Best Pickleball Paddles for Control: Players who love control in pickleball have many paddle choices in 2025. Even though power paddles are popular, many people still prefer paddles that help with touch, spin, and placement. Pickleball Central has listed top paddles that are best for control players. This guide was last updated in June 2025.
Franklin C45 Tempo 16mm
The Franklin C45 Tempo 16mm is made for patient players who like resets and dinks. It has a Toray T700 carbon fiber face and a Powerflex polypropylene honeycomb core with dual foam edges. The pickleball paddle weighs between 7.6 and 7.9 ounces. It measures 15.9 inches long and 8 inches wide, with a 5-inch handle. Players can feel confident making soft shots and still get enough power for putaways.
Proton Series One Type A Square 15mm
Proton became well-known in 2024 with the Series One paddles. The Series One Type A Square 15mm uses a NanoTac surface, which grips the ball for better spin. This paddle weighs 8 ounces, has a 15mm core, and measures 15.75 inches long and 8.25 inches wide. Its handle is 5.25 inches long. Players who like spin and control will enjoy this paddle’s design.
Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta
The Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta features a 20mm Thikset core. The core was tested in the Selkirk Labs Project 003. This pickleball paddle is known for soft feel and reliable touch. It weighs 7.95 ounces and measures 16.45 inches long and 7.5 inches wide. The handle is 5.35 inches long. The paddle face is made of Florek blended carbon fiber.
Six Zero Ruby 16mm
The Six Zero Ruby 16mm has a strong following. It offers high spin and a soft touch, making it perfect for players who focus on accuracy. The paddle weighs 8.2 ounces and is 16.3 inches long and 7.7 inches wide. It has a 5.5-inch handle and a Kevlar fiber face.
JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus Pro IV
The JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus Pro IV is named after Collin Johns. While it has some extra pop, it still offers good control thanks to its 16mm Propulsion + Tech Flex Power core. The paddle weighs 8.2 ounces, is 16 inches long, and 8 inches wide. The handle is 5.25 inches. Its Carbon Friction Surface helps players mix power with placement.
These pickleball paddles are built for players who enjoy long rallies and smart shot placement rather than relying only on power. As pickleball grows, more control paddles are likely to appear, giving players even more options to improve their game.
News in Brief: Best Pickleball Paddles for Control
Pickleball Central shared a list of the best control paddles for 2025. Top picks include the Franklin C45 Tempo, Proton Series One Type A, Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta, Six Zero Ruby, and JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus Pro IV. These paddles help players focus on spin, touch, and accuracy.
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