Choosing the right pickleball paddle is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your game. This guide walks you through exactly how to pick a paddle — core, surface, shape, weight and grip — and gives our top recommendations for 2026, all in stock in Canada and ready to ship from Tennis ProSport.
How to choose a pickleball paddle
1. Core thickness: 14 mm vs 16 mm
The core is the foam or honeycomb inside the paddle, and its thickness changes how the paddle feels.
- 16 mm core — more control, a larger sweet spot and a softer feel. Best for control players and anyone who plays a lot at the kitchen line. This is the most popular choice for intermediate and advanced players.
- 14 mm core — more pop and power, with a slightly firmer feel and smaller sweet spot. Great for aggressive players who like to drive and put balls away.
2. Surface material: carbon fibre, fibreglass or hybrid
- Raw carbon fibre (T700 / Kevlar hybrids) — the gold standard for spin and control. The gritty texture grabs the ball for heavy topspin. Found on premium paddles like CRBN, Joola Pro IV and Selkirk.
- Fibreglass — more power and a livelier face, but less spin and control. Common on value paddles.
- Hybrid / friction surfaces — blend spin and durability, used on the newest tour paddles.
3. Shape: elongated vs standard (widebody)
- Elongated — longer face for extra reach and power, with a narrower sweet spot. Preferred by singles players and those with tennis backgrounds.
- Standard / widebody — a more forgiving, wider sweet spot. Easier to control and ideal for doubles and newer players.
4. Weight
Most paddles weigh between 7.8 and 8.5 oz. Lighter paddles (under 8 oz) are quicker at the net and easier on the arm; heavier paddles give more power and stability but can cause fatigue. If you have any elbow or shoulder issues, lean lighter.
5. Grip size
A grip that's too big reduces wrist action and spin. When in doubt, choose the smaller grip — you can always add an overgrip to build it up. Most players use a 4 1/4" grip.
Best pickleball paddles in Canada 2026
? Best overall — Joola Pro IV Hyperion (Ben Johns)
Used by the world's #1 player, the Joola Hyperion Pro IV Ben Johns 16 mm ($378) blends elite control, spin and a huge sweet spot. If you want one paddle that does everything at a tour level, this is it.
? Best premium splurge — Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik
The Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik 16 mm ($459.99) is a limited-edition, no-compromise power-and-feel paddle for players who want the very best.
? Best for control — Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta
The Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta ($339.95) offers an incredibly stable, plush feel with a massive sweet spot — perfect for dinking and resets at the net.
⚡ Best for power — Selkirk Vanguard Power Air
The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air ($329.95) uses an aerodynamic throat to add serious drive speed without sacrificing control.
? Best for spin — CRBN 1 TruFoam Genesis
The CRBN 1 TruFoam Genesis ($399.99) features raw carbon and TruFoam technology for elite topspin and a consistent, powerful pop.
✅ Best all-around value — Gearbox Pro Ultimate & Joola Simone Jardim
The Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated 16 mm ($299) delivers solid-core consistency, while the Joola Hyperion Pro IV Simone Jardim ($299.95) is a tour paddle at a friendlier price.
? Best budget & beginner paddles
- Selkirk Omega XL ($189.99) — forgiving, wide sweet spot, trusted brand.
- Gearbox G2 Elongated ($179.99) — great reach and power for the price.
- C45 Carbon Fibre Paddle ($209.99) — carbon face on a budget.
- Six Zero Quartz 15 mm ($119.99) — the best true entry-level paddle.
Frequently asked questions
What thickness pickleball paddle should I get?
Choose a 16 mm paddle for control and a bigger sweet spot (best for most players and doubles), or a 14 mm paddle for extra power and pop if you play an aggressive, driving style.
Is carbon fibre or fibreglass better for pickleball?
Carbon fibre (raw T700 or Kevlar hybrid) gives more spin and control and is the choice of most tour players. Fibreglass gives more raw power but less spin and control, and is usually found on cheaper paddles.
What is the best pickleball paddle for beginners?
Beginners should look for a forgiving 16 mm standard-shape paddle with a large sweet spot. The Six Zero Quartz ($119.99) and Selkirk Omega XL ($189.99) are excellent, affordable first paddles.
How much should I spend on a pickleball paddle?
Entry-level paddles start around $120, quality mid-range paddles run $180–$300, and premium tour paddles are $300–$460. Most intermediate players are best served in the $250–$350 range.
What paddle do the pros use?
Top pros play tour-level paddles such as the Joola Pro IV (Ben Johns, Collin Johns, Tyson McGuffin), CRBN and Selkirk LABS lines — all available at Tennis ProSport.
Where can I buy pickleball paddles in Canada?
Tennis ProSport carries CRBN, Six Zero, Joola, Selkirk, Gearbox and Franklin paddles — in stock in Canada with fast shipping and expert advice. Shop all pickleball paddles →
Need help choosing? Our team plays pickleball and can match you to the perfect paddle. Browse all paddles or visit us at 2330 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec.