Best Pickleball Paddles In 2023: Newest Paddle Releases And Reviews

Only a few really caught our attention

Pickleball enthusiasts, are you looking to upgrade your equipment or try something new? You’re in luck because the latest list of new pickleball paddles to hit the market in the past year is now available. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the following list features some of the best pickleball paddles for 2023.

This marks the seventh year that the list has been published, and it is frequently updated with new paddles released by major pickleball paddle brands. Manufacturers are continuously improving the materials used for both the internal paddle core and hitting surface, resulting in paddles that are lighter, more durable, and offer better performance than ever before.

While this is excellent news for pickleball enthusiasts, the sheer number of options on the market can make it challenging to choose the right paddle. With so many factors to consider, such as personal preference, weight, grip size, playing style, budget, and skill level, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Luckily, the list provides players with a shorter list of paddles to consider and a helpful guide to ensure you choose the best paddle for your needs. If you’re new to pickleball or haven’t bought a paddle in a while, check out our detailed pickleball paddle buyers guide before purchasing your next paddle.

Volair Mach 1

Specs	Description
Paddle Weight	7.8 – 8.1 oz
Paddle Face Material	Raw T700 Carbon Fiber
Paddle Core Material	Polypropylene Honeycomb
Paddle Shape	Elongated
Paddle Length	16 1/2”
Paddle Width	7 1/2”
Grip Thickness	4 3/10″
Handle Length	5 1/2″

View at JustPaddles

“ANDIAMO!” That’s the patented catchphrase of pickleball pro Julian Arnold, one of the co-founders of Volair. When you hear it, you know he’s just pulled off a jaw-dropping shot worthy of a highlight reel. Volair proudly declares its mission to create the crème de la crème of pickleball gear. But with so many paddles on the market, what sets this one apart?

As I continued to put this paddle through its paces, a nagging thought kept popping up: “Why does this feel so familiar?” Yet, I couldn’t deny that I enjoyed it right off the bat. It had a bit more pop and power than other 16mm raw carbon paddles I’ve tinkered with. And then it hit me—this felt uncannily similar to the Ben Johns Joola Hyperion. I couldn’t resist the urge to compare, so I grabbed my buddy’s Hyperion and examined them side by side. Hmm, the shape seemed identical, the grip was pretty darn similar, and the overall feel had barely any noticeable differences. Could this be a more affordable alternative to Joola’s renowned paddle?

After just a few games, it became crystal clear that the Volair Mach 1 was my kind of paddle. As a 4.5-5.0 player, it provided me with the perfect balance of control and touch without compromising too much on power. Whether it was singles or doubles, this versatile paddle had me covered—a true “one paddle does it all” gem. From beginners to seasoned pros, this paddle catered to players of all levels.

The Volair Mach 1 leans more towards the control side than being an outright power paddle. And let me tell you, for many of us out there, control reigns supreme, especially in doubles. I noticed this particularly on my serves, which turned out to be some of the best I’ve ever had. And let’s just say, my opponents struggled mightily to return them.

Speaking of durability, the T700 Carbon Fiber face on this paddle proved its mettle. I occasionally play at a local park where sand from the nearby playground can find its way onto the court and the ball. This mischief has left scratches and chipped paint on some of my other paddles. But with the Volair Mach 1, a simple wipe was all it took to restore its face to its pristine glory.

So, who would I recommend this paddle to? Well, if you crave a paddle that provides stellar control for your blocks, resets, and drops, while also delivering that extra spin for your drives, then this is the one for you. However, if you’re all about swinging with brute force and unleashing maximum power, you might lean more towards a paddle that’s explicitly focused on “power.” The choice is yours, my friend.

Read our in-depth Volair paddle review.

Joola Vision

Specs	Description
Paddle Weight	7.8 oz
Paddle Face Material	Carbon Grip Surface
Paddle Core Material	Response Honeycomb Polymer
Paddle Shape	Elongated
Paddle Length	16 2/5”
Paddle Width	7 3/10”
Grip Thickness	Standard – 4.25″
Handle Length	Long – 5 1/2″
Core Thickness	16 mm

View at JustPaddles

A lot of paddles that I have come across use grips that are too thin and short for my larger-than-normal hands, causing part of my hand to slip off the grip. However, I was thrilled when I discovered the Vision paddle because the grip felt perfect to me. As I examined the paddle further, I quickly realized that its carbon paddle face was similar to the one on the Electrum Pro paddle I had reviewed a few weeks ago, which landed on our best paddles for spin page. Honestly, so could the Vision, but it was so good at everything else too that we had no choice but to place it on this list.

To me, what stands out the most is that the Vision has a longer than usual dwell time, meaning the ball sits on the paddle surface for a longer period of time when you swing, giving you more control and accuracy. This allows beginners to learn faster because you are more comfortable with your shots and placement is more predictable. However, this is also useful for advanced players because you can get away with fancy and high-powered shots.

There many reasons you see a lot of pro players using this paddle line. For the Vision, I think it is the culmination of the foam injected handle (which reduces vibration and increases feedback), the standard 16mm thickness with an expanded hitting area, and the carbon grip surface that makes this paddle a home-run. Ben Johns has a background in engineering and is consistently a top 5 pickleball player in the world, hence why Joola ( a well known brand in the world of Ping Pong) targeted a partnership with him. Because of the insider knowledge that Johns has and the resources and support that Joola can bring to the table as a mega brand, this team is able to create paddles that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing, but paddles that stand-out in a market that is already becoming saturated. The Vision is now my daily driver and I can confidently recommend this paddle to any player type because it is so versatile.

Read our in-depth Joola Vision review.

Selkirk Invikta Power Air

Specs	Description
Paddle Weight	7.8 – 8.2 oz
Paddle Face Material	QuadFlex 4 Layer Hybrid Face
Paddle Core Material	SuperCore Polymer Honeycomb Core
Paddle Shape	Elongated
Paddle Length	16 1/2”
Paddle Width	7 3/8″
Grip Size	Standard – 4 1/4″
Handle Length	5 1/4”

View at JustPaddles

If you don’t know Selkirk, you will soon enough! As one of the leading pickleball companies in the Nation, Selkirk really does seem to be becoming the face of this sport. With the support of top pros such as Tyson Mcguffin, “the most electrifying man in sports”, Selkirk seems to be rising to the top quickly. BUT is this just good advertising or is this company the real deal?

I have to admit, the paddles from this brand are stunning, and among them, the Invikta Power Air stands out as the most attractive one. Its design is sleek and modern, and the unusual hole at the bottom adds a touch of playfulness that’s hard to resist. However, it’s worth noting that this paddle is not ideal for beginners. It’s better suited for experienced players who come from other racket sports or are at a high level in pickleball (4.0+). Nevertheless, if you’re a 3.5 player and willing to put in the effort to master it, you can still use it effectively.

As a “power paddle” this thing is a beast for singles! I have played against very high level singles players who were using this paddle and the amount of pace and spin they were able to generate from the baseline was unlike anything I had seen in previous paddles. However, it’s not perfect – this paddle’s weakness lies in the soft game of doubles, especially at the kitchen. Resets can be challenging due to its poppy feel, and dinking takes some getting used to, but it’s certainly achievable with some reps and drilling. Surprisingly, counter attacks are a breeze with this paddle, as long as you keep your backswing in check.

While the paint may start to chip off pretty quickly, the paddle itself is built to last. After using it consistently for over a month, I didn’t notice any change in its spin or power – it held up like a champ. That being said, this paddle is perfect for players who are transitioning from other racket sports or those who enjoy singles and like to hit hard drives. I would keep this in my bag for singles play but, in my opinion, I would not use this in my doubles game. As someone who came from tennis, I know how to generate my own power and would prefer a much softer and less “poppy” feel.

Read our in-depth Selkirk Invikta Power Air review.

If you have any paddles in particular that you want us to review, please let us know in the comments below. We will be adding new reviews to the list in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.