Pickleball has grown in popularity, and as a sport, it offers a mixed experience of ping-pong, badminton, and tennis. Graphite pickleball paddles are layered with a thin film of graphite that improves their robustness and sturdiness. This makes them excellent for professionals and other competitive players.
Getting a high-quality graphite pickleball paddle makes a lot of difference in your striking skills. That said, here we will look at five of the best graphite paddles you’ll find today.
Best Graphite Pickleball Paddle Reviews
Comparison Chart
HEAD Graphite Pickleball Paddle – Radical Tour Lightweight Paddle w/Honeycomb Polymer Core & Comfort Grip
SLK Latitude Pickleball Paddle | Graphite Pickleball Paddle features G4 Graphite Face with Polymer Rev-Core | Pickleball Rackets Designed in the USA | Lightweight Pickle ball raquette | Lakeside Lime|
Bison Paddles: Graphite Pickleball Paddles – Lightweight Pickleball Rackets | Honeycomb Composite Core Improves Pickle Ball Placement and Increases Power | Durable Design Extends Racket Life
1. HEAD Graphite Pickleball Paddle
Head is known for innovating and revolutionizing equipment, and this graphite pickleball paddle is sure to give you the best of both worlds. It comes with a grip size of 4.25 inches. The shaft and frame material are graphite, and most everything else is a polymer. It weighs 0.5 ounces, and it is suited for adults.
Review
If you are looking for a paddle with a superior feel, this is the one, courtesy of the graphite advantage. It has a distinctive look and graphite-hitting surface, giving you a fantastic feeling and enhanced control. It is perfect for the competitive player. When it comes to texture, it does not disappoint. It has an extreme spin texture on the surface to give you a better grip on the ball when hitting it. In addition to that, this feature will increase both the spin and shot placement.
Head also went forward and finessed this pickleball paddle by giving it minimal vibration. They achieved this courtesy of their most advanced tech. Thanks to the new ergonomic grip combined with the polypropylene honeycomb core, you will enjoy the perfect touch with every swing. The color options are vibrant and have an overall sleek, beautiful design.
There is so much attention to detail that Head has put into this paddle, from the Dynamic Power Shape that will offer you a relatively larger sweet spot to the comfort grip that gives you the edge whenever you are playing. The Head Radical Tour Lightweight Paddle is also USAPA-approved. Beginners looking to build on their skills should get this paddle to improve their performance. In addition, you won’t have any problems adapting to this great pickleball paddle. Overall it is a high-performance paddle and is definitely worth the price.
Pros
- Amazing hitting surface
- Great value for money
- It offers relatively minimal vibration
- Comfortable grip
- Increased control means more enjoyable handling
Cons
- Not recommended for beginners of pickleball
2. Selkirk Sport SLK Latitude Pickleball Paddle
If ultimate control is what you are after, this is your paddle. SLK by Selkirk is known for its fresh and new developments in the world of paddles. They offer affordability, balance, and comfort in all their products; this one is no different because they believe it all matters: performance, accessibility, and value. That is why most of their products are highly qualified and have an unbeatable value.
Review
Most pickleball players, whether pro-level or upcoming, are looking for a pickleball paddle that offers control and a great feel. The SLK Latitude provides just that. It has a G4 graphite face to do just that. Combined with the Polymer REV-CORE, the paddle offers you a consistent shot and feel whenever you play. It is also lightweight, weighing around 7.9 ounces; it allows your hands to move faster and maintain proper paddle control.
The Ultra-Cushion grip is another feature worth mentioning on this fantastic paddle. It has a 4.25-inch grip and a 5.25-inch circumference and length. These offer not only comfort when playing but also absorb sweat and impact. Unlike other pickleball paddles, you feel less impact when using this paddle as most of it is absorbed as it travels from the paddle face to your hand. For the players, you can play for extended periods without tiring. Sometimes, however, the paddle handle is subject to breakage as the quality used is not exceedingly good.
The paddle is durable, courtesy of the Edge Sentry Edge guard. It was handcrafted to have well-balanced and unrivaled durability while at the same time ensuring it is lightweight and low profile. In addition, the SLK Latitude and all other SLK products are USAPA-approved.
Pros
- You get consistency in every shot
- Grip absorbs moisture and impact
- Well-balanced and lightweight
- Offers great control
- Overall fantastic feel for a high-performance paddle
Cons
- The paddle handle is not entirely durable
3. Bison Paddles: Graphite Pickleball Paddles
The Bison Paddles Company specializes in making durable paddles inspired by the mighty bison. A perfect example of such a paddle is the graphite pickleball paddle. This product is made to withstand the racquet action and will not fail you in performance. Here are some of the fantastic features this paddle has to offer.
Review
Durability is an aspect that everyone desires in their paddle. So the core of this equipment is made of a high-quality polymer with graphite face packs that can endure the test of time.
On top of that, you are assured a solid paddle. The company chose the name Bison for a reason. The name Bison implies that their products are of a build like the known animal. The shock-proof guard and graphite face give it an edge over the best paddles on the market.
Few paddles have a design that comes close to this paddle by Bison. This piece of equipment has a unique design which is good to look at and improves how other people think of you in the court. Don’t be a boring player with a below-par paddle.
Superior comfort is also an added advantage with this racquet equipment. This is due to its lightweight build, allowing you to spin and swing the paddle easily. As a result, you can train and play with this equipment without feeling joint pain or getting strained or tired in your joints.
This paddle has been tried and tested by the USA Pickleball Association. So, you’ll get a piece of equipment free from numerous flaws and designed for comfort.
This paddle will suit your needs if you’re working under a budget. The good thing with this racquet equipment is that it performs like other highly rated paddles but at a lower price.
Unfortunately, this product has one flaw. It has a smaller sweet spot. This means that it becomes harder to hit the pickleball with precision.
Pros
- Made with durable material
- Superior comfort
- Cost-effective
- Approved by the USAPA
- Unique design
Cons
- Small sweet spot
4. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle
This Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle from Paddletek provides unrivaled power, forgiveness, and accuracy, letting you realize your peak performance. It is a top-tier pickleball paddle that earned itself the title ‘Cadillac of pickleball paddles.’
The pickleball paddle has a consistently large sweet spot and features Smart Response Technology to increase the finesse of every shot. The balanced weight enhances maneuverability and speed for a better playing experience.
Review
This Tempest Paddle utilizes Smart Response Technology that strengthens the sensitivity and feel of the initial Tempest Wave. You get an identical responsive touch, though with a more forgiving, broader sweet spot, which translates to responsiveness consistency across the paddle’s face.
The paddle is control-oriented and does not forego the power you are accustomed to in venerable Tempest models. This Graphite Paddle features a thick or thin grip, allowing you to choose a style that suits you best.
It has a 5.25-inch long handle to provide sufficient space for grip adjustment for extra control or reach. Its wide 8-inch graphite face makes for a wide sweet spot that feels smooth regardless of where you hit.
The Tempest Pro Graphite paddle takes your slams and skill shots to a new level thanks to its superior quality materials. The size of its actual grip varies upwards to 1/8 inches.
You can realize these on any court with the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Graphite Paddle, from soft drinks to slams. It introduces touch to your paddle gaming. Paddletek outdoes itself when it comes to their paddles’ aesthetics. The imaging of this Tempest Wave is unique, with every side of the paddle being different. You will appreciate its subtle look on one of its sides and the other side’s dotted wave. It has a classic Paddletek design to match most of its current collection. Though you might claim aesthetics is a subjective aspect, many holders have expressed their pleasure with the looks of the paddle.
Pros
- Outstanding control level with textured graphite surface
- Increased consistency and forgiveness
- Awesome spin control
- Sufficient power with its medium-to-light weight for shots
Cons
- Lightweight limits added power
- Soft feel compromises passing shots
5. Champion Eclipse Graphite Pickleball Paddle
As the name implies, Champion invests its resources in making some of the best paddles, pickleball, and other racquet equipment. The Champion Eclipse Graphite Pickleball paddle is a great example. This paddle offers you more than a basic pickleball paddle does. From its prime-rated materials to its design, this product will surely impress you.
Review
A paddle should be lightweight and have a well-balanced handle. The good news is that this paddle by Champion is precisely that. Its 7.5 ounces make it great for faster reactions when hitting the ball. In addition, having such a lightweight paddle means you can play for hours without tiring your joints.
It is essential to have a piece of racquet equipment made of durable material. This is what you get with this paddle. The paddle’s core is made of prime-rated polymer, which is a durable material. Moreover, the face packs are made from graphite to ensure they can stand the force of hitting the pickleball.
The handle grip size of this equipment will blow your mind. Its 4-inch grip means it fits well with most people’s hands, so you will feel like the grip is customized to your liking. Furthermore, the grip has an end cap that is flared. The flared end cap prevents slipping when you have sweaty hands after playing for some time.
The company has excellent after-purchase customer service. Consequently, if you have any problems with your product, you are assured that the customer care personnel will sort you out.
Additionally, this product has a one-year warranty and is approved by the USA Pickleball Association. So, you’re getting a paddle that has been tried and tested by the pros to ensure it reaches the standards of other competitive paddles.
However, this piece of equipment is not budget-friendly. Some customers feel like the price should be a little low for what they’re getting when compared to other products in the same price range.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Made of durable material
- Suitable hand grip size
- Great after-purchase customer service
Cons
- Not budget friendly
Conclusion
All the paddles we’ve reviewed are great for competitive pickleball players. Your choice will mostly depend on your taste and preferences. Take your time to review the pros and cons and select whichever brand is most suitable for your playing style.