Top 5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin (September 2024)

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.

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:

(In no particular order!)

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.

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 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.

Shaking up the industry with a different approach to spin production, Proton definitely turned some heads with their Series 1 paddle lineup. Instead of relying on raised grit for spin, Proton enlisted their Nanotach" technology from their softball bats that grips the ball using a tacky friction surface. Even the highest quality grit on raw carbon fiber and kevlar paddles will wear away, while the surface of a Proton Series 1 paddle simply wont. It's important to note that the paddles are not very powerful, but if you are capable of creating your own power, the Series 1 will have you bending shots like you wouldn't believe, month after month.  

Note: Players looking for more power should consider the podium topping Proton Series 3 paddles.

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.

Note: Players willing to sacrifice a little swing speed and maneuverability for more forgiveness will love the thicker 3X 16mm Paddle or the wider 2X 14mm option.

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?