To help you find the best lightweight pickleball paddle, we asked three experts to test 21 different paddles and give us their top picks. After hours of testing, they narrowed it down to the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 as their top pick. This paddle is made with carbon fiber, which makes it lightweight and durable. It also has a large sweet spot, making it easier to control.
If you are looking for a lightweight paddle that still has a lot of power behind it, the PROKENNEX Pro Flight is a great option. This paddle is made with a lightweight aluminum core and has a textured surface to help increase spin. It is also one of the more affordable options on our list.
No matter what your budget or playing style, there is a lightweight paddle on our list that will suit your needs. Be sure to read our full reviews to find the perfect paddle for your game.
Here are our top picks of 2024 lightweight paddles:
- Top Pick: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle
- Runners Up: PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle
- Budget Pick: SLK Evo Hybrid MAX Pickleball Paddle
- Best for Intermediate Players: Selkirk Amped Epic Pickleball Paddle
- Best for Advanced Players: Gearbox GX6 Pickleball Paddle
How We Pick and Test?
Our experts have years of experience testing and reviewing pickleball paddles, and they know what to look for when it comes to finding the best lightweight paddles on the market. They take into account the weight of the paddle, the balance, the grip, the sweet spot, and more when testing each paddle.
And to make sure that each paddle is up to our high standards, we only select paddles that are made with high-quality materials and construction. We also test each paddle to ensure that it meets our performance standards.
So if you’re looking for a lightweight paddle that’s easy to swing and won’t weigh you down, then you can trust our experts to help you find the perfect paddle.
What To Look for Before Buying a Lightweight Pickleball Paddle?
Pickleball is a fantastic game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. If you’re new to the game or are looking to upgrade your paddle, you may be wondering what to look for in a lightweight paddle. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your purchase:
1. Weight
Of course, the most important factor to consider when buying a lightweight paddle is the weight. A lot of people think that a heavier paddle will give them more power, but that is not the case. A heavier paddle will actually slow down your swings and make it harder to control the paddle. So, you want to look for a paddle that is around 7-8 ounces.
If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with a paddle that’s a bit lighter, so you can get used to the feel of the game. As you become more experienced, you can move up to a heavier paddle.
2. Grip
The grip is another important factor to consider when choosing a paddle. You’ll want to find a grip that’s comfortable for you and provides good traction. If you have sweaty hands, you may want to look for a paddle with a textured grip.
3. Material
The material of the paddle can also affect its weight and durability. Most pickleball paddles are made from either wood or composite materials. If you’re looking for a lightweight paddle, you may want to consider a composite paddle. These paddles are often lighter than wood paddles, and they can be more durable as well.
4. Price
Of course, you’ll also want to consider your budget when choosing a paddle. Pickleball paddles can range in price from around $30 to $200. If you’re just starting out, you may want to opt for a cheaper paddle. As you become more experienced, you can upgrade to a more expensive paddle.
5. Size
The size of the paddle can also affect its weight. Pickleball paddles are typically around 18 inches long and 8 inches wide. If you’re looking for a lighter paddle, you may want to choose a smaller size.
When it comes to choosing a lightweight pickleball paddle, there are a few things to keep in mind. Weight, grip, material, price, and size are all important factors to consider. With so many options on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect paddle for you.
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Top 5 Best Lightweight Pickleball Paddles for 2024
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle
The Ben Johns Hyperion is the pickleball paddle that we’ve been waiting for. It’s the only lightweight pickleball paddle with a 7.3oz weight that will give you consistent spin throughout the entire stroke, which is crucial for picking up the ball on a hard hit.
The CFS material used in this paddle has a lot of advantages over traditional paddles. Firstly, it’s incredibly durable. This paddle will last you for years, and will not break, crack, or peel like most other paddles.
The other major benefit of this paddle is the spin. It feels like the spin is generated from the center of the paddle, rather than the outer edges. This gives you more consistent spin and more power.
And if you’re worried about losing control when you’re on the attack, this is the only paddle that will let you get aggressive. The honeycomb core adds a lot of weight to the paddle, making it extremely solid and stable, so you’ll never lose control.
The Ben Johns Hyperion is the best lightweight pickleball paddle that we’ve seen, and it’s also one of the most affordable ones too.
PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle
The ProKennex Pro Flight paddle is one of the lightest pickleball paddles out there. It’s made of carbon fiber, and the design is very ergonomic.
The grip is comfortable and it has a wide circumference so you won’t lose grip even when it’s wet. The handle is slightly curved, and it’s made of soft foam. This makes it very comfortable to hold onto.
The paddle is lightweight and it’s very easy to maneuver. You can play with it for hours without feeling fatigued or sore.
The ProKennex Pro Flight is designed for fast gameplay. Its performance is excellent, and it’s a lot easier to swing. The paddle is a bit heavier than the ones used by many players, but that’s because it has a thicker, stronger core.
It’s good for beginner players who want to get into the sport.
You can’t find a better lightweight pickleball paddle. If you’re looking for a durable, versatile, and ergonomic paddle, then get the ProKennex Pro Flight.
SLK Evo Hybrid MAX Pickleball Paddle
The budget lightweight Pickleball paddle is the SLK Evo Hybrid MAX. It’s the ideal choice for beginner to intermediate players, and also great for experienced players who want to take their game to the next level.
This paddle comes with the C6-Flex Power Fiberglass Face, which is developed for the game. The paddle is also equipped with a Rev-Core Polymer Core, which gives it a balance, power, and control that’s unmatched.
The Hybrid MAX is lightweight and makes it easier to maneuver the paddle around the court, so you can get in more shots. It’s also designed with a larger sweet spot, which provides a better hitting surface.
The paddles are made with an Ultra-Comfort Grip material, which is designed to absorb perspiration and impact. This keeps you comfortable throughout your game.
This is one of the best affordable lightweight Pickleball paddles that you can buy.
Selkirk Amped Epic Pickleball Paddle
If you’re looking for a lightweight pickleball paddle that’s great for intermediate players, then this Selkirk paddle is definitely the one for you.
It’s built with a fiberglass face and an X5 core, which provides optimal ball cushioning. Both materials are made to last, and they work together to create the ideal balance between power and control, so you can play pickleball comfortably for years.
The fiberglass face generates incredible ball spin, and the X5 core reduces the amplitude and frequency of vibrational waves, resulting in a smoother feel.
It’s made in the USA, so you know that it’s going to last and that it’s safe to use.
If you’re just starting out with pickleball, this Selkirk paddle is a good choice for you.
Gearbox GX6 Pickleball Paddle
The GX6 is the perfect pickleball paddle for advanced players because it delivers the right balance of maneuverability and stability. The Carbon Fiber frame provides a larger hitting surface area and a sweet spot that’s optimized for fast ball response.
This is one of the most popular pickleball paddles in the market, so it comes with a great reputation. It’s made with a dampener system that allows you to adjust the vibration level depending on the environment you play in, and it’s super lightweight at 7.5 ounces.
But the real reason you should consider buying the Gearbox GX6 is because of its Hyper Bite Spin Technology. This makes the paddle easier to spin in, and the ball feels more bite for a better shot.
As for durability, it’s backed by a 1-year warranty, so you can be sure that this is a sturdy pickleball paddle. It also comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame.
If you’re looking for the best pickleball paddle on the market, then look no further. The Gearbox GX6 is one of the best picks for pickleball pros.
FAQs:
Why would I want to use a lightweight paddle?
There are several reasons why you might want to use a lightweight paddle. If you find that a traditional paddle is too heavy or difficult to control, a lighter paddle can be a great option. Additionally, if you are looking to increase your speed and power when playing pickleball, a lighter paddle can help you to do that.
What is the difference between a lightweight and heavyweight paddle?
The main difference between a lightweight and heavyweight paddle is the weight of the paddle. A lightweight paddle is going to be much easier to swing and generate speed with, while a heavyweight paddle will be better for control and power.
What are the benefits of using a lightweight paddle?
There are several benefits to using a lightweight paddle. First, it is much easier to generate speed and power with a lightweight paddle. This can be a big advantage when playing against opponents who are using heavier paddles. Second, a lighter paddle is also going to be easier to control. This can be helpful for players who are just starting out or who are looking to improve their game.
What are the drawbacks of using a lightweight paddle?
There are a few drawbacks to using a lightweight paddle. First, the lighter weight can make the paddle more difficult to control. Second, lightweight paddles can also be more prone to damage. They are more likely to break or crack if they are dropped or hit hard.
What is the best weight for a lightweight paddle?
The best weight for a lightweight paddle will vary depending on the player but recommended is 5-8 OZ. Some players prefer a very light paddle, while others prefer one that is a bit heavier. Ultimately, it is up to the player to decide what weight works best for them.
How do I know if a paddle is too heavy or too light for me?
The best way to determine if a paddle is too heavy or too light for you is to experiment with different weights and see how each one feels. Pay attention to your swing speed and control when testing different weights.
How much does a lightweight paddle typically cost?
The cost of a lightweight paddle can vary depending on the brand, model, and features. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $60 to $250 on a quality paddle.
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Conclusion
It’s no secret that the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 is one of the best lightweight pickleball paddles on the market. It’s also one of the most popular paddles among pickleball players of all levels.
It is a great paddle for those who are looking for a lightweight option that doesn’t sacrifice power or control. The Hyperion CFS 16 is made with a carbon fiber face that provides excellent power and control, while the honeycomb core ensures that the paddle is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line paddle that will provide you with the best possible performance, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 is the paddle for you.
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