Select Page

Whether you’ve been playing pickleball for years or you’ve just recently decided to take the leap into this sport – one of the most important pieces of equipment that you’re going to need to make sure that you get your hands on is a paddle!

As you might already be aware, there are many different types of paddles on the market that have been created to serve a variety of different purposes and styles of play.

The only question is, which pickleball paddle is going to be the best for offering control?

If you’re currently asking yourself this question, then rest assured that you have come to the right place.

In this guide, we are going to be providing you with a list of the top pickleball paddles (see also ‘Best Pickleball Paddle For Advanced Players‘) specifically optimized for control that you can get on the market right now.

Along the way, you’ll also find some additional insights that will help you settle on the right pickleball paddle for you (see also ‘What Are The Different Types Of Paddles?‘). So, just keep reading.

Kicking this guide off, we have selected the Niupipo Pickleball Paddle.

If you’re in the market for a paddle that’s going to be able to provide you with plenty of control while you play – this paddle is it!

Suitable for all levels of play but particularly optimized for intermediate to advanced, the Niupipo Pickleball Paddle is not only extremely durable thanks to its tough construction, but it will also be able to offer an extremely responsive face that will deliver control and power.

Besides delivering on control, the Niupipo Pickleball Paddle also comes complete with a variety of additional features that are ideal for enhancing your game without any extra effort on your part.

For starters, it features a fiberglass face that will deliver plenty of power and drive to eac shot that you make.

As well as this, the Niupipo Pickleball Paddle also comes complete with a polypropylene honeycomb core that will ensure an additional level of control, all while ensuring that you will be able to enjoy much more powerful shots – each and every time.

All in all, the Niupipo Pickleball Paddle is a great choice to consider.

Pros

  • Great value for money.
  • Plenty of control thanks to the honeycomb core.

Cons

  • Galactic design might not be to everyone’s taste.

If you’re looking to make an investment into a pickleball paddle that has been specifically optimized for plenty of control, the Onyx Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle should definitely be on your radar.

Ensuring that you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of control while you play pickleball, the Onyx Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle comes complete with a Nomex honeycomb core that has been specifically designed to ensure an energetic face, durability and an increased level of control.

Along with all of the great features that we have listed above, you might also be interested to learn that the Onyx Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle also comes equipped with a unique handle that has been specifically designed to replicate that of a tennis handle.

Thanks to this, it means that you will be able to enjoy increased spin and drive across each shot that you make, all while ensuring that you will be able to enjoy an increased level of control.

Impressive or what? Onyx Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle covers all bases.

Pros

  • Plenty of control.
  • Unique tennis handle.

Cons

  • Expensive.

If you’re a beginner in the world of pickleball, the Vinsguir Pickleball Paddle Set is a great place to start, and the best part? The paddles have been specifically optimized for increased control.

Boasting a lightweight design and USAPA approved, the Vinsguir Pickleball Paddle Set comes complete with two different paddles for you to choose from and use, 4 pickleballs as well as a pickleball bag that you can keep everything safely stored inside.

Designed for power as well as control, the Vinsguir Pickleball Paddles feature an extremely lightweight design (just under 8 ounces, in fact) that will ensure that you will be able to enjoy plenty of control without having to compromise on power.

As well as this, the Vinsguir Pickleball Paddles are also constructed with polymer honeycomb cores that have been carefully nestled between two coats of graphite layers.

This will not only ensure that you will be able to enjoy plenty of control while you play, but it will also mean that you can enjoy an increase in speed and energy transfer, too!

If all that wasn’t impressive enough, the Vinsguir Pickleball Paddles also come complete with super comfy handles that will help to deliver plenty of support while you play, while the ergonomic grooves will ensure an increase in grip for better control, too.

Pros

  • The set is excellent value for money and ideal for beginners.
  • Plenty of control features including grooved handles.

Cons

  • The set might not be ideal for those wanting a single paddle.

Last but certainly not least, the final paddle that we have to share with you is the Joola Elongated Pickleball Paddle, which is ideal for those wanting a paddle with increased levels of control.

Ensuring plenty of control no matter what your current level of ability is, the Joola Elongated Pickleball Paddle comes complete with a carbon friction surface that will be able to deliver on power and speed, all while ensuring that each shot is given plenty of control.

As well as all that, the Joola Elongated Pickleball Paddle also comes complete with a hyperforma edge wall that will increase stability, all while allowing for a larger sweet spot.

All in all, this is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to make an investment in a paddle suitable for increased levels of control!

Pros

  • Elongated handle for increased control
  • Durable construction
  • Ideal for all levels

Cons

  • Expensive

Buyer’s Guide

Now that you have taken the time to read through our top recommendations in the review section above – we’re hoping that you now have your eyes set on the best pickleball paddle that will be able to provide you with plenty of control over the shots that you make while you play.

That being said, before you go ahead and make that purchase, we first recommend that you take the time to read through our helpful buying guide that we are going to be listing below.

Not only will this guide help ensure that you are able to pick the best paddle for you (that’s sure to provide you with plenty of control), but it will also help to make sure that you make the most informed decision before settling on just one.

So, with all that being said, let’s check out some of the most important factors that you should take into consideration when selecting a pickleball paddle ideal for providing control:

Face Size

First things first, when choosing a pickleball paddle that is going to be specifically suited to delivering plenty of control while it is being used – you are going to want to make sure that you are taking into account the size of the face.

The size of the paddle’s face is one of the biggest factors in determining how much control a paddle is going to be able to offer the user, so it only makes sense that you should place it at the very top of your “paddle” checklist.

As a general rule of thumb, if you are in need of more control whale you are playing and making shots, then you are going to want to make sure that you are opting for a paddle that features a larger face, as this will provide extra forgiveness.

Grip Tape

Alongside making sure that you are picking a paddle that features a large face, you should also make sure that you are considering the quality of the grip tape on the paddle that you select.

For the most part, all pickleball paddle out there available to purchase will most likely come with some kind of grip tape on their handles.

If you’re not overly familiar with what this is, grip tape is essentially used in order to raise the amount of grip the user will have while holding the paddle – and an increase in grip will lead to a natural increase in contro.

So, with that being said, along with all of the other important features listed in this buying guide, you are also going to want to make sure that you are considering the quality of the grip tape prior to making your selection.

Weight

While we’re sure you are already familiar with this – the weight of a pickleball paddle is often one of the most important factors in determining how much control a paddle is going to be able to offer.

For that reason, the weight of the paddle is going to be an important factor that you should take into account during your shortlisting process.

Believe it or not, lighter pickleball paddles are typically able to deliver much more control than paddles that are heavier – which is something that is important to keep in mind, especially given the fact that you are specifically in the market for a pickleball paddle that is going to be able to deliver on control.

Shape

Next up? While selecting which pickleball paddle to purchase for control, you’re going to want to make sure that you are taking into account the shape of the paddle alongside other important features.

Of course, even though there are plenty of other factors that can help to determine whether or not a pickleball paddle will be able to deliver plenty of control or not – the shape is often one of the most influential factors in determining how much control a paddle can offer its user.

Generally speaking, it is widely considered that pickleball paddles with elongated necks can deliver much more control than standard shaped paddles.

Durability

Last but certainly not least, the final consideration that you should make before settling on a pickleball paddle optimized for control is the durability of the paddle.

Generally speaking, even if a paddle comes with all of the key features that you are looking for – it is going to be more or less useless if the paddle does not come with a durable construction that is going to be able to withstand the toll of regular pickleball practice/matches.

With all that being said, while you are searching for the perfect pickleball paddle to help you enjoy more control while you play – it is also just as important to make sure that you are ensuring your paddle of choice also comes complete with a durable construction.

This will help to make sure that the pickleball paddle that you choose will be able to deliver a long service life as well as the control that you are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difference Between A Pickleball Paddle And A Tennis Racket?

A pickleball paddle is extremely similar to that of a tennis racket (after all, pickleball is a sport that has been directly inspired by tennis!).

However, there are a few key differences between these two types of paddles that you should make sure that you are aware of before purchasing a paddle for your pickleball games:

Pickleball paddles are designed a little differently from tennis rackets. Tennis rackets are made of wood and metal whereas pickleball paddles are made of plastic.

Pickleball rackets usually have a larger face than pickleball paddles, as this makes it easier to control the shuttlecock.

Pickleball rackets are generally a little heavier than pickleball paddles, although this isn’t always the case. They are also usually much smaller than tennis racket paddles, too.

What Pickleball Paddles Are Best For Beginners?

Regardless of what your current level of pickleball play is, if you want to be able to enjoy your game all while ensuring that you stand a better chance of progressing to the next level, it only makes sense that you should make sure that you are armed with a paddle that is suited to your current ability.

With all that being said, when it comes to beginner friendly pickleball paddles, paddles that feature larger faces, graphite constructions and plenty of ergonomic support are deemed to be far better for those that are currently playing at a beginner level.

Besides being able to offer plenty of support at your current level, opting for a paddle that has been specifically optimized for your ability will also be able to deliver maximum comfort and enjoyment, too!

How Often Should You Change Your Pickleball Paddle?

Just like with all other types of sports that require the use of equipment in order to play, it’s only to be expected that, at some point or another, you’re going to need to go ahead and swap out your current pickleball paddle for a new one.

Generally speaking, the good news is that a pickleball paddle will typically be able to last for a very long time before you’ll need to think about replacing it with a brand new one.

That being said, you should expect to need to swap out your pickleball paddle for a new one every 2 to 3 years, although keep in mind that this timeframe can be shorter or longer.

For example, if you find that you play pickleball every weekend (or more than 2-3 times a week) then there is a much higher chance that you are going to be required to replace your current pickleball paddle for a new one much more frequently than someone who only finds themself playing pickleball once a month, for example.

Final Thoughts

There we have it! You’ve made it to the end of our guide to the best pickleball paddles for control!

Just to sum up everything that we have talked you through above, there are plenty of different paddles on the market that are tailored to offering the user more control, but that doesn’t mean that all of them are going to be worth the investment.

All of the paddles that we have recommended to you in the guide above have been specifically tailored to those that are looking to enjoy more control over the shots that they make, and are ideal for a variety of levels.

That being said, if you’re still on the fence about which one to go for – we highly recommend that you take the time to read through the buying guide that we have provided to ensure you are able to make the most informed decision for you.

Thanks for reading, and good luck out on the court!