Pickleball is a popular racquet sport that combines badminton, table tennis, and tennis elements. One of the key factors in a player’s success is the quality of their paddle. A good pickleball paddle should have a balance of power and precision regarding control. It should also be easy to hold and have a responsive surface to give you the most control over the ball.
This article reviews some of the best pickleball paddles for control on the market. These paddles are suitable for players of all skill levels and offer a range of features to help you improve your game and gain an edge over your opponents.
Comparison Chart
Best Pickleball Paddle for Control
Gearbox CX11Q Control Pickleball Paddle
The Gearbox CX11Q Control is a high-performance and well-balanced paddle that gives great control and accuracy on the court. It weighs 7.8 ounces, making it easy to maneuver and allowing quick, precise shots. It is suitable for players of all skill levels and is popular for recreational and competitive play.
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Quadraform technology is one of the CX11Q Control’s best features. It gives the surface a soft, responsive feel, making it easy to control the ball. The textured surface also helps to generate spin and adds extra bite to your shots. The handle is comfortable and has a good grip, making it easy to hold onto the paddle during long games.
In terms of weight, the CX11Q Control is on the lighter side at 7.8 ounces. That makes it easy to maneuver and allows for quick, precise shots. It also has a well-balanced feel, which adds to its overall playability. One thing that sets the CX11Q Control apart from other paddles is its durability. It is made with high-quality materials built to last, so you can rely on it to perform consistently game after game.
Gearbox’s innovative SST ribbed core made from T-700 carbon fiber reduces the impact of the backspin for greater control. Compared to previous forms, the sweet spot on the New Gearbox CX11 Quad Control is larger and the face is softer, making it ideal for touch shots. The noise level of this paddle will be the lowest of any available.
It also has a stylish design that is aesthetically pleasing. Its Quadraform technology, lightweight design, and comfortable handle make it a great choice for professional players. If you’re shopping for a new paddle, the CX11Q Control is worth considering.
Overall, the Gearbox CX11Q Control is a great paddle with impressive control and accuracy. It’s good for players of all skill levels and can be used for competitive and recreational games. The purple also adds some flair to your game. Those features make the paddle stand out. If you’re shopping for a new pickleball paddle, the CX11Q Control is worth considering.
Pros
- Quadraform technology gives it a soft, responsive feel, making it easy to control the ball
- Handle is comfortable and has a good grip
- Easy to maneuver and allows for quick, precise shots
- Made from quality materials, thus durable
- The carbon fiber enables greater control
- Stylish and unique design
Cons
- The purple color might not appeal to everyone.
Vulcan V560 Control Pickleball Paddle (Lava)
The Vulcan V560 Control is good for all-court players who want a good balance of feel, control, and power. This paddle has a classic shape and an elongated handle. It features a long handle and a uniform paddle face, making it ideal for two-handed backhands. It includes a fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene core and a 13-mm polypropylene face. The Vulcan Max Control Grip measures 4.25 inches and weighs 0.56 pounds.
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Vulcan is widely recognized as the premier pickleball brand in that industry. As a result, its paddles are generally regarded as the coolest and most modern. Also, their designs are widely praised for being original and attractive. With a Vulcan paddle, you can take on any challenge.
The V560 is the newest paddle in their line of high-quality paddles, which has options for paddlers of all skill levels and budgets. It is available in two variations, namely the Power and the Control. Although they have different sounds, the V560 Control and Power look identical. Their length is 17.95 inches, and their width is about 8.46 inches. Longer paddles enable greater reach and power than shorter ones.
The Vulcan V560 Control is more powerful and has more “pop” when struck. Besides being easy to use, the spin you can create gives you confidence, which lets you attack and beat your opponents.
Also, the V560 Control paddle’s handle is slightly longer than the industry standard. The added length isn’t a problem if you don’t use a two-handed backhand stroke. However, the handles are thin, so an overgrip is required to make the tool more comfortable to hold.
The paddle only comes in one size and weighs 0.56 pounds. It is slightly heavy, but it will strengthen the paddles and make paddling easier. The facing material is the only discernible distinction between the power and control paddles. Instead of carbon fiber like the Power model, the Control paddle has a fiberglass face.
Pros
- Impressive and powerful
- It’s easy to use
- The paddle’s longer handle enables greater reach and power
- Its weight strengthens the paddles, making paddling easier
Cons
- The handles are thin, thus requiring an overgrip to give it a better grip.
SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddle
The SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddles from Selkirk are a great choice if you’re looking for a high-quality product that won’t break the bank. They have a nice, consistent, and cushiony feel. Ultra-Comfort Grip material is used in the paddle because it absorbs sweat from the side of the paddle you hold.
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The SLK Atlas provides the highest level of control possible. It provides a comfortable, consistent, quiet, and responsive experience. The SLK Atlas is a fantastic option for novice and intermediate pickleball players, thanks to its wide size. Also, its G5 graphite face provides a super soft feel and puts you in control of the game.
The manufacturer uses reliable and tested technology that works together to keep the ball moving at a constant clip. That happens while it dampens the impact and reduces the sting. This paddle is an excellent compromise between lightweight and medium-weight options, weighing only 7.5 ounces per paddle. The next generation of pickleball players will love it.
The paddle is sized at a combined 5.25 inches in length and 4.25 inches in grip circumference. SLK Pickleball paddles use Ultra-Comfort Grip to absorb sweat and impacts as they move from the paddle face to the hand. This allows for prolonged play without discomfort.
All Selkirk Pickleball paddles have passed rigorous USAPA testing. As a result, they get approved for use in official pickleball tournaments in the United States and worldwide. So, SLK Atlas Pickleball Paddles are a good choice if you already like the game and want to play in tournaments.
According to users, the Atlas paddle won’t be that durable, as its edge may break loose. Some cite it as unable to produce the pinging sound, with little force or control behind it. In summary, the quality of its material is low, making it less durable.
Pros
- It provides the highest level of control
- Ideal for novice and intermediate players
- Reliable and tested technology that keeps the ball moving at a constant clip
- Uses an ultra-comfort grip to absorb sweat
- USAPA-approved and thus used worldwide
Cons
- The Atlas paddle may not be as durable as you expect.
- It won’t produce the usual pinging sound.
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CGS 16mm Pickleball Paddle
Over the past 70 years, Joola has established itself as the industry standard for table tennis. CGS technology uses a durable and tough Carbon Flex3 textured surface to make every serve, drive, and dink have more spin. The Sure-grip technology builds a perforated anti-slip ridge grip into the design to improve grip and absorb shock.
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Joola supports the PPA Tour and the world’s No. 1 pickleball player, Ben Johns, with official paddles. Joola, a world leader in table tennis for over 70 years, has teamed up with Ben Johns to make a revolutionary line of pickleball gear.
The development of Carbon Grip Surface (CGS) technology was a breakthrough. The Carbon Flex3 textured surface of Joola’s USAPA-approved CGS technology provides a firm grip on the ball. That increases the spin potential of every serve, drive, and dink.
The honeycomb core of polypropylene improves both longevity and efficiency. Response polymer core, 14 mm thick, dampens vibrations and boosts output. The honeycombs’ cell shape and material help the racket last longer, and their compression improves the feel.
Sure-Grip technology changes the game with its perforated anti-slip ridge grip, better shock absorption, and less moisture on the handle’s surface. As a result, you can hit the net with full accuracy and ease. The extra-long 5.5-inch handle allows you to cover more ground in your game.
The Aero Curve head design of this professional pickleball paddle reduces wind resistance and speeds up your swing. Each addition was painstakingly designed to boost your performance. The only drawbacks are the high price and the large grip size of the paddle, which some users find too large. Regardless, it’s still a top-performing paddle.
Pros
- The CGS technology increases the spin potential of every serve, drive, and dink.
- The Carbon Flex3 textured surface provides a firm grip on the ball.
- A polymer core dampens vibrations and boosts output.
- The honeycomb core of polypropylene improves both longevity and efficiency.
- The honeycomb’s cell shape and material make it durable.
- Sure-Grip technology enables full accuracy.
- Its Aero Curve head design reduces wind resistance and speeds up your swing.
Cons
- Some users deem the grip size too large.
- It is expensive.
TMPR Sports Luxe Series – Pickleball Paddle
You can avoid pickleball elbow with TMPR paddles because they are crafted from special shock-absorbing materials. If you play another racket sport, you’ll appreciate the octagonal shape of the handle. The weight range of 7.6 to 8.0 ounces is ideal because it allows for a quicker swing and generates adequate force.
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Technical Method for Reducing Vibration (TMPR) paddles benefit from the efficacy of rounded shapes. A round club head reduces resistance to swinging, improves control, and enlarges the effective hitting zone.
With its thick, 16-mm core, you can get the most texture that the pickleball will allow. It’s made of honeycomb polymer and there are graphics printed on a fiberglass face. The textured face and thicker core of the LX Series are optimized for spinning.
By using a TMPR paddle, which is made of materials that absorb shock, you can avoid getting pickleball elbow. Despite the pickleball paddle’s higher price, those switching from another racket sport will find its octagonal handles particularly useful.
It comes in a variety of five distinct shapes. Ascend, shaped like a teardrop, allows you to perform powerful backhands with both hands. Expanse lets you paddle with a wide body used for defense. Oculus is well-rounded and equally effective in attack and defense. Rave is elongated for greater impact. Tantrum is semi-elongated to improve reach, power, and speed.
You can increase its swing speed due to the bat’s lightweight. The sweet spot between light and heavy, the medium weight (7.6 to 8.0 ounces), permits a quicker swing and delivers moderate power. However, the thick core, which provides plenty of power, may limit control.
Pros
- The paddle is made of shock-absorbent materials that prevent getting a pickleball elbow.
- It comes in a variety of five distinct shapes and grip options.
- The lightweight allows for increased swing speed.
- It has a thick core.
Cons
- The weight may limit the control.
- It has a higher price point than other models.
Conclusion
Finding the best pickleball paddle for control depends on your playing style and preferences. There are many factors to consider, like the paddle’s material and weight, the handle’s size and shape, and the surface’s texture. Try out different paddles and experiment with different grip techniques to find the best one.
Ultimately, the best paddle for control is the one that allows you to make precise and accurate shots with ease and confidence. A reliable and responsive paddle can make a big difference in your pickleball game, whether you are a beginner or a pro.