Best Small Grip Pickleball Paddles

If you’re trying to find the best small grip pickleball paddles, you’re in the right place. We’ve done the research for you to find the very best small grip pickleball paddles on the market. We’ve also tested more than 30 small grip pickleball paddles to find the very best ones. 

Based on our research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best small grip pickleball paddles and our top pick is the JOOLA Radius Pro Pickleball Paddle. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to control, making it a great choice for new players. 

If you’re looking for a small grip pickleball paddle, be sure to check out our list of the top 5 small grip pickleball paddles. We hope you find exactly what you’re looking for. 

Here are the other top picks for small grip pickleball paddles:

• JOOLA Radius Pro Pickleball Paddle
• HEAD Gravity SH Pickleball Paddle
• ONIX Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
• JOOLA Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle
• HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle

Comparison and Experts Review Of Top Picks

1. JOOLA Radius Pro Pickleball Paddle

The JOOLA Radius Pro Pickleball Paddle is the best small grip paddle on the market. Its advanced technology and design make it perfect for serious pickleball players.

As a pickleball enthusiast, I have personally tested the JOOLA Radius Pro and have been blown away by its performance. The Carbon Grip Surface technology truly adds more spin to my serves and drives, allowing me to have more control over the ball. The Response Polypropylene Honeycomb Core adds durability and ensures that the paddle can withstand intense gameplay.

But what sets the JOOLA Radius Pro apart from other paddles is its Sure-Grip technology. The enhanced grip allows me to maintain a firm hold on the paddle, even during the most intense rallies. This not only improves my performance but also prevents hand fatigue, which is a common issue with smaller grip paddles.

In terms of design, the JOOLA Radius Pro is sleek and stylish. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to handle and maneuver on the court. The black and white color scheme is a nice touch, and the JOOLA logo is prominently displayed on the paddle face.

Overall, I highly recommend the JOOLA Radius Pro Pickleball Paddle to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line small grip paddle. It’s perfect for players of all skill levels and will definitely help improve your game.

However, there is one area where the JOOLA Radius Pro could be improved. The paddle face is a bit small, which can make it challenging to generate power on shots. I would love to see a slightly larger paddle face on future versions of this paddle to improve power generation.

Lastly, the JOOLA Radius Pro Pickleball Paddle is the best small grip paddle on the market. Its advanced technology, comfortable grip, and sleek design make it a must-have for serious pickleball players. While the paddle face could be slightly larger, it’s still an excellent paddle that will help improve your game.

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2. HEAD Gravity SH Pickleball Paddle

The HEAD Gravity SH Pickleball Paddle is a great option for players looking for a small grip paddle with plenty of power and control. The larger hitting surface provides a larger sweet spot and increased power, making it ideal for players who hold higher on the grip. The hybrid hitting surface offers a blend of power, comfort, control, and stability, and the paddle features HEAD’s Sweetspot Power Core for a unique soft and powerful impact feel. Additionally, the Extreme 3D Spin and Handle Stabilizer Technology make it a great choice for power players.

I personally tested the HEAD Gravity SH Pickleball Paddle and was impressed with its performance. The larger hitting surface provided plenty of power, and the hybrid hitting surface allowed for a great combination of control and comfort. The unique power core gave the paddle a soft yet powerful feel, and the spin and handle stabilizer technology allowed for precise shots.

One thing that could be improved on the HEAD Gravity SH Pickleball Paddle is the weight. The paddle felt a bit heavy compared to other small grip paddles I’ve used, which could be a drawback for some players. However, this weight could also provide added power and control for players who prefer a heavier paddle.

Overall, the HEAD Gravity SH Pickleball Paddle is a great option for players looking for a small grip paddle with plenty of power and control. The larger hitting surface, hybrid hitting surface, and power core provide a great combination of power and comfort, and the spin and handle stabilizer technology make it a great choice for power players. The only potential drawback is the weight, but this could also be a benefit for some players.

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3. ONIX Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

The ONIX Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle that offers superior control and touch. Its construction features a Nomex, paper honeycomb core and graphite face, which provides a lightweight yet durable design. The widebody shape with a 4-1/4″ grip size makes it easy to hold and maneuver, and the dimensions of 15.5″ L x 8.3″ W x 1.5″ H make it a medium-weight option at 7.5-8.2 oz.

I personally tested the ONIX Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle and was impressed by its performance. The graphite face provides a smooth and powerful hitting surface, allowing me to place the ball exactly where I wanted it on the court. The widebody shape and smaller grip size also made it easy for me to handle the paddle with precision and control.

One of the standout features of the ONIX Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is its superior control and touch. The graphite face and honeycomb core combination provides a responsive and flexible hitting surface that allows for excellent ball placement. The widebody shape and smaller grip size also make it easy to handle and maneuver, allowing for quick reactions and precise shots.

In terms of durability, the ONIX Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle holds up well over time. The graphite face and honeycomb core construction provides a lightweight yet sturdy design that can withstand the rigors of regular play. The paddle also has a sleek and stylish appearance, with a glossy black and silver finish that is sure to impress on the court.

One area where the ONIX Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle could be improved is in the grip. The 4-1/4″ size is on the smaller side, which may not be comfortable for all players. A slightly larger grip size option, or even a customizable grip, would be a welcome addition for those with larger hands or those who prefer a more comfortable grip.

Overall, the ONIX Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a top-performing paddle that offers superior control and touch. Its graphite face and honeycomb core construction provide a responsive and durable design, and the widebody shape and smaller grip size make it easy to handle and maneuver. While a customizable grip size would be a nice addition, the ONIX Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a great option for players looking for a high-performance paddle.

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4. JOOLA Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle

The JOOLA Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line racquet designed for the serious pickleball player. Sponsored by world #1 pickleball player Ben Johns, this paddle is USAPA approved and features advanced engineering and reinforced fiberglass layers for maximum durability and performance.

As a pickleball enthusiast myself, I recently had the opportunity to test out the JOOLA Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle, and I was thoroughly impressed with its performance. The edge-shield protection is a great feature, as it protects the paddle from damage and ensures that it stays in great condition for a long time. Additionally, the Sure-Grip technology with perforated anti-slip ridge grip allows for a comfortable and secure hold on the paddle, which is essential for quick and precise movements on the court.

One thing that I particularly appreciated about the JOOLA Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle is its weight and balance. The paddle is lightweight and well-balanced, which makes it easy to maneuver and swing with precision. This is essential for delivering powerful shots and making quick adjustments to your shots on the court. Additionally, the paddle’s shape and size make it perfect for players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.

Another standout feature of the JOOLA Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle is its durability. The reinforced fiberglass layers ensure that the paddle can withstand the rigors of regular use on the pickleball court, without losing its shape or performance. This means that you can count on the JOOLA Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle to last for a long time, even with regular use.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with the JOOLA Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle. It is a top-quality racquet that offers excellent performance, durability, and comfort. The only improvement that I would suggest is adding more color options for the paddle’s design. This would allow players to personalize their paddle and make it more visually appealing on the court. Overall, I highly recommend the JOOLA Essentials Performance Pickleball Paddle to any serious pickleball player looking for a top-performing and durable paddle.

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5. HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle

The HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle is a high-quality pickleball paddle that offers decades of experience in athletic equipment and the use of modern technology. This paddle is lightweight and features a carbon construction with a graphite hitting surface, providing a powerful and precise hit.

The Extreme Spin Texture of this paddle offers an improved grip and spin, allowing players to have better control over their shots. The Polypropylene honeycomb core and Ergo Grip provide a professional touch and minimal vibration, ensuring that players can feel comfortable and confident in their shots.

I personally tested the HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle and was impressed by its performance. The lightweight design of the paddle made it easy to handle and maneuver, and the graphite hitting surface provided a solid and satisfying hit. The Extreme Spin Texture was a standout feature, allowing me to put more spin on my shots and have better control over my game.

One improvement that could be made to the HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle is the addition of a larger sweet spot. The sweet spot on this paddle is a bit small, which can make it difficult to hit powerful shots consistently. A larger sweet spot would allow players to have more room for error and make it easier to hit consistent shots.

Overall, the HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle is a fantastic choice for players looking for a high-quality, lightweight paddle with advanced technology. The Extreme Spin Texture and Polypropylene honeycomb core provide excellent control and minimal vibration, and the lightweight design makes it easy to handle and maneuver. While a larger sweet spot would be a welcome addition, this paddle still offers top-notch performance and is a great choice for serious pickleball players.

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