5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin In 2024
by Joseph Sutton on May 13, 2024
The Power of Spin in Pickleball
If you're a pickleball enthusiast, you know that spin is one of the most dynamic and game-changing elements to master. The right spin can catch your opponent off guard, making your shots unpredictable and hard to return. The key to mastering spin, though, lies in your equipment - and in pickleball, that's your paddle. So, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the top 5 best pickleball paddles for spin!
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Understanding the Importance of Spin in Pickleball
In pickleball, just like in tennis or table tennis, applying spin to the ball can add a layer of complexity to your shots that can prove challenging for your opponent. A well-executed spin can dramatically alter the ball's trajectory, bounce, and pace, forcing your opponent to adjust their timing and stroke. But, to harness this powerful strategy, you need a paddle that allows you to impart spin with precision. That's where we come in. We've sifted through the options and pinpointed the paddles that can truly ramp up your spin game.
What Makes a Pickleball Paddle Great for Spin?
Spin has become an important weapon in the game of pickleball. As players have developed the ability to produce more topspin, these types of shots are more common than ever. A player with a great cut shot often sees their opponents return the ball into the net, and the spin serve is used with equal efficacy.
The creation of spin always starts with the stroke. If a player does not have a topspin stroke, sandpaper-like texture won’t be any help. What a paddle can do is accentuate spin. The two ways this can happen are with friction and adhesion.
- Texture/Friction is when a rough surface makes contact with a pickleball, preferably a ball that has already gotten a bit scuffed from use. The friction of the paddle moving across the ball creates spin. This is similar to the grooves on a golf club creating spin when the ball is struck properly.
- Material/Adhesion is when the ball sticks to the surface of a paddle as the player moves through a complete swing. The paddle essentially grabs the ball and imparts spin. This is akin to a smooth drag race tire heating and sticking to smooth pavement.
- Weight: Lighter paddles often offer better maneuverability, helping you snap your wrist for a good spin. However, some players prefer a bit more weight for stability and power.
If you'd like to make more use of spin, we've selected a group of paddles that are ideal for incorporating these two methods into your game:
Top 5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin: A Detailed Review
(In no particular order!)
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✔ Consistent grit
✔ Great pop
Shape:
Elongated
Face Material:
Raw Carbon Fiber
Core Thickness:
12.7mm
Handle Length:
5.8"
Weight:
7.8 - 8.2 oz
Core:
Polymer Honeycomb
Construction
Classic (ColdLayered)
Paddletek launched the Bantam ALW-C last year with one of the highest quality raw carbon fiber faces we have seen, and their latest elongated TKO Bantam models have all that spin potential with even more leverage. Players looking to bend the ball that love a powerful and crisp pop off the face will love the feel of these paddles, and those who like a longer handle will love the 5.8" TKO-CX model.
Note: Players looking for more control with the same materials, shape, and build quality should consider the Bantam TKO-CX 14.3mm option.
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✔ Quality Construction
✔ Great Pop
Shape:
Standard
Face Material:
Raw Carbon Fiber
Core Thickness:
16mm
Handle Length:
5"
Weight:
8.1 - 8.4 oz
Core:
Large Cell Polymer Honeycomb
Construction
Classic (Cold-Layered)
The team at Engage built on the top selling Original Pursuit Series with the US Sourced raw carbon fiber Pursuit Pro last year, and they have been top sellers since for good reason. The high quality materials matched with Engage's obsession with attention to detail and customer service make for one of the best paddles in the game, but it's the spin performance on court that really sets these apart. The EX 6.0 model has an enourmous sweet spot and is easy to swing through the air quickly making it an easy choice for this list.
Note: If you want a even more power, check out the thinner Engage Pursuit Pro EX.
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✔ Premium grit
✔ LIfetime warranty
Shape:
Elongated
Face Material:
Raw Carbon Fiber
Core Thickness:
16mm
Handle Length:
5.5"
Weight:
7.7 - 8.1 oz
Core:
Polymer Honeycomb
Construction
Classic (Cold-Layered)
As one of the most used brands in the market, Selkirk understands what players want, and they gave it to us by updating one of their most popular models with a high end raw carbon fiber face. It's certainly geared towards control, but the grit is consistently at the edge of legality in the best way giving players access to incredible bite on the ball. We love the Invikta shape (elongated) for its reach and slightly higher power potential. Players who want a placement oriented paddle with top tier spin should consider the Vanguard Control Invikta.
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✔ Great stability
✔ Top tier power
Shape:
Elongated
Face Material:
Raw Carbon Fiber
Core Thickness:
16mm
Handle Length:
5.25"
Weight:
7.8 - 8.1 oz
Core:
Polymer Honeycomb
Construction
Thermoformed
CRBN lives on the edge of innovation with spin production, and their top selling 3X model is no exception. The team at CRBN wanted an elongated option with more forgiveness and developed this shape much to their customers' delight. Players looking for a long sweet spot and fantastic swing speed and reach should consider the CRBN 3X Power Series 14mm Paddle for their next purchase.
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✔ Dyanmic shape
✔ Great swing speed
Shape:
Widebody
Face Material:
Raw Carbon Fiber
Core Thickness:
14mm
Handle Length:
5.5"
Weight:
7.8 - 8.1 oz
Core:
Polymer Honeycomb
Construction
Thermoformed
Players looking for a balance of all-court pop off the face, insanely fast hand speed, and top tier spin potential have to give the 14mm Forza Mach 2 a shot. It's not often you see a wide shape paired with such a long handle making this a special combination of edge to edge forgiveness and plenty of room for a second hand on the grip. If you're looking to start and finish hands battles at the kitchen line, this is the paddle for you.
Note: Those who like the specs of this model but are looking for a little more forgiveness and truly effortless resets should try the thicker core Mach 2 16mm.
Still unsure?
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Our pickleball experts have developed a custom selection tool to help match you with the perfect paddle for your game. Check out our Paddle Finder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can any pickleball paddle be used for spin?
A: Yes, but some paddles are designed with features that make spinning the ball easier, like a textured surface or a specific core design.
Q: Can spin shots be used in every game situation?
A: While spin shots can be advantageous, they may not be suitable for every situation. It's essential to mix up your shots based on the game's context.
Q: How can I practice my spin shots?
A: You can practice your spin shots against a wall, with a pickleball machine, or with a partner. The key is to practice regularly. Remember, mastering spin requires both the right equipment and consistent practice. So, pick up one of these fantastic paddles, get out on the court, and start spinning your way to victory!
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