Contradictory to former tennis players, even the original Pickleballers are touched by this new “spin” trend eating up the victories mysteriously since the 2020 Corona pandemic. To address those 1.57 million players struggling to roll up their ball, here we detail the best pickleball paddles for spin that will always keep you a step ahead in quick and fast games alike!
While the spin comes from the player’s gaming techniques, it is equally important to have a textured surface with a rigorous core. Only then you can have your shot placed right on the opposite side. Though we can’t have a say on the skills, we can definitely give you as much information as we can on how to get the paddle with which you can play spins and smash the opponents gracefully.
So, what are some Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin?
Typically, the Textured surface and the Polypropylene honeycomb core make the best spin-friendly paddles, but the choices go beyond restrictions when we’re introduced to wider variations. Technically, textured pickleball balls are for spin but not every texture paddle proves itself to be the best. The overall construction, control, and finesse factors count, while their performance on the court alters the description. So tested some textured paddles and per our expertise and market research, these 10 are your best bet in any gaming situation for a perfect spin.
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Prolite Crush Power Spin – Best Pickleball Paddle For Spin
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Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro Speed – Top Choice For Topspin
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Onix Outbreak
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1. Prolite Crush Power Spin – Best Pickleball Paddle for Spin
9.7/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Core:
13mm polypropylene honeycomb -
Weight:
7.6 to 8 oz -
Body material:
fiberglass -
Surface:
SpinTac Print Surface Technology
-
Grip length:
5” -
Grip circumference:
4 ¼ inches -
Paddle length:
15 ½ inches -
Paddle width:
7 ⅞ inches - Has a micro-edge guard
Prolite has a proven standard of manufacturing classic-quality paddles since 1984, sideways with Onix and Gamma. During our research, we found “Crush Power Spin” weighed just 7.6–which got fame as the best pickleball paddle for spin. Upon playing and testing in our court, we noticed;
Core: Featuring a 13mm thicker polypropylene honeycomb that maintains the bounce and swings control to a delicate level–giving zero vibration and a shock-less feel.
Surface: Prolite introduced SpinTac Print Surface Technology in Crush Power Spin–building up the ball biting to the next level and, at the same time, shelling out a perfect blend of control, power, and accuracy; without violating IFC laws and regulations.
Handles: The elongated handles further helped us in backspin at the baseline, so you can have the best of both worlds–having the reach, a stable stance, and 80% reduced chances of soreness and fatigue.
- Features a perfect combo of power, control, and spin
- Aesthetic designs
- Allows effortless hitting
- Resilient and sturdy
- Robust and quick-serve defense
- Ideal gripping specs
- The surface could be wider
Prolite Crush Power Spin is an epic spin paddle for each of its unique technology and features. It gives our ball more grabs and bites that we sometimes think of as beyond the limits. And guess what’s the most surprising feature? They’re absolutely budget-friendly, so what are you waiting for?
2. Gamma Micron Classic – Top Choice for Topspin
9.5/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Core:
Aluminum honeycomb -
Weight:
8.1 oz -
Body material:
fiberglass face -
Grip circumference:
4 ⅛ inches
-
Paddle length:
15.7 -
Paddle width:
7.8 - Durable edge guard
In 2017, Gamma replaced Micron with 5 other paddles to bring in its more advanced series that it named 2.0, followed by their original name. Micron 2.0 in that case, besides being super spin-friendly, has the price that made us go wow compared to its fellow spin paddles.
For its accuracy, perfect shot placement, and control mechanism, it remains a prime choice among beginners. Yet, it has made quite a progress in the intermediate, and few of the advanced players have desirable full-contact handles and an immense amount of touch and feel. One of our friends, Jessie stepped into pickleball with this paddle, and she still aces the game while she was on the 3.5 level.
Although its grips aren’t tackier than the Prolite Spin Power Crush, we recommend using pickleball gloves with it. This way, the paddle performs way better and more rigorously on the outdoor courts.
- Extremely cost-effective
- Matte surface for a smoother spin
- Elongated surface
- Durable
- Excellent gripping for short heightened players
- Extra added power and reach
- Handles appear to be small for taller players.
Want to have most of the power and ultimate control and accuracy? Congratulations! You have just discovered it! Under an attractive cost price with max spin and touch, Gamma micron 2.0 is worth taking a closer look at.
3. Prolite Rebel PowerSpin – Best Spin with the Most Reach
9.6/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Core:
0.55 thick polymer honeycomb core -
Weight:
7.5 to 8.1 -
Body material:
textured PowerSpin surface -
Grip length:
5 inches
-
Grip circumference:
4 ¼ inches -
Paddle length:
16” -
Paddle width:
7 13/16 -
Grip type:
contour
Rebel is one step ahead of Crush Power Spin to provide a 1 mm thicker core, a pinch of more length and width for enabling drives and cross courts, besides spin. You don’t need to alternate this paddle with a lead time.
Although the technologies are the same, i.e. the surface and the core, we got a similar touch and feel. However, the elongated surface does make a difference when we wanted to play defensively and keep it up soft while totally tricking our opponents. Can’t forget the day, we smashed three rivals with transparent spins, all thanks to this spinning beast.
Between 7.5-8.1, its weight is similar as well, besides everything being raised (yikes, including the price too). But definitely, it’s the performance and comfortability that its hefty price couldn’t stop it from ruling 40% of the USAPA Nationals during the pandemic.
- Sweat absorbent handle technology
- Excellent grip
- Solid and unique internal and external construction
- Extra tacky surface for an added spin
- Elongated handles for better control
- Pricier than the crush Power spin
You simply can’t go wrong with Prolite’s Rebel for its supreme slice and spin shots compatibility. If you have marked up your budget to around 130 bucks, establish a rebellion with every other paddle and straight away go for the rebel.
4. Onix Composite Stryker – Best Spin Pickleball Paddle for Beginners
9.8/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Core:
Nomex, Paper honeycomb -
Weight:
0.48 pounds -
Body material:
fiberglass face -
Grip circumference:
4 ⅛ inches
-
Skill level:
beginner to intermediate -
Paddle length:
15.5” -
Paddle width:
7.8 inches - Larger sweet spot
Onix Composite Stryker has been around for 5 years. The company has basically manufactured this control-oriented spin paddle for women that gives them an extra edge to play more defensively and stay dominant through its larger sweet spot and enhanced surface length.
The fiberglass surface boosts up the power while it allows making the backspin with your dominant hand. Not to sound misogynistic, but the paddle in the ladies of our gang scares us to the core. However, the paddle, besides being popular with women’s leagues also, is the top-selling paddle among budget-minded players, who want to escalate their game from beginner to pro, with speedy spin and drives.
- Budget-friendly
- Highly responsive
- Added power and gives accuracy
- Flexible shape and handle
- Provides a perfect blend of power and control
- A bit noisier
Need a less costly but more resilient paddle? Choose the Onix Stryker and burn the court with your beautiful spins!
5. Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle – Best Soundless Spin Pickleball Paddle
9.4/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Core:
polypropylene honeycomb -
Weight:
8.1 oz -
Body material:
Graphite -
Grip Length:
4 ⅛ inches
-
Grip circumference:
4 ¼ inches -
Paddle length:
15.75 inches -
Paddle width:
8.5 inches - Textured Carbon Fiber surface
Head gravity mimics a teardrop shape with a slightly linear upper edge, which made its entry to the best pickleball paddles for spin through which players could handle overhand shots easily and send them back quickly with a spin slice through its rounded side edges.
Its shape further extends the hitting area up to 8.5 inches wider with an extra 0.75” in the length to build up its sweet spot entertaining soft dinks to aggressive volleys–easily! Coming with a pop effect through its dampened polymer core, it gets the ball roll escalated with an added 10 mph speed through its textured graphite surface.
- Responsive textured surface for more spin
- Allows a variety of shots with fewer efforts
- Maneuverable and comfortable playability
- Highly responsive and allows speedy shots
- More power than control
- Extremely Durable
- Slightly expensive.
If you’re a pro-level player and have a lot of aggression in your game, this paddle is truly made for you. From design to spin to everything in between, everything is just so EXTRA that makes it a worthy paddle to purchase.
6. Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro Speed II – Most Responsive Spin Paddle
9.3/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Core:
PP honeycomb with impact-resistant polymer -
Weight:
7.8 – 8.0 oz -
Body material:
composite (carbon-fiberglass) with 7-layer coating -
Grip Length:
4 ⅞ inches -
Edge guard:
O-guard bumper system
-
Grip circumference:
4 inches -
Paddle length:
15.43 -
Paddle width:
7.8” -
Grip type:
Hightech thin grip
ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed II is the breakthrough in the industry, introducing state-of-the-art technologies that have magically cured the tennis elbow of over 378+ players in just the first year of its launch. For its back-to-back ball lofts, it’s being rated as the game-changing paddle providing ultimate power and speed.
Upon upgrading from the original Kinetic Pro Speed, it comes improvised with a thinner and broader core that takes down the weight to 7.8 ounces. It further has an edgeless design, opening up sharp edges, that we found quite classic, as it makes the shot unpredictable during the drives rolling in quick games.
The 7-layer coating makes the surface thick enough that we could actually feel the touch at each shot plus the swing and bounce it creates. Total heaven, that is. The core, on the other hand, features an impact-resistant polymer that is all sturdy yet allows a proper spin, especially when we wanted to switch the game from high-speed shots to medium-low spinny dinks.
As per the grippings, even if you’ve larger handles, the 4 ⅞ inches covers it well. We usually wrap an additional grip around its originally small grip to fit the diameter. Above all, the paddle’s lovely features including its bumper guard that is worth taking a closer look into. The edge guard protects the overall paddle from getting scratches, the layers, and materials from wearing out.
- Highly Technological features and construction
- Hightech surface and core
- Extremely speedy and spinny
- Nice blend of power and control
- Zero elbow strain
- Sturdy edge guard for an increased durability
- A bit costly
Your search for the best spinny yet extremely speedy paddle simply ends here with the fastest of the fastest ProKennex High speed II. ProKennex High-Speed II with its built-in period kinetic energy is a top-tier all-in-one paddle for all its magnificent power and ability to switch the playing mode from pace to spinny dinks.
7. Prince Spectrum Pro – Best Combo of Power and Spin
9.2/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Core:
polymer honeycomb -
Weight:
7.2 – 7.6 oz , 7.7 – 8.3 oz -
Body material:
textured UV-coated fiberglass -
Grip Length:
5 inches
-
Grip circumference:
4 ⅛”, 4 ⅜” -
Paddle length:
15 ¾ inches -
Paddle width:
8 ¼ inches - Perforated cushion paddle
Prince spectrum just outshines among a large range of spoon paddles just by having weight ranges to suit everyone in our team, from the kids to the seniors!
In its lightest weight range, it sacrifices some cells of its core–enhancing the pop effect. Besides, it further comes with better maneuverability, so if you’ve difficulty controlling and managing the spins, you can choose from the range between 7.2-7.7 oz, that’s what our younger players use.
Otherwise, the standard 7.8-8.3 oz range comes with an enormous power that we 4+ players desire. If you want highly sped-up gameplay, maximum power, and full accuracy, then here’s your go. POV: control can be achieved by practice but power isn’t, so it’s better to have a power paddle than a control one.
If you opt for the power one, another advantage you’ll get is the 2x more textured surface with the more bouncy core so as a result, you can hit it back with more spin, acceleration, or whatever shot you wanna play from dinks to the baseline slide spin.
- Has a larger sweet spot
- Extra thick core for added bounce
- Compatible with both speedy and spinny play
- Highly reactive and responsive
- Varieties in size and weighting specifications
- Offers many colorways
- Slightly expensive
If you want to invest a heavy amount of money in a right, durable and powerful paddle with no risk and uncomfortably, add Prince Spectrum Pro into your top consideration because, for real and sure, they never disappoint.
8. Onix Outbreak – Excellent Blend of Control, Spin, and Power
9.1/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Core:
polypropylene core -
Weight:
7.8 – 8.2 oz -
Body material:
TeXtreme technology graphite surface -
Grip Length:
5”
-
Grip circumference:
4 ⅜ inches -
Paddle length:
15 ½ inches -
Paddle width:
8 ⅛ inches
Onix Outbreak, set itself being the most innovative and advanced paddle in the Onix lineup–breaking the records through its unique paddle surface technology, carrying a reputation of providing unmatchable spin, speedy hits–and yes, with accuracy!
Check out what happened with Kurtis Cambell experiencing Onix Outbreak by clicking the link given.
The spin we played with that quite different, which took us full-fledged 3-day research where we discovered that Onix partnered with TeXtreme, a Sweden-based company, that aims to lighten down the weight of the paddle and close up its atom to make it more resilient. This was the technology Onix used in Outbreak, making it the lightest pickleball paddle for a spin–providing ultimate finesse and control.
Being standard size, it’s further improvised with an increase in ⅛” in width and 0.5 inches in length, which gave us the extra surface area and larger sweet spot. Elongated handles, in the meantime, serve as the cherry on top, making it a complete cake for quality conscious spinners!
- Has a larger sweet spot
- Unique design
- Excellent blend of power and spin
- More maneuverability
- Zero elbow strain
- Wider and elongated
- The edges may feel sharp if you’re not a regular player
Either you go for the Onix Outbreak or you go wrong. The perfect combo of power, control, and spin, along with the healthy, durable period and stylish looks, makes the paddle worthy enough to enter your top purchase list.
9. Head Radical – Most Tackiest Grips
9.2/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Core:
13mm OTC polypropylene core -
Weight:
8.1 oz -
Body material:
graphite + fiberglass surface -
Grip Length:
5” -
Grip Type:
ergonomic foam handle
-
Grip circumference:
4 ¼ inches -
Skill Level:
intermediate -
Paddle length:
16” -
Paddle width:
7 ⅞ inches
With the proprietary Optimized Tubular Core and Extreme Spin, Radical quickly took the prime focus of beginners struggling with spins at a wallet-friendly price.
The roughed and textured surface allows topspin, sidespin, and backspin at a pinpoint accuracy but also makes us switch between dink and groundstroke with minimal to zero effort. Unlike wood, the grips are made of foam, which we regard as a top-notch factor that keeps our hold comfortable while contributing tackiness throughout.
We discovered that Radical has a thick core plus the surface allows for touch shots under control. The extra weight contributes to the power and acceleration, so, in a nutshell, it’s compatible with hitting drops from the baseline to go in a high plane as for swing volley shots.
Besides, it’s specifically designed for intermediate players transitioning to higher levels by strengthening their shots, interchanging, reduced errors, and pro strategies. For the damn purpose, Radical has the spin and power with less speed to make upgrading level 2.0 players to 4.0 real quick. We’ve currently seen 3 examples like these, though.
- Performance-oriented
- Comfortable grips for longer play sessions
- Thick and tacky surface
- Balanced control and power
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Stylish colors and design
- Not suitable for pro-level players
Head radical is simply too good for an intermediate level. It has all the vital features of providing enough control and more power with a perfect design and solid construction. To be honest, radical, for all its heavy reliability and durability, won’t ditch in any condition.
10. Esper Extra Spin Pickleball Paddle – Best for Backspin
9.0/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Core:
honeycomb composite polymer core -
Weight:
7.8 oz -
Body material:
graphite carbon fiber texture -
Grip Length:
4.5 inches -
Grip circumference:
4 ¼ inches
-
Skill Level:
beginner -
Paddle length:
15.5” -
Paddle width:
7.9 inches - Slim edge guard
The USAPA approval makes the Esper highlighted for many budget-minded experts in the court to get a go with.
The paddle showcases a thick polymer core with a thin glue film, adding more stickiness to the paddles, and allowing spin shots at their best due to the Increased friction. While the increased diameter favors slicing up the ball like a classic tennis topspin.
On the top is the graphite textured surface that balances the spin and power with an added control, so never had to worry about the mis-hits.
We love the Perforated grips as they absorb sweat and oil on our hands when we play for a longer period with no slippery effect, just as they advertised it. Also, the handles aren’t edgy, hence it does not give strain on our wrist, arm, and shoulder.
In the shape and dimensions department, We’d passed these paddles with an “A” for their slightly elongated surface and a standard widened body. The shape makes the paddle quicker and reactive to play and hits the shots back to back–with unpredictability and speed at its max.
- Pinpoint accuracy
- A lot of control
- Larger sweet spot
- Sweat absorbent handles
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Cost-effective
- More textured and thick surface
- Long-time playability
- Not so stylish
Despite being made for beginners, they’re compatible with mid to pro-level players too, and allow great playability with an increased spin and control. In a nutshell, Esper for its technological features and cost-effectiveness is a mighty paddle to own.
What makes a paddle ideal for the best pickleball spin shots? (Pre-Purchase Consideration)
There is a lot of buzz over the internet that “Paddle Texture” is the most critical component of the paddle that manages an overall spin. I’m not disagreeing though, several other factors shouldn’t be neglected halfway through it. Nevertheless, the best pickleball paddle for spin depends on the following factors that vary from person to person, so make sure the paddle you’re going to buy meets the following criteria.
Material: Composite or Graphite?
As stated above, the surface material is the most critical factor to consider in a pickleball paddle, and, to your surprise, pure graphite (being the highly preferred material for pickleball paddle, is not greatly suitable for spin paddles). The reason behind the added value of the composite material is its thick texture, which is what creates roughness and makes the ball spin. Similarly, graphite or fiberglass has a slippery or smooth surface that doesn’t let the ball stay, and thus it’s difficult to spin the ball resultantly.
However, a textured or liquid graphite, a recent development by Engage, is most recommended due to the graphite’s natural lightweight and power features, plus the thick molten surface, creating the required spin as much as you want. Whereas, for fiberglass, there have been some upgraded technologies in the pickleball paddle’s arena lately. So, if you like a fiberglass surface, you can go with the ProLite’s SpinTac or extreme spin fiberglass, by Head for the maximum level spin.
Core Type:
The core is the internal part of the surface upon which the overall performance of your paddle depends. Traditionally, paddles come with three types of honeycomb cores, i.e. Nomex, Aluminum, and Polymer. All three types vary based on power, control, and spin, respectively.
Aside from power and control, let’s get to the spinning factor. Whilst as commonly understood, here we’re gonna choose polymer; not for the sound and vibration effect, but for the more bouncy construction. Polymer, being itself a bit textured and hard, plus composing a perfect blend of power and control, is the best choice for spin factor. For better results, choose a proprietor’s special technology for the core, such as SRT by Paddletek and the like.
Technical Specifications:
Weight:
Commonly, paddles come in three types of weight ranges, i.e., lightweight, mid-weight, and heavy. While the part of the weighting mechanism could be as lightest and general as possible. Yet, it greatly affects your overall gaming styles and techniques.
Depending on your skill level, a beginner should go with a lighter paddle (if not opting for wood) they’re more control-oriented plus you will get the suitable required spin handling and hitting mechanism. The bulky paddles are designed for those experts who are pro in their games with natural, adapted control and accuracy since the more the power, the less the control. Also, the spin in the weighty paddles is generally dense because then it is combined with the speed and power so it gives a bomb hit effect.
Grip Size:
Grip size plays a vital role in creating spin. Because let’s be clear: if you don’t have a comfortable and firm hold on your paddles, you’re least likely in a position to make spin shots. Whilst, we must bear in mind that a good spin is a result of better wrist movement. So, gripping specs should be checked and observed in accordance with your hand size to avoid any discomfort.
The shape of the Paddle:
There are two types of playing techniques in pickleball, one is the attack while the other one is defense. If your playing technique is a sort of attacking one, you need a paddle that allows wider width. Wider paddles allow an additional surface for handling and playing a wide variety of shots.
Whereas, for a perfect defense mechanism, elongated paddles have an upper hand. They have an increased length and resultantly an increased reach to the nets. It furthermore, allows you to play defensively with each shot without missing.
Sweetspot:
Generally, a paddle with the standard size has the largest sweet spot, if that you consider a supreme feature in a paddle. Now, what is the standard size of the paddle? A paddle with a width of 8 inches and a length of 15 inches is considered a standard size of paddle having the largest sweet spot. For your aid, we have mentioned the length and width of each paddle so you don’t have to worry or make uncertain choices.
FAQs:
Conclusion:
To sum it up, spin has become an integral part of the pickleball game that you may constantly notice in players of present times. Despite that, tennis players have moved towards pickleball as well, the requirement of many traditional players for more variations typically gave rise to it.
However, to adapt and learn the spin style, you need the best pickleball paddle for spin above all, and hence, here we got you all covered.
Though, if you need to be more precise in your choice, you can choose from our top 3 as follows:
- Prolite Crush Power Spin
- ProKennex Kinetic Pro Speed
- Onix Outbreak
Good luck and burn the courts with your bomb and accurate spins.
Harry is a freak who often argues that O in his name may well stand for “Obsessed with Pickleball.”
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