21 Smallest Grip Size Pickleball Paddles for Small Hands

Best Short Handle Pickleball Paddles for Small Hand Players

1. Gearbox CX11E
2. JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle
3. GAMMA Sports 5.0 Pickleball Paddle
4. JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle
5. Head Extreme Elite Fiberglass Paddle
6. Paddletek Phoenix Genesis Pro
7. ProKennex Ovation Speed II - Pickleball Paddle
8. GAMMA Obsidian Pickleball Paddle
9. adidas Pickleball Drive Paddle
10. Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro Pickleball Paddle
11. Diadem Icon v2 Pickleball Paddle
12. Gamma 405 Middleweight Graphite Pickleball Paddle
13. Lumen Paddles (The Kraken) Youth Pickleball Paddle
14. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion C2 CFS Pickleball Paddle
15. GearBox Pro Power Elongated Pickleball Paddle
16. JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS Pickleball Paddle
17. CRBN 2X Power Series (Square Paddle)
18. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 14mm Swift Pickleball Paddle
19. PROLITE Ignite Hybrid - I Series Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
20. ProKennex Black Ace Pro Middleweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle
21. GAMMA Dart BLEMISHED Lightweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

Gearbox CX11E

The Gearbox CX11E is a top pick for players with small hands seeking a pickleball paddle with a small grip. This paddle is one of the eight variations of the CX11 series, offering a unique blend of power and control. The CX11E stands for elongated, indicating its shape, which is longer than the standard paddle shape. This elongated shape provides players with increased striking options and a wider range of motion.

The Gearbox CX11E is available in two different weights, 7.8 and 8.5 ounces, allowing players to choose based on their comfort and play style. It also comes in two versions: control and power. The control version is designed to absorb more energy, providing a softer feel, while the power version is stiffer and returns more energy, offering more pop on the ball.

One of the standout features of the Gearbox CX11E is its grip size. It offers two grip size options, 3 and 5/8 inches or 3 and 15/16 inches, making it one of the thinnest grips on the market. This small grip size is particularly beneficial for players with small hands, as it enhances control, reduces the chances of overextending fingers, and minimizes strain, allowing for extended play without undue hand or wrist fatigue.

The Gearbox CX11E is constructed with 11 millimeter edgeless 3K woven carbon fiber, and its core is made of T700 carbon fiber, unlike most paddles on the market that use polymer. This construction provides a solid feel on contact and ensures excellent consistency over time. The paddle’s core uses Solid Span Technology (SST), offering a reactive and agile feel.

In comparison to other top picks, the Gearbox CX11E stands out for its elongated shape, small grip size, and unique core material. For instance, the JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle, another top pick for small hands, is known for its lightweight design and increased control, but it doesn’t offer the elongated shape of the Gearbox CX11E. Similarly, the GAMMA Sports 5.0 Pickleball Paddle, while highly rated for its graphite surface and honeycomb grip, doesn’t provide the same grip size options as the Gearbox CX11E.

In summary, the Gearbox CX11E is a versatile and high-performing pickleball paddle that caters to players with small hands. Its small grip size, elongated shape, and unique core material set it apart from other paddles, offering players enhanced control, a wider range of motion, and a solid, consistent feel.

JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle

The JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle is a top pick for players with small hands seeking a paddle that offers a well-balanced combination of control, power, and spin. This paddle is particularly favored by players who position their forefinger or thumb on the paddle surface, a gripping style that boosts paddle control, assisting players in maintaining low shots during rapid kitchen exchanges.

The Journey Pickleball Paddle is lightweight, which makes it easier for faster swings and less fatigue. This feature is particularly beneficial for players who value nimble and swift gameplay, ensuring quick reflexes and making it easier to react to fast-paced shots.

One of the standout features of the JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle is its small grip circumference, which enhances the feel and ensures that the paddle doesn’t twist in the hand upon ball impact, resulting in more accurate and controlled shots. This is a significant advantage for players with small hands or those seeking precision in their shots.

The paddle’s multi-layer fiberglass design provides plenty of pop and power, making it an excellent choice for players working on fine-tuning their power and control style of game. The 10mm Response Honeycomb Polymer core provides the control needed to add finesse to your shots and to keep them in play.

The JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle also features the Feel-Tec Pure Grip technology, which offers a tacky feel for enhanced grip on your pickleball racquet. This grip has increased shock absorption for ideal comfort, which lessens tiredness and allows for longer play.

When compared to other top picks like the Gearbox CX11E, the JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle stands out for its all-around performance and its suitability for players looking to improve their game. While the Gearbox CX11E is known for its power and durability, the JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle offers a well-balanced combination of control, power, and spin, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of play styles.

GAMMA Sports 5.0 Pickleball Paddle

The GAMMA Sports 5.0 Pickleball Paddle is a top choice for players with small hands, offering a perfect blend of power, control, and maneuverability. This paddle is designed with a small grip, making it ideal for players with petite hands or those who prefer a narrow handle for better control and precision.

The GAMMA Sports 5.0 paddle is known for its lightweight design, which enhances swing speed and reduces arm fatigue, making it a great choice for long games or tournaments. The paddle’s face is textured, which helps to generate spin on the ball, adding an extra dimension to your game. Whether you’re volleying at the net, smashing from the baseline, or dinking in a slow-paced game, this paddle offers the versatility to excel in all aspects of play.

One of the standout features of the GAMMA Sports 5.0 Pickleball Paddle is its honeycomb grip. This grip is smaller than average, providing a comfortable hold for players with small hands. It also offers excellent sweat absorption, ensuring a firm grip even in intense games.

The paddle’s core is made of a high-quality polymer, which provides a good balance of power and control. The smooth face of the paddle allows for excellent ball contact, providing a good pop and touch, whether you’re playing defensively or offensively.

When compared to other top picks, the GAMMA Sports 5.0 Pickleball Paddle holds its own. For instance, the Gearbox CX11E, another top pick for small hands, offers an elongated shape and unique core material, but it doesn’t have the textured face of the GAMMA Sports 5.0 that aids in spin generation. Similarly, the JOOLA Journey Pickleball Paddle is known for its lightweight design and increased control, but it doesn’t offer the honeycomb grip of the GAMMA Sports 5.0.

In summary, the GAMMA Sports 5.0 Pickleball Paddle is a versatile and high-performing paddle that caters to players with small hands. Its small grip size, lightweight design, and textured face make it a great choice for players seeking control, maneuverability, and the ability to add spin to their shots.

JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle

The JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle is a professional-grade paddle that stands out for its comfort, control, and reach. It features an elongated shape and a unique AERO-CURV head shape that reduces drag and increases swing speed. The paddle is designed with a Carbon Grip Surface (CGS) technology, which uses a durable, textured Carbon-Flex3 that grips the ball to add significant spin and feel. This technology, combined with a Response Polymer Core, reduces vibration for comfort and offers a consistent, large sweet spot with superb control for dinks, blocks, and drives.

The JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle has an average weight of 7.8 ounces, which ensures a great blend of speed and control with accessible power. It also features a 5.5-inch grip, offering ample room for two-handed backhands or for players who use all areas of the grip. This paddle is ideal for players wanting the best in feel, reach, and control on the court.

When compared to other top picks, the JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle offers unique features. For instance, the GAMMA Sports 5.0 Pickleball Paddle, known for its lightweight design and textured face, does not have the elongated shape and unique AERO-CURV head shape of the JOOLA Vision, which reduces drag and increases swing speed. The Gearbox CX11E, another top pick for small hands, offers an elongated shape and unique core material, but it doesn’t have the Carbon Grip Surface of the JOOLA Vision that aids in spin generation.

The JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle also stands out when compared to the JOOLA Hyperion, a paddle designed with advanced players in mind. While the Hyperion provides maximum spin and power, the Vision is a more aggressive paddle, ideal for players looking for more control and precision shots. The Vision is also noted for its softer feel compared to the Hyperion.

Head Extreme Elite Fiberglass Paddle

The Head Extreme Elite Fiberglass Paddle is a well-regarded option in the pickleball world, known for its balance of power, control, and comfort. This paddle features a honeycomb polymer core and a fiberglass surface, which together provide a responsive and controlled playing experience. The paddle weighs around 7.8 ounces, contributing to a balanced feel and making it suitable for players of all skill levels. The grip size is 4 1/8″, and users have reported that it is comfortable and easy to control.

The Head Extreme Elite Fiberglass Paddle is often compared to other top picks such as the Recess Pickleball Paddles and the JOOLA Simone Jardim Hyperion CFS 16mm Heavyweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle. While the Recess paddles are known for their style and lightweight performance, and the JOOLA paddle is designed for power and control, the Head Extreme Elite Fiberglass Paddle offers a balance of power and control, making it a versatile choice for players of all skill levels.

The paddle’s diamond shape is designed for more control, and the Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC) honeycomb polymer core creates a perfect feel and sound for all levels of play. The paddle’s smooth Composite Hitting Surface offers a smoother surface for more power, and the Ergo grip provides comfort and a better feel during play.

However, some users have noted that the grip could be improved, but overall, it is considered good value for the price. The Head Extreme Elite Fiberglass Paddle is also approved for tournament play by the USA Pickleball Association, making it a suitable choice for both recreational and competitive players.