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Control the court with these paddles
Designed for consistency and precision
The best pickleball paddles for control players
While paddle technology has skewed heavily toward power in the past two years, there’s still great equipment made for the grinders out there.
So if you love a long dinking rally and prioritize shot placement to keep your opponents off balance, this is the list for you.
When it comes to control, it’s not just about how soft a paddle feels on contact. It’s also about how forgiving the sweet spot is and how easy it is to apply spin, because ultimately what we’re looking for is consistent performance and the ability to put the ball exactly where we want on every shot.
Below are the best paddles on the market to help you accomplish that goal.
🔗 We’re updating our list of best control paddles monthly — bookmark it to see where new releases land.
1. Proton Series One Type A Square 15mm
Proton made a huge splash in 2024 with its Series One line of paddles, which feature a unique NanoTac face that grips the ball similar to a ping-pong paddle and produces top-tier spin. The 15mm core and standard shape of the Series One Type A make it a great option for players who love to use spin and want pinpoint accuracy.
đź”— Buy it here
What kind of paddle will you buy next? |
2. Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta
With its 20mm “Thikset” core that was tested in the Selkirk Labs Project 003, the LUXX is one of the thickest paddles on the market and also one of the softest high-end paddles out there. It was designed specifically to boost control and delivers on that promise with consistent strikes and reliable feedback.
đź”— Buy it here
3. Six Zero Ruby 16mm
The Ruby has a cult following for a reason: It delivers elite spin and extreme durability, built for players who value control. A plush feel with slightly reduced pop makes it perfect for precision-focused players.
đź”— Buy it here
4. Proton Series Two
The edgeless hybrid shape is maneuverable in the hand, and the cushioned 15mm core give players full control over the pace of their shots. The gritty paddle face also provides good spin potential.
đź”— Buy it here
5. JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus 3S
Who’s a better example of a control player than Collin Johns? His signature paddle comes in at No. 5 on this list because it’s quite poppy for a “control” paddle. However, the 16mm core and wide-body shape still profile as control focused, while the power is there when you need it.
đź”— Buy it here
