Are you curious about what pickleball paddles the pros use? Professional players choose their paddles based on their unique playing styles and sponsorship deals. Some even collaborate with manufacturers to create custom paddles tailored to their needs.
Let’s explore the favorite paddles of top players and discover what makes them stand out on the court.
12 Profiles of Top Pro Players and Their Paddles
Below are profiles of notable pro pickleball players, detailing their playing styles, achievements, and the paddles they use.
| Pro Player | Paddles | Player Rank |
| Anna Leigh Waters | Bantam ALW-C | top-ranked female pickleball player globally |
| Ben Johns | JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm | Dominant player in both singles and doubles |
| Lucy Kovalova | Onix Evoke Premier Heavyweight | Accomplished player in Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles |
| Catherine Parenteau | VANGUARD Power Air – Invikta | Top Canadian pro player |
| Tyson McGuffin | JOOLA Tyson McGuffin Magnus 3S | Former tennis player turned pickleball pro |
| Lea Jansen | Ben Johns Perseus CFS 14 | European champion |
| Riley Newman | ProXR Player Series | Aggressive net player |
| Jessie Irvine | Engage Pursuit MX | Top Australian pro player |
| Anna Bright | JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14 | Rising star |
| Collin Johns | JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus CFS 16 | Formidable doubles player |
| JW Johnson | Franklin Signature Carbon STK Paddle | Powerful server |
| Dylan Frazier | Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta | Rising star |
1. Anna Leigh Waters
- Age: 16
- Paddle: Bantam ALW-C
- Rank: top-ranked female pickleball player globally
Anna Leigh Waters is a dynamic and talented pickleball player who has quickly risen to become the top-ranked female athlete in the pickleball.
Anna Leigh Waters teamed up with Paddletek to create her signature paddle, the Bantam ALW-C. Built with PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber and Paddletek’s Bantam core, this paddle delivers exceptional power, spin, and control.
It’s designed to meet the needs of aggressive, high-level players like Anna Leigh, who thrive in fast-paced matches.
Before the release of the Bantam ALW-C in November 2023, Anna Leigh played with the Paddletek Bantam TS-5, a lightweight paddle known for its quick handling and versatility. This paddle complemented her dynamic and precise playing style, helping her maintain control during intense rallies.
Anna Leigh’s collaboration with Paddletek highlights her dedication to using innovative equipment that supports her evolving game. Both the Bantam ALW-C and the Bantam TS-5 continue to inspire players looking for performance-driven paddles to elevate their game.
2. Ben Johns
- Age: 24
- Paddle: JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm
- Rank: Dominant player in both singles and doubles
Ben Johns is widely regarded as the best pickleball player in the world, primarily using the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle, which he co-developed with JOOLA. This paddle features a carbon-forged surface that enhances spin and provides exceptional power and control.
In addition to the Hyperion CFS 16mm, Ben has also been associated with the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S 16mm paddle. This paddle is engineered with a focus on stability, featuring JOOLA’s 3S technology to enhance the sweet spot and provide precise shot placement.
If you are an aggressive player then I recommend JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm because I use this paddle daily. Both paddles are designed to meet the demands of high-level play and offer a balance of power, control, and spin.
3. Lucy Kovalova
- Age: 28
- Paddle: Onix Evoke Premier Heavyweight
- Rank: Accomplished player in Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles
Lucy Kovalova is a top professional pickleball player, renowned for her precision, powerful volleys, and exceptional teamwork in doubles play. Her consistent performance and strategic gameplay have made her a standout figure in the sport.
Lucy Kovalova uses the ONIX Evoke Premier, co-designed with her doubles partner Matt Wright, through her collaboration with ONIX Pickleball. Built for power and precision, it features Atomic13 Edge Technology to reduce vibrations and enhance swing speed.
She’s also been seen using the ONIX Evoke Premier CT-16, which offers a thicker core for added control and versatility. Both paddles are excellent choices that are trusted by pros like Lucy.
4. Catherine Parenteau
- Age: 26
- Paddle: VANGUARD Power Air – Invikta
- Rank: Top Canadian pro player
Catherine Parenteau, one of the top names in professional pickleball, has teamed up with Selkirk Sport to design her signature paddle, the VANGUARD Power Air Invikta. This paddle strikes the perfect balance between power and spin, making it ideal for her aggressive and dynamic play style.
Before partnering with Selkirk, Catherine used the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro, a paddle known for its lightweight feel and maneuverability. Its design allowed her to make quick, precise movements on the court, which complemented her fast-paced game.
Catherine is also associated with the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic, a paddle built with Florek Carbon Fiber technology and a 20mm X7 Thickset Honeycomb core. This paddle offers an expanded sweet spot, great power, excellent spin, and incredible control—perfect for players who demand versatility in their gear.
Catherine’s paddle choices reflect her ability to adapt and her focus on using the best equipment to match her game’s unique demands.
5. Tyson McGuffin
- Age: 32
- Paddle: JOOLA Tyson McGuffin Magnus 3S
- Rank: Former tennis player turned pickleball pro
Tyson McGuffin is a charismatic and highly skilled professional pickleball player, recognized for his explosive energy, aggressive style, and exceptional athleticism.
He teamed up with JOOLA to create his signature paddle, the JOOLA Tyson McGuffin Magnus 3S 16mm. This paddle is designed to deliver a perfect blend of power and precision, making it a great choice for players who need versatility on the court.
Before joining JOOLA, Tyson was associated with Selkirk Sport in 2023, where he used the Selkirk AMPED Invikta paddle. This paddle, with its elongated shape and balanced weight, offered both power and control, perfectly complementing Tyson’s aggressive and strategic playing style.
These collaborations highlight Tyson’s dedication to using top-tier equipment that aligns with his dynamic game.
6. Lea Jansen
- Age: 27
- Paddle: Ben Johns Perseus CFS 14
- Rank: European champion
Lea Jansen is a fierce competitor on the professional pickleball circuit, known for her powerful groundstrokes, quick reflexes, and strategic gameplay.
She is sponsored by JOOLA and uses the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 14 paddle. Made with carbon fiber technology, this paddle offers the power, spin, and control needed for her aggressive and strategic play style.
Before partnering with JOOLA, Lea was sponsored by Franklin Sports, where she used the Franklin Signature Paddle, a lightweight option designed for quick and precise gameplay.
Her switch to JOOLA reflects her dedication to using cutting-edge equipment that complements her skills and keeps her competitive at the highest level.
7. Riley Newman
- Age: 29
- Paddle: ProXR Player Series
- Rank: Aggressive net player
Riley Newman, known for his aggressive net play and quick reflexes, partnered with ProXR Pickleball in January 2024. He now plays with the ProXR Player Series 14mm paddle, which is designed for a balance of power and precision. Its elongated handle offers extra leverage and control, perfect for Riley’s dynamic gameplay.
Before this, Riley was with GAMMA Sports and co-developed the GAMMA 206 Signature Paddle, known for its precise feel and extended grip for two-handed backhands.
Riley’s switch to ProXR highlights his focus on gear that matches his strategic and aggressive style.
In this case, I do not recommend buying the ProXR Player Series paddle. This is expensive and not a quality feature, it falls short in terms of quality and is not good in spin, making it less ideal for players looking to enhance their performance.
8. Jessie Irvine
- Age: 30
- Paddle: Engage Pursuit MX
- Rank: Top Australian pro player
Jessie Irvine is known for her powerful two-handed backhand and strategic gameplay on the professional pickleball circuit.
She is sponsored by Engage Pickleball. Her paddle of choice is the Engage Pursuit MX Jessie Irvine Signature Middleweight Graphite Paddle, specifically designed to offer a perfect balance of power and control—essential for her high-level performance.
Before using this paddle, Jessie played with the Engage Elite Pro Maverick, which features a longer handle that is ideal for two-handed backhands. This design perfectly complements her playing style and adds versatility to her game.
If you are an advanced player who wants a powerful paddle with good spin potential, and a longer reach. So this paddle is perfect for you.
9. Anna Bright
- Age: 22
- Paddle: JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14
- Rank: Rising star
Anna Bright is a rising talent in professional pickleball, known for her explosive athleticism, powerful shots, and strategic play.
Anna Bright has partnered with JOOLA to create her signature paddle, the JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14. This paddle is designed with a 14mm Reactive Honeycomb Polymer core, offering a perfect balance of power and control. Its Charged Carbon Friction Surface enhances spin and durability, making it ideal for her aggressive playing style.
Before this collaboration, Anna played with the JOOLA Scorpeus 3S 14mm paddle, known for its Charged Carbon Surface Technology and Propulsion Core. This paddle provided excellent power while maintaining control, perfectly suiting her dynamic gameplay.
Anna’s paddle choices highlight her focus on high-quality equipment that enhances her performance on the court. If you are an advanced player, you must try the JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 14 paddle I tested this paddle in a recent year and I liked it.
10. Collin Johns
- Age: 26
- Paddle: JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus CFS 16
- Rank: Formidable doubles player
Collin Johns is a skilled professional pickleball player known for his exceptional defensive play and strategic mindset. As the doubles partner and brother of Ben Johns, he has become a key figure in the sport, excelling in high-pressure matches with his precise shot-making and teamwork.
Collin Johns has partnered with JOOLA to create his signature paddle, the JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus CFS 16. This paddle feature is mostly the same as JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14.
Before this collaboration, Collin used the JOOLA Scorpeus 3S 16mm paddle and this has always had the same features as the JOOLA Scorpeus 3S 14mm.
If you’re deciding which paddle is better, my recommendation is the JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus CFS 14. While the JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus CFS 16 is a good paddle, it lacks sufficient spin and power compared to the Anna Bright model.
11. JW Johnson
- Age: 21
- Paddle: Franklin Signature Carbon STK Paddle
- Rank: Powerful server
JW Johnson is a rising star in professional pickleball, recognized for his calm demeanor, consistent gameplay, and ability to excel in both singles and doubles.
JW Johnson is sponsored by Franklin Sports. He currently uses the Franklin Signature Carbon STK Paddle, designed with a carbon-fiber surface for improved spin and control. Its 17mm Polypropylene core provides a generous sweet spot, offering a perfect balance of power and precision.
In 2023, Franklin Sports announced a collaboration with JW to create his own signature paddle, showcasing his dedication to using high-quality equipment that matches his precise and strategic style of play.
12. Dylan Frazier
- Age: 21
- Paddle: Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta
- Rank: Rising star
Dylan Frazier is a rising star in professional pickleball, known for his calm demeanor, precise shot-making, and exceptional court awareness.
He is a talented professional pickleball player, and is sponsored by Selkirk Sport. He currently plays with the Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta, a paddle designed with a QuadFlex 4-layer hybrid face and a 13mm SuperCore polymer honeycomb core.
This paddle offers an excellent balance of power and control, making it a perfect match for Dylan’s versatile gameplay.
Before this, Dylan used the Selkirk LABS Project 002, a paddle known for its incredible power and touch. He noted that while it took some time to adjust to the unique feel of the 002, it quickly became a standout option for his game.
Why Professional Players Choose Specific Paddles
Professional pickleball players have several factors to consider when choosing their paddles.
Firstly, their play style plays a huge role. For instance, players who prioritize control might opt for paddles that offer better precision and touch, while those who rely on power shots often choose paddles that provide a bit more heft and pop.
Sponsorship deals are another significant factor. Many pros collaborate with paddle manufacturers, not only for financial support but also to have input on custom designs that suit their unique needs.
Personal preferences and past experiences also influence their choices. A paddle that feels just right in their hand, based on previous play, can be the deciding factor. All these elements combine to help pros select the perfect paddle to enhance their game and keep them at the top of their sport.
Advice for Aspiring Players
For aspiring pickleball players looking to emulate the pros, here’s some friendly advice:
start by trying different paddles to find one that suits your style best. Don’t be afraid to experiment; what works for one player might not work for another.
Investing in a high-quality paddle is also key. A well-made paddle can make a significant difference in your game, offering better control, power, and comfort.
Remember, the pros have spent years honing their preferences, so give yourself time to discover what works best for you.
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Conclusion
Discovering the pickleball paddles that the pros use can provide valuable insights for aspiring players.
From Anna Leigh Waters’ powerful Paddletek Bantam ALW-C to Ben Johns’ precise JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm, each paddle is chosen to enhance its unique playing style.
Whether you’re experimenting with different paddles or investing in a high-quality one, finding the right fit can significantly improve your game.
Keep these factors in mind and enjoy your journey to becoming a better pickleball player.
