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Equipment

The Ultimate Pickleball Paddle Spin Comparison Guide

By The Skilled Pickle team·

The Ultimate Pickleball Paddle Spin Comparison Guide

Are you in search of a pickleball paddle that can help you gain an advantage on the court?

This article summarizes the results of a paddle spin test of 25 pickleball paddles, as reported at the time (we did not run these tests ourselves, and we could not identify the original publisher or full method). The reported results were measured with high-speed video and an RPM calculation. In that data, the Head Gravity Light produced the lowest spin at 991 RPM, while the Legacy Pro (1893 RPM) and Engage Encore MX 6.0 (1788 RPM) were at the top of the list. The data suggested that paddle thickness was not a reliable predictor of spin and that surface texture (grit) had an effect.

Important context: these numbers are from an older test and should be treated as a rough guide only. Many of these paddle models have since been updated or discontinued, and USA Pickleball introduced limits on paddle surface roughness, so the spin of a current legal paddle may differ. Check the current USA Pickleball approved-paddle list before buying a paddle for tournament play.

Spin is only one part of choosing a paddle: weight, grip, feel, and control matter too, and spin should not be the only deciding factor. Alright, let's dive into the results, but remember: don't blame the paddle for a lousy shot, sometimes we are the problem!

Lower-Spin Paddles

The following paddles were reported with the lowest spin in the test. Lower spin does not mean a worse paddle, and some players prefer the control that comes with a smoother face.

  • Head Gravity Light (991 RPM)
  • Adidas Carbon Control LD (1007 RPM)
  • Paddle Tech Tempest Pro (1046 RPM)
  • Adidas Carbon Control HD (1058 RPM)
  • Selkirk Vanguard Invicta (1071 RPM)
  • Head Radical Tour GR (1108 RPM)
  • Franklin Ben Johns (1108 RPM)
  • Paddle Tech Bantam EXL (1172 RPM)

Medium-Spin Paddles

These paddles were reported in the middle of the range:

  • Engage Elite Maverick Pro (1231 RPM)
  • Paddle Tech Tempest Wave 2 (1255 RPM)
  • Gearbox GX6 Control (1262 RPM)
  • Onyx Recruit Wood (1320 RPM)

Other paddles in the test, including the Diadem Icon and Onyx Premiere, were also reported around this range. Medium-spin paddles are often a good fit for players who want a mix of spin and control. As the saying goes, different strokes for different folks!

Higher-Spin Paddles

These paddles were reported with the highest spin in the test. Manufacturer details are not repeated here because we have not verified them; check the maker's current product page for specifications.

  • Franklin Ben Johns Black (1452 RPM)
  • Babalot Monster Touch (1476 RPM)
  • Selkirk SLK (1488 RPM)
  • Selkirk Amped Epic (1500 RPM)
  • Babalot Monster Power (1512 RPM)
  • Pro Kinex Speed 2 (1520 RPM)
  • Engage Pursuit EX 6.0 (1550 RPM)
  • Pro Kinex Pro Flight (1560 RPM)
  • Electrum Pro II (1650 RPM)
  • CRBN 13 mm (1680 RPM)
  • Engage Encore MX 6.0 (1788 RPM)
  • Legacy Pro (1893 RPM)

Note that more spin does not automatically mean a better paddle. Higher-spin paddles can make timing and control harder, and as noted above, newer surface-roughness rules may affect how these paddles perform now.

Conclusion

Spin is an important consideration when choosing a paddle, but it should not be the only one. Take your own playing style and skill level into account, and balance spin with control and power. Treat the numbers above as a rough guide from an older test rather than a current ranking.

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