Best Graphite Pickleball Paddles in 2023

Experts suggest switching to a composite or graphite paddle at the beginning of your pickleball career. The best graphite pickleball paddles have become a mainstay at all levels of pickleball in the past few years. Graphite paddles appear to be in everyone’s hand, regardless of their skill level. you may enjoy reading Best Lightweight Pickleball Paddles

Compared to cheaper, but poor-quality alternatives, these paddles are a huge improvement.

For power and control, however, graphite paddles are the best choice. There are various types of paddles, and each one has its own story to tell. I think that many of my friends are curious about pickleball since I am the only one around them who loves it. Most frequently, they ask me, “Which is the best graphite paddle for me?” This usually results in them specifying their budgets, such as $50-75, $75-100, and $100-150. 

Therefore, let me put everything into perspective and tell you what I think are the best graphite pickleball paddles on the market.

Anatomy of a Graphite Pickleball Paddle

There is no paddle lighter than a graphite paddle in pickleball. As per the USAPA guidelines, graphite paddles usually belong to the lightweight to midweight category. The paddles are designed to provide you with good control over your touches and power, as well as a spin on your shots. 

Graphite paddles can, however, vary depending on the brand, design, and materials used in their creation, and based on that, their dynamism will also differ.

In terms of size, an Elongated Graphite Paddle is ideal for shooting power shots since it has a large sweet spot, while an Oversized Paddle is perfect for hitting hit shots. It is up to you to decide whether you want to play balance or the one who relies heavily on power or execution.

A paddle’s power is directly related to its weight in graphite. This paddle is heavy and definitely powerful. Aluminum, Nomex, Polymer are just some of the names that can be seen on paddles, but they refer to the core of the paddle, which usually is some variant of honeycomb.

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Graphite Paddles vs Carbon Fibre Paddles

Paddles made of graphite and carbon fibre are often debated in the premium category. Carbon fibers are more durable than graphite and are rare on the market. It is common to find both in one product group.

Graphite Pickleball Paddles: Advantages & Disadvantages

In addition to their pros and cons, the Best graphite pickleball paddles have their own set of pros and cons. Each of the paddle materials, from wood to composite to fiberglass to graphite, has numerous advantages and drawbacks. When it comes to graphite paddles, the pros outweigh the cons, since they are of the premium line of paddles. Graphite paddles have their advantages and disadvantages, as we shall see.

Buying a Best Graphite Pickleball Paddle

You need to assess your requirements before you spend your hard-earned money. In tennis, you can compare specifications such as quality, weight, durability, grip, overall feel, and price to determine which is a better choice.

Quality: I refer to the core when I say quality. Cores may differ depending on variant; however, the surface is coated with graphite, and that remains consistent across all graphite paddles.

Weight: A graphite paddle typically weighs between 7.3oz and 8.05oz. The weight limit for some paddles could be lighter or heavier than what is specified above. A heavier paddle provides more power, while a lighter paddle provides greater spin.

Grip: Classic graphite paddles come in three grip sizes: 3.5″, 4″, and 5″. In spite of this, grip size may differ depending on their overall size. Some paddles are designed with shorter grips in order to create more spin, and vice versa. Many of these paddles can also be customized with grips based on your preferences.

Overall Feel: Paddles don’t choose their owners. The decision will be yours. Each paddle manufacturer designs their ranges for general pickleball players, rather than something highly specialized. There are many factors that determine how each graphite paddle will differ, including the core, grip, weight, width, and height.

Price: From $40 onward, graphite paddles are an entry-level option. It is worth mentioning, however, that these are beginner paddles and not at all comparable to mid-range paddles that range from $60 to 80. It is also worth mentioning that flagship paddles are more expensive than these. Starting with the wrong paddle and an expensive option is not what you want to do as a beginner. These paddles are competitively priced above $60.

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What’s your playing style?

1. Have you ever hit a power shot?
2. What’s your favorite way to place your shots?
3. Are you comfortable with controlling your shots?

OR

Would you prefer a mixture of all of these?

Then you can select the right paddle for yourself based on the answers to these questions. In order to maximize power shots, it would be best to choose a heavier graphite paddle. You should opt for a lighter paddle if you love to spin.

Most beginners and professionals prefer middleweight paddles between 7.8-8.2oz because they offer the best control.

Best Graphite Pickleball Paddles

Onix graphite z5

There is no doubt that this exciting paddle deserves the top spot. One of Onix’s most popular pickleball paddles is extremely popular in the pickleball community. There are plenty of graphite paddles on the market, but this is one of the most popular. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the Onix graphite z5 provides outstanding performance. The paddle is endorsed by Steve Wong, a National Champion, and it is among the most well-rounded paddles on the market.

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It has a wide sweet spot which makes it ideal for beginners thanks to its wide body shape. It weighs between 7.8 and 8.02 ounces and gives you plenty of power and control. There are a wide variety of color options available for the Onix Graphite z5, including red, blue, purple, yellow, orange, pink green and white. Due to its lower price, this paddle only has one drawback: its core is weak. Although it has more to offer than its competitors, it still stands out from the crowd.

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Gamma Voltage 2.0

This is the 2.0 version of the Gamma Voltage series. Graphite paddles were established as a strong segment for the manufacturer with this model. In Voltage 2.0, the textures and design have been re-textured and redesigned to better reflect current needs and skills. 

A paddle-like this will deliver consistent pops and spin, allowing you to score multiple points on every shot. The flush-edge guard helps reduce mishits.

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All levels of players will appreciate the paddle’s design. Thus, even if you are just getting started with Voltage 2.0, the large sweet spot will allow you to execute shots without any hassle. As it weighs between 7.4-7.8 ounces, it falls between the lighter and middleweight categories and offers great spin. The Onix z5 also comes with a Nomex Honeycomb core similar to that in the Onix. Onix z5 and Voltage 2.0 differ only in the grip height, weight, and the length of the paddle. They are otherwise very similar.

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Gamma Phaser 2.0

Despite being discontinued, this paddle can still be found on Amazon. Gamma’s Phaser 2 paddle is highly affordable and the second paddle on this list. We designed this paddle for beginners as well as intermediates. A broad face and a large sweet spot make this paddle ideal for improving reaction times and shot control. As a result of its size, it works well for slams and you can also dink every once in a while.

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Unlike the paddles above, Gamma Phaser 2.0 has a lesser build quality than those listed above. The overall value proposition of this paddle, however, cannot be matched by any other paddle when it comes to performance. It weighs 7.9oz, which puts it in the midweight category, neither overly reliant on power nor too much on spin. This is one of the best graphite pickleball paddles that offers a range of abilities.

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Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro

In this list, the Paddletek paddle is perhaps the most technologically advanced. The brand is known for its cutting-edge technology, which makes it stand out from other brands. Compared to the original Tempest Wave, Paddletek’s Tempest Wave pro features Smart Response Technology, which improves the feel and sensitivity. Fortunately, the extra power won’t overwhelm you.

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It’s easy to adjust your grips and achieve better control with the 8″ face and 5-1/4″ handle. You can hit crisper shots with every connection thanks to the large sweet spot. Additionally, its Polymer Honeycomb core helps to dampen the sound, which makes it a popular choice in any locality. You will be able to take your slams and shots to another level with the Storm Wave Pro if you put in the work.

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Rally Graphite NX

Rally Graphite NX is our final pick for our list of top graphite paddles. It’s one of the most affordable models available. You can exercise control over your shots with this lightweight paddle and get the most out of them. Designed with daily use in mind, this paddle is meant for rigorous workouts.

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Pickleball Rally NX paddle is a great choice if you’ve just begun playing and want a durable and versatile paddle. The underrated paddle weighs approximately 7.4oz to 8oz, enhancing quick reactions and facilitating seamless dink shots. It also has an extended sweet spot facilitating shot execution. With a face that comes in at 8 1/8″ wide and a handle length of 5″, the Rally NX can be maneuvered and operated swiftly.

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Conclusion

Many paddle manufacturers market their graphite paddles as their flagship products. Nonetheless, such paddles offer excellent value for the price. Besides that, they can be found in a wide range of sizes and prices. There are a number of options available to you. Although this makes things easier for the players, it leaves them with the dilemma of which paddle to buy.

It was for that reason that I wrote this blog, to minimize your options and make it easy for you to choose only the best graphite pickleball paddles for your needs. According to my experience, these paddles are the best graphite paddles available today. As you can see, this list contains paddles from three different price ranges. I hope that it helped you in your shopping journey. If you are planning to buy a graphite paddle in the near future, feel free to drop us a line and tell us about your favorite paddle. Our staff will be happy to assist.

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