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Aside from a positive attitude and the desire to compete, the right pickleball paddle just might be the most important piece of equipment you need to be a successful pickleball player.
Before we get too deep into this list and crown the best pickleball paddles for women, let us point out the fact that very few (if any) paddles are made specifically for men or women. Pickleball paddles are primarily unisex, however, there are features to keep in mind when shopping for a female athlete. At JustPaddles, we don’t differentiate our paddles by gender but our Paddle Experts sometimes get the question, “What’s the best pickleball paddle for women?” and so we’ve put this article together to help guide you in the right direction!
First things first, the “best paddle” is in the eye of the beholder and completely subjective. Some paddles will work for some, and not others, and vice versa. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer or a one-size-fits-all guideline. So, where do you start? We have found that there are a few paddle ch
Top three things to keep an eye out for when shopping for the perfect paddle for women:
1. Grip Thickness
Paddle grips are categorized into “Thin” and “Standard.” A thin grip is best for smaller hands that prefer paddle control and grip comfort. A standard grip offers more comfort for larger hands and may offer increased control for players with more arm strength. We’ve found that women are often most comfortable with a grip size around 4 ¼ or smaller, and the good news is, most new pickleball paddles come in a “thin,” 4 ⅕” grip size option!
Pro Tip! You can always build the grip size up if it’s too small by adding replacement grips or overgrips, but you cannot make it smaller if you buy too big.
2. Paddle Weight
Paddle weights are categorized into lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight designs. Lightweight paddles are 7.3 ounces or lighter, middleweight paddles are between 7.3 and 8.4 ounces, and heavyweight paddles are 8.5 ounces and heavier. While the most common weight option and best fit for the majority of players will be the middleweight class, some female players feel more comfortable with a lightweight option. Keep in mind that all players are different and what works best comes down to the individual player.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, a safe bet would be to stick around 8.0 ounces.
3. Experience Level
Last but certainly not least is your experience level. At JustPaddles, we have youth, beginner, intermediate, and professional-level paddles. Beginner paddles are best suited for those players that are just getting into the game, while professional designs are considered to be some of the absolute best paddles on the market. With intermediate paddles, you’re likely going to get the best of all worlds, so this is what we typically recommend for the majority of players, women or men.
Now that you know what paddle characteristics to look for, we’ve outlined a few pickleball paddles that have been well-received by female players (in alphabetical order).
Best Pickleball Paddles for Women
Engage Pursuit Pro MX
The perfect balance for players looking for the fusion of power, control, touch, and a universal cosmetic. Crafted with precision and innovation, this paddle boasts a revolutionary design creating a paddle unlike any other raw T700 paddle on the market. The Engage Pursuit Pro MX represents the pinnacle of paddle engineering, with every detail meticulously considered to enhance performance across all aspects of the game. Its refined sweet spot delivers consistent results whether you're executing delicate dinks at the net or powerful drives from the baseline. Female players particularly appreciate its responsive feel and balanced weight distribution that reduces fatigue during extended tournament play.
- Paddle Weight: Middleweight: 8.1–8.4 oz OR Lightweight: 7.7–8.0 oz
- Paddle Face Material: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber with Next Generation Inner Application Layer
- Paddle Core Material: Control Pro Black Polymer Core
- Paddle Shape: Elongated
- Core Thickness: 12.7 mm
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅The Raw T700 Carbon Fiber face and 13mm core provide a great balance of power and spin for advanced players. |
❌Its advanced features might be challenging for beginners to control. |
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✅Variable Flex Technology enhances control on slower swings and adds power on faster swings. |
❌The higher price point may not be ideal for casual players. |
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✅Vortex Barrier Edge Technology reduces vibration, minimizing arm fatigue and lowering the risk of tennis elbow. |
❌The paddle is designed for competitive play, making it less suited for casual or recreational use. |
Best For:
The Engage Pursuit Pro MX Paddle is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who want to elevate their competitive edge with spin, reach, and power. Its elongated shape and longer handle make it especially appealing to players coming from a tennis background or those who favor two-handed backhands. With performance technologies like Variable Flex and Counter Balance, this paddle is designed for athletes who can take full advantage of its responsiveness and precision. While it offers a lot for serious players, beginners may find the paddle’s advanced features difficult to control, and the premium price point might be more than a casual player needs.
Features:
The Engage Pursuit Pro MX Carbon Fiber Paddle is packed with performance-driven features for serious players. Available in both lightweight (7.7–8.0 oz) and middleweight (8.1–8.4 oz) options, it features a Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber face with an advanced inner application layer, paired with a Control Pro Black Polymer Core for optimal balance between control and power. Its elongated 16.5" shape and long 5 3/4" handle provide extended reach and support for two-handed shots. A standard 4 3/8" grip and 12.7 mm core thickness round out the paddle’s dimensions. Technologies like Vortex Barrier Edge and Uniform Guard improve weight distribution and force absorption, while Counter Balance Technology shifts the paddle’s balance point for quicker hand speed. Unique to the MX version, Variable Release Technology adjusts paddle flex based on swing speed, offering control on slow swings and added power on fast ones. USAP approved and ranked among the best.
Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 12.7mm
- Paddle Weight: Middleweight - 7.5 - 7.8 oz
- Paddle Face Material: PT-700 Raw Carbon Fiber
- Paddle Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Paddle Shape: Standard
- Core Thickness: 12.7 mm
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅Enhanced power and spin due to the PT-700 Raw Carbon Fiber face and 12.7mm core, ideal for aggressive playstyles. |
❌Beginners may find it challenging to control due to its emphasis on power and spin. |
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✅Lightweight design for excellent maneuverability and quick reactions during fast exchanges. |
❌The shorter handle may not be comfortable for players who prefer two-handed backhands. |
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✅Ergonomic handle and improved balance for better control and comfort on the court. |
❌The premium price point may be too high for casual players. |
Anna Bright Scorpeus
The choice of one of the top players in the universe, the JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus Paddle is the result of JOOLA's ongoing desire to bring the newest and latest innovation into the market. With direct feedback from one of the top professional pickleball players in the game, this paddle will check off all the important elements needed for a paddle to perform at the highest level.Its balanced performance characteristics make it a versatile choice for players looking to elevate all aspects of their game without compromising on quality or durability.
- Paddle Weight: Middleweight - 7.8 oz
- Paddle Face Material: Charged Carbon Surface Technology
- Paddle Core Material: Honeycomb Polypropylene Core
- Paddle Shape: Standard
- Core Thickness: 14mm
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Pros |
Cons |
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✅Ideal for both beginners looking to improve and seasoned players seeking advanced performance. |
❌Might be too advanced for absolute beginners who don't need all its features yet. |
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✅Features Charged Carbon Surface Technology for impressive power and control. |
❌The paddle is on the heavier side at 7.8 oz, which could feel cumbersome for some players. |
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✅Wider sweet spot design enhances forgiveness, offering better consistency on the court. |
❌Higher price point compared to basic paddles might not justify the investment for casual players. |
Best For:
The Anna Bright Scorpeus Pickleball Paddle is a good fit for intermediate to advanced players. It also works for beginners who want something they can grow into. The paddle offers a mix of power and control, making it useful for different playing styles. Beginners might not need everything it offers right away, but it's a solid choice for anyone planning to stick with the game.
Features:
This paddle features Anna Bright’s signature design and is built for performance with a 7.8 oz weight and a standard shape. It has a 14 mm honeycomb polypropylene core and a Charged Carbon Surface Technology face for a responsive feel. The paddle measures 16 inches in length and 8 inches in width, with a thin 4.125 inch grip and a standard 5 and 1/4 inch handle. It comes in a sleek black colorway and is UPA-A Approved for competitive play.
Check out the breakdown of the Scorepeus shape below!
There you have it. Characteristics to consider when shopping for a paddle as well as a few paddle recommendations! If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Paddle Experts. They’re available via phone at 1-866-382-3465, email at experts@justpaddles.com, or live chat on the website! At JustPaddles, we’re here for you from Click to Court!
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