Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of pickleball paddles on the market? You’re not alone. As someone who came from competitive cornhole—a sport I thought had a lot of companies—I was shocked by the sheer number of options in pickleball. While more choices are a good thing, it’s tough to know where to begin.
When I started my search, I went online to see what others were saying. I was looking for a budget-friendly paddle and wasn't sure if I should spend over $100. At first, I decided against it, thinking I'd rather have several affordable options than one super-pricey paddle. This post will walk you through my journey and discuss paddle shapes to help you find what might be right for you.
My Paddle Journey
My first paddle was a cheap aluminum paddle from a Franklin combo set I bought at BJ’s. It was fine for casual family play, but for anything competitive, it just didn't cut it. It was heavy, full of vibration, and had dead spots all over the face. Interestingly, it was an elongated shape—something I didn't even realize at the time.
That experience pushed me to get my first "real" paddle. After watching some videos praising their value, I chose the Vatic Pro Prism Flash 14mm (short handle). These are solid, reliable paddles, and the edge guard has held up incredibly well despite my family and friends constantly scraping the top reaching for low balls.
I chose the hybrid shape for this paddle. It worked well for a long time, but eventually, I felt like I needed more.
Exploring Different Paddle Shapes
I was a little hesitant to try a more powerful paddle, so I next moved to the Vatic Pro Saga Flash. It was a step up with a great feel, but still not quite what I was looking for. Then came the Vatic Pro Bloom, their first wide-body shape. I was loving the huge sweet spot and control, which was fantastic for my hand speed. However, I was still missing the power I wanted.
When new players ask me what shape they should get, I tell them to try all of mine. When I was first doing my own research, I heard many people recommend the hybrid shape over the elongated one, often saying, “elongated paddles are for former tennis players.”
I’m here to challenge that idea.
I have never played tennis or ping pong, and I would recommend that anyone try an elongated paddle. Maybe it’s because I started with a hybrid and then moved to a wide body, but for me, the elongated shape has been amazing for my game.
I'm not a player who just drives the ball, but I do like to have a strong serve and return to get to the kitchen for dinking. I also find I'm much stronger with volleys near the kitchen. The elongated shape helps with reach, and while some say the sweet spot is smaller, that hasn't been my experience. When I use an elongated paddle like the Vatic Pro Saga V7 or the Friday Fever, it just feels more balanced. I feel better connected to these paddles, especially when using a backhand slice dink or reaching for a shot.
Not All Paddles Are Created Equal
Of course, there are exceptions. The 11six24 Vapor Power, which is a hybrid shape, is simply amazing. It has the massive sweet spot and responsiveness of a wide-body paddle but the reach of an elongated one. And the power is incredible. So, while most paddles within a shape category are similar, the Vapor Power proves they aren’t all created equal.
This brings me back to the YouTube reviews I watched. Everyone was saying how great the Saga Flash 16mm was, but they claimed the Saga V7 16mm SH (elongated) was one of the worst.
For me, it was the complete opposite. The Saga V7 16mm is solid and feels much better than the Flash. I don't feel any instability, and hitting the sweet spot feels natural. With the Flash (hybrid), I felt like I had to hit the ball lower on the paddle face. With the V7, I can swing through it like hitting a softball on the sweet spot of the bat.
Final Advice on Choosing a Paddle
Here’s how I think about it:
A heavier, elongated paddle can help with stability and power but might lack hand speed. If you have good timing, this won't be an issue.
If you struggle with hand speed or timing, a hybrid or a wide-body shape like the Bloom might suit you better.
If you struggle to consistently hit the sweet spot, the Bloom or the Vapor Power are fantastic go-to options.
Ultimately, the best way to decide on a paddle shape is to try them out! Ask to demo paddles at your local club or check local Facebook groups to see if any brand ambassadors are around. Trust me, there are plenty.
In the end, if a paddle looks nice, is within your budget, and has decent reviews, go for it. Don't take my recommendations as gospel; make your own decision. But if I’m being honest, who cares if you’ve never played a racket sport? Try the elongated paddle. You just might love it. Some of my best games have come from using the Saga V7 16mm and the Friday Fever paddle.
My Go-To Paddles & Discounts
When you're ready to purchase a paddle, I'm a brand ambassador for a few companies. If you use my discount code at checkout, I get an incentive that allows me to try more paddles and give you my honest review. I've been playing for a year, and this is the list of paddles I currently use.
Saga V7 16mm SH (Gen 1.5) - Elongated Shape: Soft on dinks and near the kitchen but with plenty of power for serves and hard hits. It offers a great balance of power and control but is the heaviest paddle, so it's not for everyone. Use code JonathanTorres at Vatic Pro for a discount.
11six24 Vapor Power (Gen 3) - Hybrid Shape: Amazing power and feel with a great grip. A solid, premium paddle and the most expensive I've purchased, but I highly recommend it. Get $10 off with my discount code JonathanTorres at checkout.
Friday Fever (Gen 3) - Elongated Shape: Very similar to the expensive Joola Perseus but for only $95 with my affiliate link/code.
