6 Best Pickleball Paddles For Women 2023

Finding the best pickleball paddles for women can be tricky. While there are many highly rated paddles out there that are considered primarily unisex, it’s important to remember that a paddle designed specifically for men is not necessarily going to be best suited for women.

Taking into consideration the size and shape of your hands, as well as the strength and amount of spin vs power you need, there are key features to keep in mind when looking for a paddle specifically tailored for a female player.

Making sure to do your research on the best pickleball paddles for women can help ensure you find one best suited to your individual needs and playing style.

My Recommendation for Best Women’s Pickleball Paddle

The Prince Response Pro features a wide flared neck that improves handling of mis-hits, while maintaining a consistent sweet spot. It offers two weight options and an oval head design for control and power.

The long handle provides leverage without compromising accuracy or power. The wide body shape and thick rimmed edge enhance grip and prevent shots from going out of line.

Do Not Forget to Read: Latest Pickleball Paddles

List Of Best Pickleball Paddles For Women

After an intense search for women pickleball paddles, the cream of the crop emerged. I meticulously went through 20 paddles from different brands and read reviews from famous women players like Kaitlyn Christian and Cammy MacGregor. 

I then chose women’s pickleball paddles specifically suited for their needs. To double check my choices, I asked some women players in our club and they gave me some helpful feedback. All in all, with strategic research, I finally found the best women’s paddles out there!

Prince Response Pro – Overall Best Pickleball Paddle for Women

Prince Response Pro - Overall Best Pickleball Paddle for Women
  • Wide flared neck helps with mis-hits on the neck area
  • Allows for a more consistent sweet spot, reducing any rigid areas in corners
  • Two options either 7.1 to 7.6 ounces or 7.7 to 8.1 ounces
  • Oval head design provides incredible control and power for those quick shots at the net or for big serves over the back line
  • Long handle gives me great leverage without sacrificing accuracy or power
  • Wide body shape gives you more room for your grip which helps keep your movements on the court smoother and more precise
  • Thick rimmed edge allows you not to miss any shots out of line
  • Price is on the higher end
  • Not ideal for beginners as there is a learning curve

The Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle is my first best pickleball paddle for women. Instead of a traditional tennis-style neck, the paddle features a wide flared neck that helps with mis-hits on the neck area. This is especially helpful for women who may have trouble controlling their strokes due to hand size or other issues.

The shape also allows for a more consistent sweet spot, reducing any rigid areas in corners that could cause inconsistency in shots.

In terms of weight, you have two options either 7.1 to 7.6 ounces or 7.7 to 8.1 ounces allowing you to customize your playing experience depending on your preferences.

Even though it’s only slightly wider than other paddles, I have noticed quite a difference in my game, particularly when it comes to dinking volley shots – they seem to go where I want them to go easier and more consistently with this paddle.

One of the things I like most about this paddle is its shape the oval head design provides incredible control and power for those quick shots at the net or for big serves over the back line. The long handle gives me great leverage as well, allowing me to shorten my swing without sacrificing accuracy or power.

Since it has a wide body shape, you get more room for your grip which helps keep your movements on the court smoother and more precise. Plus it has a thick rimmed edge you don’t have to worry about missing any shots out of line.

All in all, I’m really happy with the Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle. It’s an amazing piece of equipment that has helped improve my game significantly and I would highly recommend it to women players looking for an upgrade from their current pickleball paddle.

Not only is it lightweight and well balanced, but it gives you plenty of power and control while still keeping your shots smooth and accurate.

Key Features:

Weight Range7.2-8.3 oz
Grip Circumference4 1/8″ (Small), 4 3/8″ (Large)
Grip Length5.5″
Paddle Length15 3/4″
Paddle Width8 1/4″
Paddle FaceTextured UV coated fiberglass
Core MaterialPolymer honeycomb
Core Thickness9/16″ (0.5625″)

Franklin Sports Pro – Lightweight Design Suitable for Female Players

Franklin Sports Pro - Lightweight Design Suitable for Female Players
  • Available in both 13mm and 16mm cores
  • Exclusive hybrid rubber core
  • Lightweight design
  • Larger sweet spot
  • Thicker grip for greater control and accuracy
  • Superior power and control
  • Great value for money
  • Pricey for some people

After doing some research, I settled on the Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle. This paddle is available in both 13mm and 16mm cores, giving you plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect fit for your game.

When I tried out this paddle at the store, the difference between these two cores was immediately obvious.

The 13mm core was great for someone like me who doesn’t have the strength to generate a lot of power with their shots. The ball seemed to fly off of this paddle faster and with more spin than usual; whereas the 16mm core provided an extra measure of control and accuracy.

The larger sweet spot and thicker grip of the 16mm paddle made it perfect for longer rallies and more precise shots.

In terms of overall performance, this was one of the best paddles I had ever used. It has a lightweight design, making it suitable for female players who may not be able to handle heavier paddles.

The Pro Pickleball also has an exclusive hybrid rubber core that provides superior power and control for all levels of pickleball players.

The only downside I found with the Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle is that it can be pricey for some people. However, considering its quality material construction and top-notch performance, I think it’s worth the investment.

All in all, I highly recommend the Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle to any pickleball players looking for a premium quality paddle. It provides great performance and is suitable for both male and female players. Plus, you can’t beat the price! You won’t be disappointed!

Key Features:

Weight Range7.5-8.0 ounces (13mm) 7.9-8.3 ounces (16mm)
Grip Circumference4 1/4″ (medium)
Grip Length5.6″
Paddle Length16.5″
Paddle Width7.3″
Paddle FaceFiberglass with MaxGrit
Core MaterialPolypropylene Honeycomb
Core Thickness13mm or 16mm

HEAD Extreme Tour Lite – Best for Beginner Women Pickleball Players

HEAD Extreme Tour Lite - Best for Beginner Women Pickleball Players
  • Lightweight design
  • Great spin technology
  • Comfortable foam grip
  • Unique Controlled Stabilized Technology expands the sweet spot
  • Thin beam for easy maneuverability
  • Excellent control when blocking shots or returning serves
  • Reasonable price point
  • Graphite face may wear away over time
  • Not suitable for power players who want a lot of weight on the paddle

After trying out the HEAD Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle, I have to say that this is an amazing paddle. It has all the features you’d expect from a great pickleball paddle – it’s lightweight and well-balanced, with great spin technology and a comfortable foam grip. 

But what really sets this paddle apart from other paddles is its unique Controlled Stabilized Technology. This technology enables the sweet spot to be expanded, so even if you don’t hit it perfectly in the center every time, you still get a good solid hit. 

This makes it ideal for players of all levels as well as for women who may not have the same strength or confidence when hitting harder shots.

Quantitatively speaking, the HEAD Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle measures 8.5in x 15in with a weight of 7.2 ounces and a medium grip size (4 1/4″). 

It has a graphite face, an aluminum core and is designed with Xtreme Spin technology for ultimate control and power in your shots. 

The balance point on the paddle is located at 6 inches from the handle end so you get maximum stability when swinging or blocking shots.

In terms of performance, this is an incredibly versatile and powerful paddle. It’s thin beam, coupled with its unique shape, makes it very easy to maneuver and brings great accuracy, power, and spin to your shots. 

The HEAD Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle also provides excellent control when blocking shots or returning serves.

Overall, I have to say that the HEAD Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a reliable game-enhancing paddle. 

It has all the features you need in one product – lightweight design, great spin technology, comfortable grip and extended sweet spot all at a reasonable price point. 

Additionally, this paddle is perfect for women who are just starting out in pickleball as it offers enough power and control to make it easier to learn the game. 

I highly recommend this best women’s pickleball paddle as a great choice for players of all levels. The HEAD Extreme Tour Lite Pickleball Paddle will not disappoint!

Key Features:

Weight Range7.2 (+/-.25) oz
Grip Circumference4 1/4″ (medium)
Grip LengthStandard – 5”
Paddle Length16”
Paddle Width7 7/8”
Paddle FaceCarbon Fiber
Core MaterialOTC Honeycomb Polymer Core
ColorwayYellow

Prince Spectrum Pro – Best for Ladies Playing Double Hand Shots in Pickleball

Prince Spectrum Pro - Best for Ladies Playing Double Hand Shots in Pickleball
  • Ergonomic handle designed for two-handed backhand
  • Large sweet spot to make touch shots more easily
  • Lightweight and balanced design for quick movements on the court
  • High power with great control over shots
  • Beautiful aesthetic pattern with P logo
  • Suitable for players of all skill levels
  • Offers an edge on the court for competitive play
  • Somewhat expensive compared to other pickleball paddles
  • May take some time to get used to the larger handle size for those with smaller hands

I recently purchased the Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle and I am absolutely loving it. This paddle is designed for power, finesse, and control – all of which are necessary for a competitive game of pickleball. 

As a female player, I appreciate the fact that this paddle has been specifically designed with us in mind.

The handle is longer than most pickleball paddles, making it perfect for those with a two-handed backhand (like myself). The grip offers plenty of room to move my hands around so that I can comfortably use both continental and semi-western grips. 

The surface gives me lots of power when hitting shots but also provides me with enough control over the ball to place it accurately on the court.

The shape of the paddle makes the sweet spot exceptionally large, which is ideal for making touch shots. The design itself has a beautiful pattern with a classy P symbol that looks fantastic out on the court. 

The Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle is also lightweight and well-balanced, allowing me to move quickly around the court while still having maximum control over my shots.

I have been playing pickleball competitively for several years now and can confidently say that this paddle is one of the best I have ever used. 

It’s perfect for those looking to take their game to the next level, whether they are an experienced player or just getting started in the sport. Its combination of power, finesse, and control make it a must-have for any pickleball player. I highly recommend the Prince Spectrum Pro Pickleball Paddle for anyone looking for an edge on the court!

Overall, this best pickleball paddle for intermediate woman offers great performance in all areas of play. It provides excellent power and control which makes it ideal for players of all skill levels. 

Additionally, its ergonomic design ensures that you can use it comfortably over long periods of time. The weight and balance also give players the ability to move swiftly while still making precise shots with accuracy and precision.

Key Features:

Weight Range8.0 ounces
Grip Circumference4 1/4″ (medium)
Grip Length5″
Paddle Length15 3/4″
Paddle Width8 1/4″
Paddle FaceTextured UV coated
Core MaterialPolymer honeycomb
Core Thickness9/16″ (0.5625″)
Country of OriginUSA

Paddletek Bantam EX-L – Best for Small Hands

Paddletek Bantam EX-L - Best for Small Hands
  • Made in the USA
  • 13mm polypropylene core provides great spin control
  • Graphite surface provides ample power with each hit
  • Large sweet spot allows for better control and accuracy when hitting powerful shots
  • Handle is shorter than most paddles, perfect for women with smaller hands
  • Textured face enhances grip
  • 7.9-8.1 oz weight range provides optimal balance of power and control
  • Loud sound production
  • Loud sound can be distracting for some players

I have had my Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pickleball paddle for a couple of years and I absolutely love it. It is made in the USA and has an impressive 13mm polypropylene core, which gives you great spin control due to its thickness and stiffness. 

The surface is constructed from graphite which provides ample power with each hit.

The face of this paddle has an extremely large sweet spot which allows for better control in keeping the ball from going off court as well as enabling you to hit powerful shots with ease. 

For women players, I found this feature especially helpful as the sweet spot size is one of the most important performance factors in pickleball and having a larger sweet spot gives me more confidence when hitting for power or accuracy.

The handle on the paddle is shorter than most paddles, making it perfect for women who have smaller hands or prefer a more compact grip. 

This feature also makes it easier to do a one handed backhand shot compared to larger handles where you need both hands to get enough power behind your shot.

The graphics on this paddle are also very aesthetically pleasing; it has bright colors that make it easy to keep track of your paddle during long matches and its textured surface helps enhance grip to ensure you don’t overhit the ball due to slippery hands.

When it comes to playing pickleball, the balance between power and control is key. The Paddletek Bantam EX-L provides the perfect mix of both with its 7.9-8.1 oz weight range, which gives you great power on your serves yet enough control to hit consistent shots in rallies.

In terms of sound production, Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle is quite loud compared to other paddles, which can be both good and bad depending on where you are playing. 

All in all, I think this best pickleball paddle for small hands is an excellent choice for female players who want to enhance their pickleball game. 

Its lightweight design combined with its large sweet spot and textured surface make it perfect for women players seeking improved performance, accuracy, and control. 

And although its louder than most paddles, that could actually work to your advantage! So if you’re looking for an upgrade then this paddle might just be the one for you.

Key Features:

Weight Range7.7 – 8.4 ounces
Grip Circumference4 1/4″ (Medium)
Grip Length5 1/8″
Paddle Length15 5/8″
Paddle Width7 7/8″
Paddle FaceVinyl graphic
Core MaterialPolymer honeycomb
Edge Guard1/8″ overlapping paddle face
Country of OriginMade in the USA

JOOLA Hyperion CFS – Best for Extra Forgiveness

JOOLA Hyperion CFS - Best for Extra Forgiveness
  • Durable carbon fiber face
  • Extra layer of forgiveness from foam filling on the sides
  • Ribbed handle for better grip without overgripping
  • Weight (7.7-8.2 oz) is just right for average women players
  • White color makes it easier to see where you’re striking the ball
  • Vertical grooves on face provide the right level of grip
  • Great combination of power and control for women players
  • Not suitable for advanced/professional players who need more spin or power

The carbon fiber face of JOOLA Hyperion CFS Pickleball Paddle adds durability to the paddle, while also providing a great level of control. 

The foam filling on the sides gives this paddle an extra layer of forgiveness when striking off-center shots, making it an ideal choice for women players who might not have as much power or accuracy as male players.

The handle is ribbed, giving me a better grip without having to overgrip the handle. This helps with fatigue during long games and can give you more delicate touches on your shots than if you were over gripping the handle. 

The weight of this pickleball paddle is 7.7-8.2 oz., which is a great range for the average women player since heavier paddles can be difficult to maneuver quickly, while lighter paddles don’t provide enough power with each hit.

I also appreciate that this paddle comes in white rather than darker colors so it’s easier to see where I’m striking the ball and how it’s reacting off the face of my paddle. 

The vertical grooves on the carbon fiber face add just enough grip to my shots without making them too spinny or unpredictable, something that can be an issue with more abrasive surfaces.

Overall, I highly recommend the JOOLA Hyperion CFS Pickleball Paddle to women players. It provides a great combination of power and control, with an extra layer of forgiveness from the foam filling on the sides. 

The ribbed handle gives you more grip without having to overgrip it, and the weight is just right for the average player since it’s not too heavy or too light. If you’re looking for a new paddle that will help take your game to the next level, definitely look into this one!

Key Features:

Weight Range7.5 – 7.9 ounces
Grip Circumference4 1/8″ (Actual grip sizes may vary up to 1/8″)
Grip Length5.5″
Paddle Length16.5″
Paddle Width7.5″
Paddle FaceCarbon Friction Surface (CFS) Graphite
Core MaterialReactive Polymer Core
Core Thickness14mm (0.55″)

Factors to Consider Before Buying Best Women Pickleball Paddles

Picking the right pickleball paddle for female players can be a daunting task, with so many different shapes, sizes and materials to choose from. 

Weight

Weight is an important factor when choosing a paddle, with 7.5 to 8 ounces usually being the middle weight range that is most suitable for female players. 

This can depend on the material of the paddle too since lighter paddles are generally made from composite materials such as a polypropylene honeycomb core and a fiberglass face. 

Taking time to properly research which type of paddle would best fit your playing style should ensure satisfaction when making a purchase.

Grip of The Paddle

Larger grips make for an effective swing but might not be comfortable if you have smaller hands, so it all depends on your individual needs. An ideal grip should provide enough room for your fingers without being overly large, so be sure to check that out before you make a purchase. 

Ultimately, having the perfect pickleball paddle for your hand size makes for a more relaxed yet powerful performance – something no professional player should do without!

Shape of The Paddle

Before shopping for a paddle, it is important to consider the shape and size. Women’s paddles are available in different variants, with square and elongated models being the most common. 

The standard size is 8 inches wide by 15 ¾ inches long for both varieties but an elongated paddle can provide increased reach and can make it easier to hit difficult shots. Comfort should be addressed as well since a longer handle on this type of paddle offers more control. 

This type of paddle is suitable for women but many advanced pickleball players may prefer using it as well.

Are Pickleball Paddles Unisex?

Pickleball paddles, like most sports equipment, are not inherently unisex or gender specific. In fact, pickleball paddles are designed to be used by players of all genders and skill levels.

However, there are some differences between pickleball paddles that are marketed towards men and those marketed towards women. These differences are typically related to size, weight, and grip size, and are intended to cater to the preferences and needs of different players.

Are Pickleball Paddles Unisex

For example, pickleball paddles marketed towards men may be slightly larger and heavier, with a larger grip size, to accommodate the typically larger hand size of men. 

On the other hand, pickleball paddles marketed towards women may be slightly smaller and lighter, with a smaller grip size, to accommodate the typically smaller hand size of women.

It’s important to note that these differences are not set in stone and are simply recommendations based on averages. Many women prefer larger and heavier paddles, and many men prefer smaller and lighter paddles. 

Ultimately, the best pickleball paddle for you will depend on your personal preferences, playing style, and skill level, regardless of your gender.

What Weight Pickleball Paddle Is Best For Women?

Pickleball paddles come in a range of weights, and the weight that is best for you will depend on your personal preference and playing style. Some women may prefer a heavier paddle for added power and control, while others may prefer a lighter paddle for faster swings and increased maneuverability.

Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a weight for your pickleball paddle:

Physical strength: If you are physically stronger or have more upper body strength, you may be able to handle a heavier paddle more easily. 

However, if you have a smaller frame or less upper body strength, a lighter paddle may be more comfortable for you to use.

Playing style: Do you prefer to hit hard and fast, or do you prefer a more controlled and accurate shot? If you enjoy hitting hard and fast, a heavier paddle may be a good choice for you, as it will provide more power and stability. 

On the other hand, if you prefer a more controlled and accurate shot, a lighter paddle may be better suited to your playing style.

Experience level: If you are a beginner, you may find it easier to start with a lighter paddle until you get the hang of the game. As you become more experienced and comfortable with your strokes, you can experiment with different weights to find what works best for you.

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What Pickleball Paddles Do Pro Women Use?

Pickleball is a popular racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a smaller net and a smaller ball, and players use paddles to hit the ball back and forth across the net. 

Professional women pickleball players use a variety of paddles to suit their style of play and personal preferences.

One popular brand among pro women pickleball players is Engage Pickleball. Engage offers a variety of paddles specifically designed for women, with a range of weights, grip sizes, and playing styles. 

The Envy paddle, for example, is a lightweight option with a medium grip size and a textured surface for added control. The Energy paddle, on the other hand, is a mid-weight option with a large grip size and a smooth surface for a quick response.

Another popular brand among pro women pickleball players is Selkirk Sport. Selkirk offers a range of paddles designed for different levels of play, from beginner to advanced. 

The Nexgen Pro paddle, for example, is a lightweight option with a medium grip size and a textured surface for added control. 

The Nexgen AMPED paddle, on the other hand, is a mid-weight option with a large grip size and a smooth surface for a quick response.

Pro women pickleball players also often use paddles from other brands, such as Paddletek, ProLite, and Onix. 

These brands offer a range of options for different playing styles and preferences, including lightweight paddles, mid-weight paddles, and heavy paddles. 

Many of these paddles also have textured surfaces for added control and smooth surfaces for a quick response.

In addition to the brand and weight of the paddle, pro women pickleball players also consider the grip size and handle shape when choosing a paddle. 

Some players prefer a larger grip size for added control, while others prefer a smaller grip size for a faster swing. The handle shape can also affect the way a player holds and swings the paddle, with some players preferring a more traditional round handle and others preferring a more ergonomic shape.

Ultimately, the best pickleball paddle for a pro woman player will depend on her personal preferences and style of play. 

Some players may prefer a lightweight paddle with a textured surface for added control, while others may prefer a mid-weight paddle with a smooth surface for a quick response. 

Regardless of the paddle chosen, professional women pickleball players rely on their paddles to help them perform at the highest level and compete against the best players in the world.

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Summary for Best Pickleball Paddles For Women

Best For

Model

Price

Prince Response Pro

Franklin Sports Pro

HEAD Extreme Tour Lite

Prince Spectrum Pro

Paddletek Bantam EX-L

JOOLA Hyperion CFS

Final Words

If you are a woman and playing pickleball, these paddles suit you the best as they have unique specifications perfect for women. 

The Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle is ideal because of the wide flared neck which helps with mis-hits on the neck area. It also allows for a more consistent sweet spot, reducing any rigid areas in corners.

 Another great option is Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddles since they are available in both 13mm and 16mm cores with exclusive hybrid rubber core. Lastly, HEAD Extreme Tour Lite is excellent because of its lightweight design that enables great spin technology while maintaining a comfortable foam grip. Out of all three, which one would be your favorite? Let me know if you have any questions!

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Michael Stevenson

Michael Stevenson

Hi, my name is Michael Stevenson and I’m a passionate pickleball player. I’ve been playing the game for many years and I’m pretty highly skilled at it. Pickleball is one of my favorite topics so naturally, I love to write about it.

Whether it’s tips for beginners, guides for experts, reviews of new paddles, or advanced playing techniques – if it relates to pickleball then I have something interesting to write about it. So if you’re looking for entertaining and informative information on the topic of pickleball, look no further than my written works!