Top 5 Pickleball Paddles for Control (September 2024)
by Joseph Sutton on May 12, 2024
The Critical Role of Control in Pickleball Success
Control paddles are a game-changer. They're designed for players who prioritize accuracy and strategy over sheer force. These paddles often feature a textured surface to enhance spin potential, well-balanced weight distribution for stability and consistency, and a balanced core that gives you the predictability you need to hit small targets. For players who love to outsmart their opponents with carefully placed shots, a control paddle is an essential tool in their arsenal.
Who will benefit from a control paddle?
It's a wide range. Beginners will find control paddles forgiving, making it easier to learn and improve. Intermediate and advanced players, meanwhile, will appreciate the added precision and ability to execute strategic shot placement. So, whether you're new to the sport or looking to refine your tactical approach, our roundup of the top 5 pickleball paddles for control is here to guide you to your perfect match.
Elements of a control paddle
Control in pickleball isn't just about skill; it's also hugely dependent on the features of the paddle you choose. A paddle that enhances control can transform your game, allowing for precision shots and strategic gameplay. Here's how certain elements of a pickleball paddle contribute to better control:
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Carbon Fiber Faces: These high-tech surfaces distribute impact evenly across the paddle, ensuring a consistent response with every hit. This uniformity is key for players who rely on precision.
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Paddle Shape: Opting for standard or widebody shapes can significantly affect your game. These designs enlarge the sweet spot, offering more forgiveness and stability, especially on those tricky off-center hits.
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Stiff Cores: Paddles with stiffer, often thicker cores minimize the ball's trampoline effect, making it easier to place shots exactly where you want them. Less flex means more predictability in your game.
The Top 5 Paddles for Control (in no particular order)
✔ Great spin
✔ Very forgiving
Shape:
Standard
Face Material:
Raw Carbon Fiber
Core Thickness:
14.3mm
Handle Length:
5.25"
Weight:
7.8-8.2 oz
Core:
Polymer Honeycomb
Construction
Classic (Cold-layered)
The original Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro was one of the winningest paddles of all time, and for good reason, so we were ecstatic to see an updated model with modern spin potential. The verdict? The new carbon lineup of the Tempest series balance performance and forgiveness better than most paddles on the market. The Wave Pro model in particular offers an enourmous sweet spot that made defending bangers' drives at the net feel effortless, and we were able to play the soft game with the confidence the ball was not going to just fall off of our paddle if we didn't find the exact center. Players looking for a high quality paddle that will help them play their best control game should consider the Tempest Wave Pro-C
Note: Players looking to get the spin and forgiveness of this paddle in an elongated shape should try out the Tempest TKO-C 14.3.
✔ Great value
✔ Impressive spin
Shape:
Standard
Face Material:
Raw Carbon Fiber
Core Thickness:
15mm
Handle Length:
5.25"
Weight:
7.8 - 8.1 oz
Core:
Polymer Honeycomb
Construction
Classic (Cold-Layered)
The VERSIX RAW takes tried and true performance tech and wraps it in a balanced package for high performance at a reasonable cost. As the name implies, the paddle features a raw carbon fiber face that generates competetive spin. The classic standard shape optimizes hand speed and sweet spot size, and the 15mm classic poly core gives players a balance of ball feel and stability. Players looking for a control paddle with good spin potential at an affordable price should consider the VERSIX RAW 6C+ Standard.
Note: If you want the same construction benefits of this paddle in an elongated shape, try the VERSIX RAW 6C+ Elongated model.
✔ Great spin
✔ Enormous sweet spot
Shape:
Elongated
Face Material:
Raw Carbon Fiber
Core Thickness:
16mm
Handle Length:
5.5"
Weight:
8.2-8.6oz
Core:
Foam Perimeter Polymer Honeycomb Core
As one of the best-selling paddles of all-time, this Ben Johns co-designed classic is still a top choice for thousands of players. Expanding edge foam paired with Joola’s Carbon Friction Surface (raw carbon fiber) work together to create a spin friendly forgiving paddle surface, and a carbon forged octagonal handle helps you feel connected to the ball. While they don’t have a standard shaped model that really matches this one, if you are searching for an elongated all-court paddle, you shouldn’t look past this paddle.
Note: Those who like the specs of this model but are looking for a little more power potential should consider the Hyperion CFS C2 16mm.
✔ Premium build
✔ Versatile play
Shape:
Standard
Face Material:
Florek Carbon Fiber
Core Thickness:
20mm
Handle Length:
5.25"
Weight:
7.9 - 8.3 oz
Core:
Polymer Honeycomb
Construction
Thermoformed, Edgeless
The team at Selkirk set out to build the ultimate control paddle without making any comprimises on tech or build quality, and the result was the incredibly popular LUXX Control Air series. Pushing the boundaries of paddle thickness, the LUXX features a 20mm thick core that absorbs vibrations and tempers ball response for a consistent bounce across the face of the paddle. Speaking of the face, Selkirk featured their Florek Carbon Fiber on the face of these paddles. What we felt was a consistent response with access to some pop on full power shots that helped balance out the control nature of such a thick core. On top of the material Selkirk included their ProSpin texture that they claimed to be "new and improved". While it's not indestructable, they are leading the market in applied grit tech featured here. Check out the LUXX Control Air in the Epic shape for balanced control and a huge sweet spot.
Note: If you're interested in a Selkirk paddle for control but want a more affordable option, check out the Vanguard Control Raw Carbon Fiber paddle.
✔ Perfect handle
✔ Fast hands
Shape:
HEAD Standard
Face Material:
Raw Carbon Fiber
Core Thickness:
15mm
Handle Length:
5"
Weight:
7.7 - 8.1 oz
Core:
Polymer Honeycomb
Construction
Classic (Cold-layered)
HEAD has been dominant in the racquet sports industry for years, and when they combined their years of experience with the best in class raw carbon fiber players have grown to love, a placement machine was born in the Radical Tour Raw. HEAD features a slimmed down version of their signature standard shape that offers lightning hand speed and a higher sweet spot to dominate the kitchen line. We were thrilled to see HEAD join the raw carbon fiber train, and we are pleased to report that the spin from this paddle is some of the best we have seen from them. HEAD has always made premium handles with crisp bevels, and this paddle is no exception. The paddle to hand connection with this paddle is best in industry, and it genuinely helps players control their shots on court.
Note: If you love the sound of this paddle but are in need of a longer handle and a bit more reach, try the HEAD Radical Tour EX elongated model.
Still unsure?
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.
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