Elevate Your Game: Top Pickleball Paddle Brands to Know

Pickleball continues its explosive growth around the world, and as the sport matures, so does the technology behind paddles. Whether you're a casual weekend player or a serious competitor, choosing the right brand can make a huge difference in feel, control, and performance. In this guide, we begin with Olaben, and then survey several leading paddle brands you should watch.

1. Olaben — A Rising Force in Pickleball

Olaben has recently stepped into the spotlight among pickleball enthusiasts, offering paddles designed with a blend of aesthetics, modern materials, and performance. Their Pickleball Paddle collection emphasizes balanced weight, textured surfaces, and stability for both recreational and more advanced play.

Olaben Paddle Highlights

• Olaben Pro Series Paddle – Ruby: This model is part of their premium “Pro Series,” engineered to deliver a crisp, responsive hit while maintaining control and durability. (see Ruby version)
• Olaben Pickleball Paddle – Aqua Rose: With dimensions of ~19.8 cm × 40 cm, 13 mm thickness, and a grip circumference of 10.8 cm, this paddle features a fiberglass face and polymer honeycomb core—aimed at reducing vibration and enhancing spin.
• Olaben Pickleball Paddle – Midnight Green: Shares much of the same technical specs as the Aqua Rose, but offers a different visual style. Designed for responsiveness and consistency.

Olaben’s design philosophy focuses on balancing power, control, and feel. Their use of lightweight cores and textured hitting surfaces is intended to improve shot accuracy and consistency.

Because Olaben is still establishing itself in the global paddle market, much of its appeal lies in offering fresh options with careful engineering—and an opportunity for early adopters to try something new.

Selkirk

Selkirk is often ranked among the top pickleball paddle brands thanks to its strong commitment to research, development, and innovation. The company is family-owned and based in the U.S., which adds to its credibility among serious players. Selkirk’s Amped, Latitude, and Vanguard series have become staples in the community for their ability to combine control and comfort without sacrificing power. The Vanguard line, in particular, is known for its cutting-edge carbon fiber technology, making it a favorite in competitive play. Whether you’re a beginner learning the game or an advanced player aiming for precise shots, Selkirk has models tailored to your needs.

Joola

Joola (famous in table tennis circles) has expanded into top-tier pickleball gear. Their “Ben Johns” signature models and “Hyperion” lines have gotten attention for blending high performance and brand credibility.

Paddletek

Paddletek has long been a trusted name in the U.S. pickleball scene and is often credited with helping shape the modern paddle industry. Known for producing paddles with a reliable balance of power, control, and durability, the brand appeals to a wide range of players. Paddletek paddles are engineered with polymer cores and vibration-dampening features, making them particularly comfortable for extended play. Their Bantam and Tempest series are widely respected for delivering performance at both recreational and professional levels. Many professional athletes choose Paddletek, further reinforcing its reputation as a go-to brand for serious players.

Franklin

Franklin has broad visibility and offers paddle models for casual through advanced players. Their C-series paddles are used in tournaments and have strong user feedback.

CRBN

If you’re looking for a high-end paddle that delivers top-tier performance, CRBN is a name to know. This boutique brand has made waves for paddles that generate aggressive pop, spin, and precision. Their use of premium carbon fiber faces and optimized paddle shapes caters to players who want cutting-edge technology and are willing to invest in it. CRBN paddles are especially popular among advanced and competitive players looking for an edge in their matches. While they come at a higher price point, the performance and feel make them worth it for many serious athletes.

Gearbox

Gearbox is known for advanced carbon and composite technology, sometimes appealing to players who want a premium feel or specialized paddle performance.

Others Worth Noting

• Vatic Pro — This brand is often recommended for beginners and intermediate players thanks to its affordability and performance. Vatic Pro offers paddles with solid materials and designs that rival more expensive brands, making them a smart entry point into the sport.

• Head, ProKennex, and other legacy racket brands — These established names from tennis and racquetball have successfully branched into pickleball, leveraging their decades of experience in racket technology. Their paddles typically feature advanced vibration control, ergonomic grips, and a wide range of shapes for different playstyles.

• Smaller boutique or niche brands — The rise of pickleball has opened the door for creative startups. These smaller brands often specialize in custom builds, unique paddle shapes, or noise-reduction technology, which is especially important in communities that require quieter play. While not as well-known, they can provide tailored solutions for players seeking something different.

What Criteria Should You Use When Comparing Brands?

To choose among Olaben or one of the more established names, you’ll want to look at:

Olaben’s paddles, for example, emphasize vibration dampening and responsiveness through their combinations of fiberglass faces and optimized cores.

Final Thoughts

While established brands like Selkirk, Joola, Paddletek, Franklin, CRBN, and Gearbox dominate many buyers’ lists, emerging options like Olaben bring fresh alternatives. By measuring each brand and model against your playing style, preferences, and priorities, you’ll find a paddle that truly elevates your game.