Best Polymer Core Pickleball Paddles

One of the best things about pickleball is that you can play just about anywhere. When we were kids, we’d use tennis rackets and a net to play tennis in our backyard. When I hear about pickleball, I think of a similar game using paddles and a ball. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and a great way to get some exercise. 

If you’re interested in playing pickleball, you’ll want to make sure you have the right equipment. A good paddle can make a big difference, and we think we’ve found the best polymer core pickleball paddles on the market. 

We consulted with 5 experts and did 12 hours of research to find the 5 best polymer core pickleball paddles on the market. After lots of testing, we found the Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle to be the best pickleball paddle overall. 

If you still need convincing, here are all the other best pickleball paddles that we tested:

• Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle
• Engage Pickleball Poach Infinity EX Pickleball Paddle
• Engage Pickleball Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle
• JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle
• Diadem Warrior Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Comparison and Experts Review

1. Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle

The Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle designed for both advanced and beginner players. Its balanced power and control allow for a well-rounded game, while the high-quality technology ensures a large sweet spot and superior control. The Encore EX 6.0 is also USAPA-approved for tournament play, making it a great choice for competitive players.

I personally tested this paddle and was impressed by its performance. The standard size and weight made it easy to handle, and the grip circumference and core thickness provided a comfortable and secure hold. The balanced power and control allowed me to hit strong shots without sacrificing accuracy, and the large sweet spot made it easier to make contact with the ball.

One of the standout features of the Encore EX 6.0 is its Polymer Core technology. This material provides a unique blend of power and control, allowing for a more versatile game. It also gives the paddle a larger sweet spot, making it easier to hit the ball with precision.

Another standout feature is the paddle’s USA-made construction. The Encore EX 6.0 is made in the USA, ensuring a high-quality product that will last for many games to come. It’s also USAPA-approved, so you can be confident that it’s suitable for tournament play.

One area where the Encore EX 6.0 could be improved is in the grip. The grip circumference and core thickness provide a comfortable and secure hold, but it could be enhanced with a more textured or tacky surface. This would provide even more control, especially during intense games or in wet conditions.

Overall, the Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle is a top-quality paddle that offers a great balance of power and control. Its Polymer Core technology and large sweet spot make it an excellent choice for both advanced and beginner players, and its USA-made construction ensures a high-quality product. While the grip could be improved, it’s still a great paddle that I would highly recommend.

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2. Engage Pickleball Poach Infinity EX Pickleball Paddle

The Engage Pickleball Poach Infinity EX Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle designed for improved ball control and accuracy. It is made in the USA with high-quality workmanship and testing standards and is designed to reduce the risk of tennis elbow. The paddle is also USAPA approved for tournament play and has a standard size and weight with a polymer composite core and noise-reducing design.

As a pickleball enthusiast, I was excited to try out the Engage Pickleball Poach Infinity EX Pickleball Paddle. I was impressed with the great balance and power it offered, allowing me to have better control and accuracy over my shots. The polymer composite core was responsive and provided a nice pop when hitting the ball, while the noise-reducing design made it a pleasure to use on the court.

In terms of durability, the Engage Pickleball Poach Infinity EX Pickleball Paddle held up well during my tests. The high-quality workmanship and testing standards ensured that the paddle was built to last, and I didn’t experience any issues with the handle or the face of the paddle. The design also helped reduce the risk of tennis elbow, which is a common issue for pickleball players.

One thing that could be improved on the Engage Pickleball Poach Infinity EX Pickleball Paddle is the grip. While it was comfortable to hold, it didn’t provide as much grip as I would have liked, especially when my hands were sweaty. This made it difficult to maintain control over the paddle, and I found myself having to adjust my grip frequently. A more grippy grip would be a welcome addition to this already impressive paddle.

Overall, I was very impressed with the Engage Pickleball Poach Infinity EX Pickleball Paddle. It offered great balance and power, was made with high-quality materials, and was designed to reduce the risk of tennis elbow. The only downside was the lack of grip on the handle, but this is a minor issue that could easily be addressed. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line pickleball paddle, the Engage Pickleball Poach Infinity EX Pickleball Paddle is definitely worth considering.

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3. Engage Pickleball Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle

The Engage Pickleball Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle that has been designed to provide players with the ultimate combination of power and control. Made in the USA with high-quality materials, this paddle is built to last and withstand the rigors of tournament play.

I personally tested the Engage Pickleball Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle and was immediately impressed with its large sweet spot. This allowed me to generate plenty of power on my shots, while still maintaining a high degree of control. The paddle is also compliant with USAPA guidelines and is endorsed for tournament play, so you can rest assured that it will meet all of the necessary standards for competitive play.

One of the standout features of the Engage Pickleball Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle is its lightweight and noise-compliant design. This made it easy for me to maneuver the paddle with precision, and the noise-compliant design meant that I didn’t have to worry about bothering my opponents or disrupting the flow of the game.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with the Engage Pickleball Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle. Its combination of power, control, and precision makes it an ideal choice for players of all skill levels. The only improvement that I would suggest is the addition of a grip that is a little bit more comfortable and easy to hold onto. Other than that, this is a fantastic paddle that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to take their pickleball game to the next level.

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4. JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle

The JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle designed for serious players. Its features include a Carbon Grip Surface (CGS) technology for enhanced grip and control, an aggressive shape design for added spin and control, and a Response polypropylene honeycomb core for durability and performance. The Sure-Grip technology ensures a comfortable and secure grip, and the paddle is the official sponsor of world’s #1 pickleball player Ben Johns and the PPA Tour.

I personally tested the JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle and was impressed by its performance. The CGS technology provided a firm and secure grip, even during intense rallies. The aggressive shape design allowed me to easily add spin to my shots, and the Response polypropylene honeycomb core provided a good balance of power and control. The Sure-Grip technology ensured that I never lost my grip, even during long games.

One of the standout features of the JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle is its Carbon Grip Surface (CGS) technology. This technology provides a non-slip grip, even when my hands were sweaty. This allowed me to maintain a firm and secure grip on the paddle, which was crucial during intense rallies. The CGS technology also provided a good amount of feedback, which helped me to adjust my shots accordingly.

The aggressive shape design of the JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle was another standout feature. The paddle has a wide, flared face, which allowed me to easily generate spin on my shots. This was especially useful when I was trying to hit dink shots or drop shots, as I was able to generate a lot of spin and control. The shape of the paddle also helped me to redirect the ball, which was useful during defensive situations.

The Response polypropylene honeycomb core of the JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle provided a good balance of power and control. The paddle had a good amount of pop, which helped me to generate a lot of power on my shots. However, the honeycomb core also provided a good amount of control, which allowed me to place my shots accurately. This was especially useful when I was trying to hit precise shots, such as drop shots or dink shots.

One of the things that impressed me most about the JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle was its Sure-Grip technology. This technology provided a comfortable and secure grip, even during long games. The grip was soft and padded, which ensured that my hands never felt strained or uncomfortable. The grip also provided a good amount of feedback, which helped me to adjust my grip and shots accordingly.

Overall, the JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle that is suitable for serious players. Its features, including the Carbon Grip Surface (CGS) technology, aggressive shape design, and Response polypropylene honeycomb core, provide a good balance of power, control, and spin. The Sure-Grip technology ensures a comfortable and secure grip, and the paddle is the official sponsor of world’s #1 pickleball player Ben Johns and the PPA Tour.

One potential improvement for the JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle would be to offer different grip sizes. Currently, the paddle only comes in one size, which may not be suitable for everyone. By offering different grip sizes, JOOLA could ensure that the paddle is comfortable and secure for players of all hand sizes. Another potential improvement would be to offer different weights and balance points. This would allow players to choose a paddle that is suited to their individual playing styles and preferences.

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5. Diadem Warrior Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

The Diadem Warrior Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line option for any pickleball enthusiast looking to improve their game. Its proprietary technologies, including the 3X L-CORE and high-quality carbon fiber face and Grit Paint surface, provide enhanced performance and stability, power, and reactivity.

I personally tested the Diadem Warrior and was impressed by its exceptional comfort and control. The molded Taper Tech grip and soft-smooth tacky grip handle provided a comfortable and secure hold, allowing me to play for hours without any hand fatigue. The expanded coverage and large overall length also allowed for a larger sweet spot, giving me greater control and accuracy with my shots.

In terms of performance, the Diadem Warrior exceeded my expectations. The 3X L-CORE technology provided a perfect balance of power and control, allowing me to hit strong and precise shots with ease. The Grit Paint surface also added an extra level of spin and control to my shots, allowing me to execute a wide range of shots with precision and accuracy.

Overall, the Diadem Warrior Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for any pickleball enthusiast looking to improve their game. Its advanced technologies, exceptional comfort, and superior performance make it a top-of-the-line option in the market.

One potential area for improvement in the Diadem Warrior is its weight. While the paddle has a great balance of power and control, it is on the heavier side, which may be difficult for some players to handle. A lighter-weight option could be beneficial for players looking for a more maneuverable paddle.

Another area for improvement could be the grip size. The molded Taper Tech grip is comfortable and secure, but it may be too large for players with smaller hands. Adding a smaller grip size option could make the paddle more accessible for a wider range of players.

Overall, the Diadem Warrior Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a fantastic option for any pickleball enthusiast looking to improve their game. Its advanced technologies, exceptional comfort, and superior performance make it a top-of-the-line option in the market. Its only potential drawbacks are its weight and grip size, but these are minor issues that do not detract from the overall quality of the paddle.

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