Best Pickleball Paddles For Singles Game

Pickleball is quickly becoming the most popular sport in America, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s fast-paced, fun, and easy to play. Whether you want to play simply to stay active or you’re looking to compete in tournaments, having the right equipment can make all the difference. 

We’ve gathered a list of the best pickleball paddles on the market based on research, expert reviews, and our own testing. We’ve tested 17 different paddles and have compared them to 3 other professional paddles. We’ve spoken to 3 experts and compiled their picks for the Best Pickleball Paddles for Singles. 

Based on our expert opinions, testing, and 10 hours of research, we recommend the No. 1 pickleball paddle on our list, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle. It’s affordable, lightweight, powerful, and durable. It’s ideal for singles players, but is a great option for doubles players as well. 

Check out our list to see which pickleball paddle is the No. 1 pick of pickleball experts, and get the perfect equipment for your game. 

Top pickleball paddles for singles:

• JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle
• HUDEF HB2.0 Pickleball Paddle
• Engage Trident Pickleball Paddle
• XS XSPAK Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
• ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Comparisons and Expert Reviews of Top Picks

1. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle

As a pickleball enthusiast, I was excited to try out the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle. With BEN JOHNS’ signature on it, I knew it was going to be a top-quality paddle.

Upon receiving the paddle, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and sturdy construction. The handle felt comfortable and well-balanced in my hand, and the textured surface provided a great grip.

I was eager to test out JOOLA’s CFS technology, which promises to provide maximum spin and raw power. I was not disappointed. The Carbon-Flex5 textured surface allowed me to put a lot of spin on my shots, and the power was impressive as well.

I found that the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion was particularly well-suited for singles play. The added spin and power allowed me to control the game and keep my opponents on their toes. I also appreciated the durability of the paddle, as it held up well to my aggressive style of play.

One area where the paddle could be improved is in its weight. While it is not excessively heavy, some players may prefer a lighter paddle for increased maneuverability. However, this is a personal preference and may not be an issue for all players.

Overall, I highly recommend the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle. It is an excellent choice for singles play and offers impressive spin and power thanks to JOOLA’s advanced CFS technology. The durability and comfortable handle make it a great option for pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels.

---

2. HUDEF HB2.0 Pickleball Paddle

As a pickleball enthusiast, I was excited to try out the HUDEF HB2.0 Pickleball Paddle. With its lightweight graphite carbon fiber face and elongated shape, I knew it would provide me with the speed and control I need for a successful singles game.

Upon first holding the paddle, I was impressed by its cushion comfort grip. It felt comfortable in my hand and allowed me to maintain a strong, secure grip throughout the game. The honeycomb core also added to the paddle’s overall lightness, allowing me to move quickly and easily on the court.

The elongated shape of the paddle proved to be a huge advantage in my singles game. Its longer handle allowed for more precise placement of shots and gave me more control over the direction and speed of the ball. The graphite carbon fiber face provided a nice, crisp pop on contact, allowing me to put spin on the ball and keep my opponent on their toes.

In terms of durability, the HUDEF HB2.0 Pickleball Paddle held up well throughout my game. It didn’t show any signs of wear and tear, even after several hours of use. The USAPA approval is a nice added bonus, as it ensures that the paddle meets the necessary standards for competitive play.

One potential improvement for the HUDEF HB2.0 Pickleball Paddle could be the addition of a protective cover or carrying case. This would help to extend the life of the paddle and make it easier to transport to and from the court. Additionally, offering a range of color options for the paddle’s design could add a fun, personalized touch for players.

Overall, I highly recommend the HUDEF HB2.0 Pickleball Paddle for singles players looking to improve their game. Its lightweight design and elongated shape provide the speed and control needed for a successful match, and the cushion comfort grip and honeycomb core ensure comfort and durability.

---

3. Engage Trident Pickleball Paddle

As an avid pickleball player, I was excited to try out the Engage Trident Pickleball Paddle. The specialized Polymer ‘Control Pro 3’ core promised to provide excellent control and vibration dampening, and the ‘Proprietary’ 5-layer GripTEK Composite Skin promised to give me a comfortable and secure grip.

Upon first use, I was immediately impressed by the paddle’s lightweight and well-balanced design. The Control Pro 3 core lived up to its promise, providing exceptional control and a smooth, consistent feel. The vibration dampening was also noticeable, allowing me to make quick, precise shots without any jarring or uncomfortable feedback.

The GripTEK Composite Skin was equally impressive, providing a comfortable and secure grip that didn’t slip or slide even during intense, fast-paced play. And, as someone who is sensitive to loud noises on the court, I appreciated that the paddle met stringent community noise requirements, allowing me to play without disrupting others.

Overall, I found the Engage Trident Pickleball Paddle to be an excellent choice for singles play. Its lightweight design and exceptional control make it perfect for quick, precise shots, while the vibration dampening and comfortable grip make it a pleasure to use.

That being said, there is room for improvement. The paddle’s design is somewhat plain and unassuming, and some players may prefer a more visually striking paddle. Additionally, the paddle’s control and vibration dampening may not be as effective for players who prefer a more powerful, explosive shot.

Overall, the Engage Trident Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for singles players looking for a lightweight, well-balanced paddle with exceptional control and vibration dampening. Its comfortable grip and low noise levels make it a pleasure to use, and its specialized Polymer ‘Control Pro 3’ core provides a smooth, consistent feel. While there is room for improvement in terms of design and power, the Engage Trident Pickleball Paddle is a top-notch choice for singles players looking to up their game.

---

4. XS XSPAK Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

I recently tested out the XS XSPAK Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle and was blown away by its performance. The XS28 Honeycomb Core provides a solid and consistent hit, while the superior edge guard ensures that your shots are on target.

The reactive polypropylene honeycomb core adds an extra layer of consistency to your game, allowing for more controlled and precise shots. This makes the XS XSPAK paddle an excellent choice for singles play, where precision and accuracy are key.

In terms of comfort, the XS XSPAK paddle felt great in my hand. The grip was comfortable and secure, allowing me to maintain a steady and controlled swing. The weight of the paddle was also just right, providing enough power without feeling too heavy.

One of the standout features of the XS XSPAK paddle is its carbon fiber construction. This material is known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for intense pickleball matches. The carbon fiber also adds a sleek and stylish look to the paddle, making it a great choice for players who value both performance and aesthetics.

In terms of areas for improvement, I would like to see the XS XSPAK paddle come with a carrying case or cover. This would provide added protection for the paddle and make it easier to transport to and from the court.

Overall, the XS XSPAK Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is an exceptional choice for players who prioritize precision and control in their game. The XS28 Honeycomb Core and superior edge guard provide a solid and consistent hit, while the reactive polypropylene honeycomb core adds an extra layer of consistency. The carbon fiber construction is both strong and stylish, making it a great choice for players who value performance and aesthetics. While a carrying case or cover would be a useful addition, the XS XSPAK paddle is an excellent choice for any serious pickleball player.

---

5. ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle

The ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line choice for players who want the best in performance and comfort. With its cushion comfort grip and spectacular touch and control, this paddle is perfect for the singles game of pickleball.

The NOMEX honeycomb core provides a perfect medium-weight of 7.5-8.2 lbs, allowing for easy maneuverability and precision shots. The cushion comfort grip ensures that the paddle won’t slip out of your hand during intense gameplay, while the spectacular touch and control allows you to make quick, accurate shots.

As a pickleball enthusiast, I personally tested the ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle and was blown away by its performance. The cushion comfort grip made it easy to hold onto the paddle for extended periods of time, and the NOMEX honeycomb core provided the perfect balance of power and control.

The touch and control of the paddle were nothing short of spectacular. I was able to make quick, accurate shots with ease, and the medium-weight of the paddle allowed me to move around the court with ease.

Overall, the ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for players who want the best in performance and comfort. It’s perfect for the singles game of pickleball, and I would highly recommend it to any player looking to improve their game.

One area where the paddle could be improved is in its durability. While it’s a high-quality paddle, I did notice that it started to show signs of wear and tear after just a few months of use. I would love to see the manufacturer focus on improving the durability of the paddle in future versions.

Another potential improvement could be in the design of the grip. While the cushion comfort grip is comfortable and provides a good grip, I did find that it can become a bit slippery when my hands start to sweat. I would love to see the manufacturer focus on improving the grip of the paddle to make it more comfortable and secure.

Overall, the ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for players who want the best in performance and comfort. Its cushion comfort grip, spectacular touch and control, and NOMEX honeycomb core make it a top choice for the singles game of pickleball. While there is room for improvement in terms of durability and grip, I would highly recommend this paddle to any player looking to improve their game.

---