Best Lightweight Pickleball Paddle-Best paddle for 2024

Pickleball paddles that weigh less than 7.3 ounces are considered lightweight. Their size has an impact on how you play. You’ll need a paddle that can help you improve your pickleball game. As a result, finding the best lightweight pickleball paddle that moves easily is critical.

While a heavy paddle can be difficult for a beginner to handle, light pickleball paddles are the greatest option for a wide range of players, particularly novices. Typically, pickleball paddles weigh between 6 and 13 ounces. Although the difference isn’t significant, it is noticeable as a player.

Hard-hitting players who prefer strength over control to generate more head speed may benefit from lightweight pickleball paddles.

In the following article, I have rounded up the best lightweight pickleball paddle reviews with their pros and cons. These eight paddles don’t have the same power and force as a heavier paddle, but they have the best spin and control.

1-HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle

The HEAD Radical Elite pickleball paddle is the greatest transitional paddle on the market if you’re switching from tennis to pickleball. It is produced by the company HEAD. They have long been regarded as one of the top names in tennis.

Being lightweight and strong, this paddle is a perfect choice for beginners and will provide you with outstanding control. This is the reason why most consider this paddle to be the best lightweight pickleball paddle.

This lightweight paddle has a polypropylene honeycomb core that creates a sizable sweet spot. Moreover, with this core, there will be an exceptional amount of power to play shots.

Furthermore, it comes with a fiberglass smooth-hitting surface. Even though the surface is not designed for spinning the ball, if you slice it hard enough, the ball will talk. If you’re a competitive player, it will also give you a great feel and greater power.

Another good feature of this paddle is the 4.25-inch ergonomic grip that gives you the perfect feel and ensures improved control. With a weight of 8.1 oz. and dimensions of 16 x 8.5 x 2 inches, this middle-weight paddle is ideal for intermediate pickleball players.

2-GAMMA Sports Neutron 2.0 Pickleball Paddle

For a beginner, if you want to get a start in pickleball then Neutron 2.0 pickleball paddle should be your first paddle choice. It is the fastest paddle in the Gamma 2.0 series. This brand is known for making outstanding pickleball equipment.

This paddle is among the lightest pickleball paddles available on the market. With a weight of around 7.0 ounces, it feels like a feather but has a strong punch.

Moreover, the Neutron paddle allows you to improve your game and master the skill before making a move to another paddle with more power. It is designed with hard graphite material with the addition of an aramid honeycomb core. This combination will give you an extra set of power and control and will benefit both beginners and experienced players.

Furthermore, this ultra-lightweight paddle has a fiberglass textured hitting face that adds more spin to the ball making your shots much easier. Also, you can defend the heavy shots better with the broad face that this paddle offers.

Another notable feature of this paddle is the 4-inch padded grip, which feels secure in the hand. Due to the surface texture, this soft grip absorbs all the sweat and helps you to play the shots with full confidence.

With dimensions of 16.25 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches, the Neutron paddle is USAPA certified and the best lightweight pickleball paddle to play in tournaments. It is easy to move around and could be a preferred choice for a player having sharp wrist action.

3-Selkirk Amped Epic Pickleball Paddle

Selkirk Amped Epic is another addition to the best lightweight pickleball paddle category. Due to its improved precision, it is appropriate for both novice and experienced players. If you want to upgrade yourself as a pro player then this paddle is just what you need.

Selkirk is the brand maker of this paddle. Because of its distinctive designs and high-quality materials, they are regarded as a pickleball technological pioneer.

It has a thicker polypropylene polymer X5 core that keeps the paddle moving at a steady speed. Moreover, because of this latest honeycomb technology, the durability of the paddle also increases.

Further to add that this paddle has a Fiber Flex fiberglass face that offers a large sweet spot to increase the response. The sleek smooth surface allows you to produce more ball spin and defend the heavy shots from your opponents with better accuracy.

This USAPA-certified model, which weighs between 7.3 and 7.7 ounces, is a good option for the competition. You can completely rely on this paddle to help you improve your pickleball skills.

Furthermore, for good control and better play, this paddle offers a 4.25-inch size cushioned grip combined with a long handle and a large surface area. The long handle gives you perfect balance during play.

This pickleball paddle is the finest option if you want to advance your game. It is one of the greatest all-around paddles on the market because of the combination of a fiberglass face and an X5 core.

4-Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pickleball Paddle

Paddletek Bantam TS-5 is one of those pickleball paddles that despite being lightweight has all the features to make you a good player.

Let’s start with the face of this paddle made with a fiberglass textured epoxy hybrid which enhances ball spin more than a standard fiberglass face. Also, due to this textured surface, there will be an increase in the power, speed, and mobility of this paddle.

A responsive polymer honeycomb core called Bantam Polycore is also described in this TS-5 paddle. With this interior core, you can play freely according to your style.

Furthermore, both the substance and the pattern are regarded as quite forceful in the pickleball world, even without transferring the impact to the player’s arm. It is a typically wide paddle coming with dimensions of 15 ⅝ inches by 7 ¾ inches. For most gamers, this is a highly recommended size.

Also, a wide paddle provides a wide hitting area with a large sweet spot while remaining soft in the hands. With a weight of 7.0-7.5 ounces, it is considered a light pickleball paddle, but it may also be classified as medium weight.

Another outstanding feature to discuss in this paddle is the ultra cushion high-performance grip with a size of 4.25 inches. It fits well in your hand and encourages you to give the ball more topspin and backspin.

To improve your skills and play consistently at the highest level game after game, this paddle has a 1/8-inch edge guard that increases durability.

To sum up, this Bantam TS-5 pickleball paddle is a professional paddle that delivers the power and performance you need at the top level. If you want to get fast and quick results then this paddle is an ideal choice.

5-Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle

To get a perfect start to your pickleball journey, you need a paddle that will allow you to play for a long time. For that, the Tempest Wave Pro pickleball paddle is the best lightweight pickleball paddle for you.

This Wave Pro paddle is one of the best and the most popular paddles available on the market produced by the brand Paddletek. It is quite expensive. But with the money you spend, in return, you will get a high-quality paddle that will be worth it. This paddle is perfect for everyone and is offered in a wide range of colors.

This Wave Pro paddle has a textured graphite face as most paddles do. The paddle’s graphite substance generates force, and the rough surface makes the ball spin with each return. Due to these quality materials, this paddle is suitable for all players with any combination of playing styles.

With dimensions of 15 ⅞ by 8 inches, this Paddletek’s paddle comes in a size that is comfortable and recommended for most players. Moreover, it qualifies as a wide-frame racquet having a large sweet spot that adds flair to every shot you play.

Additionally, this paddle is on the lesser end of the medium weight spectrum with a weight in the region of 7.6 to 8 ounces. Generally, medium-weight paddles provide the best blend of power and control. In the same way, this paddle is neither too hefty to control nor too light to be ineffective.

The core of the paddle affects how well it performs. It serves as the pickleball paddle’s core. This paddle has a honeycomb composite core built from a special combination of high-quality polymers called the Tempest SRT Core.

Another prominent feature of this durable paddle is the option of two high-tack performance grips. Both grips are composed of cushioned contoured material with a 4.38-inch circumference that ensures comfort in your hands.

For smaller hands, choose a thin grip, and for bigger hands, a standard-size grip is a go-to option. Also worth mentioning is the 1/8-inch edge guard, which protects the paddle from dings while in use.

6-Selkirk S2 Prime Pickleball Paddle

The Selkirk S2 paddle is the ideal option if you’re seeking a pickleball paddle that can help your tennis elbow. From beginners to advanced skill level players with different style of play has found this paddle very appropriate for them.

Selkirk is the brand maker of this prime paddle which is a famous pickleball paddle manufacturer. This S2 paddle is on the list of light pickleball paddles simply because of the large surface area and the Powercore technology it possesses.

With this latest technology, you can give more power to the surface along with a smooth movement. Another reason it is popular with players all around the world is that it is incredibly durable and high-performing.

This durable paddle is designed with an exceptional build quality X4 polymer core which is considered the backbone of Prime S2. It gives you the ideal combination of power and control.

Furthermore, there is a C6 FiberFlex fiberglass surface available to boost the performance of the core. This face will make it easy for beginners to find the large sweet spot with a larger hitting surface area while maintaining consistent control.

Though it is a lightweight paddle, coming with a weight range of 7.4-7.8 oz, this paddle feels neither too heavy nor too light. It helps you to take powerful shots without making too much effort. You can reduce your chance of damage with this method as well.

Another distinguishing feature of this paddle is the curved ultra-comfort grip, which has a 4.25-inch circumference and 5.25-inch length. This incredible grip combined with the short handle of the paddle delivers a balanced and strong swing movement.

Moreover, the grip isn’t made for heavy hitters. But if you’re a novice and want to improve you’re playing technique then it will provide you with a great deal of comfort. USAPA has examined and authorized this paddle for use in local and international tournaments.

Lastly, if you want to upgrade your skills to the next level then the SLK S2 Prime pickleball paddle is the best lightweight pickleball paddle to choose from.

7-Rally PX Graphite Pickleball Paddle

As a beginner in pickleball sport, you prefer speed and control more than power. So players who want to increase the speed of their game should choose the Rally PX pickleball paddle as the best option. It is incredibly resilient and among the best graphite paddles on the market.

A variety of playing techniques can be accommodated by this paddle. Additionally, it provides the ideal ratio of power to control. Four different colors are offered by this paddle.

Let’s now talk about the key characteristics of this amazing paddle. Starting with the core, which is built of Poly honeycomb and is less sensitive than other paddles.  But it gives power and smoothness to the paddle.

When it comes to smoothness, this PX paddle boasts a textured graphite carbon surface that ensures superior spin and placement. Additionally, it also boasts a huge sweet spot and an XL head. Consequently, despite their lack of practice, novice players can have more control over their strokes.

Talk about the weight of the paddle, it comes in a range of 7.7-8.0 ounces. This weighing range is very popular among most players and is also great for the overall performance of the paddle.

The performance perforated and padded grip with a 4 ¼-inch size is another standout feature of this graphite paddle. Though very small, fits comfortably in most hands and avoids slipping due to moisture. Due to the small circumference grip size, this paddle is not ideal for players with large hands.

Lastly, this Rally PX paddle is a great option to start your pickleball journey. A USAPA-approved paddle for tournament play is definitely among the best lightweight pickleball paddles available. So for gaining experience especially if you’re not a power player this affordable and durable paddle is a perfect choice.

8-Rally Tyro 2 Pickleball Paddle

If you are a beginner in pickleball sport or if you want to buy a paddle for your kids then Tyro 2 pickleball paddle is a great option. It’s known as a super paddle all over and is the greatest lightweight pickleball paddle available.

This Tyro 2 paddle has a non-wood structure made of a polypropylene honeycomb core. This core as compared to the aluminium core lasts longer. Besides being a top-rated composite paddle, it is very lightweight just around 6.9-7.2 oz.

With this weight, you can easily make this paddle move around with full control. Moreover, it also provides comfort for driving shots and overheads along with delivering incredible optimized performance.

As compared to other paddle options, this Rally paddle falls short in the category of having a textured surface area for gripping and spinning the ball.

Furthermore, the Rally pickleball paddle possesses strong power due to a 50-inch thicker polymer core. This core will increase the sweet spot of the paddle which results in a lot of force on the ball.

In a Tyro 2 paddle, a fairly compatible standard-size grip with a circumference of 4 inches is available for both small and large hands. A honeycomb-cushioned grip that is sturdy enough to permit players to make a range of strokes. If you are sweating a lot, this well-gripped paddle will help you to play for long hours.

When it comes to durability, this paddle has a strong rating. It has an exceptional edge guard for protecting the paddle during play from dents and nicks. This paddle has dimensions of ‎16 x 12 x 4 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is a Lightweight Paddle Right for Me?

Controlling the paddle is crucial for a beginner in pickleball. While heavy paddles give you fatigue, lightweight paddles give you the most amount of control in your games. Also, they are good for all skill-level players.

• Do I want a light or medium-weight pickleball paddle?

A player who has fast hands and prefers more control should choose a lightweight paddle. But for a power player, the midweight paddle is the best choice. Lightweight paddles are excellent for doubles matches, whereas midweight paddles are best for singles matches.

• The Polymer Honeycomb Core is present in all of these paddles. What Makes That Core So Special?

Honeycomb cores made of polymer are among the best on the market. They have noise-cancelling and vibration-dampening features. Since most players prefer paddles that are quiet and comfortable, so that’s why paddles with polymer cores are more popular.

• Does it make a Difference in which Pickleball Paddle You Use?

Absolutely. For a novice player, a lightweight paddle is best. That is because heavier paddles can be harder to manage while lightweight paddles provide you with the maximum speed and control.

Conclusion:

A solid paddle may make a major impact on your game, whether you’re just getting started on the court or looking to upgrade your gear. You’ll be able to produce power, keep your shots low, and make your opponent work harder to return the ball with the appropriate paddle.

Pickleball paddles that are both lightweight and robust are the finest. They’re built to withstand a lot of play and are comfortable to hold, allowing for excellent ball control and spin. They are also highly robust, making them an excellent alternative for beginners and those looking to preserve space.

In this article, I’ve covered the best lightweight pickleball paddle on the market, along with extensive reviews, benefits, and drawbacks. These eight lightweight paddles will help you to find the right paddle especially if you’re new to pickleball sport.