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.
15 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 | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 | Top five professional pickleball players 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 | Selkirk AMPED Invikta | Top Canadian pro player |
| Tyson McGuffin | Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex | Former tennis player turned pickleball pro |
| Lea Jansen | Babolat Prime Pro | European champion |
| Riley Newman | Selkirk AMPED Epic X5 FiberFlex | Aggressive net player |
| Jessie Irvine | Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex | Top Australian pro player |
| Federico Staksrud | Babolat Prime Pro | Strong defensive player |
| Anna Bright | Selkirk AMPED Invikta | Rising star |
| Collin Johns | Selkirk AMPED Invikta | Formidable doubles player |
| Irina Tereschenko | Selkirk AMPED Epic X5 FiberFlex | Consistent player |
| JW Johnson | Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex | Powerful server |
| Jay Devilliers | Vulcan V740 Max | Aggressive player |
| Dylan Frazier | Selkirk Project 002 | Rising star |
1. Anna Leigh Waters
- Age: 16
- Paddle: Paddletek Bantam TS-5
- Rank: Top five professional pickleball players globally
Anna Leigh Waters is a standout player in the pickleball world, competing in Women’s Doubles, Singles, and Mixed Doubles events. She is known for her power shots, reflex volleys, top-notch defense, and resets.
The Paddletek Bantam TS-5 paddle, which features a textured fiberglass epoxy hybrid surface and a Bantam PolyCore core, provides her with excellent power and control. Anna Leigh hails from the United States.
2. Ben Johns
- Age: 24
- Paddle: JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm
- Rank: Dominant player in both singles and doubles
Ben Johns is renowned for his aggressive style and precise shots. He uses the JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm signature paddle, known for its carbon-forged surface and enhanced spin capabilities.
Ben’s playing style is characterized by powerful serves, quick volleys, and strategic placements. He hails from the United States. Off the court, Ben is admired for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game.
He also enjoys sharing tips and techniques with aspiring players, making him a beloved figure in the pickleball community.
3. Lucy Kovalova
- Age: 28
- Paddle: Onix Evoke Premier Heavyweight
- Rank: Accomplished player in Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles
Lucy Kovalova excels in Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. She uses the Onix Evoke Premier Heavyweight paddle, which offers a perfect balance of power and control.
Lucy’s playing style includes strong net play, precise shots, and excellent court coverage. She is also known for her consistent performance in high-pressure situations. Lucy hails from Slovakia.
4. Catherine Parenteau
- Age: 26
- Paddle: Selkirk AMPED Invikta
- Rank: Top Canadian pro player
Catherine Parenteau is a top Canadian pro player with a strong all-around game. She uses the Selkirk AMPED Invikta paddle, known for its FiberFlex face and X5 core, providing a blend of power and control.
Catherine’s playing style is versatile, with a mix of aggressive shots and solid defense. She is also recognized for her excellent footwork and court awareness. Catherine hails from Canada.
5. Tyson McGuffin
- Age: 32
- Paddle: Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex
- Rank: Former tennis player turned pickleball pro
Tyson McGuffin, a former tennis player, has transitioned into a successful pickleball pro. He uses the Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex paddle, known for its large sweet spot and excellent control.
Tyson’s playing style is aggressive, with powerful serves and quick volleys. He is also known for his exceptional fitness and endurance on the court. Tyson hails from the United States.
6. Lea Jansen
- Age: 27
- Paddle: Babolat Prime Pro
- Rank: European champion
Lea Jansen is a versatile player known for her strategic play and adaptability on the court. She uses the Babolat Prime Pro paddle, which offers a combination of power and precision. Lea excels in both singles and doubles, showcasing strong defensive skills and quick reflexes.
She is also praised for her ability to read opponents’ strategies effectively. Lea hails from the Netherlands.
7. Riley Newman
- Age: 29
- Paddle: Selkirk AMPED Epic X5 FiberFlex
- Rank: Aggressive net player
Riley Newman is recognized for his aggressive net play and quick volleys. He uses the Selkirk AMPED Epic X5 FiberFlex paddle, which provides a great balance of power and control.
Riley’s playing style includes powerful serves and strategic placements. He is also known for his excellent teamwork and communication skills in doubles play. Riley hails from the United States.
8. Jessie Irvine
- Age: 30
- Paddle: Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex
- Rank: Top Australian pro player
Jessie Irvine excels in both singles and doubles with her consistent and precise play. She uses the Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex paddle, known for its consistency and control. Jessie’s playing style is characterized by strong net play and excellent court coverage.
She is also known for her ability to stay calm under pressure and her strategic shot placements. Jessie frequently participates in major tournaments, showcasing her skills on an international stage. She hails from Australia.
9. Federico Staksrud
- Age: 25
- Paddle: Babolat Prime Pro
- Rank: Strong defensive player
Federico Staksrud is known for his strong defensive game and strategic play. He uses the Babolat Prime Pro paddle, which offers excellent control and precision. Federico excels in singles, showcasing his ability to anticipate and counter opponents’ shots.
He is also praised for his endurance and ability to maintain high performance throughout long matches. Federico hails from Spain.
10. Anna Bright
- Age: 22
- Paddle: Selkirk AMPED Invikta
- Rank: Rising star
Anna Bright is a rising star in the pickleball world, known for her aggressive and dynamic play. She uses the Selkirk AMPED Invikta paddle, which provides a blend of power and control. Anna’s playing style includes powerful serves and quick volleys.
She hails from the United States. Off the court, Anna is also known for her positive attitude and sportsmanship, making her a favorite among fans.
11. Collin Johns
- Age: 26
- Paddle: Selkirk AMPED Invikta
- Rank: Formidable doubles player
Collin Johns, brother of Ben Johns, is a formidable doubles player known for his strategic play and strong net presence. He uses the Selkirk AMPED Invikta paddle, which provides a great balance of power and control. C
ollin’s playing style includes precise shots and excellent teamwork. He hails from the United States. Off the court, Collin is also known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to mentor younger players, making him a beloved figure in the pickleball community.
12. Irina Tereschenko
- Age: 34
- Paddle: Selkirk AMPED Epic X5 FiberFlex
- Rank: Consistent player
Irina Tereschenko is a consistent player with a solid all-around game. She uses the Selkirk AMPED Epic X5 FiberFlex paddle, known for its control and precision.
Irina’s playing style is characterized by her steady play and ability to handle pressure.
She hails from Russia. Off the court, Irina is admired for her friendly nature and willingness to share tips and strategies with fellow players.
13. JW Johnson
- Age: 21
- Paddle: Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex
- Rank: Powerful server
JW Johnson is known for his powerful serves and aggressive play. He uses the Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex paddle, which offers excellent power and control. JW’s playing style includes strong offensive shots and quick reflexes.
He hails from the United States. Off the court, JW is appreciated for his approachable personality and willingness to engage with fans.
He also frequently participates in community events, promoting the sport of pickleball.
14. Jay Devilliers
- Age: 30
- Paddle: Vulcan V740 Max
- Rank: Aggressive player
Jay Devilliers is known for his powerful and aggressive play. He uses the Vulcan V740 Max paddle, which provides a great balance of power and control. Jay’s playing style includes strong serves and quick volleys.
He hails from France. Off the court, Jay is admired for his friendly nature and his enthusiasm for promoting pickleball in Europe.
15. Dylan Frazier
- Age: 23
- Paddle: Selkirk Project 002
- Rank: Rising star
Dylan Frazier is a rising star with a strong all-around game. He uses the Selkirk Project 002 paddle, known for its advanced technology and performance. Dylan’s playing style includes a mix of aggressive shots and solid defense.
He hails from the United States. Off the court, Dylan is known for his friendly demeanor and eagerness to inspire new players to take up the sport.
Why Professionals Choose Specific Paddles.
When it comes to choosing their paddles, professional pickleball players have several factors to consider.
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 the 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.
Conclusion
Discovering the pickleball paddles that the pros use can provide valuable insights for aspiring players.
From Anna Leigh Waters’ powerful Paddletek Bantam TS-5 to Ben Johns’ precise JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm, each paddle is chosen to enhance their unique playing styles.
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.
