When I was only eight years old I went with my father to watch a pickleball game. At first, I was very hesitant as to whether this was actually a game in progress. It seemed like two players holding ping pong paddles and playing a thrilling game on the tennis court. Later Dad told me that it was actually a Pickleball game and its specialty was neither tennis nor ping pong, it was a fancy combination of those two games. And from that day I became addicted to this sport and from that obsession, I started experimenting with different types of pickleball paddles and recently compiled a list with some of the best pickleball paddles for spin.
Why spin? Well, there is a rational reason behind it. Nowadays, one thing has become very popular and that is generating spin. Because the more you can spin, the more you will be able to catch your opponent. So, the brands have started to show interest in making spin-oriented paddles.
As there are so many brands out there offering you a lot of models of spin paddles, it’s hard to know which one is suitable for you. Therefore I decided to share my experience with the pros’ opinions on different kinds of spin paddles to save you time and money. Hopefully, this is going to help you according to your style and budget.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin
When you are talking about the best pickleball paddles for the spin that means you are looking for enhanced spin and control on the ball. You may also want to execute some precise shots and strategies on the court. Isn’t it? Of course!
Before choosing a paddle that you want to meet your desired spin, you need to know what is the role of spin and what are the criteria for selecting your spin paddle. Then you can easily jump into the top ten list of best pickleball paddles for spin to choose your next weapon to dominate your stubborn opponents. Therefore are you ready to learn more to pick the right spin paddle for you? Then let’s dig in.
What is the Role of Spin in Pickleball?
When you are playing pickleball, the more you generate spin, the more difficult it becomes for your opponent to win the match. Because, spin changes the way the ball moves through the air, not only that it can also reverse the bounce of the ball to create unpredictability. This can make your opponents confused in predicting the ball’s trajectory and adjusting their position accordingly.
So for this crucial aspect of the game, you need to pick the best pickleball paddles for spin. To do that, we have tried several paddles on different surfaces and in various conditions. We hope it will help you find which paddle is going to fit you the best to produce the right amount of whirl to elevate your spin game.
What are the Criteria for Selecting a Paddle for Spin?
A pickleball paddle with less spin is like a gun without its ammo. Nowadays generating spin has become players’ most common option. Players have started experimenting with spin in many ways to get the best out of this. So when you are using spin in a more strategic way like the “serve and return” or “trick shot” technique then you will need the best paddle that produces topspin.
For this reason, you need to know about some important criteria as spin in your pickleball paddle depends on the combination of the paddle surface and the material used. To learn more let’s dive into the following discussion.
1. Surface Texture
- Rough Surface: Paddles with rougher surfaces generally tend to connect the ball more sufficiently which allows more friction that generates more spin. In such a scenario, do look for paddles that have textured or gritty surfaces for your desired spin.
- Smooth Surface: Well smoother surface has literally no connection with generating maximum. So, while you are buying paddles you can simply ignore those paddles that have softer externals.
2. Material
- Composite Paddles: If you are thinking about generating some crazy spin, buddy, composite paddles are specially made for creating some true spin stuff. Why? Well, they have that rougher texture which not only provides spin but also balance between the power and control.
- Carbon Fiber Surface: Maximum carbon fiber paddles have a larger sweet spot and it also allows the stiffness of the ball which allows a better energy transfer from your swing. That stiffness ensures the energy you are providing goes properly into generating spin.
What is interesting about the sweet spot? Okay, this means you have a larger area on the paddle face that can easily contact the ball and produce spin accurately. Carbon fibre paddles are known for their lightweight also. Therefore, grabbing this sort of paddle can be a good alternative.
3. Weight
- Heavy Paddles: Heavy paddles can build more power which is the cause behind generating proper spin. It can also offer you balance but for this, you have to sacrifice some manoeuvrability.
- Lighter Pddles: These paddles offer you good manoeuvrability. You can move your wrist flexibly with lighter paddles. However, when you are going to purchase these paddles you have to consider a little bit more stability and power than heavy paddles.
4. Grip & Shape Size
- Before you buy your paddle you have to try it. Take the paddle in your hand and check if it does grip appropriately or not. Proper grip allows a good hand feel and maximizes the spin. On the other hand, The shape of your paddle is another major thing you need to learn about. A wide-body paddle has a larger sweet spot whereas a longer paddle provides you with a bit more reaching possibilities which helps with spin shots.
5. Personal References
- Ultimately the best pickleball paddles for spin totally depend on your playing style and personal comfort. Understand your needs and target what paddle you want to get.
6. Budget
- You have to consider your budget according to your needs. There are various high-quality paddles out there in the market. Be reasonable and also be sure about what you need in your paddle and purchase the exact one to ignore extra bucks from your pocket.
Therefore, these are the criteria that you can follow before your new paddle purchase. But we suggest you give trials before buying because the best paddle spin depends on your skill and playing style. So experiment with different paddles and know which one suits you the most.
Top 10 Pickleball Paddles for Spin
As we have already learned about the criteria for selecting the best pickleball paddle for spin now it is time to dive into the world of the top 10 list of spin-oriented paddles.
From my love for pickleball games and enthusiasm for spinning paddles, I started testing almost every single paddle over the last two years. I even tried some of the recently available paddles that are specially designed for spin.
Through the trial process, I’ve compiled a list of the best top 10 paddles that can spin like a raging hellfire with also some of the best players’ opinions. However, let’s not waste time anymore and swoop into the hierarchy section,
1. Volair Mach 1 Forza
- Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb, Foam Walls
- Price: $179.99
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advance
Mach 1 Forza came to the market by their co-founder and one of the best pickleball players Julian Arnold, he has been seen playing with it in pro tournaments. I think after knowing this, there can’t be any confusion about the quality of this one. You will be amazed to know that this Volair Mach 1 Forza has a gritty textured peel-ply paddle surface that can produce over 2000+ RPM whereas any paddle above 1700 RPM is considered a very high-spin paddle.
So it is clearly a winning option for any player. Another thing, this paddle is slightly heavier and harder which makes it the all-rounder because it gives you greater power and control with a big spin. They are determined to save some of your bucks also as it comes with premium box contents such as a paddle cover, paddle eraser, an extra grip, and an extra grip band. That means you don’t have to spend on accessories if you get this paddle.
2. Joola Ben John’s Hyperion CFS 16
- Face Material: Carbon Friction
- Price: $219.95
- Skill Level: Advance
Currently, this paddle is trembling the market. Why? Okay, this Joola Ben John’s Hyperion CFS 16 pickleball paddle is designed in partnership with the World’s #1 pickleball player Ben John. It is his trusted paddle in competition. The CFS stands for ‘carbon friction surface’ which is the reason behind this paddle’s immense spin. The elongated shape and the reactive honeycomb core technology of this paddle make it different from other paddles on the market.
3. Electrum Model E 16mm
- Frame Material: Carbon Fiber, Polypropylene
- Price: $119.99
- Skill Level: Beginner to Advance
Could anyone have imagined that the Original Model E would evolve so quickly to this point? I guess not. This recent Electrum Model E is a true successor of its predecessor. The cutting-edge design with raw carbon fiber construction can generate your desired spin with your wrist snap easily. It has a polypropylene honeycomb core and with an average weight of 8.2 Oz, this paddle is perfectly built for generating topspin with comfort.
4. Ronbus Pulsar
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Price: $179.99
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advance
I have played with Ronbus Pulsar for nearly 2 months. I used R1 and I love this paddle. I can confidently say that you will get top-tier spin from this one and it is more powerful than GEN 1. This is one of my favorite paddles for generating heavy spin. It has a very nice soft plush feel and because of its thermoformed paddle. If you are a power person and don’t want to sacrifice power then you get all from control to lots of spin to power from just one paddle.
5. Selkirk Vanguard Power Air
- Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Price: $250
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advance
With two years of research and in partnership with pickleball pros like Tyson McGuffin this paddle has developed to produce maximum spin with moderate power. This Selkirk Vanguard Power Air paddle has brought a new technology and they are calling it Aero-Duraedge Edgeless tech that ensures its edge durability and aerodynamics that enable players to take over full control of the court with pro spin and performance.
As I love to play 1v1. Me and my brother played with this paddle continuously smashing against each other for 3 games in a row. And guess what? This paddle with wild spin is something that perfectly reached my desired amount of spin effortlessly and consistently.
6. Vatic Pro Prism
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Price: $99.99
- Skill Level: Beginner to Advance
There is absolutely no doubt that you will get the best spin from Vatic Pro Prism at this price point for $100. There are two shapes available for this paddle. One is V7 and the second one is Flash. The price is the same for both shapes. This paddle is very lightweight and durable. It provides me not just spin, but pretty good control also. Prism Flash 16mm which is 8oz with overgrip. It has a softer feel but it is more powerful than Gen 1. If you want to play high level without spending too much, then Vatic Pro Prism is the perfect choice.
7. Head Fiberglass Radical Pro
- Material: Polymer
- Price: $89.95
- Skill Level: Advance
Head Radical Pro is preferable to those players who love to generate extreme spin. With the fiberglass hitting surface and their newest Extreme Spin Technology, this paddle can give you the desired pop and premium feeling experience. It has a Dynamic power shape for a larger sweet spot helps the players to respond accurately. While I was playing with this paddle it not only showed some true spin but also the comfort I wanted as it offers a thicker OTC honeycomb polymer core.
8. ProKennex Pro Flight
- Frame Material: Carbon Fiber
- Price: $199.00
- Skill Level: Beginner to Advance
This new flight series of ProKennex is a breakthrough innovation. It is the lightest paddle Prokennex has ever launched till now. Their new proprietary Cloud Cell™ core system has made this dramatic change in weight of this new paddle.
Though it is light in weight but can build the most spin because of the material they have used for the face, it is the ‘’Diamond Frost™” they are calling it, that can hit the surface with a compound amazingly which gives the ball more grip. In this way this paddle not only increases the spin but also they are claiming that it lasts longer than traditional surfaces.
9. Ronbus R1.16
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Price: $120.00
- Skill Level: Beginner to Advance
The Ronbus R1.16 is a high-performing paddle plus it offers some excellent spin. Like the Pursuit Pro series paddle, it is also a non-thermoformed paddle. Chris Olsen at Pickleball Studio tested it and got over 2100 RPM. And that happened because of the face material which this paddle contains. Toray T700 carbon fiber surface is the reason behind its high spin rate. If you are thinking about buying Joola Ben John’s Hyperion CFS 16 but the budget is holding you then you can consider this one instead. It offers you nearly the same specs with a lesser budget.
Read our full blog on Ronbus R1.16 here.
10. Onix Z5 Graphite
- Material: Neoprene
- Price: $105.00
- Skill Level: Beginner
The Onix Z5 Graphite is one of the most popular paddles that players usually choose to generate maximum spin. With a textured graphite surface, this paddle has not only lethal levels of spin but also control. It’s a true classical paddle that has been serving the plates over the decade. The large hitting area and a wide face have enhanced the possibility of hitting the ball perfectly. To me, the best thing about playing with this paddle was the spin and speed of it. Onix Z5 Graphite has a lot of different types of color available so you can choose your types of color 🙂
FAQs
How do I get more spin on my pickleball paddle?
To get more spin on your pickleball paddle you have to focus on your grip and contact point. You can use a continental or eastern backhand grip and aim to hit the ball a little bit below its center and try to swipe the ball with a quick flick.
The more you practice this technique, the more you’ll get the hang of it, and it won’t be too difficult for you to get more spin out of your pickleball paddle at some point.
Can you put a spin on a pickleball?
Yes, you can put a spin on a pickleball. By using different paddle angles and wrist movements such as topspin, sidespin, or backspin you can easily put some notable spin on a pickleball which will prevent your opponents from predicting the ball’s path.
What grip does Ben John Use?
Ben John generally uses different kinds of grip. Like, he uses an Eastern grip for backhands and a Western grip for forehands. But his default one is the Continental grip.
Bottom Line
And just like that, we have learned about some of the top-class and best pickleball paddles for spin. Now you also know what factors you need to be concerned about before selecting your spin paddles.
Today most brands have at least one series of spin-based paddles. As you have already walked with me over the whole guideline I hope now you can easily find out what you want and what is the best option for you. Nonetheless, always remember the basics about choosing the best pickleball paddle for spin which I have discussed at the beginning of this article.
