Premium pickleball paddles make good investments for competitive players and enthusiasts alike. If you are serious about playing a sport such as pickleball, you’re probably looking at all paddle options available in the market (there’s a lot, we know). And you’re probably looking for a paddle that can give you the right balance of style and substance.
In this article, we list the most expensive pickleball paddles. Keep scrolling to learn more about the different brands and their features.
What is the Most Expensive Pickleball Paddle?
The most expensive pickleball paddle today is from Selkirk. We’re talking about the Selkirk Labs Project 003, which we will be discussing in greater detail later on.
You might ask, why are some pickleball paddles more expensive than others? One thing that makes pickleball paddles expensive is the combination of craftsmanship, technology, and performance. We’re talking super-fancy carbon fiber that doesn’t just make the paddle strong but also makes it super light.
Some premium paddles are also customizable—you can tweak the grip to match your style, and the designs are like art you can play with.
Brands like JOOLA, Prokennex, and Selkirk are sought-after by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Some people are also hooked on paddles endorsed by top players, believing that certain paddles hold the keys to a player’s success.
Most Expensive Pickleball Paddles in the Market
We rounded up the most expensive pickleball paddles in the market today that are worth the cost of investment. Be sure to read through all the features thoroughly so you’ll be guided before purchasing one.
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ProKennex Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle
ProKennex has established itself as a brand known for innovation. You can count on them to produce high-performance sports equipment, and the Pro Flight is one of the most outstanding pickleball paddles from the brand. It is as big as any standard pickleball paddle, with a rectangular face. It’s part of ProKennex’s Flight Series, known to be more lightweight compared to ProKennex’s original releases.
The ProKennex Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle is a premium sports equipment designed for pickleball enthusiasts looking for superior performance and quality. Its relatively high price point is justified by the combination of innovative features, advanced materials, and the reputable ProKennex brand.
Features:
- Cloud Cell Core made to reduce the paddle’s weight
- Diamond Frost coating on the surface to resist wear while producing tons of spin
- Weight: 7.3 to 7.6 oz
- Uses Kinetic System technology, a special design that reacts evenly to the force when the ball hits the paddle, making it easier for those suffering from tennis elbow or other injuries
- Has well-defined, squared edges
- USAPA-approved
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Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS
Joola is a well-respected brand in the world of pickleball. They collaborated with professional player Ben Johns for the Hyperion CFS pickleball paddle.
Ben Johns has ranked number one in the world in three divisions and is widely considered to be the greatest pickleball player. If a brand collaborates with the world’s greatest athletes, it’s expected that people would want to own a piece of it.
Features:
- Uses Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) technology that utilizes a more advanced Carbon Flex-5 to give you raw power and maximum spin
- Has Hyperform Edge Wall, a specialized foam injected into the parameter of the paddle that adds weight and stability
- Has a paddle shape that provides a larger sweet spot for optimal hitting
- USAPA-approved pickleball for tournament play
- Average weight: 8 oz
- Available in 14 mm and 16 mm
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Joola Anna Bright Scorpeus Pickleball Paddle
This next paddle is another player-endorsed paddle. Anna Bright is a pickleball superstar who is known for her aggressive style of play. For this reason, you’ll find that the Joola Anna Bright Scorpeus Pickleball Paddle leans toward power. It has a 14mm Reactive Honeycomb Polymer core, which helps to deliver high-level power to any shot.
Features:
- Wrapped in JOOLA’s Sure Grip with 5.25” handle to add swing speed
- Charged Carbon Surface Technology, an additive bonding treatment made to strengthen the paddle and create a quicker response, resulting in impressive pop for counteracting fast shots
- Has a fully encased carbon-framed design for increased strength and durability
- Feel-tec Pure Grip to provide comfort and increased shock absorption
- The average weight of 7.8 oz helps you reload and play effective defense
- USAPA-approved
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Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta
Dubbed the “optimal paddle for power and spin” by Selkirk, the Vanguard Power Air Invikta features technology unique to this pickleball paddle. It even has several designs you can choose from.
If you are a power player, this pickleball paddle is for you. Aside from delivering power and full control, the Vanguard Power Air Invikta features a larger sweet spot than traditional power paddles. According to Selkirk, this is their most aerodynamic paddle. Professional player Tyson McGuffin also uses this.
Features:
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Boasts Prospin+ NextGen Texture—a Selkirk technology that generates more spin than any technology on the market, providing long-lasting maximum spin surface
- Quadflex 4-layer Hybrid Face—two layers of Fiberflex and two layers of Quantum+ carbon for extra power and control
- Supercore Polymer Honeycomb Core for a consistent and familiar feel
- Mid-weight range: 7.7 to 8.1 oz
- Grip circumference: 4 ¼”
- USAPA-approved
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Engage Pursuit Pro Ultra EX 6.0
The latest pickleball paddle from Engage Pickleball is their most advanced ever. It uses technologies and new innovations that make this paddle a choice for many professionals, including Jessie Irvine, Dekel Bar, Yates Johnson, Hunter Johnson, Darrian Young, Yana Newell, and Alix Truong, to name a few.
The Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 is known to be the most responsive paddle in the market, thanks to its combination of graphite skin and ‘black’ core.
Features:
- Raw T700 carbon fiber skin to add grabbing power and longevity of the equipment
- Vortex Barrier Edge Technology—a composite injected for weight distribution and vibration control
- Uniform Guard Technology bonds the edge guard and paddle for an overall improved force distribution
- Thick core for maximum control and feel
- USAPA-approved
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Selkirk Labs Project 003
The Selkirk Labs Project 003 has a 20 mm core, the thickest core you’ll find in a paddle today. The paddle features an innovative polypropylene core that is designed to optimize both power and control.
This advanced core technology enhances the paddle’s responsiveness, allowing players to execute a wide range of shots with precision. It has a PolyFlex Composite Face that provides a balance of power and touch, allowing players to strike a chord between aggressive shots and finesse plays near the net.
The Project 003 is a result of Selkirk Labs’ commitment to research and development. The paddle is backed by performance feedback and data, ensuring that it is designed to cater to the needs and preferences of serious players.
Features:
- Textured Surface Technology that contributes to improved grip and ball control
- Largest sweet spot of all Selkirk technologies
- Provides maximum spin
- Designed with an extended length, which can enhance reach and maneuverability on the court
- Advanced Polypropylene Core designed to optimize both power and control
- USAPA-approved
Are Expensive Pickleball Paddles Worth It?
The value of expensive pickleball paddles depends on your personal preferences, skill level, and budget. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether an expensive pickleball paddle is worth it for you:
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Performance
High-end paddles often offer advanced technologies, materials, and design features that can enhance your gameplay. You’ll have better ball control, power, spin, and overall responsiveness. Investing in a quality paddle might be beneficial if you’re a competitive player looking for that edge.
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Skill Level
Your skill level matters. Advanced players can better appreciate the nuances of a high-end paddle’s performance capabilities than beginners. If you’re a beginner, an expensive paddle might only offer significant advantages once you’ve developed your skills more.
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Budget
Expensive paddles are a significant investment. Consider how much you’re willing to spend on a pickleball paddle, compared to your overall budget for the sport. You might also want to invest in pickleball shoes, balls, and other items. If that’s the case, know that you can find cheaper paddles with good performance elsewhere.
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Play Style
Your play style matters too. Different paddles cater to different play styles. Some prioritize control, power, or finesse. Make sure the paddle you’re looking at aligns with your preferred play style.
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Testing
If possible, try out paddles before purchasing. Many clubs, sports stores, or pickleball events offer demo paddles that you can use to get a feel for different models. This can help you determine whether the features of an expensive paddle suit your playing style and preferences.
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Durability
Expensive paddles often use high-quality materials that can lead to better durability. Cheaper paddles might wear out faster and need replacement sooner, potentially costing you more in the long run.
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Brand Reputation
Established brands that produce expensive paddles often have a reputation for quality and performance. While this doesn’t guarantee a perfect product, it can indicate reliability.
Conclusion
Whether expensive pickleball paddles are worth it depends on your individual circumstances. It’s always good practice to do some research, read reviews, and try out different paddles to determine which one aligns with your preferences and needs before putting money into it.
The investment might be justified if the paddle’s performance significantly enhances your enjoyment and skill on the court. However, remember that skill development and practice are still key factors in improving your game. Your paddle helps, but it won’t miraculously make you a better player.
