In the market for the right paddle to perfect your pickleball game as a female athlete? Then this article is for you!
While it’s generally known that pickle paddles are designed to be unisex, certain features allow some paddles to cater to the needs of women players more than others.
Today, we’re reviewing the 5 best pickleball paddles for women and discussing the most important features that can help affect performance positively. Let’s get started!
5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Women
1. Franklin Sports Christine McGrath Pro Pickleball Paddles
Kicking off our list with a bang, the Christine McGrath Pro pickleball paddle from Franklin Sports is an excellent choice for competitive players looking for the best combination of control, spin, and precision.
As the name suggests, this pickleball paddle was designed by Christine McGrath, so you know it was developed by an accomplished female athlete and one of the top players of the sport. It caters to the needs of women while delivering premium quality.
This paddle features a polypropylene (13mm) core to ensure maximum durability and power delivery. It also carries a fiberglass face finish on the surface with Max Grit technology to provide improved traction and control, allowing for a greater spin.
Additionally, this Franklin Sports pickleball paddle weighs around 7.6 to 8.1 ounces and comes with a nicely cushioned grip for guaranteed comfort during long games. It’s certified by the USAPA and backed up with a 3-month warranty from the manufacturer.
The biggest downside we can find here is the price. It seems somewhat exaggerated compared to other similar candidates.
2. Selkirk Amped Lightweight Pickleball Paddle
If you’re in the market for a professional-level pickleball paddle that you can rely on in competitive games, you should consider the Selkirk Amped Lightweight pickleball paddle with its ability to grant you superior spin and unmatched control.
The lightweight design of the Amped weighs between 7.4 and 7.8 ounces. It falls in the sweet spot between light and middleweight, which is ideal for most female players to handle.
Other than the reduced weight, the Selkirk Amped is equipped with a FiberFlex fiberglass surface and a thick polypropylene X5 core. This combination allows for an excellent spin, maximum control, and improved accuracy.
Additionally, this paddle offers long-lasting durability, which is essential to support you throughout extended training sessions and intense games.
The Selkirk Amped is built in the United States and is USAPA-approved. It’s been used by class-A players such as Tyson McGuffin, Kaitlin Christian, Enrique Ruiz, and Joanne Russel.
Whether you’re a pro trying to sharpen your game or an amateur looking to join the big leagues, the Selkirk Amped pickleball paddle will do right by you. Just keep in mind that its price tag is on the hefty side — it’s definitely an investment.
3. Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle
From the renowned brand Prince, we’re looking at the Response Pro pickleball paddle. This unit is a lighter paddle -measuring between 7.1 and 7.7 ounces-, so it’s ideal for handling by women athletes.
The Response Pro is equipped with a small grip circumference 4 1/8 inches, which makes it fit for smaller hands. The 5.5-inch handle length also allows players to use both hands for two-handed backhands with ease.
The design of this paddle enables it to reduce unwanted vibrations and transfer more energy to your shots, enlarging the sweet spot and delivering more power (but this could use some work).
The polymer Honeycomb core ensures high speed and seems impressive for them who prefer paddle control, whereas the fiberglass surface has a textured UV coating to boost grip.
The Response Pro is Simone Jardim’s signature paddle that won her the Triple Crown in 2018. It’s covered by a 1-year warranty.
4. Gamma Sports Neutron 2.0 Pickleball Paddles
Next up, we’re talking about the Neutron 2.0 pickleball paddle from Gamma Sports. This is one of the most popular options among players looking to score a budget-friendly yet reliable deal.
The Neutron 2.0 pickleball paddle is a prime example that great quality and performance don’t necessarily have to cost a fortune. It’s even the most lightweight candidate on our list, measuring in at only 7 ounces, which makes it a breeze to handle by the ladies.
This paddle features an Aramid honeycomb core to load your two handed shots with remarkable power and control. You’ll also be impressed by the textured fiberglass finish of the surface, which lets you add a decent spin to your hits.
Like most Gamma Sport pickleball paddles, the Neutron 2.0 carries a cushioned grip to maximize comfort over long matches. It also absorbs sweat to guarantee a firm hold and measures 4 inches to fit any Pickleball player with small hands.
Approved by the USAPA, this unit is backed up by a 1-year warranty. It’s best suited for newbies and intermediates, but it does give a louder sound than other paddles upon hitting the ball.
5. HEAD Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle
Last but not least, the Extreme Tour Lite by HEAD is our top recommendation if you’re after a solid performing new paddle at a budget-friendly price.
It’s one of the lightest paddles, measuring just 7.2 ounces, so it’s a fantastic option for women’s paddle. The same for the handle thanks to its small 4 1/8-inch handle.
What’s more, the Extreme Tour Lite features a graphite surface that delivers a nice spin. It has a polypropylene honeycomb core (Optimized Tubular Core), providing a great feel and decent power.
The Control Stabilizer technology helps keep your wrist from overtwisting even during the most impactful shots, whereas the Comfort Grip System ensures comfort and responsive touch.
How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddle for Women
Female players must consider these points when looking for an ideal pickleball paddle:
1.Pickleball paddles weight
Pickleball paddles range in weight from 5.5 to 14 ounces. The paddle’s weight is strongly influenced by its material, with wood paddles ranging from 7.5-14 ounces and composite and graphite paddles ranging from 6-9 ounces.
Yet, what is the ideal weight? It all depends on the pickleball player’s personal preference.
Lightweight paddles (under 7.2 ounces) provide deft ball control and faster reaction time, particularly near the net. While simpler to swing, a lightweight paddle don’t absorb vibration well, which might damage your wrist and elbow with many hard strokes. Tennis elbow sufferers should avoid lightweight paddles.
Middleweight paddles (7.3 to 8.4 ounces) are in the sweet spot of balance power and control. These paddles provide forceful serves and returns without a rapid swing. They’re ideal for dinks and top spins near the net.
Players who desire power over control should use paddles above 8.5 ounces. These paddles, constructed of wood, boost shot power but create arm strain. Heavyweight paddles could be best for slow hitters.
2. Grip size
The paddle’s grip size is an additional consideration to consider. The majority of paddle grip size lie between 4 and 4 12 inches. Common sizes are 4, 4 1/8, 4 14, and 4 12 inches.
Women are often smaller and have smaller hands than males. Consequently, most women may prefer small grips. This gives a comfortable and secure grip while playing.
A thin grip is ideal for smaller hands who appreciate paddle control and comfortable gripping. A standard grip size is more comfortable for players with bigger hands and may provide enhanced control for those with arm strength. While a regular grip is optimal for most players, a thin grip is better for female Pickleball players.
3. Edge Guards Vs. Edgeless
Pickleball paddles should have an edge guard or be edgeless. The guard holds the pickleball’s layers together and protects the paddle from injury while picking low balls. This doesn’t affect your game hence it’s a personal choice.
Wrap Up
There you have it, our recommendations for the 5 best pickle paddles for women.
These units range from budget-friendly to premium price tags and from beginner to professional levels, so you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your skill levels and wallet. Also, while choosing the best pickleball paddle for women, consider your comfortable grip, the ideal size, grip length, and a high quality paddle.
