Touch pickleball paddles are an important part of the game. They help players control the ball and make precise shots. With so many pickleball paddles on the market, it can be tough to know which one is the best for your game.
That’s why we asked two experts to help us test 16 touch pickleball paddles. After four hours of research and testing, we found that the JOOLA Ben Johns CFS is the best touch pickleball paddle for most players.
If you’re looking for a touch pickleball paddle that will help you control the ball and make precise shots, the JOOLA Ben Johns CFS is the best option.
Here are our top 5 picks of pickleball paddles for touch:
- #1 Recommendation: JOOLA Ben Johns CFS
- Runners Up: Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
- Budget Pick: Babolat RBEL Touch
- Best Pick with Edgeless Frame: Gearbox GX6
- Best for 3.0 Players: PROKENNEX Pro Flight
- How We Test and Review?
- What Is a Touch Pickleball Paddle?
- What Are the Different Types of Touch Pickleball Paddles?
- What Are the Key Features of Touch Pickleball Paddles?
- How To Choose a Best Paddle with Touch to Add Finesse to Your Game?
- Top 5 Touch Pickleball Paddles Reviews in 2023
- FAQs about Touch Paddles
- Conclusion
How We Test and Review?
We start by testing the paddles in our own facility, using a variety of balls and players. We want to get a feel for how the paddle plays, how it feels in the hand, and how it responds to different types of shots. We also take note of any manufacturing defects or other issues that could affect performance.
Once we’re satisfied with the paddle’s performance, we send it out to a select group of testers. These are experienced pickleball players of all levels, from beginner to advanced. They’ll use the paddle in a variety of settings and report back to us on its performance.
We also collect feedback from the tester group on things like paddle weight, grip size, and overall comfort. After careful consideration of all these factors, we compile our list of the best touch pickleball paddles on the market. We update this list regularly, so you can be sure you’re always getting the latest and greatest paddles.
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What Is a Touch Pickleball Paddle?
A touch pickleball paddle is a paddle that’s designed to give you more control over your shots. The paddle has a smaller surface area than other types of paddles, which means you can make more precise shots.
Touch pickleball paddles are also typically lighter than other types of paddles, which gives you more speed and agility on the court.
What Are the Different Types of Touch Pickleball Paddles?
There are two main types of touch pickleball paddles: hard-surface paddles and soft-surface paddles.
Hard-surface paddles have a textured surface that provides more spin on your shots. They’re typically made of composite materials, such as carbon fiber, and they’re designed for advanced players who want more control over their game.
Soft-surface paddles have a smooth surface that provides less spin on your shots. They’re typically made of softer materials, such as graphite, and they’re designed for beginners or players who want more power in their game.
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What Are the Key Features of Touch Pickleball Paddles?
The key features of touch pickleball paddles include the following:
- Smaller surface area: This gives you more control over your shots.
- Lighter weight: This gives you more speed and agility on the court.
- Textured or smooth surface: This affects the amount of spin on your shots. Hard-surface paddles provide more spin, while soft-surface paddles provide less spin.
- Composite or softer materials: This affects the power and control of your shots. Composite paddles provide more power and control, while softer paddles provide more power.
How To Choose a Best Paddle with Touch to Add Finesse to Your Game?
When you are just starting out playing pickleball, it is important to choose the right paddle. The right paddle can help you improve your skills and control of the game.
Here is a guide to help you choose the best touch pickleball paddle for your playing style.
Grip
The grip is the most important factor to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle. The grip should be comfortable in your hand and allow you to hold the paddle securely. There are many different types of grips to choose from, such as overgrip, wrap, and tacky.
Weight
The weight of the paddle is also important to consider. A heavier paddle will provide more power, while a lighter paddle will provide more control. It is important to find a balance that is comfortable for you to hold and swing.
Size
The size of the paddle is also important to consider. A smaller paddle will provide more control, while a larger paddle will provide more power. It is important to find a paddle that is comfortable for you to hold and swing.
Player Level
Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player? The level of your game will play a big role in determining which paddle is best for you.
- Beginners will want a paddle that is lightweight and has a large sweet spot. This will help them get the hang of the game and make solid contact with the ball.
- Intermediate players will want a paddle that is a bit heavier and has a smaller sweet spot. This will help them generate more power and control.
- Advanced players will want a paddle that is even heavier and has an even smaller sweet spot. This will help them generate even more power and control.
Read Reviews
Before purchasing a paddle, be sure to read reviews. This will give you a good idea of what other players think of the paddle and whether or not it is a good fit for your game.
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Top 5 Touch Pickleball Paddles Reviews in 2023
Here is a list of the top five touch pickleball paddles, to help you make the right choice for your game.
#1 Recommendation
- OFFICIAL PADDLE SPONSOR OF WORLD #1 PICKLEBALL PLAYER BEN JOHNS & THE PPA TOUR: An innovator &...
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JOOLA is a brand known for making great paddles. They’re well-known for their quality and durability, and they’ve been around since 1994.
The Ben Johns CFS is one of their best models. It’s a single-piece design that has a carbon fiber shaft, and it’s designed for pickleball.
The paddle has a nice weight balance, and it feels stable in your hands. It has a soft, comfortable grip that allows you to hold it comfortably for hours.
The handle is made of high-quality, durable ABS plastic, and it’s easy to clean with soap and water.
The head is made of durable EVA foam, and it’s designed to be lightweight and easy to grip. It also has a soft, comfortable grip that allows you to hold it comfortably for hours.
The shaft is made of high-quality carbon fiber, and it’s flexible. It also has a low center of gravity, which makes it more maneuverable.
The paddle is designed to be lighter and easier to swing than most. It also has a wide, flat surface, which allows it to easily catch the ball.
You’ll get plenty of power from the paddle, and it’s excellent for both smash shots and serves.
The paddle is one of the best picks for pickleball, and it’s one of the best picks for touch.
Runners Up
- DURABLE HONEYCOMB CORE: High-grade carbon fiber polymer composite honeycomb of Wave Pro pickleball...
- AMPLE SWEET SPOT: The high-grade Tempest SRT Core provides this pickle ball paddle with Smart...
- ULTRA-CUSHION HIGH-TACK PERFORMANCE GRIP: The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro pickle ball paddles feature...
We tested this paddle against others, including the RBEL Touch, and the Tempest Wave Pro is the clear winner.
The Tempest Wave Pro has a unique shape, which makes it great for touch play. If you’re looking for a high-quality pickleball paddle, this is the one to get.
It features an aerodynamic shape that allows you to have better control over the ball. It has a lightweight, yet durable aluminum construction that makes it suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor settings.
The handle is comfortable, and the soft grip feels good in your hand. It’s designed to stay in place, so you won’t have to worry about it slipping off.
The Tempest Wave Pro is the only paddle that comes with a removable and adjustable shaft sleeve, which makes it easy to adjust to your preferred length. This allows you to adjust the shaft to fit your hand perfectly, which is especially helpful when you’re new to the sport.
It also has a rubberized handle, which provides a firm grip. There are two straps on either side, which make sure that you get a stable grip, even when you’re holding the paddle in the air.
The Tempest Wave Pro is one of the best touch pickleball paddles available today, and it’s a great option for beginners.
Budget Pick
- Babolat Pickleball RBEL Touch
We tested the Babolat RBEL Touch Pickleball Paddle, and it delivered exactly what we wanted. It’s a budget pickleball paddle that provides good power and is fairly light, making it great for serving and volleying.
The Babolat RBEL touch paddle has been designed with the professional player in mind. It’s a lightweight paddle, which makes it easier to handle.
Babolat says that the RBEL paddle has been developed with a three-fold mission in mind – to provide a paddle that is light enough for a pro to use in competition, yet strong enough to withstand the rigors of play; to give players a consistent, reliable feel in both a rally and a volley; and to have the same feel as a heavier paddle, which allows the player to adjust to it.
The RBEL is made from composite wood and ABS plastic. The ABS plastic is used to create the lightweight, yet strong shell and the composite wood provides the flex required for a high-performance paddle.
The Babolat RBEL touch paddle is highly recommended in the budget category, and you should be able to find it in most major retailers.
Best Pick with Edgeless Frame
- SLIM AERODYNAMIC FRAME - Maximized maneuverability, fast and responsive.
- CARBON FIBER EDGELESS FRAME - Larger hitting surface area, reduced mishits.
- MASSIVE SWEET SPOT - Optimized ball response from center of paddle to edgeless rim.
The Gearbox GX6 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a popular touch paddle that’s made from carbon fiber, which makes it very strong.
We tested this paddle against other models and found it to be the best. It’s lighter than most paddles, which means that you’ll have less fatigue while playing. It has excellent balance, and it feels excellent in your hand.
The GX6 is made from carbon fiber, and it’s incredibly lightweight and feels great in your hands. The paddle is designed to provide a more precise and powerful swing, and it can produce more spin than the usual wood or composite paddles.
The GX6 is edgeless, which means that there’s no edge where the ball hits the paddle. This results in more control, spin, and power, and it also allows for more maneuverability.
The GX6 is suitable for both beginners and advanced players. For players who are just starting out, the GX6 is an excellent choice because it’s designed to provide greater control, spin, and power, and it’s also a perfect pick for someone who wants to improve their game.
Best for 3.0 Players
- Weight: 7.3 - 7.85 OZ
- Grip Style: Comfort Cushion; Grip Circumference: 4"; Handle Length: 4 7/8"
- Paddle Length: 15.43"; Paddle Width: 7.6"
The PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle is one of the best touch paddles for 3.0 players. It’s made from a lightweight composite material that allows it to be extremely light.
When we tested the PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle, we were impressed by the lightweight and overall build quality. It feels great in the hand and it was a breeze to adjust.
This paddle features a low profile handle that makes it easier to scoop and swing. Its shape is slightly tapered and it has a wide grip area for greater comfort.
A quick and easy adjustment mechanism allows you to fine tune the weight distribution of the paddle. It has a two-prong attachment system for easy storage when not in use.
This pickleball paddle is also ideal for beginners who want to learn how to play and get started with a great feel.
If you’re looking for a versatile touch pickleball paddle that’s durable, versatile and comfortable to hold, then the PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle is for you.
FAQs about Touch Paddles
What is the difference between a Touch Pickleball Paddle and a traditional paddle?
There are a few key differences between Touch Pickleball Paddles and traditional paddles. Touch Pickleball Paddles are designed to offer a softer touch on the ball, which can help you control your shots better. They also have a larger sweet spot than traditional pickleball paddles, which can help you generate more power behind your shots.
Why would I want to use a touch paddle?
There are a few reasons you might want to use a touch paddle. First, if you are new to the game, a touch paddle can help you develop your skills. Second, if you are an experienced player who wants more control over the ball, a touch paddle can give you the edge you need. Third, if you are playing in a league or tournament where touch is required, using a touch paddle can give you an advantage.
When should a touch pickleball paddle be used?
A touch pickleball paddle can be used when players are looking for a more controlled game and want to avoid the jarring feeling that can come with using a harder paddle.
How do I know if a touch paddle is right for me?
The best way to know if a touch paddle is right for you is to try one out. If you are new to the game, you might want to start with a basic paddle and then upgrade to a touch paddle once you have developed your skills. If you are an experienced player, you might want to switch to a touch paddle right away to get the most control over the ball.
What are the benefits of using a touch paddle?
There are several benefits to using a touch paddle. First, you will have more control over the ball. Second, you will be able to place the ball more accurately. Third, you will have more spin on the ball. Fourth, you will be able to play more defensively.
What are the drawbacks of using a touch paddle?
There are a few drawbacks to using a touch paddle. First, the paddle can lose its effectiveness if it gets too wet. Second, the paddle can be more difficult to control if you are not used to it. Third, the paddle can be more expensive than a traditional paddle.
Do I need to special order a Touch Pickleball Paddle?
No, you do not need to special order a Touch Pickleball Paddle. They are available at most sporting goods stores. However, if you’re looking for a specific size or weight, you may want to consider ordering a custom paddle.
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Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best pickleball paddle, there are many factors to consider. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, the JOOLA Ben Johns CFS is the clear winner. With its superior construction and performance, it’s the perfect paddle for serious pickleball players.
And if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Babolat RBEL Touch is a great choice. With its solid construction and impressive performance, it’s a great option for those who want to get serious about pickleball without breaking the bank.
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