What Paddle Do Most Pros Use in Pickleball?

What Paddle Do Most Pros Use in Pickleball?

Pro players in any sport are known for pushing the limits of their gear—and pickleball is no exception. The right paddle can make or break precision shots, aggressive drives, and lightning-fast resets at the kitchen line. So naturally, many amateur and intermediate players want to know: What paddle are the pros swinging?

The Most Popular Pro Paddle: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion

Ask any pickleball fan and they’ll tell you—JOOLA is everywhere in the pro circuit right now. The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm has become almost synonymous with elite performance.

Why pros love it:

  • Carbon friction surface (CFS) enhances spin

  • 16mm core provides control without sacrificing power

  • Used by the #1 ranked male player in the world, Ben Johns

It’s a beast—but it’s not the only option.

Other Pro Favorites

Beyond JOOLA, many top athletes trust brands like:

  • Selkirk: Especially the Vanguard Power Air and Invikta series

  • CRBN: Carbon fiber paddles with elite-level spin potential

  • Electrum: Sleek designs with great touch and durability

  • Gearbox: Known for their unique molded paddles with no honeycomb core

Each brand offers a different feel, and pro players often have signature models tuned to their play style.

Do Pros Modify Their Paddles?

Absolutely. Many pros use lead or tungsten tape to adjust weight distribution. They also:

  • Add edge guard tape for durability

  • Use overgrips or custom paddle bands for feel and branding

  • Customize balance to favor either power or control

Just like you might tweak your gear for comfort, pros do the same—but with more precise setups.

Should You Use a Pro Paddle?

Not necessarily. Here’s why:

  • Pro paddles can be heavier or harder to control for beginners

  • Some are tuned for aggressive players who play full-time

  • They’re often expensive ($200+)

A better move might be:

  • Finding a paddle with a similar shape and material

  • Adding accessories like the Jet Black Paddle Band to improve comfort

  • Working your way up to a pro model as your skill improves

What Pros Look for in a Paddle

Whether it’s Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, or Tyson McGuffin, most elite players look for:

  • Spin potential: Gritty surfaces or textured carbon

  • Stability: Thicker cores and well-balanced frames

  • Customizable weight: Adjusted with tape or accessories

They also personalize their paddles with branding, name markings, or unique wraps—just like you can with Custom Paddle Bands.

Try This Before Buying a Pro Paddle

Before you drop $250 on a pro-tier paddle:

  1. Demo different models if possible

  2. Consider weight and grip size first

  3. Customize what you already own with:

Final Rally: Play Like a Pro, Feel Like You

You don’t need to play like a pro to benefit from pro-level gear—or the habits that come with it. Add smart accessories, personalize your paddle, and grow your game with confidence.

And if you do upgrade to a JOOLA, Selkirk, or CRBN paddle? Be sure to make it yours with the Jet Black Paddle Band and gear from CustomPickleballBands.com.

Because the real secret to playing like a pro? Playing with purpose—and with gear that feels just right in your hand.

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