Since debuting in 2022, JOOLA pickleball has been dedicated to innovating, educating, and making the game accessible to everyone. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, JOOLA offers a paddle perfectly suited to your unique playing style.

Choosing the right pickleball paddle can feel overwhelming, with factors like shape, performance, surface material, core thickness, and play style to consider. To simplify the process, we've created a helpful guide to make selecting your perfect paddle easier than ever.

PLAY STYLE

What type of player are you? Do you like to sit back and absorb the attack, waiting for the right time to place a well-timed dink? Or perhaps you thrive when you drive the ball at the opponent? Or maybe you excel at the net during lighting-quick hand battles. 

Here are a few paddles to match your unique play stye:

Balanced: Players competing across a variety of formats and opponents should check out the Hyperion, known for its iconic "Aero Curve" shape that maximizes all-court playability for advanced pickleball players.

Offensive: Aggressive players who prioritize power in their shots love the Perseus, which maximizes strength while maintaining control, and the Magnus, which provides an elongated hitting surface for even more power.

Defensive: Patient, control-oriented players who focus on defense, resets, and blocks benefit from the Scorpeus's wider shape and larger sweet spot.

Not Sure: Newer players who are still developing their games love our Agassi X JOOLA paddles, which were designed with icons Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, and our Seneca paddle, which delivers precision in a traditional shape.

SHAPE

Plain and simple, shape matters. That's why JOOLA has a variety of unique paddle shapes to match the style of play you're looking for: paddles with a larger face for a wider sweet spot, paddles with an elongated face for maximum power, and even paddles with our iconic "Aero-Curve" head that shifts the sweet spot slightly lower on the face. Read all about our signature shapes below:

Perseus
Traditional shape that's similar to the Hyperion, but with a flatter head. Sweet spot is responsive, though not particularly enlarged.

Scorpeus
Wider square shape with larger sweet spot for optimal hitting feel and control. Wider sweet spot that enhances forgiveness on off-center hits.

Hyperion
Traditional shape with Aero Curve head that decreases drag and increases swing speed. Slightly lower sweet spot, resulting from a lower center of mass on the paddle face.

Magnus
Elongated shape with taller hitting surface and shorter handle for added power and reach. Larger, longer sweet spot that enhances forgiveness and playability.

Agassi
Inspired by the tennis rackets that made Andre Agassi a legend, the sweet spot has been extended into the outer edges of the paddle for enhanced control for players of all levels.

In addition to these signature shapes used by the pros, JOOLA offers exceptional paddles in traditional shapes for advancing players looking for an edge in their games, such as the Seneca.

PERFORMANCE

Now that you've thought about the type of player you are and explored the variety of shapes we have to offer, you may be wondering, "How do these paddles feel on the court?" 

Perseus: Delivers exceptional power and pop, making it effective for drives and speed-ups.

Scorpeus: Emphasizes precision and control, with a solid feel conducive to touch shots and defensive maneuvers.

Hyperion: Offers a blend of power and precision, with a design that enhances maneuverability and swing speed.

Magnus: Provides a forgiving feel with an enhanced sweet spot, making it adaptable yet powerful.

Agassi: An extended sweet spot reaches to the upper edge and bottom corners of the paddle make for forgiving, accurate strokes.

SURFACE MATERIAL

The surface material of a pickleball paddle significantly impacts its performance, feel, and play style. Different surfaces help generate more spin, or give you better feedback or power. A good understanding of the surface material will help take the guessing out of your game and replace it with full confidence.

Our professional paddles—like the Hyperion and Perseus—feature carbon surfaces, including:

Charged Carbon Surface: An additive bonding treatment strengthens the paddle's surface, providing a crisper feel and greater energy return, resulting in impressive feedback and a poppier response. 

Carbon Friction Surface (CFS): Textured carbon with enhanced durability for lasting spin and consistent performance.

Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS): Hybrid of carbon fiber and fiberglass with a gritty texture for spin.

Our recreational paddles generally feature fiberglass surfaces, including:

Standard Fiberglass Surface: High performance fiberglass face provides maximum power.

Fiberglass Abrasion Surface (FAS): A multi-step, abrasion sand-blasted process, creating a unique fiberglass textured surface for increased spin.

CORE THICKNESS

Last, but certainly not least, you'll need to consider core thickness when picking your paddle. Core thickness impacts factors such as power, control, spin, and overall feel. 

16mm: Offers control, precision, and stability, catering to a more balanced style of play.

14mm: Ideal for players who prioritize power and faster gameplay.

10mm: Balanced combination of control and power for players developing their games.

TIME TO CHOOSE

Surely you have a lot to consider when making your paddle choice, but JOOLA is here to help. If you need even more insight check out our Paddle Comparison Chart or Pickleball Guides and How To's, each linked in the related content section below.

Related Content
Paddle Comparison Chart
Pickleball Guides and How To's