2022 Best Pickleball Paddle For Control And Power

What criteria should a player give more preference while choosing the best pickleball paddle for control and power? Pickleball players often feel confused about choosing between control and power. You may already read several pickleball paddles reviews to find a reliable one.

Control for pickleball may vary from player to player. For example, someone defines control as having excellent precision because he/she already is a well-trained powerful hitter. On the other hand, some people may think control for pickleball means having excellent flexibility to hit the ball easily without taking much pressure on hands.

Whatever the pickleball control definition is, we all want a decent pickleball paddle that can help us to improve our gameplay. That’s why we have come up with the top 6 pickleball paddles for control. Let’s dive into the reviews to learn about them!

6 Best Pickleball Paddles For Control and Power

1. Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle

Do you know what the meaning of the “Amped” word for this model is? Well, it is nothing but ‘Amplified.’

We know we won’t get more power and control simultaneously, but we still want both of them. Thankfully, due to its clever design and high-quality materials, users will get an astonishing amount of power though it is a lightweight paddle.

You call it lightweight? No, it is ultra-lightweight! The manufacturing company introduced an innovative paddle core crafted from polypropylene polymer core, making it thicker and responsive.

What’s more, FiberFlex unidirectional fiberglass is used for making the paddle’s composite surface, giving you more scope to improve your overall pickleball performance. Unlike graphite or composite faces, you will have more high spin and side spin while hitting the ball. 

Just because it is lightweight, you have no reason to take it as a weak paddle. In fact, you will be surprised after seeing its power like other users. You don’t need to implement as much power as you will need for typical lightweight paddles. Playing solid and overhead shots is pretty satisfying with the paddle.

If you are used to playing with heavy paddles, you have nothing to worry about. Because the manufacturing company two weight options for this model:  8.0–8.5 oz and 7.4–7.9 oz. It is up to you to choose which one you prefer.

The fiberglass hitting surface and X5 Polypropylene Core make the pickleball paddle extremely durable. You are probably not wrong if you say it is the best pickleball paddle for control from this brand.

Another incredible feature of this beast is its sizeable sweet spot. Hence, you have less chance of missing shots and, at the same time, hitting the ball in your desired direction, and power is easy-going for that.

The paddle is available in 32 different colors for picky pickleball players, making it more convenient to choose your favorite color to match your outfit. 

Moreover, the pickleball paddle has a comfortable grip, which you can hold for an extended play session. Your hands won’t feel tired and slippery whatever the duration of the holding them.

So, which type of player is more suitable for this paddle? The paddle is perfect for newcomers and advanced players since it has a versatile shape to play various shots. In addition, experts recommend choosing the heavyweight paddle for experienced players, while the beginners or intermediate players should choose the lightweight paddle.

2. Gamma Needle Poly Core Pickleball Paddle

Are you new to pickleball game who is looking for a user-friendly paddle to improve the game? If yes, then Gamma Needle Poly Core Pickleball Paddle is a great option to check out.

Why is this paddle more perfect for beginners? Because it has a larger sweet spot compared to many paddles, allowing them to hit each shot profoundly and conveniently in their preferred direction. Additionally, its middleweight design makes it an ideal addition for people who are tired of playing with heavyweight paddles.

You will have a solid and heavy feel while hitting the ball due to the usage of the core material. With the Sensa Poly Core technology, it lets you exert the kind of control you desire.

Furthermore, you will feel soft and cushioned while holding the Honeycomb core handle. It makes exerting force more comfortable and gives you a better grip. As the paddle has a middleweight design, you won’t pressure or pain for quick hand movements. If your hands sweat too much, you can get a slippage-free Gamma gel cushion handle wrap.

Wondering why this paddle has a generous sweet spot? Well, it is because the paddle has a wide range of hitting surface, which is made from industry-leading textured graphite materials. As a result, players will get increased control and touch from this paddle. Even after playing heavily, you will have minimal scratches on the surface. Just make sure no close contact with the ground or any object unnecessarily.

Apart from that, getting incredible spin from this paddle is pretty logical because graphite face and poly core material make a great combination. Plus, balls bounce more freely on such surfaces.

As for the customers’ feedbacks, few users think this paddle is too lightweight for people who are used to play with heavy paddles. However, they believe it is a better option for women than men.

Additionally, the grip is not perfect for people who have large hands. They will feel too small while holding the grip. However, they can increase the grip size to make it fit for their hands.

3. Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle

Are you a fan of texture fiberglass paddles? If yes, you can’t go wrong with the Engage Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle. This sandpaper-based texture paddle has many impressive features to make you just wow!

Wondering what’s so unique about this paddle? Well, the paddle will give you a solid feel, and it has a huge sweet spot. So you can play your favorite shot consistently without missing it.

The manufacturing company developed the liquid graphite chemically bonded skin surface for the paddle. It will give you not only the benefits of graphite materials but also composite fiberglass.

The sweet spot is a little bit temperamental, allowing you to hit the ball from the middle of the paddle very consistently. The ball will go exactly where you point it. 

Like other Engage paddles, this one is also pretty quiet. Engage Elite Pro gives you a lot of vibration control. So, you won’t get a lot of nasty vibrations up to your elbow.

The grip is a regular four and a quarter; it is a nice-sized standard grip with a lot of room to hold it comfortably. If you are used to playing with a larger grip, you can overgrip the handle as per your requirement. Unlike other pickleball paddles, the overall length of the paddle is a little bit longer. So it gives you a little more reach on your shots.

Let’s talk about how it plays! It features a nice touch for a composite paddle. Like other composite paddles, you will get a firm and solid feeling with an ample amount of power. 

If you are a hard hitter who loves to hit hard groundstrokes, you will indeed like this beast. The unit is a multi-purpose paddle; you can pretty much use it for any game. However, advanced players will get more benefit from this paddle.

The paddle comes with a lovely textured graphite surface that provides excellent spin. It also doesn’t deflect the spin.  If you know how to put a spin on the ball and you’re doing it better than most of your opponents, it will significantly help you.

There is really no major weakness with this paddle, especially for hard hitters. Most players felt comfortable playing with this paddle. Considering all its valuable features, it truly deserves in our best pickleball paddle for control list.

4. Prolite Crush Power Spin with SPINtac Pickleball Paddle

If you are looking for a pickleball paddle with impressive power, control, and spin, this model from Prolite is a brilliant pick.

A pickleball paddle shape often directly or indirectly affects how you play with it. This unit has a Magnum shape— according to many players, it is one of the finest ones from this brand.

The advanced new surface design allows you to spin the ball more easily to the dominant opponent. This powerful paddle is suitable for all types of players, whether you are a pro or beginner.

The paddle features Quad-core Polymer Honeycomb core, giving you more accuracy to play various pickleball shots. Even while hitting powerful hard stroke shots, you won’t hear much sound. Hence, you can focus more on your gameplay instead of bothering with noise.

Player can give a quick reaction for each shot as the paddle is lightweight and has a small grip. Additionally, when playing pickleball from the back of a court, the SpinTac paddle surface makes swerving easy. With the Prolite Crush, you will be able to handle any situation on-court, whether you are near the net or in the back.

Another impressive of this paddle is its SofTac grip. You won’t feel uncomfortable or slippery while holding the handle for a long time. Because it features ultra-cushioning and moisture absorber perforated surface for enhanced comfort.

You can expect better spinning ability with the SPINtac hitting surface. In addition, the paddle features a Micro Edge Guard, giving your paddle enhanced protection. Therefore, you don’t need to include any extra thick lip around the edge that makes the paddle heavy.

The feel of this paddle is good for all touch and power. It is light to manipulate. The balance of this paddle is impressive because when you hit the ball, you will feel like the sweet spot is right in the middle. So when you hit the ball anywhere on the paddle, it is centered.

Whether you want to play touch shots or powerful shots, you will feel comfortable with this pickleball paddle in your hands. Overall, this pickleball paddle is an excellent choice for most pickleball players due to its clever and user-friendly design.

5. Onix Composite Z5 Pickleball Paddle

Onix needs no introduction in the pickleball industry. The Onix Composite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is an excellent pickleball paddle for players who want an enhanced balance to play the ball and hit harder shots.

Whether you are new to pickleball games or have already become a pro of this sport, this pickleball paddle is perfect for all skill levels. Playing with this pickleball will take your game to the next level. That’s why many professional players using this beast for their gameplay.

The unit is made of a combination of Nomex and polypropylene core, making it more durable and stable.

Though this medium weight paddle has a weight between 8.4 ounces to 8.7 ounces, the weight won’t bother you while holding it. Due to the combination of dual materials for the core, the weight is appropriately distributed.

When the paddle makes contact with the ball, the Nomex core and graphite paddle face absorbs a small amount of force. This allows the players to hit the ball far over the net as they bounce right off their faces. It is known as pop —you get an incredible feel by hitting the ball from the perfect spot of your pickleball paddle.

 Since it is a little bit heavy, you will have more power to implement hard shots, and you can hit striking shots even from the baseline. Besides, hitting the ball from the optimum spot is easy due to the generous large sweet spot.

The pickleball paddle comes with a standard grip, making it a perfect fit for most hands. At the time we are writing this review, the unit is available in 3 different colors: black, blue, and red.

What we like most about The Onix Z5 is its aesthetic design, which is why many professional and normal users pick it. Beginners will love this paddle more as it has a wide-shaped body. They will feel more confident and secure to hit most shots since they will merely miss shots.

Though the unit doesn’t affect controlling the ball, its heavyweight may cause some issues for people who have tennis elbow or the same kind of injuries from sports. That’s why if you have any past injuries, we suggest you talk with an expert before picking them.

Another concerning thing about this pickleball paddle is its excessive noise. As it isn’t equipped with noise dampening technology, you will experience considerable sound while hitting the ball. However, after a few matches, most people can get used to it.

6. Gearbox GX6 Pickleball Paddle

Though Gearbox is new to the pickleball industry, it got impressive attention from many expert players.

Currently, most of the pickleball paddles come with two-piece paddle construction, but Gearbox makes them unique by introducing ‘one-piece mold.’

Hence, the entire body and handle of the paddle are made with only one solid piece. The moment you hold it in your hands, you will feel the difference compared to other paddles.

The Gearbox GX6 is the perfect paddle for baseline power players who love to lay up passing shots. With this paddle, you can serve back your opponent powerful shots more powerfully.

Whether you want impressive accuracy, power, or pop, it can satisfy you in every way. However, one thing you should know is that you will take some time to get used to it. If you are entirely a beginner, you will take more time.

The unit comes with a slim, aerodynamic frame to increase flexibility for controlling the ball. Also, you will able to react quickly when the ball will serve back to you.

Moreover, the pickleball paddle features a carbon fiber edgeless frame, making the surface area of contact is larger. Plus, due to the edgeless design, you hit consistently every ball from any spot of the ball. Most importantly, it has a relatively huge sweet spot to improve your hitting accuracy.

Aside from that, the dampener system of this pickleball paddle allows users to control the vibration effectively while hitting powerful shots. As a result, you will feel more solid and relaxed without pressuring your hands too much.

The unit has a more extended handle and grip, making it perfect for people who have large hands. But if you still want a more oversized grip, you can still do it by over-gripping it.

Though the paddle has a lightweight design, you will have the finest power to meet your expectation. In fact, many players are surprised to see that much power. It would be better for beginners if the paddle is slightly wider.

What Do Power and Control Mean in Pickleball Paddles?

Two words will mainly come out of our heads when we want to become pro in pickleball games: power and control.

When you give a particular one more preference, you need to compromise the other one a little bit or more (but not entirely).

For example, choosing a heavier paddles gives you the power and allows you to hit powerful shots. But, you won’t get as much flexibility as you will have from a lightweight pickleball paddle.

Besides, your paddle hitting surface also affects how much power or control you will get. Paddles that are made of composite materials give more strength for overhead hitting.

On the contrary, having lightweight paddles gives you scope for playing soft dinking and incredible shots.

Don’t think only lightweight paddles give you high maneuverability. Due to the introduction of Poly and Nomex core, people’s perspective on control has changed.

This type of core material takes your control ability to the next level though it is not lightweight. So you are getting power and control at the same time!

How do I find a paddle with power?

Do you want to improve your pickleball game by adding more forceful shots? When you want more power on your pickleball game, heavier paddles are better options.

Playing with these paddles will allow you to hit the ball harder and further, giving you more advantage over opponents. The latest innovative paddles cores are relatively lightweight but give you an impressive amount of power to hit the ball.

However, when you still compare both heavyweight paddles and mid-weight /lightweight paddles, heavyweight paddles allow you to play more powerful shots and send the ball deeper into the other side of the court.

But the problem is that you need to get used to the paddle weight. Additionally, you may face some injury issues if you are completely new to pickleball games.

Final Thought

Finding the best pickleball paddle for control power is not easy as there are many options to overwhelm you. When you want to perfect a balance while playing with your desire paddle, it is essential to know how you feel holding the paddle.

Decent construction, solid-feeling, high maneuverability, and long-lasting durability are key things you should check out while finding a decent pickleball for control.

We have reviewed six high-quality paddles in our review session, and each paddle can give tough competitors against any premium-quality pickleball paddles. All you need to find your pickleball gameplay needs and choose a perfect one based on your preference.