

Ultimately, the best pickleball paddle for women will depend on the individual player’s skill level, playing style, and personal preferences. It’s important to choose a paddle that feels comfortable and balanced in the hand, and that complements the player’s strengths on the court.

Buying Guide:

If you’re in the market for a pickleball paddle for women, here are some key factors to consider before making a purchase:

  1. Weight: Pickleball paddles come in a range of weights, typically ranging from 6 to 14 ounces. Women’s paddles tend to be on the lighter side, with many weighing in at 7-8 ounces. Consider your strength and playing style when choosing a weight that feels comfortable to maneuver.
  2. Grip size: Women’s paddles often come with smaller grip sizes to fit smaller hands. Make sure to measure your hand size and choose a grip that feels comfortable and secure.
  3. Material: Pickleball paddles can be made from a range of materials, including wood, composite, and graphite. Graphite paddles are typically the lightest and most durable, but also the most expensive. Composite paddles are a good middle ground in terms of weight and price.
  4. Shape: Paddle shape can impact your playing style and ball control. Wide-body paddles offer a larger sweet spot and are great for beginners, while narrow-body paddles provide more finesse and control for advanced players.
  5. Price: Pickleball paddles can range in price from under $20 to over $200. Consider your budget and the frequency with which you play when choosing a paddle that fits your needs.

Product Comparison Table

FeatureSelkirk Amped S2 Lightweight Pickleball PaddleEngage Encore Pro Pickleball PaddleOnix Stryker 4 Composite Pickleball PaddleHEAD Radical Pro Pickleball PaddleGamma Needle Pickleball Paddle
Weight7.3 – 7.7 oz7.5 – 8.3 oz7.5 – 8.2 oz7.8 oz7.6 – 8.0 oz
Length16.5″16″15.75″16″16″
Width7.375″8″8.125″7.875″7.875″
MaterialFiberFlex fiberglass face with polymer coreFiberTEK fiberglass face with coreComposite with Nomex honeycomb corePolymer core with graphite faceAramid Honeycomb Core with Carbon Fiber Graphite Surface
Grip Size4.125″ (small), 4.25″ (medium), 4.375″ (large)4.25″ (medium)4.25″ (medium)4.25″ (medium)4.25″ (medium)
Edge GuardEdgeSentry edge guardEdgeSentry edge guardProtective edge guardOptimized edge guardGamma Pro-Lite high-strength edge guard
Skill LevelIntermediate to advancedIntermediate to advancedIntermediate to advancedIntermediate to advancedBeginner to intermediate

Selkirk Amped S2 Lightweight Pickleball Paddle

Selkirk Amped S2 Lightweight Pickleball Paddle

The Selkirk Amped S2 Lightweight Pickleball Paddle is a high-quality paddle designed for players who value speed, control, and power. Weighing only 7.3 ounces, it is one of the lightest paddles on the market, making it easy to maneuver and perfect for players who prefer a faster swing.

The S2 features a polypropylene X5 core that is designed to deliver consistent performance with each hit. This core is surrounded by a fiber-reinforced face that provides durability and enhances ball control.

The paddle’s handle is 4.25 inches long, providing ample grip space for players to comfortably hold the paddle. Additionally, the handle features Selkirk’s popular EdgeSentry technology, which reinforces the edge of the paddle to increase its longevity.

The Selkirk Amped S2 is approved by the USAPA for tournament play and is available in a range of colors and designs to suit every player’s style.

Overall, the Selkirk Amped S2 Lightweight Pickleball Paddle is a top-quality option for players who want a lightweight paddle that delivers excellent control, power, and durability. Its design and features make it a great choice for both beginners and advanced players alike.

Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle

Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle

The Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle is a high-performance paddle designed for players who want maximum power and control. It features a proprietary skin made of a specialized material that provides unparalleled ball spin, speed, and consistency.

The Encore Pro paddle has a unique shape that provides a large sweet spot, which helps players achieve a more consistent and accurate shot. The paddle’s core is made of a specialized polymer that is engineered to enhance the paddle’s power and control, making it ideal for players who want to hit hard and fast shots.

One of the most notable features of the Engage Encore Pro paddle is its “Variable Release” technology. This technology refers to the paddle’s ability to release the ball at different speeds, depending on the amount of force used. This allows players to make precise shots and vary their game strategy.

The paddle has a comfortable grip that is designed to reduce vibration and provide a stable hold. It is also lightweight, weighing in at 7.8 ounces, making it easy to maneuver and handle.

In conclusion, the Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for players who want a paddle that delivers top-notch performance and power. Its unique design and features make it a favorite among both amateur and professional players, and it is a popular choice for tournament play.

Onix Stryker 4 Composite Pickleball Paddle

The Onix Stryker 4 Composite Pickleball Paddle is a versatile paddle designed for players of all skill levels. It is made with a composite face and a polypropylene core, which provides a balance of power, control, and durability.

The Stryker 4 paddle features a wide hitting surface that is perfect for hitting shots with accuracy and power. The paddle’s shape is designed to provide a large sweet spot, which helps players make more consistent shots. Additionally, the paddle’s edge guard is designed to protect the paddle from damage and extend its lifespan.

The paddle has a comfortable grip that is designed to reduce fatigue and improve accuracy. The grip is made of a cushioned material that provides a comfortable hold, and it is designed to absorb moisture, ensuring that players can maintain a secure grip, even when their hands get sweaty.

Weighing in at 7.5 ounces, the Stryker 4 is a lightweight paddle that is easy to maneuver and handle. It is also approved by the USAPA for tournament play, making it a great option for competitive players.

In conclusion, the Onix Stryker 4 Composite Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for players who want a versatile paddle that offers a balance of power, control, and durability. Its features make it an excellent option for both beginner and advanced players who want a reliable paddle for both casual and competitive play.

HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle

HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle

The HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle is a high-quality paddle designed for intermediate and advanced players who want to take their game to the next level. It features a carbon graphite hitting surface that provides excellent power and precision.

The Radical Pro paddle has a unique shape that is designed to provide a larger sweet spot, which helps players make more consistent shots. The paddle also features a polypropylene honeycomb core, which enhances its durability and provides better control over the ball.

One of the most notable features of the Radical Pro paddle is its Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC) technology. This technology refers to the paddle’s construction method, which provides a larger sweet spot and a more consistent feel. The paddle also features an anti-slip grip that is designed to provide maximum comfort and control.

The Radical Pro paddle is approved by the USAPA for tournament play and weighs in at 7.9 ounces, making it easy to maneuver and handle. Additionally, it is available in a range of colors and designs to suit every player’s style.

Overall, the HEAD Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for intermediate and advanced players who want a top-quality paddle that delivers excellent power, precision, and control. Its features make it a popular choice among competitive players who want a paddle that can help them perform at their best.

Gamma Needle Pickleball Paddle

Gamma Needle Pickleball Paddle

The Gamma Needle Pickleball Paddle is a high-performance paddle designed for players who want maximum power and control. It features a fiberglass hitting surface that provides excellent ball response and a large sweet spot.

The Needle paddle has a unique honeycomb core that is designed to provide players with the perfect balance of power and control. Its midweight construction, weighing in at 7.8 ounces, makes it ideal for players who want a paddle that is easy to maneuver and handle.

The paddle has a comfortable grip that is designed to reduce fatigue and improve accuracy. The grip is made of a cushioned material that provides a comfortable hold and is perforated to allow for better ventilation, ensuring that players can maintain a secure grip.

The Gamma Needle Pickleball Paddle is approved by the USAPA for tournament play and is available in a range of colors and designs to suit every player’s style.

In conclusion, the Gamma Needle Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for players who want a top-quality paddle that delivers excellent power and control. Its unique design and features make it a favorite among both amateur and professional players, and it is a popular choice for tournament play.

FAQ’s

When it comes to weight and balance, the best pickleball paddles for women may vary based on individual preferences and playing style. However, generally speaking, women tend to prefer lightweight paddles that are easy to maneuver and handle, while still offering a good balance of power and control. Some of the popular options for women’s pickleball paddles in terms of weight and balance include the Selkirk Amped S2 Lightweight, the Engage Encore Pro, and the HEAD Radical Pro. These paddles typically weigh between 7.5 and 8.2 ounces and are designed to provide a good balance of power, control, and maneuverability, making them ideal for both intermediate and advanced female players. It is always recommended to try out different paddles and weights to find the one that feels comfortable and suits your individual playing style.

The best pickleball paddles for women and men may not necessarily differ in terms of the features or technologies used in their construction. However, there are some subtle differences that cater to individual preferences and playing styles. Generally, women tend to prefer paddles that are lighter in weight and have a smaller grip circumference, which provides better control and reduces fatigue. In contrast, men tend to prefer heavier paddles that provide more power and can generate greater momentum on the ball. The grip size for men’s paddles may also be slightly larger than women’s paddles.

Another factor that can differentiate men’s and women’s paddles is the design and color scheme. Some paddles may be designed with colors and graphics that are typically preferred by women, while others may have a more masculine design. However, these differences are mostly superficial, and the core features and technologies used in the best pickleball paddles are largely the same for both men and women. Ultimately, the best pickleball paddle for an individual, whether they are a man or a woman, depends on their personal preferences, playing style, and skill level.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the optimal grip size for women’s pickleball paddles, as it can depend on various factors such as hand size, playing style, and personal preference. It is recommended that players try out different grip sizes to find the one that feels most comfortable and provides the best control during play.

There are many pickleball paddles for women on the market that are designed to minimize vibration and fatigue, and it ultimately depends on personal preference. Some popular options include the Selkirk Amped Paddle series, the Onix Evoke Premier Paddle series, the Head Radical Pro Pickleball Paddle, and the Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle. These paddles often feature advanced materials and technologies such as polymer cores, carbon fiber or fiberglass faces, and shock-absorbing features to help reduce vibration and fatigue during play.