Best Pickleball Paddles for Women: Find The Perfect Women’s Pickleball Paddle


Since pickleball is popular among both males and females alike, it’s a priority that there must be paddles designed for women as well. This is because men have an overall strength advantage over females so it’s better for women to use lighter paddles to offset this imbalance. There are unlimited amounts of pickleball paddles currently available on the market. But how would you know which one to buy? This is why I’ve written this article to inform you about all the little its and bits about Pickleball paddles and what types of paddles should you use. We’ll also talk about six of the best lightweight pickleball paddles for women. So read this article thoroughly if you’re in the market to buy a new pickleball paddle for yourself or as a gift

Best Pickleball Paddles for Women: Find The Perfect Women's Pickleball Paddle

Best Women’s Pickleball Paddle – Quick Comparison

Product imageProduct nameEditor's RatingPrice
Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle

Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle

Editor Rating : 4.4Check Price
4.4Check Price
Head Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle

Head Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle

Editor Rating : 4.4Check Price
4.4Check Price
Selkirk Amped Epic Lightweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

Selkirk Amped Epic Lightweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

Editor Rating : 4.1Check Price
4.1Check Price
Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Editor Rating : 4Check Price
4Check Price
Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle

Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle

Editor Rating : 4Check Price
4Check Price
Franklin Christine McGrath Signature Pickleball Paddle

Franklin Christine McGrath Signature Pickleball Paddle

Editor Rating : 3.9Check Price
3.9Check Price

Buyer’s Guide For Women

Women and men both have different physical capabilities, which is why most sports have specifically designed equipment for women and men. However, most of the equipment available for pickleball is unisex.

This means that the users must be well educated about pickleball paddles and what types of paddles there are in order to know what kind of paddle is best for them.

There are three things to consider while buying a best pickleball paddles for women:

  • Grip Thickness
  • Paddle Weight
  • Power

Good Grip Thickness Pickleball Paddle

Unlike men, most women have smaller hands. This induces women to opt for paddles that have thinner grips. Doing this would ensure comfort and ease of use on the court.

Grip sizes of pickleball paddles on the market start from 4 inches. I recommend that women stay in the 4 to 5 inches range to make sure the paddle is comfortable in their hand.

Paddle Weight

There are three weight classes in pickleball paddles. These are:

  1. Lightweight Paddles – 7.2 ounces or lighter
  2. Middleweight Paddles – 7.3 to 8.3 ounces
  3. Heavyweight Paddles – 8.4 ounces or heavier

Women usually tend to prefer lightweight paddles. However, it’s never one size fits all. You have to evaluate your strength level and see what kind of paddles you can play with comfortably. Local pickleball clubs usually have paddles that you can pick up and start with. You can play with these pickleball paddles as a start to see what weight class of paddle would suit you the best.

Power

Since women tend to be less muscular than men, they also have lower strength levels. This means that they need a special type of paddle to compensate for that. graphite paddle are best for women because they can hit the ball quite far without the player putting in too much effort. However, they also tend to be quite expensive than regular paddles so consider buying them only if you can afford them.

Experience Level

Pickleball paddles are usually classified by their experience level. These experience levels are:

  1. Beginner Paddles
  2. Youth Paddles
  3. Intermediate Paddles
  4. Professional Paddles

Beginner Pickleball Paddles

These paddles are for the folks that are just getting into the game and have limited experience. They usually have a low power level which provides control and accuracy.

Youth Pickleball Paddles

These are paddles that are designed for children and young kids. These are usually smaller in size and weight to accommodate children. Just like beginner paddles, they also tend to have a lowered power level which provides more accuracy and control.

Intermediate Paddle

These are designed for players that have a good skill level at the sport and are looking to improve even more. These are designed to be moderately powerful because, at this level, you should be able to handle some paddle power without losing too much control or accuracy.

Professional Paddles

Professional pickleball paddle are designed for the pros. These pros compete at a higher level and need the best paddle on the market since that’s what their opponent would be using. These paddles are very high-tech and include features such as UV-Protection, Anti-Glare, and Anti-Vibration. These paddle also tend to be the most powerful and should only be held by people with a lot of experience for the most control and precision

Materials Used In Pickleball Paddles

There are three main types of pickleball paddles in terms of material construction. These are:

  1. Wooden Paddle
  2. Composite Paddle
  3. Graphite Paddle

Wooden Pickleball Paddle

These are the old-school traditional paddles of the pickleball sport. These pickleball paddle are quite inexpensive and durable. However, they also tend to be quite heavy and the accuracy of these paddle tends to be a bit here and there. It’s because these paddle are made from wood and not some high-tech material designed in a lab.

Composite Paddles

These paddles are made from a number of different materials. These materials include polymer, fiberglass, etc. These are more expensive than wooden pickleball paddle but less expensive than graphite ones. These paddle last a long time and have a good power-to-weight ratio.

Graphite Paddles

As the name suggests, graphite paddles are made from graphite. These paddle tend to be very expensive but they also have advanced technology behind them. These paddle usually include Anti-Glare, UV-Protection, Anti-Vibration, etc. The power level of these paddle is also quite high.

Shape Of Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball paddles usually come in two shapes. These are:

  1. Square paddle
  2. Elongated paddle

Square Pickleball Paddle

Square paddles, also known as the standard pickleball paddle are the most widely used pickleball paddle. These paddle are usually around 16 inches long and 7-8 inches wide. These paddles include a circular-shaped center of gravity and it offers more control and precision. They’re also quite light compared to the elongated paddle.

Square paddle are one of the best pickleball paddle for women due to their lighter weight.

Elongated Pickleball Paddles

As the name suggests, elongated paddle are longer than standard ones. These paddle are generally 17 to 24 inches long and 7 to 8 inches wide. These paddle have an oval-shaped center of gravity which makes these paddle either top-heavy or bottom-heavy depending on the manufacturer.

These paddles are also heavier than square paddle. The only real benefit they offer is a longer reach on the ball. That being said, if you learn to control these paddles in your hands, there is nothing like an elongated paddle.

Top 6 Best Pickleball Paddle For Women

I recently had the chance to help a female friend of mine pick out perfect pickleball paddles for ladies, and we landed on these 6 best pickleball paddles for women. I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you. So, let’s jump right in!

Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle

Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle

Engage PickleballBUY IT NOW ON AMAZON
SizeStandard Weight 7.9 - 8.3 OZ
Grip Size4 3/8 inches
Skill LevelAll
Shaft MaterialCarbon Fiber
Dimensions LxWxH‎1 x 1 x 1 inches

This USAPA-approved paddle is optimized for good control and power, making it perfect for players of all skill levels – whether you have a hard or soft hit. The rough-textured skin on this paddle allows for a superior spin while still maintaining excellent control over your shots. This makes it particularly suitable for female players who want to improve their game without compromising comfort and stability.

What sets this paddle apart from others is its Core & Skin Dimensioning Technology which delivers a large sweet spot where you can generate power without losing control. As someone who loves playing against advanced players in my area, I experienced improved pop and greater spin right after using this paddle.

I also appreciate that it’s manufactured in the USA with high-quality materials that guarantee durability and top-notch performance. With proper care, this paddle will last you a long time and help you elevate your game significantly.

However, one downside I noticed is its handle length; it could be too short for some players’ comfort. But if you have small hands like me, it’s perfect – plus, the specialized polypropylene/polymer honeycomb core ensures excellent grip regardless of hand size.

Overall, if you’re looking for a best pickleball paddles that offers high-quality combined with both power and control technology at a reasonable price point, then the Engage Encore Pro is worth considering due to its superior performance. It has become one of my favorite paddles, and I highly recommend it!

PROS

CONS

✔️Offers excellent control and power which makes it suitable for players of all skill levels, whether you have a hard or soft hit.
✔️ Rough-textured skin provides superior spin, while maintaining excellent control over your shots.
✔️ Large sweet spot with Core & Skin Dimensioning Technology for better pop and greater spin.
✔️ Manufactured in the USA using high-quality materials that guarantee durability and top-notch performance.
✔️ Specialized polypropylene/polymer honeycomb core ensures excellent grip regardless of hand size.
❌Handle length could be too short for some players’ comfort.
❌ It’s relatively heavy compared to other paddles in its class, which may not suit some players’ preferences.
❌ It comes with a higher price tag than other paddles, which may not be affordable for some players on a tight budget.

My Rating:

  • Weight: 4/5
  • Durability: 5/5
  • Material: 4/5
  • Grip size: 4/5
  • Balance between Power and Control: 5/5
  • Overall: 4.4/5
Head Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle

Head Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle

HEADBUY IT NOW ON AMAZON
Size4 1/8
Grip Size4 (1/8)
Materialpp+cf, Graphite
Skill LevelAll
Frame MaterialGraphite
Shaft MaterialGraphite
Item Weight204 Grams
Item Dimensions LxWxH‎16 x 8 x 1 inches

First of all, this paddle’s unique Diamond Shape lends maximum control on each shot, making it perfect for players looking for ultimate control. It’s also the lightest weight paddle of the Extreme Tour paddles, which makes it easier to respond quickly.

During gameplay, I found that I needed to hit harder for deep shots but found consolation in its consistent and repeatable volleys. Its spin surface also allows players to increase ball spin, making it more challenging for opponents to read your shots. The reviews from various sources have supported my personal experience where they highlight that it is a perfect paddle for intermediate players seeking ultimate comfort and grip.

The Head Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle boasts an Optimized Tubular Construction (OTC) honeycomb polymer core and a carbon graphite hitting surface (GHS). The combination makes for better feel and playability with Extreme Spin technology – adding that extra bit of flair to your game.

I recommend the Head Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle because players can customize their choice of playing style by simply adding strips or increasing its weight slightly without sacrificing maneuverability. Additionally, this paddle has one of the best comfort grips out there and great dinking ability – perfect if you want to gain an edge during at-the-net play.

Overall, this is an excellent purchase and a top-rated brand with high-quality equipment. Its size will be ideal since female players might prefer slightly smaller designs compared to their male counterparts. Players at all skill levels – beginners, intermediates, or even professionals – can benefit from this paddle’s exceptional quality and performance on both indoor and outdoor courts. Don’t hesitate; invest now!

PROS

CONS

✔️ Ultimate control while playing due to its Diamond Shape.
✔️ Lightweight design for increased maneuverability and responsiveness.
✔️ Great grip for added comfort, touch, and dinking ability.
✔️ Unique blend of materials like the OTC honeycomb polymer core and carbon graphite hitting the surface adds durability to the paddle.
✔️ Excellent for intermediate-level players who prefer spin on their shots.
❌May require players to hit harder on deeper shots than competing paddles.
❌ Players looking for power may find this paddle lacking compared to some others.
❌ While offering great maneuverability, some may find it less stable than heavier paddles.

My Rating:

  • Weight: 5/5
  • Durability: 4/5
  • Material: 4/5
  • Grip size: 5/5
  • Balance between Power and Control: 4/5
  • Overall: 4.4/5
Selkirk Amped Epic Lightweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

Selkirk Amped Epic Lightweight Composite Pickleball Paddle

Selkirk SportBUY IT NOW ON AMAZON
Grip Size3 1/4" - 4.25"
MaterialPolypropylene
Skill LevelBeginner to Pro
Frame MaterialFiberglass
ShapesStandard, Elongated, Large SweetSpot

First off, let’s talk about the weight. This pickleball paddle is super lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and control shots. It won’t tire you out during long matches either. This definitely makes it an appealing option for female players who may prefer a lighter paddle.

Moving on to the design, the Selkirk Amped Epic certainly looks sleek and stylish on the court. But it’s not just about appearance; this paddle also has some better features that make it stand out from other paddles on the market. The X5 honeycomb core reduces vibration and provides a smooth feel when hitting the ball. The fiberglass hitting surface generates unmatched ball spin while defusing your opponent’s spin effortlessly and accurately.

Another great feature of this paddle is its longer handle that enables players to use two-handed swings with ease, which can be particularly beneficial for female players trying to compete at a high level.

However, it’s worth noting that some people find this paddle isn’t as powerful as others they have used in the past. It doesn’t pop like other paddles do when you smash it but rather whooshes, which doesn’t translate into as much power but provides more control over your shot. So if you’re a player who likes to dominate with raw power, this might not be the paddle for you.

In terms of durability, I haven’t owned this paddle for very long so can’t really speak to that yet. However, Selkirk is a brand known for creating high-quality equipment with impressive durability.

Overall, I think the Selkirk Amped Epic Lightweight Composite Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for female players. Its lightweight design, long handle, and smooth feel make it a comfortable option that doesn’t sacrifice on performance or quality. Plus, Selkirk is an established brand within the pickleball community, so you can rest assured that this paddle will be up to the task no matter what skill level you’re at.

PROS

CONS

✔️Lightweight design for faster maneuverability
✔️ X5 honeycomb core reduces vibration, providing a smooth feel when hitting the ball
✔️ Fiberglass hitting surface generates unmatched ball spin while defusing your opponent’s spin effortlessly and accurately
✔️ Longer handle accommodates two-handed swings with ease
✔️ Sleek and stylish design that will make you stand out on the court
❌Some players may find it doesn’t provide as much power as other paddles due to its “whooshing” sound rather than a pop when hitting the ball.
❌ The grip can be somewhat awkward for players not used to longer handle paddles.

My Rating:

  • Weight: 5/5
  • Durability: 3.5/5
  • Material: 4/5
  • Grip size: 4/5
  • Balance between Power and Control: 4/5
  • Overall: 4.1/5
Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle

Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle

PaddletekBUY IT NOW ON AMAZON
Grip Length5.25"
Experience LevelProfessional
Weight7.6 to 8 ounces
MaterialGraphite
Frame MaterialGraphite
Shaft MaterialGraphite
Grip Circumference4.375"

I’ll be honest; I was skeptical about its hefty price tag at first, but after playing with it for several weeks, I would say it’s worth it.

The Tempest Wave Pro delivers exceptional accuracy and forgiveness while winning you big games effortlessly. The sweet spot is large and consistent, which adds finesse to every shot. Moreover, the smart response technology makes this paddle great for strategic players who value precision and speed.

I’m not a beginner player, so I don’t prefer lightweight paddles as they can reduce power. This is where the Tempest Wave Pro comes in; despite its balanced weight of 7.6-8 oz, it increases speed and maneuverability without compromising power.

My experience playing with this paddle has been delightful so far. It absorbs shock well while still giving me the perfect pop when needed. Not to mention that the textured graphite surface provides exceptional control during spin shots.

When purchasing this product, whether you choose a thin or standard grip is up to your preference, but both provide an excellent high-tack performance grip.

One concern raised by other players about this paddle is its durability. However, my personal experience has been positive so far despite hearing complaints from others of premature wear on their paddles; there is an edge guard available to give extra security in case if throw your paddle down after losing a match!

In summary, given my experience with Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Pickleball Paddle over several weeks of use – I wholeheartedly recommend that you try it to see the difference yourself!

PROS

CONS

✔️Unmatched accuracy, power, and forgiveness

✔️ Smart response technology that delivers a driving force behind your explosive hit

✔️ Large, consistent sweet spot for finesse in every shot

✔️ Textured graphite surface that gives you an extraordinary level of control

✔️ Perfect balance between weight and speed for maximum maneuverability                      during play

✔️ High tack performance grip available in both thin and standard sizes

❌A significant concern from other players about its durability after long-term use.

❌ It’s more expensive than some other popular pickleball paddle brands.

❌ Some users complain that it doesn’t afford them the same power as other paddles while hitting outside the sweet spot.


My Rating:

  • Weight: 4,5/5
  • Durability: 3/5
  • Material: 4/5
  • Grip size: 4/5
  • Balance between Power and Control: 4.5/5
  • Overall: 4/5
Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle

Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle

PrinceBUY IT NOW ON AMAZON
Weight optionsLight: 7.2 to 7.6 ounces or standard 7.7 to 8.3 ounces
Grip CircumferenceLight: 4.125 inches or Standard: 4.375 inches
Grip Length5 inches
Skill LevelAll
MaterialFiberglass
Shaft MaterialCarbon Fiber

My overall rating of this paddle is top-notch, and I can confidently recommend it to players of all skill levels.

One of my favorite features is the progressive core technology, which enhances power with hard strokes. But what truly sets this paddle apart is its shape, which increases the size of the sweet spot while reducing disruptive vibrations. This design makes it easier for players to control their shots at any distance, giving them an edge over opponents.

The option for two weight choices and two grip circumference options (including a smaller size) ensures that each player can find a comfortable fit. However, one user mentioned that the handle felt short if you’re taller than average.

I also appreciate how versatile this paddle is – it performs well in both indoor and outdoor games. Plus, its honeycomb surface offers excellent durability for long-lasting use.

However, one user did experience issues with lasting quality as their paddle developed a rattle and vibrating noises on off-center hits after just six months of regular use. Price has not been known for manufacturing paddles before and seems to be lacking in quality products despite being known for tennis rackets.

To sum up my review, the Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle stands out in terms of performance, quality, comfort, grip options, and weight options that make it suitable for both beginner and intermediate/professional players alike. Its unique shape provides better control and power without sacrificing quality or warranty protection. For female players on the hunt for their new go-to pickleball paddle at a reasonable price point with some degree of trust associated with its brand name – Prince Spectrum Pro is an excellent purchase recommendation!

PROS

CONS

✔️Revolutionary shape: enhances the size of the sweet spot, reducing disruptive vibrations while imparting more energy into the ball.
✔️ Progressive core technology: reacts to and compliments every shot and play style, improving power with hard strokes.
✔️ Two weight options: light or standard.
✔️ Two grip circumference options: 4 1/8 or 4 3/8.
✔️ Suitable for both indoor and outdoor games.
✔️ Honeycomb surface offers durability for long-lasting use.
❌Handle may be too short for taller players (the grip length is 5 inches).
❌ One user encountered issues with lasting quality as the paddle developed a rattle and vibrating noises on off-center hits after just six months of regular use.
❌ Some users found it too difficult to control distance when returning hard serves or returns due to too much pop from the paddle.

My Rating:

  • Weight: 5/5
  • Durability: 3/5
  • Material: 4/5
  • Grip size: 4/5
  • Balance between Power and Control: 4/5
  • Overall: 4/5
Franklin Christine McGrath Signature Pickleball Paddle

Franklin Christine McGrath Signature Pickleball Paddle

Franklin SportsBUY IT NOW ON AMAZON
Size13mm or 16mm
Grip Size5 inch
MaterialPolypropylene
Skill LevelProfessional
Weight7.6 to 8.1 ounces
Grip Circumference4.25 inches
Warranty Description‎90 Day Limited

Designed by renowned pro pickleball player Christine McGrath, this paddle is well-suited for all skill levels of female players.

The feature that stood out the most to me was the MaxGrip surface coating technology. This helped me achieve maximum spin and dampen vibration for optimal control and precision play. The sharp design includes traditional shape with softer round edges making it comfortable; I didn’t experience any discomfort or soreness after long hours of playing.

With a weight ranging from 7.6 to 8.1 ounces, this paddle is lightweight and perfect for women looking for something easy to maneuver around the net. The size of the paddle – 15.9″ X 8″ makes it an ideal choice offer a larger sweet spot in the center of the Paddle for flawless contact and increased control.

From my experience after testing various paddles, this particular one offers a good balance of power, control, and stability that meets every player’s demand irrespective of skill level It will take some effort to produce speed on drives but is great around the net, making it an excellent choice both indoor or outdoor games regardless of your preferred playing style.

In terms of price, at just below $100 USD makes it seems pricey but considering its professional quality features like its Polypropylene core built for durability ensuring effortless shot-making with brand credibility among other top-rated paddles in sporting goods stores make sense.

Overall I would highly recommend Franklin Christine McGrath Signature Pickleball Paddle as not only does its performance deserve a high rating but also its grip material allows for a great feel when holding while providing you with maximum control even during those intense moments when adrenaline kicks in-game play requirements!

PROS

CONS

✔️MaxGrip surface coating technology provides maximum spin and optimal control
✔️ Durable Polypropylene core ensures effortless shot-making with increased control and precision play
✔️ Suitable for female players of all skill levels
✔️ Lightweight design for easy maneuverability around the net
✔️ Larger sweet spot in the center making it easier to make contact with the ball
✔️ Provides a good balance of power, stability, and control during gameplay
❌May take some effort to generate speed on drives
❌ The grip is square/angular, making the adjustment of paddle face position challenging during game play.

My Rating:

  • Weight: 4/5
  • Durability: 4/5
  • Material: 4/5
  • Grip size: 3/5
  • Balance between Power and Control: 4.5/5
  • Overall: 3.9/5

Which pickleball paddles are preferred by professional female players?

The professional female pickleball players often opt for the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm Pickleball Paddle. This newly introduced paddle outperforms the traditional ones, thanks to its advanced carbon fiber surface that enhances both power and control during the game.

Is there a distinction between pickleball paddles for men and women?

Yes, there is a distinction between pickleball paddles for men and women due to the differences in body structure and physique. For instance, a lightweight pickleball paddle might be a suitable choice for women who are small or medium in size.

Who is considered the top female pickleball player?

Simone Jardim is recognized as the top female pickleball player. She has an impressive record of winning over 90 medals in professional tournaments. Originating from Brazil, she has been playing pickleball at a professional level since 2015.

Conclusion

The amount of pickleball paddles available on the market is overwhelming. However, if you just know about the types of paddles and what materials they are made with, you can easily judge which paddle would be best suited for your needs.

If you need any additional help related to pickleball, my blog is always here to help you.

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