Many players get curious about what pickleball paddles the pros use, and for good reason. If a paddle shows up in high-level tournaments with names like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, Jack Sock, or Dylan Frazier, it usually means the paddle delivers on power, control, and feel when it matters.

Pro players choose their gear carefully. Some use a signature paddle, others switch based on new paddle technology, and many match their paddle to their playing style, whether that means more power, more control, or a bigger sweet spot for tough rallies.

Below, we break down the best pro pickleball paddles used right now, who uses them, and what makes each one stand out in real tournaments.

 

Top Pro Pickleball Paddles

Below are the top pro pickleball paddles used by well-known athletes on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. Each one has a proven track record in fast matches and high-level play, which is why these paddles continue to stand out as trusted options for competing at a pro level.

1. JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV

The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV is the paddle most pro pickleball players reach for right now. It shows up across PPA Tour matches, MLP events, and high-level rec play because it delivers a strong mix of power, control, and spin. This is the paddle used by Ben Johns, Federico Staksrud, and Hunter Johnson, so it already has a clear track record at the pro level.

The Perseus Pro IV is known for a smooth feel on resets, easy put-away power, and a large sweet spot that works for both advanced players and anyone upgrading from an older carbon surface. Many competitive players like switching between the 14mm and 16mm versions depending on their playing style. The thinner build gives more pop at the kitchen. The thicker build offers more stability on third shot drives and hard counters.

One reason the Perseus Pro IV leads the market is its paddle technology. The weight distribution feels balanced without being too head heavy, which helps players who rely on quick hands. It also produces more power without sacrificing control, which makes sense for players who compete in fast hands exchanges.

If you want to understand why this paddle feels different from other paddle thicknesses, the difference between 14mm and 16mm paddles explains how these builds affect power and touch.

2. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik

The Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik is the paddle many pro pickleball players choose when they want max power without losing stability. Jack Sock, Dylan Frazier, and James Ignatowich all trust this model because it hits harder than most pro paddles on the market while still giving a steady feel during long rallies.

What makes the Boomstik stand out is its core design. The BoomCore system creates a solid, explosive response that helps players deliver more power on drives, serves, and counters. The large sweet spot adds forgiveness on off-center contact, which is helpful when the pace gets crazy fast at the kitchen. Players who like an elongated shape or a longer handle also benefit from the reach and extra leverage.

This paddle is often compared to the Perseus because both sit in the “most powerful paddles” category, but the Boomstik has a firmer feel with more pop. It suits aggressive hitters, tennis converts, and anyone who likes taking control of a point early.

3. JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV

The JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV is a top choice for professional pickleball players who lean toward a control-first playing style. Collin Johns is the most well-known pro using this model, and it fits how he plays the game: patient, steady, and precise at the kitchen. Unlike other paddles built for max power, the Scorpeus focuses on touch, stability, and consistency.

This paddle has a large sweet spot and a softer feel that makes resets and drops easier to manage, especially during fast hands exchanges. The textured surface also gives strong spin, which helps with shaping the ball in tight patterns. Many advanced players pick this when they want reliable control instead of a paddle that jumps too much on contact.

The Scorpeus Pro IV works well for players who value smooth dinks, controlled drives, cleaner blocks, and a predictable response on defense. It’s also a good match for anyone who prefers a balanced grip size with a lighter swing weight. If you want to work on softer shots or improve touch near the kitchen, this guide on improving soft touch and low-control shots pairs naturally with the strengths of the Scorpeus.

4. Paddletek Bantam ALW-C

The Bantam ALW-C is the signature paddle designed with Anna Leigh Waters, and it reflects exactly how she plays — fast, explosive, and always looking to take time away from opponents. Among all professional pickleball paddles, this one stands out for its mix of controlled power and quick handling, which helps in hand battles and sharp counters at the kitchen.

The raw carbon face gives strong spin, letting players shape the ball with more precision on rolls and third shot drives. The lighter build also fits players who like quick reactions without losing stability. Many advanced players who want a paddle that feels quick but still delivers pop on clean contact look at this model first.

If you play with an aggressive style or want a paddle that keeps up with fast exchanges, the ALW-C fits that direction. It functions well for players moving from beginner phases into more pro-level patterns where control and speed matter equally. It also aligns with paddles listed in top control-focused paddle picks, especially if you want something that is easy to maneuver but still powerful enough to finish points.

5. Selkirk Invikta

The Selkirk Invikta is one of the most trusted selkirk paddles among professional pickleball players who want extra reach and a bit more power from the baseline. Pros like Quang Duong and Jack Sock have been seen playing with Invikta variations because the elongated shape helps them cover more court and hit deeper drives without changing their swing speed.

What sets this paddle apart is the way its 16mm honeycomb core pairs with a FiberFlex+ fiberglass face. That mix gives the paddle a smooth feel on touch shots, steady control during resets, and enough pop for counterattacks. The surface also helps produce consistent spin, which is why many advanced players lean toward this model when they want both reach and shaping ability.

The Invikta fits players who want a paddle that feels stable, delivers more power when they need it, and still keeps a large sweet spot for those longer kitchen exchanges. It’s a strong choice for anyone trying to match a pro-level playing style without feeling like the paddle is too stiff or too bouncy.

6. Paddletek Bantam TKO-C

The Bantam TKO-C is the paddle Christian Alshon brings to the ppa tour, and it matches the same aggressive playing style he’s known for. This model is built for advanced players who want a powerful paddle that still has enough control for long kitchen exchanges.

Its PT-700 raw carbon face gives the paddle a crisp feel, helping players add spin on drives, counterattacks, and pressure volleys. Paired with the 14.3mm Bantam core, the paddle delivers quick pop at the net while keeping a large sweet spot that helps with softer touch shots. It also suits former tennis players who like a longer swing and want more power on deeper balls without switching to a heavier setup.

Because it blends speed, reach, and control, the TKO-C is a strong match for players who are improving fast and need something that supports that jump in performance. It aligns well with paddles suited for players leveling up, especially those learning how to manage power and spin as their game develops.

 

Best Pro Pickleball Paddle Brands

Pro player Erik Lange shared on X which brands professional pickleball players are trusting the most right now. His numbers reflect what many fans already see on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball courts: a few brands dominate, and the rest trail behind.

Here’s the breakdown:

• JOOLA – 21 players
• Proton – 8 players
• Paddletek – 6 players
• ProXR – 6 players
• Franklin – 6 players
• Selkirk – 4 players

Most other brands only have one or two players using them. What makes this list more interesting is that several pros who aren’t sponsored still pick these best pickleball paddles, which usually means the control, spin, and overall feel suit their playing style at the highest level.

Let’s take a look at what each brand is known for.

JOOLA

JOOLA sits at the top of pro usage right now, mainly because of how stable and explosive their carbon-based paddles feel during fast rallies. Many professional pickleball players prefer JOOLA for its balance of control, spin, and power that fits the pace of today’s PPA Tour matches. Their Pro IV line, especially, has become a common sight in tournaments thanks to its dependable performance under pressure.

Pros using JOOLA:

• Ben Johns
• Collin Johns
• Tyson McGuffin
• Dekel Bar
• Anna Bright
• Lea Jansen

Proton

Proton has quickly become one of the most talked-about brands among pros. Their paddles are known for strong power output while still giving players a cushioned feel on touch shots. The designs tend to favor aggressive athletes who want help finishing points without sacrificing stability on resets.

Pros using Proton:

• Andrei Daescu
• CJ Klinger
• Megan Dizon
• Kaitlyn Christian
• Travis Rettenmaier
  

Paddletek

Paddletek has a long history in the sport and continues to be trusted for its durable builds and clean raw-carbon surface feel. Many advanced players like how their paddles blend forgiveness with spin, making them easy to control during fast hands exchanges. The partnership with Anna Leigh Waters helped spotlight how well these paddles support an attacking playing style.

Pros using Paddletek:

• Christian Alshon
• Anna Leigh Waters
• Leigh Waters

ProXR

ProXR stands out because of its unique handle shape, which gives players better leverage and faster reaction time in tight kitchen battles. The brand leans heavily into spin and pop, making their paddles ideal for players who rely on sharp counterattacks. Many pros choose ProXR because it suits fast, athletic decision-making.

Pros using ProXR:

• Tina Pisnik
• Zane Navratil
• Riley Newman
• Connor Garnett
  

Franklin

Franklin remains a steady pick in professional pickleball, especially for players who want a paddle that feels predictable and easy to control in long rallies. Their paddles offer a familiar response and clean contact, which helps when the pace gets fast. It’s a brand that appeals to pros who value consistency over high-end experimental tech.

Pros using Franklin:

• JW Johnson
• Jorja Johnson
  
• Hayden Patriquin
• Paris Todd

Selkirk

Selkirk earns attention for its advanced carbon construction and performance-focused paddle technology. The brand is known for powerful paddles with big sweet spots, which help players generate speed without losing feel on touch shots. Many pros rely on Selkirk when they want a mix of reach, stability, and playability at a high level.

Pros using Selkirk:

• Catherine Parenteau
• Dylan Frazier
• Jack Sock
  
• James Ignatowich
  

 

How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddle

Finding our own signature paddle comes down to how you play and what feels natural in your hand. Pro pickleball players pay attention to small details like grip size, paddle weight, and surface texture because these things shape control, power, and spin. The same idea applies to any player choosing their next paddle.

Here are simple points to help you decide:

• Match the paddle to your playing style. Power hitters usually lean toward elongated shapes and stiffer cores for more putaways, while control-focused players prefer a widebody paddle with a larger sweet spot for cleaner resets.
• Know your ideal weight. Lighter paddles help with hand speed and quick exchanges at the kitchen. Slightly heavier paddles add stability and more power on drives and serves.
• Look at the surface material. Raw carbon offers excellent spin and touch. Fiberglass gives more pop. Blended surfaces try to balance both.
• Choose a grip that feels natural. The right grip size keeps your wrist relaxed and helps you stay consistent during long matches.
• Try a few if possible. Even small differences can change how a paddle feels during real game play.

If you’re still unsure which paddle fits your game, you can take our quick pickleball paddle quiz for personalized recommendations that match your style and comfort.

 

Ready to Upgrade? Find Pro-Level Paddles Near You

Pro choices show a clear pattern:

16mm paddles = more stability and plow-through power
14mm paddles = quicker pop and faster hands at the kitchen

Today’s paddle technology makes both options stronger than ever, which is why professional pickleball players switch depending on how they like to shape points. Some want more power on third shot drives, while others want a lighter touch for soft play and resets.

There’s no single “best paddle”, just the one that fits how you move and how you hit.

If you’re still figuring out what matches your style, you can use our quick pickleball paddle quiz for personalized recommendations so you don’t have to guess.

At Get2Eleven, you can shop a full range of performance pickleball paddles, bags, and other gear online. If you’re nearby, check out our Encinitas pickleball store to explore paddles in person and see what the pros use.

 

FAQs About Pro Pickleball Paddles

What pickleball paddle do the pros use the most?

The JOOLA Perseus Pro IV is the paddle that shows up the most in pro pickleball matches today. Many professional pickleball players rely on it because it delivers steady control, strong spin, and a large sweet spot that holds up during long tournaments. A lot of that performance comes from JOOLA’s updated Gen 3 build, which gives the paddle a firmer backbone and more speed on full swings. If you're curious how these new builds influence modern pickleball paddles, the Joola’s Gen 3 paddle innovations help explain why this model stands out.

Which is better, Selkirk or JOOLA?

Both are top choices among professional pickleball players, but they’re built with different strengths. JOOLA paddles tend to focus on spin, power, and a textured surface that helps players shape the ball. Selkirk paddles, on the other hand, offer a very stable feel with a clean carbon response that suits a wide range of playing styles. If you want a quick comparison of how Selkirk built its reputation, their long-running Selkirk’s carbon-fiber performance lineage explains why many pros trust the brand.

Do most pickleball pros use 14mm or 16mm paddles?

Most men on the PPA Tour lean toward 16mm paddles because they offer better control, a softer feel on resets, and more stability in hands battles. Many women’s pros still prefer thinner paddles, often under 16mm, for quicker pop and faster reaction time at the kitchen. The best choice depends on how much control or power you want from your pickleball paddle.

What paddle shape do pro pickleball players use?

Pro players use a mix of elongated and widebody shapes depending on their playing style. Elongated pickleball paddles are popular for reach, power, and stronger third-shot drives. Widebody paddles are favored for control, a larger sweet spot, and quicker hand speed. If you're trying to figure out which shape fits you, guides that explain paddle shapes and features can help you choose confidently.