Top Pickleball Paddles for Spin Reviewed 2023 [Buyer’s Guide Included]

Pickleball paddles come in a wide range of styles, lengths, widths, and materials. These different factors combine to provide a variety of advantages for specific play styles.

For example, some paddles are better suited for power. However, if you want to work on your accuracy, you want the best pickleball paddle for spin.

With hundreds of paddles to choose from, which pickleball paddle do you get for spin control?

The following guide offers a roundup of the best pickleball paddles and a breakdown of which features to look for.

What Is Spin for Pickleball Paddles?

Spin is a word that you will hear frequently when discussing pickleball and pickleball racquets.

So, what is spin? Adding spin on a shot helps send the ball in a wider arc or trajectory, instead of simply serving it in a straight line.

The curve of the ball in flight helps to confuse your opponent, increasing the chances that he or she will miss the shot.

To create this curve, you need the right pickleball paddle. Working on your spin also helps to improve accuracy, as you need more control to master the amount of spin that you put on the shots.

Most players agree that the texture of the paddle face makes the biggest difference. With a little more texture, the paddle provides more grip. The extra grip keeps the ball from sliding on the surface of the paddle, giving you more control to add spin.

However, there is a lot more to consider. First, you should compare some of the top contenders for the best pickleball paddle for spin.

The Top 11 Pickleball Paddles for Better Spin

These are our top choices which cover every budget and play style. Some of these options are lightweight and well balanced, making them perfect for finesse players. There are also heavier options that help to deliver more power to your swings.

The most recommended pickleball rackets include:

1. Engage Encore Pro
2. ProLite CRUSH PowerSpin
3. ProLite Rebel PowerSpin Composite
4. Onix Composite Z5
5. Onix Graphite Z5
6. Head Radical Pro
7. Paddletek Bantam EX-L
8. Selkirk AMPED Epic
9. Selkirk Prime S2
10. Gamma Micron 2.0
11. Venom Pickleball Paddle

These are the best pickleball racquets for putting more spin on your swings, thanks to their superior materials and the technologies used to manufacture these paddles. Here is a closer look at each option.

Engage Encore Pro Review

The Encore Pro includes a polymer core, which limits the power, but provides more dampening. When combined with the advanced liquid graphite surface, you get superior spin control.

Pros and Cons

• Great combination of power and control
• The large sweet spot is more forgiving
• Quality grip for better comfort

The main advantage is the balance of this expertly-designed paddle. Engage Pickleball developed one of the most effective paddles for improved spin.

The paddle uses a polymer core, which reduces power and adds to your overall control. This is paired with the new liquid graphite surface and the optimal dimensions for a larger sweet spot. These features give you the control you need to work on your spin.

If you are searching for the best feel review of a paddle, this is the right choice. The Engage Encore Pro has a comfortable grip and excellent balance. You can play for hours without the grip getting slippery or uncomfortable.

There are no drawbacks to this paddle. The graphite surface, which is typically smooth, offers just enough texture for better spin.

It is also suitable for players of all skill levels, even if you do not want to focus on your spin. It has the balance, dimensions, and materials for accuracy and the polymer core for more power.

ProLite CRUSH PowerSpin Review

The CRUSH is one of the lighter options. With the lightweight version, the paddle weighs just 7.4 ounces. It is also slightly narrow, considering the standard 15.5-inch length.

Pros and Cons

• The large face offers more control
• Advanced polymer core is approved for quiet zones
• Durable design should last for a long time
• Features a unique and stylish design
• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

This paddle features a larger face, which gives you more control over the ball and a larger area to avoid missing the ball. The polymer core adds to the accuracy of your shots and creates a quieter sound when the ball strikes the paddle.

The CRUSH is also backed by a limited lifetime warranty, letting you know that ProLite trusts the quality of their paddles.

The durable construction and design elements ensure that this paddle should last for a long time. It even has a micro edge guard to protect the paddle without adding a thick lip around the edge.  Check out the in-depth comparison guide between all ProLite Paddle options here.

ProLite Rebel PowerSpin Composite Review

The Rebel is just a little longer compared to the Crush and the edges are rounder. Despite these differences, it is only 1/16-inch narrower.

Pros and Cons

• A lightweight option for players that want more control
• Long paddle design offers more reach
• Includes a comfortable, contoured grip
• The thicker handle may not suit all players

The polymer core and fiberglass surface gives you phenomenal control over the ball. If you want to add topspin or backspin to any serve or swing, this is one of your best options.

The rounded edges and longer body offer one of the largest sweet spots that you will find. The more forgiving surface makes this a fantastic option for beginners or those that are just starting to practice their spin technique.

There is just one issue to consider before selecting this paddle. It has a thicker handle, measuring 4.5 inches.

If you have small hands, you may struggle to maintain a firm grip on the paddle. However, the grip is also contoured for added comfort. For those with large enough hands, the handle should feel right at home in your grip.

Onix Composite Z5 Review

The extra weight is provided by the Nomex core. It is a heavy, dense material with smaller honeycombs. It is also one of the most durable core options.

Pros and Cons

• Features a wider body for more control
• The wider body also limits overall power
• The heavier paddle may quickly tire you out
• The heavier weight also adds power

Each primary feature of the Onix Composite Z5 contradicts the previous feature. It has design elements that add power and then takes it away to give you more control. With these details, Onix created a paddle with exceptional balance.

You get good ball control and a comfortable grip. The handle is a little long, but not too long for playing with one hand.

Just keep in mind that the wider body gives the paddle more resistance against the wind. The wind resistance and the added weight of the paddle may tire your arm quickly, especially if you play aggressively.

The Onix Composite Z5 is recommended for intermediate and advanced players that are used to heavier paddles. The extra weight takes a while to get used to.

Onix Graphite Z5 Review

The Graphite Z5 has the same dimensions and core material found in the Onix Composite Z5. With the graphite surface, it is lighter compared to the other option. Weighing almost a full ounce less, the graphite version is a great choice if the composite paddle is too heavy for your needs.

Pros and Cons

• Suited for beginners and advanced players
• Offers an optimal balance of power and accuracy
• Available in a variety of colors and stylish designs
• Includes a five-inch handle for extra reach
• The wider design increases wind resistance

The Onix Graphite Z5 is built for power, due to the graphite face and Nomex core. However, Onix managed to keep the weight of this paddle to 7.5 ounces for the lighter version and 8.2 ounces for the heavier version. They also added a little texture to the surface to help with grip.

The result is a better balance of power and control. The only issue that you may experience is with wind resistance. The wider design makes the paddle less aerodynamic.

When you swing the paddle, you can sometimes feel the wind keeping you from delivering a full-strength swing. However, skilled players can account for this difference and adjust their play style. For a detailed comparison between all Onix Pickleball Paddles, options check out this review guide.

Head Radical Pro Review

The Extreme Spin Texture Fiberglass Surface was made for more spin and control. It has a little more grip compared to a typical composite surface, which is already more textured compared to graphite.

Pros and Cons

• Extra-long paddle adds reach
• New Extreme Spin Texture surface
• Unique shape offers more control
• Available at an affordable price
• The shape limits the sweet spot
• Includes large edge guards

Head is not a well-known name in the pickleball industry. For a relative newcomer, they made a decent paddle. It has an extra-long length, measuring 16-inches. This gives the paddle a little extra reach.

It also has the new Extreme Spin Texture surface. It gives you the grip you need for more spin. The main features are all designed for superior control and spin, limiting the overall power of the paddle.

Another potential issue is the shape of the paddle. While it improves accuracy, it limits the size of the sweet spot, due to the partial tear-drop shape.

To protect the paddle, Head added large edge guards. Some people do not mind the larger guards. The drawback is that they can catch the ball. If you hit the ball near or on the edge, the ball is likely to get away from you.

In the end, the drawbacks may not impact everyone. The edge guards are not a problem if you have decent accuracy. Some of these issues are also balanced by the lower cost of the paddle.

Paddletek Bantam EX-L Review

When you first look at the Bantam EX-L, it does not look like anything special. However, hidden behind the surface is the advanced ProPolyCore. This polymer core was developed to provide dampening for noise and vibration.

Pros and Cons

• Improved control and accuracy
• Larger sweet spot
• Vibration reduction reduces wear
• Solid dimensions and weight

Polymer cores are typically made to increase the power of the paddle. They are dense and add weight. However, this polymer core was specially designed for increased dampening.

The main benefit of improved dampening is less vibration. It wears on your shoulder less, allowing you to maintain a consistent level of intensity throughout the match.

The paddle also has the perfect dimensions and rounded edges for a larger sweet spot. These details dramatically increase accuracy compared to inferior paddles.

The larger sweet spot is another beneficial feature for improved spin on the ball. This gives you a larger area on the surface of the paddle to hit the ball without losing accuracy.

This is also the paddle used by gold medal-winner Kyle Yates, who is currently considered one of the best pickleball players. It is USAPA-approved and champion-approved, ensuring that you get a quality paddle that you can win matches with.

Selkirk AMPED Epic Review

The Epic is a best-selling paddle and the top-of-the-line option from Selkirk. This company is dedicated to the sport and has created some of the greatest paddles available. With the Epic, you get the advanced technology used in the latest line of AMPED paddles.

Pros and Cons

• Long handle offers more reach
• High-end construction and materials
• Designed for power and control
• Fiberglass surface gives you more control
• Comes with a limited lifetime warranty

If you want more reach, you should like the longer handle. However, the extra length can impact control, as it requires more wrist strength, especially when playing one-handed.

The main benefit of choosing the Selkirk AMPED Epic paddle is the quality of the construction. The craftsmanship of these paddles stands out compared to many of the competitors. These paddles are built to last and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Selkirk built this paddle to provide a good balance of power and control. The polymer core offers the power that you need, while the fiberglass surface increases the accuracy and grip.

It is hard to find any disadvantages to using this paddle. If you are determined to find something wrong, you may complain about the price. Keep in mind that spending a few extra dollars is often worth it, as these higher priced paddles tend to last longer.

Selkirk Prime S2 Review

The handle on the Epic is 5.25-inches, making it one of the longest handles available. The S2 features a standard 4.5-inch handle, which should be easier for most people to control.

Pros and Cons

• Contoured grip offers more comfort
• The rounded edges give the paddle a larger sweet spot
• Includes high-quality materials
• Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
• May cost more than you want to spend

Selkirk knows how to make a quality paddle. They add small features that players enjoy, such as the contoured grips found on this paddle. The grip is comfortable, ensuring that you maintain a firm hold on the paddle throughout matches.

The paddle also has rounded edges. While it has the same dimensions as the Epic, the rounded edges increase the sweet spot, making this a suitable option for beginners.

Like the AMPED Epic paddle, the Prime S2 costs a little more. If you are a beginner, you may not want to spend as much on your first paddle. However, you get what you pay for. The design, material, and construction are all superb. We have also covered a detailed review and comparison guide between all Selkirk Pickleball Paddles options here.

Gamma Micron 2.0 Review

The Nomex core is often used when you want more weight and power, which is what you get with the Micron 2.0. It has a good balance of power and control, weighing between 7.5 ounces and 8.8 ounces.

Pros and Cons

• Affordable paddle for better spin and control
• Includes a Nomex core for added control
• Slightly narrow design brings more power
• The narrow design may limit your accuracy

The Gamma Micron 2.0 uses an Aramid Honeycomb core. It is designed to increase power without sacrificing too much control. However, Gamma also decided to use a narrower design.

The narrow design makes the paddle more aerodynamic, allowing you to cut through the air with each swing. While this increases the power of your swings, it can also affect your accuracy.

Other features include the four-inch handle and durable edge guard. With the shorter handle, it becomes easier to control the paddle with your wrist, which helps counter the limited control.

In the end, it is a solid choice for those that want balance at a lower price. Just keep in mind that it is a little bit narrow and may provide too much power for those that are just getting into the sport.

Venom Pickleball Paddle Review

The tear-drop shape is designed to give you more control over the ball. It also has an extremely long handle, which can increase or decrease your accuracy, depending on your play style.

Pros and Cons

• Tear-drop shape provides extra control
• Head-heavy design brings more power
• The longer handle may help or hurt your game

The paddle includes features that offer both power and control. Like most of the paddles discussed, the manufacturer tries to balance these features while giving you a paddle for better spin.

With the Venom, the paddle is head heavy. The extra weight toward the tip of the paddle delivers more power on your overhand swings but may limit your power for underhand swings.

The longer handle is also a pro or con. If you play two-handed or need the extra reach, the longer handle is a great feature. However, if you play single-handed or have weaker wrists, the extra length is not necessary and may impact your control and overall accuracy.

This paddle is best suited for intermediate and advanced players. It takes practice to master the control of the paddle, which is needed to get the best performance from this product.

How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddle for Spin

If you want more spin, you need the right gear. Even the best pickleball player in the world needs a suitable paddle to remain the best.

Here is a quick buyer’s guide to choosing the best pickleball paddle for spin. When comparing options, focus on these features:

• Surface material
• Shape and dimensions
• Core material
• Grip size and length
• Overall quality

Surface Material

Before you buy pickleball paddle equipment, you should compare features. To put more spin in your serves, the surface of the paddle is the most important feature.

As more players are interested in adding spin, manufacturers have started developing spin control technology. They have released new surfaces that provide just the right texture for gripping the ball, including:

• Liquid graphite from Engage Pickleball
• SPINtac fiberglass from ProLite
• Extreme Spin Texture fiberglass from Head

The liquid graphite surface material created by Engage Pickleball offers more texture. The added texture helps grip the ball, allowing you to add just the right amount of spin.

Graphite is rarely recommended for better spin. It offers a smoother surface, which limits the ability of the paddle surface to grip the ball. However, the liquid graphite used by Engage Pickleball is a little rougher compared to other graphite paddles.

The spin control technologies used by ProLite and Head use fiberglass surfaces, which are also called composite surfaces.

With the SPINtac fiberglass from ProLite, the surface almost grabs the ball. You get a surface for optimal spin control over a quality polymer core. ProLite also includes a five-year warranty against dead spots, ensuring that you get a paddle that is built to last.

The Head Pickleball Paddles use “Extreme Spin Texture,” which is used with fiberglass material. It performs a lot like the SPINtac fiberglass used in the ProLite paddles and features a thicker core for more weight and power.

Carbon fiber is another material that is occasionally used for paddle surfaces. While carbon fiber offers superior control compared to other materials, it is also the most expensive. They also weigh more, which makes them best suited for power shots.

Shape and Dimensions

The pickleball paddle dimensions directly determine the size and position of the sweet spot. When you want to give the ball more spin, you need to ensure that you hit it on the sweet spot of the paddle.

After years of research, the top players tend to agree that the standard pickleball dimensions provide the largest sweet spot. With a width close to eight inches and a length around 15 inches, you get the best overall shape for creating a larger area for hitting the ball.

However, longer, wider, or oblong paddles also have their own advantages. With a longer paddle or an oblong paddle, you tend to get more reach. The extra reach is useful for high-intensity games where you need to cover more of the pickleball court.

With a wider paddle, you get less reach and a wider hitting area. This tends to give you more control of the ball and is recommended for dink shots. If you play near the net, this is a good option.

Core Material

Pickleball rackets are made with an interior material called the core. The core provides varying levels of cushioning and bounce. With a firmer core, you get less power and a louder pop when you hit the ball.

The three main options include:

• Nomex cores
• Aluminum cores
• Polymer cores

Nomex cores are hard, due to their smaller honeycombs. They also produce more noise when you hit the ball. While they offer less power, they provide superior control.

Aluminum cores have smaller honeycombs, such as Nomex cores. The aluminum material is incredibly lightweight, resulting in a lighter paddle. With a lighter paddle, you get less power and more control. However, these cores also dent easily and provide more kickback when receiving the ball.

Polymer cores have the largest honeycombs, creating a softer material. They offer more bounce, quieter action, and more power.

These cores traditionally offer less control, but the latest polymer cores from the top manufacturers are more balanced. In fact, all the paddles reviewed feature polymer cores.

Grip Size and Length

The grip size and length are also important for spin shots. Adding spin often requires wrist action. If you do not have a good grip on the paddle, you cannot maintain control.

The right grip depends on your hand size and playing style. With smaller hands, you will want a thinner grip. The typical sizes range between 4 inches and 4.75 inches. However, the 4-1/8-inch grip size is often the smallest you will find for adult paddles.

The average adult uses a 4.25 to 4.5-inch grip, but the length can vary. Shorter grips are closer to four inches while longer grips may reach over five inches. With a longer grip, you get more reach, but limited control of the paddle. If you have small hands then check out our recommended list of light pickleball paddles which covers the best paddles with small grips.

Overall Quality

The final consideration is the quality of the paddles. While it is hard to determine the quality without testing the paddles for yourself, you can rely on pickleball paddles for spin reviews.

The paddles discussed include the best options. They are made by trusted pickleball equipment manufacturers and used by some of the best pickleball players. if you are a player who looks to have more control than go lighter. Check out our top picks for good paddles for control.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickle Ball Paddles

You may still have a few questions about finding the right pickleball racket. People often ask, “where can I find pickleball equipment near me?” or “is pickleball serve spin legal?”

The following answers to frequently asked questions should address any of your concerns.

Where can I buy pickleball paddles near me?

If you want to know where to buy pickleball paddles, you have quite a few options. However, can find the best deals and convenient shipping options online. This saves you the hassle of trying to find a local store that sells pickleball equipment.

Besides paddles, you may need other gear. While some brick and mortar sports stores sell pickleball paddles and balls, it is still difficult to find a variety of options in most local areas.

Unless pickleball has become popular in your region, you may need to stick with online stores.

What else do you need to get more spin from your shots?

The pickleball paddles that you use may help with spin, but you also need to have the right technique. In fact, most players recommend that you avoid adding spin until you can deliver accurate shots.

Adding spin is not a technique that comes quickly. If you feel that you are ready to add spin to your swings, you need to work on your form. Practice serving shots with more spin and pay attention to the curve. With more practice, you will get better at delivering just the right amount of spin for every shot.

It also takes practice to make your spins look natural, to keep your opponent from guessing the trajectory of the ball. As you get more skilled at this technique, you will also learn to read your opponent and detect the direction of his or her spin.

Is it legal to add spin when serving the ball?

The International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) governs the pickleball rules, including rules related to serves. Without getting technical, the easiest answer is that spin is legal. It is only illegal if your movement violates one of the rules related to serving.

For example, when serving, you need to use an underhand motion and hit the ball below waist level. This is difficult to do with a topspin, as you need to strike high. If you are not careful, your serve may get called for illegal movement.

A backspin serve is less risky but requires more practice. You need to get the ball rotating backward with a high to low strike.

What is the liquid grip for pickleball paddles?

If you search for liquid grip, you will likely find liquid grip enhancers. These are sprays that you can spray on the grip of racquets to make the grip less slippery.

While you can use these products on your pickleball racquet, liquid grip typically refers to liquid graphite.

Liquid graphite is the new spin control technology developed by Engage Pickleball for their Elite Pro paddle. As mentioned in the reviews, this technology helps create more grip, making it easier to add spin.

Why should you avoid using spin with every shot?

Spin is meant to provide an advantage by making it harder for your opponent to follow the path of the ball. If you use it every time, your opponent is likely to read your shots, limiting the benefits of the spin shot.

Adding spin is also riskier, as it requires more control of the ball. If you have not mastered your technique and accuracy, adding spin increases the chances of the ball going out of bounds.

Who is currently the best pickleball player?

If you search for Kyle Yates Pickleball, you will find the Facebook page of the current ranking champion. At just 23 years old, Kyle has won numerous gold medals in official pickleball tournaments. You should start calling him Kyle Pickle Ball, as he has been playing since he was 15.

His dedication shows that mastering the game does not come quickly. If you want to deliver the best-come shots with spin, you need to practice.

Last Thoughts on Finding the Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin

Pickleball players frequently talk about spin, but what is it? While the word “spin” is used in pickleball discussion, it is not easy to find answers.

If you search online for spin, you are likely to find Spin Inc Portal or Spin Portal, which are businesses and nonprofits that have nothing to do with pickleball.

Spin control is your ability to change the rotation of the ball. Placing more spin allows you to control the trajectory of the ball in flight, making it more difficult for your opponent to follow the path.

What paddle is the best pickleball paddle for improved spin control? The answer to this question is also not easy. There are many great options, including the 11 paddles reviewed. They offer the surface that you need to grip the ball and deliver more spin.

These paddles also give you a wide range of weights, dimensions, and surfaces to consider. To choose the right pickleball racquet, consider your play style.

If you want more power, choose one of the paddles with more weight, such as Onix Composite Z5 Paddle. For those that want to work on their accuracy before becoming XL backspin pros, consider using the ProLite Crush PowerSpin Paddle. For all-around performance, including spin, power, and control, the Engage Encore Pro remains the top pick.

In the end, adding spin should not be a priority for new players. It is a technique intended for intermediate and advanced players that want to improve their strategy.

If you are ready to start using spin, make sure that you have a suitable paddle. The paddles reviewed are suited for different styles of play and cover different budgets.

Remember to choose a paddle that is the right weight and size for your comfort. With practice, you may become an expert at adding spin to your shots.