When you are looking for a competitive edge, buying a great pickleball paddle can really make a big difference. Finding the best pickleball paddle for you is going to allow you to play to your full potential. There are many amazing graphite pickleball paddles on the market today. Most people agree that graphite paddles are among the very best in the world so many serious players wind up going with graphite.
Top 10 Graphite Pickleball Paddles In 2023
In this guide, I will be discussing the very best graphite pickleball paddles for 2023. All of the options that I will be discussing in the guide are incredible in their own ways. Even so, it is important to pay attention to the differences. Some paddles are going to be perfect for certain types of players but may not mesh well with all play styles.
If you use this review and comparison guide to its full potential, then you will be able to find a guide that helps you to get the most out of your pickleball experience. This is a great game that many people absolutely love. It makes sense to want to have the very best paddle possible so read on and get the necessary information so that you can buy your ideal paddle.
Niupipo Graphite Pickleball Paddle
- USAPA Approved
- Honeycomb Core Provides Strength & Power
- Graphite Carbon Fiber Facing
- Premium Grib Structure
One of the top-rated pickleball paddles that are worth your consideration is the Amarey Graphite Pickleball Paddle. This is an option that manages to be lightweight and durable at the same time. There are many benefits to having a lightweight pickleball paddle to play with. It feels very well-balanced in your hands and you will have no problem maneuvering it to make those difficult shots.
Part of the good durability of this paddle is due to it having a very high-quality edge guard. The edge guard on this paddle keeps it safe from impacts and you should be able to use it for a very long time. It has a good balance of providing protection and staying out of the way too. The edge guard is slim enough that it should not become a problem when it comes to mishits or messing up a shot.
You will also love the premium handle of this pickleball paddle. This paddle features a handle that has a perfect balance between size and comfort. It has a 4.5” grip size which should work perfectly for most people. The grip feels very natural and it is as comfortable to use as it can possibly be. One of the best features of this handle is that it is sweat-absorbent and cushioned, making it an ideal option for long and heated matches.
The graphite face of this paddle is superb as well. It is going to make it easy to make contact with the ball and you should be able to put your shots wherever you need them to go. This is a very appealing option for beginners as it is very easy to use this paddle to its full potential. This is a simple paddle to wield and it can make the game more fun for anyone who decides to purchase it.
The paddle makes use of a honeycombed polymer core to provide players with a premium experience. This core is fantastic for players who want to get a good pop on their shots. The feel of this paddle is great and you will be able to rely on it to help you make great shots. The construction of this paddle is definitely top-notch.
Also, this paddle comes with a pickleball paddle cover. This is a nice little convenience that makes it an even better purchase. This paddle will appeal to both veterans and beginners alike. It is a solid option that has many positive qualities.
Pros
- It manages to be both lightweight and durable at the same time
- It comes with a high-quality pickleball paddle cover
- It is good for getting pop
- It is great for beginners due to being easy to handle
- The premium handle is comfortable and perfect in size
- It comes with a good edge guard that does not get in the way
Cons
- It is not ideal for spin shots
- There are no real style options to choose from
Selkirk Amped Epic Pickleball Paddle (light-weight)
The AMPED Epic comes in two weight ranges. You can choose between midweight and lightweight versions. No matter which size you choose, it uses a high-quality polypropylene polymer core and a FiberFlex fiberglass face. The main features include:
- Weighs 7.9 to 8.3 ounces
- 15 3/4-inches long
- 8 inches wide
- 4 1/4-inch grip
- Polymer core
- FiberFlex fiberglass surface
Selkirk is one of the most famous names when it comes to making quality pickleball paddles. This offering is definitely no exception. Those who are looking for a paddle that will give them a great combination of power and control will love this one. It is among the most popular pickleball graphite paddles on the market for a good reason.
To start off, you should know that this pickleball paddle has been completely tested and approved by the USAPA. This means that this paddle is a very popular option among professional players and those who participate in competitive pickleball matches. This particular paddle is used by many professional players around the world. The fact that it has so many endorsements makes it easy to see how great this paddle truly is.
One of the best aspects of this paddle is that it has a very large sweet spot. Selkirk dubs the enhanced sweet spot design their new amped technology. The large sweet spot makes it easy to get fantastic contact with the ball. This is a very responsive paddle that will give you a good experience while playing the games.
It is also important to mention the high-quality X5 polypropylene polymer core that this paddle makes use of. This core design is thicker than many others and this helps to amplify certain aspects of its performance. The power and control of this paddle are absolutely fantastic. You will be able to put the ball where you want it to go while still being able to enjoy having a good power game.
Overall, this is a pickleball paddle that has relatively few weaknesses. When it comes to buying a paddle that is an overall good choice for most players, this is one of the premier options available to you. The face of the paddle makes it easy to make contact with the ball and just about anyone is going to have a good time with this paddle. Some players may prefer a paddle that focuses more on power or more on control but this offers a great balance.
Pros
- It offers great overall balance
- It has a very large sweet spot
- It offers a fantastic combination of power and control
- It is easy to make contact with the ball
- It is USAPA-approved and popular among professionals
Cons
- Certain players may prefer an option that focuses on power
- Other players may want a pure control pickleball paddle instead
- It is not the best paddle for spin shots
Champion Graphite Pickleball Paddle
- Aramid Honeycomb Diamond Core
- Unified Precision Graphite Face
- Lightweight & balanced
- XL head size
Many pickleball paddles wind up trying to advertise that they are capable of providing players with the right balance of control and power. Of all of the paddles on the list, this offering from Champion may have the best balance of power and control. Graphite paddles are lightweight so they are only going to be able to be so powerful. Even so, this paddle has very good power that is going to work well with the overall control of the paddle to provide players with a balanced experience.
This paddle has a very good graphite face that allows you to put the ball where you need it to go. This is a high-quality option that has been meticulously designed. It also has a Nomex honeycomb core that works well to help your accuracy. It has good shock absorbance and makes it easier to maintain control of the ball.
The grip options that this paddle brings to the table also need to be discussed. This paddle allows you to choose between a 4” thin grip or a 4.25” cushioned grip. Both options are good but you will likely prefer one over the other. Depending on the size of your hands and your style of play, you will want to either go for the cushioned grip or stick with the thin option.
You will be able to take advantage of the extra-large head size of this paddle. Champion has managed to maximize the playing surface with this design. It helps you to make contact with the ball easier and it keeps you from having to deal with mishits so often. Combined with the benefits of the graphite face, you will be enjoying stellar touch and can even put spin on the ball easily.
The style of this paddle may not be as appealing as some of the other paddles that have been shown in the guide. This has a very traditional look that comes across as a bit generic in some ways. It does have several color options but it doesn’t have the eye-catching appeal that many people want. This has nothing to do with the performance of the paddle, though, so it shouldn’t be seen as a reason to avoid buying this one.
Pros
- It is very lightweight
- It is one of the best options for balanced players
- There are two grip options to choose from
- The extra-large head size maximizes the playing surface
- It is great for putting a spin on the ball
Cons
- It lacks the durability of some other paddles in this guide
- The look of this paddle is a bit generic
ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
The Onix Graphite Z5 Paddle is the graphite version of the previous pickleball paddle. It has the same great balance and honeycomb core, but with a graphite face instead of composite. Here is a closer look at the main features:
- Weighs 7.5 to 8.2 ounces
- 15 1/2-inches long
- 8 1/4-inches wide
- 4 1/4-inch grip
- Nomex core
- Graphite surface
The Z5 pickleball paddle is actually the most popular one in the entire ONIX line. This has become one of the premier pickleball paddle options for those who wish to buy a graphite paddle. When you compare pickleball paddles, you will see that this one has many advantages. It has become so prominent for a reason as it performs admirably during play.
Any player who wants to purchase a paddle that will help him or her to have superior ball control is going to enjoy this one. It is an excellent touch paddle that will work well for gaining an advantage during heated matches. You can feel in control at all points during a game. This paddle is going to be great for rallying and it performs nicely when returning just about any type of shot.
The wide paddle shape winds up giving players more surface to work with when trying to hit the ball. It has become a preferred option for many players. Being that this is a paddle with a graphite surface, it is also going to work well to provide players with pop. Being able to get good pop off of the face is a great thing so you may wind up preferring this paddle simply due to that.
Finesse players are going to really enjoy this paddle. It feels easy to maneuver and it is capable of accurately putting the ball where you need it to go. If this fits your play style, then this is an easy paddle to recommend. It helps that this paddle is also very cost-effective.
People who are looking for a quiet pickleball paddle will really like this option too. It is among the quietest options that is being showcased in this guide. It is going to be a practical paddle for anyone who needs to keep the noise levels to a minimum. This is possible due to the nomex honeycomb core.
You will also like the fact that this paddle has many style options available. It looks nice and you can choose from quite a few different color variations. This is a striking paddle to look at and just about anyone would be proud to own one. If it looks good to you, then consider picking this one up.
Pros
- Very quiet paddle
- Excellent ball control
- Light weight and ease of maneuverability
- Many style options
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Lacking in the power department
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pickleball Paddle
The Paddletek Tempest Wave is at the top of the list of options. It is a popular paddle that offers the following features:
- 16-inches long
- 8-inches wide
- 4.25-inch grip size
- 5-inch handle
- ProPolyCore core material
- Graphite facing
This is actually the very first graphite paddle that Paddletek has brought to the market. As you may know, Paddletek is a great pickleball paddle manufacturer. They offer customers a large number of different paddle options and have a commitment to producing great paddles. This is a very good offering that actually manages to outdo many companies that have been producing graphite paddles for years.
The graphite face on this paddle is one of the best aspects of it. It is extremely responsive and you are going to be able to pop off shots quickly. This can be the perfect paddle when you want to play a very fast-paced game of pickleball. It is among the best options to consider when you want to maintain a quick pace so this paddle makes sense for players who use speed to their advantage.
You will also see that this is another fairly quiet option. It uses a polymer core that will not make much noise when you make contact with the ball. This does mean that the power is only going to be so-so but many people like this the way that it is. It is perfect for those who want to play a control-style game.
It also needs to be said that this is a paddle that will appeal to former tennis players quite a bit. The handle is much longer than many of the other paddles in this guide. It comes in at 5.25” in length. A longer handle feels more natural for a tennis player to use, making it easier to adapt for those coming in from a tennis background.
This paddle has a medium grip tack and it also comes in several different grip styles. You will be able to choose from cushioned, ribbed, perforated, and stitched. Having more options to choose from is always a good thing. You will be able to pick whichever one suits you the best and the paddle will be more comfortable for you because of it.
One potential negative is that this paddle is not as durable as some of the other options. It is not incredibly fragile or anything but it may show signs of wear after being used for many months. Keep this in mind when making your purchasing decision. If you are rough on pickleball paddles, then another option may wind up being more appealing to you.
Pros
- It is a quiet paddle
- It offers excellent responsiveness
- It allows players to pop off shots
- The long handle appeals to former tennis players
- There are many grip styles to choose from
Cons
- It only has so-so power
- The durability is not amazing
Rally NX Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The Rally NX is the second graphite paddle from Pickleball Central. It shares some features with the Power 2.0 paddle, along with several notable differences. Here are its main features:
- 4⅛ inch grip size
- 5 inch grip length
- Weighs 7.7-ounces
- 15¾ inches long
- 8⅛ inches wide
- Nomex honeycomb core
- Graphite face
The Rally graphite pickleball paddle is going to appeal to several types of players. This paddle makes use of a graphite face and a durable Nomex honeycomb core. It does not dent or has any issues that will keep it from lasting a long time. This should be a paddle that you can use for many games without having to worry about it getting dinged up.
The graphite surface allows you to make shots very easily too. You will feel in control of the ball and can use your technique to place the ball anywhere. It is also good at helping you pull off pop shots.
You will be able to enjoy a good range of different weight options too. The paddles range in weight between 7.4 ounces and 8ounces. You should have no trouble finding the perfect weight to make use of. If you want a bit more maneuverability, then going lighter may be a good idea.
The extra-large head size is another important part of what makes this a special paddle. This paddle has a wide face that gives you a big surface area to use. It should be very simple to make contact with the ball when you use this paddle. You will also have a bigger sweet spot to make use of.
Having a bigger sweet spot gives you more options to consider. You will be able to make shots that you otherwise may have missed out on with another paddle. The sweet spot on this paddle feels really great and it will be perfect for competitive matches. Anyone who wants a reliable paddle will find this one to be a good fit.
The Rally NX has a 4.25” grip size as well. This is very comfortable and never feels as if it is going to slip. The handle grip has been made with a perforated design. It is very ergonomic and is also cushioned to make it easier to use for longer periods of time.
Pros
- The grip is both perforated and cushioned for your comfort
- It has a big sweet spot
- The head is extra large
- It offers perfect paddle weight options
- It is a durable paddle that will never dent or have problems
Cons
- Decent power at best
Gamma Classic 1.0 Pickleball Paddles
- Graphite and fiberglass composite face
- Developed with cutting edge innovations
- Super responsive and offers remarkable feedback
You may be familiar with the Gamma voltage pickleball paddle. The Gamma Classic 1.0 shows you that you can count on this brand to always produce paddles that are top-notch. This is perfect for any pickleball player who wants a paddle that is lightweight and easy to use. This paddle is fast enough to give you a significant advantage over the competition.
The graphite face of the paddle provides you with exceptional touch and feel. You will be able to really get in there and make some skilled shots if you want to. The way the graphite face interacts with the ball makes it easy to control the trajectory of your shots. Any control player is going to think that this paddle is a good fit.
Another positive thing about this paddle is that it is among the more durable options that is represented in this guide. It has a reinforced live periphery frame. This helps to increase the durability at the edges while also eliminated dead spots. It is a practical paddle to use that also offers superior performance.
The flush fit bumper on the Gamma voltage is capable of increasing your hitting area by 30%. It gives you more room to hit the ball while helping you to avoid the dreaded mishits. You won’t have to deal with the edge guard getting in the way. This paddle has been designed very intelligently.
You will also see that this paddle has a unibody handle. The handle feels very solid when you are holding it and the stability is top-notch. This is another thing that helps the paddle to maintain its reputation as one of the most durable graphite pickleball paddles on the market. You should feel very comfortable while using this paddle due to the smart design of the handle.
The contoured grip really makes a big difference as well. It makes use of stitched ribbing and perforations in order to give you greater gripping power. It is good at absorbing moisture too so it won’t start to feel slippery once your hands get too sweaty. It even has a cushioned surface so you will love the way that this paddle feels in your hands.
There are definitely not too many negative things to say about this pickle ball paddle. It does not have great power due to its lightweight nature. Also, the sweet spot is not really the greatest on this one. It is even considered to be somewhat of a small sweet spot by certain players.
Regardless, this is definitely a good pickleball paddle. It just needs to be chosen by a player who is going to make use of its capabilities. This is perfect for a control player or for a player who likes to use speed techniques. It should prove to be a good value for many players so keep this one in mind when you are on the hunt for a fast and lightweight graphite paddle.
Pros
- It is lightweight and fast
- It offers a very durable design
- The handle design is great
- It has a comfortable grip with good moisture absorption
- The flush fit bumper provides you with a greater hitting area
Cons
- Power is only okay
- It has a somewhat average or small sweet spot
XS XSPAK Graphite Pickleball Paddle Set
- Polymer honeycomb core absorbs impact and noise
- Comfortable perforated grip
- Lightly textured graphite face good for spin techniques
If you are in the market for a set of pickleball paddles, then this is going to be a particularly appealing option for you to consider. This offering from XS XSPAK gives you a set of two paddles. To add to this, you will also be getting a pickleball paddle cover to keep your paddles safe when they are not in use. This is a very good value and it is going to be one of the best options for beginners to consider.
Those who are looking to buy a set of paddles might be just starting out in their pickleball journey. If you want to get a paddle for yourself and one for a friend to use, then this is a perfect opportunity. You can get two quality paddles that will be good for both beginners and advanced players. These are really good paddles that will stand the test of time.
You will also be able to use these paddles for competitive or tournament play if you wish. They are fully tested and approved by the USAPA. They meet all of the necessary specifications for tournament play. If you have any aspirations of playing in local tournaments or pursuing any type of competitive pickleball dreams, then these paddles will prove to be a good investment.
Of course, this paddle has a graphite face and it is going to work really well for your needs. It really helps you to get precise control when you are making contact with the ball. This is a really solid paddle for players who like to control the game. If your play style is all about pinpoint accuracy, then this is going to be a very good investment for you.
You will also like the fact that this paddle is good for pop shots. If you want a paddle that can give you good pop, then you will be happy with this one. It has a polymer honeycomb core that is among the softest and quietest cores on the market too. This helps when you are playing in a country club or neighborhood that has strict noise level requirements.
The durability of this paddle is nice too. The edge guard really helps to keep it safe. It has a low profile too so it doesn’t get in your way. This protects your paddle while keeping mishits to a minimum.
One of the only real problems with this paddle is that it is not going to offer you great power. Due to its lightweight nature and softcore, it is not as powerful as some of the other options in this guide. This makes it great for control players but less than ideal for those who are all about the power game.
Pros
- It is great at pop shots
- It makes it easy to control where the ball goes
- It is very lightweight and quiet
- It is durable with a good low-profile edge guard
- It comes with a cover
- It is USAPA-approved for tournament play
Cons
- Not ideal for power players
Upstreet Graphite Pickleball Paddle
- Micro-dry smooth grip
- Polypropylene Honeycomb Composite
- Paddle Length: 15.75 inches
- Paddle Width: 7.75 inches
If you are looking for a lightweight and durable paddle, then this one should suit you very well. Upstreet has built up a reputation for being a reliable brand. They make many paddles that are top-tier while still managing to be affordably priced. This is the case for their graphite pickleball paddle that is being examined here too.
This has a polypropylene honeycomb core that allows it to strike a good balance between power and control. It should be able to work very well for players who are all about controlling where the ball goes. It has pretty good power but still couldn’t be considered a powerful paddle. It has good power for a paddle with such good control so the balance is impressive.
The core also has superb shock absorption capabilities. This allows you to stay in control of shots even more easily. You can be very accurate with this paddle and its lightweight nature keeps you from feeling fatigued too easily. It is a good paddle to use when you are going to be playing for a very long time.
One of the biggest reasons why people love this particular paddle is that it has a large sweet spot. This makes it a lot easier to complete those complex shots to perfection. It is going to be a very good paddle to own for players who are at least at an intermediate level. Many advanced players find this paddle to be a very good option too.
Having a good handle is imperative when you are choosing a pickleball paddle. Luckily, this one has a very comfortable handle that has a cushioned grip. It is even made out of sweat-absorbent material, allowing you to play hard without feeling as if the paddle is going to slip out of your hands.
You will also receive a complimentary neoprene pickleball paddle cover when you purchase this paddle. This helps you to keep your paddle protected when you are not playing. It is a good overall value that should appeal to many players. It is a responsive paddle that will work well for both casual play and competitive matches.
Pros
- It has a very good handle that is also sweat absorbent
- It comes with a complimentary neoprene paddle cover
- It is a very good option for control players.
- It is a pretty good balanced option with decent power
- The large sweet spot makes it easy to complete complex shots
- It offers superb shock absorption capabilities
Cons
- Too lightweight to be considered a great power option
- Not as durable as some of the other options on this list
Wolfe XL Graphite Pickleball Paddle Set
- Lightweight, durable and economical
- 3 Layered built includes fiberglass layer and then two Graphite layers on top of the fiberglass
- This paddle has an Edge Guard
Finally, this Wolfe XL graphite pickleball paddle set is another fantastic option for you to consider. This is going to be a very good purchase for anyone who is in need of multiple pickleball paddles. These two graphite paddles are very comfortable to use and they offer great performance. This is a cost-effective purchase to make that you will wind up being happy with.
The grips on these paddles are truly made with your comfort in mind. They feel very natural in your hands and make it a lot easier than it would otherwise be to play for long periods of time. Your hands will feel good even if you have been playing pickleball all day long. The padded grip is comfortable without sacrificing control so you will be able to make the precise movements that are necessary for competitive play.
It should also be noted that this paddle is oversized. It has an extra-large paddle head that is still approved by the USAPA for use in tournament play. It meets all of the necessary specifications so you can use this paddle with full confidence when you are a competitive player. Many serious pickleball players have taken to this set as a quality option that feels right.
This is a very lightweight paddle as well. It winds up feeling very maneuverable. If you want to have a paddle that is not going to feel cumbersome after several hours of play, then this one comes highly recommended. It is very easy to carry this one around without it being a big deal. It should not tire you out in any way, making this a very appealing option for many people.
Despite the lightweight nature of this paddle, it is actually very durable too. The durability of the paddle means that it will stand up to regular use without giving you any problems. It has the strength that you need in order to take care of business. It uses an aluminum honeycomb core and the design is definitely very good, allowing the impact of the ball to be distributed evenly among the different sections.
One potential downside is that these paddles are going to appeal a bit more to control players than power players. Even so, they are not bad in the power department. This is a pretty good overall graphite paddle to use. It is going to be a good option for most players to consider.
Pros
- It comes with two paddles and three pickleballs
- It is very lightweight
- It is incredibly durable due to having an aluminum honeycomb core
- The comfortable handle makes long play sessions more pleasant
- It is easy to control
- It has an oversized extra-large paddle head that is still approved by the USAPA
Cons
- It is not the best pick for power players
- It comes in limited style options
In Conclusion
All of the above pickleball paddles are going to be fantastic choices. The ultimate decision of which one to buy is going to be up to you. Which one of these paddles is going to work best for you will really come down to your personal preference. Some of the paddles are going to work better for certain purposes than they will for others.
Take your time to really dig into the information about each of these top pickleball paddles. They are all spectacular in their own way but one of them is sure to stand out as the right option for you. Depending on what type of a player you are, you may veer more toward an option with greater control or greater power potential. As long as you are picking an appropriate option for the way that you play the game, everything will be fine.
You will be able to continue to hone your pickleball skills and will have a fine pickleball paddle by your side. These graphite pickleball paddles reviews are simply a guide to help you get the most out of your experience. Get out there and have fun with your new pickleball paddle of choice. Whether you are a competitive player or you are just looking to have some fun, it’ll be easy to make 2023 a great year for pickleball.
