JOOLA Pickleball Paddle Trends: Pro pickleball player Erik Lange shared new data showing which paddles the top players in Major League Pickleball are using. The findings reveal JOOLA as the most popular brand, with 21 out of 64 Premier Level starters choosing it. This information came from Kale Klein, whose research helped shape the discussion.
Kale Klein’s numbers were later confirmed by Erik Lange and other researchers. The two paddle models most used by pros are the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV, picked by 10 players, and the Proton Series Three – Project Flamingo, chosen by 8 players.
Paddle Brands Among the Pros
Here is how paddle brands rank:
JOOLA: 21 players
Proton: 8 players
Paddletek: 6 players
ProXR: 6 players
Franklin: 6 players
Selkirk: 4 players
There are 11 other brands with only two or fewer players each. Some players without sponsorships are also using these top paddles, showing how well they perform.
Differences in Paddle Thickness
Kale Klein’s research also found that 70% of male pro players use paddles that are 16 millimeters thick. In contrast, 90% of female pro players prefer paddles thinner than 16 millimeters.
Thicker paddles tend to feel softer and have higher swingweights. They help with control and power during big shots like drives or overheads. Thinner paddles have more “pop,” which is useful for fast reactions at the kitchen line.
Modern Paddle Technology
New paddles, called Generation 3, have changed the usual idea that thicker paddles are always softer. For example, the 16mm JOOLA Pro IV has a soft feel but still gives strong power on hard shots. The 14mm version has more pop for quick hits near the net.
“I have tried more than 50 paddles this year from all of the top brands,” said the report. “Here’s what I’ve learned about how different thicknesses are impacting modern paddle characteristics.”
This design is called “progressive power,” meaning the paddle creates more power as players hit harder. This is because layers of foam inside the paddle help the ball sink in and shoot out faster.
Older paddles, like Generation 1 and 2, still follow the old rule: thinner paddles give more power than thicker ones. This applies to paddles from brands like Paddletek and ProXR.
Reasons for Different Choices
Men’s pro doubles games often involve longer rallies and dinking at the kitchen line. They also use more drives and putaway shots. Because of this, 16mm Gen 3 paddles help players have both control and power.
In the women’s pro game, there are more quick exchanges at the net. So thinner 14mm paddles give players faster reaction times and more pop for quick shots.
Impact and Future Trends
These paddle choices show how the sport is changing. As players get stronger and faster, they need equipment that matches their style. Companies will likely keep designing paddles that balance power and control in new ways.
The trends suggest that in the coming years, pro pickleball will continue to evolve with advanced paddles helping players perform their best.
News in Brief: JOOLA Pickleball Paddle Trends
New data from Erik Lange and Kale Klein shows JOOLA is the most popular paddle brand among Major League Pickleball pros. Thicker 16mm paddles are common in the men’s game, while most women prefer thinner ones. These choices reflect the different styles and needs of top players.
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