Best Pickleball Paddle For Control And Power In 2024
A control paddle is designed to slow down the ball and assist players in executing soft shots such as drops, dinks, and resets more easily. It is essential for a control paddle to have attributes such as feel, stability, and forgiveness to be effective. On the other hand, a power paddle is designed to add offensive capabilities to a game and has attributes such as power, spin, and maneuverability.
Even though power can play a significant role in the score, a controlled and precise shot often wins a point over an attempt to counterforce with force. This article will discuss the Best Pickleball Paddle For Control And Power in detail. Pickleball paddles can all generate power, but not all can slow down a slam for a precise dink. Paddles with touch or control come into play here.
With a more prominent sweet spot and a softer feel, these paddles make it easier to execute exact shots. A control paddle should have a graphite face, a rounded or wide body shape, a thick core, and vibration-dampening capabilities. In addition to absorbing more energy from the ball, these qualities increase dwell time, which enhances accuracy. Find the perfect pickleball paddle to elevate your game.
1. Volair Mach 2 Pickleball Paddle
A Volair Mach 2 Pickleball Paddle is one of the best pickleball paddle for control and power. As you can see from the picture, the Volair Mach 2 Forza edition comes with a wide-body paddle that is almost half an inch shorter and wider than your standard elongated paddle. In addition to being very stable and forgiving, the Mach 2 has a softer feel. Even though the wide-body delivers less power, it also offers excellent control and a large sweet spot that can be used effectively.
However, the sweet spot sits slightly lower than the traditional pickleball paddle due to the design. The Volair March 2 is another excellent option for those seeking a cheaper option. The Forza edition is lighter with a higher swing weight to twist rate ratio. The 16mm option will give you more control, while the 14mm option will give you more power.
2. Six Zero Double Black Pickleball Paddle
Six Zero is an Australian company that developed the innovative Black Diamond Series using a multi-stage cold and hot mold technology. The new unibody thermoformed technology is a hot innovation for 2023. The slightly flared shape optimizes the sweet spot. The paddle’s surface uses a newly developed premium Japanese Toray nano-engineered 700K carbon textured surface that provides a permanent textured surface, producing a fantastic spin.
Foam injection, followed by a lightweight carbon seam, fuses the paddle’s top and bottom faces, resulting in a tighter feel and an increased sweet spot that radiates around the paddle perimeter. You have the option of purchasing a 14mm or 16mm core. The Six Zero Double Black Pickleball Paddle is the best pickleball paddle for control and power.
There are subtle differences between the two; The 14mm DBD will add more pop and power, while the 16mm DBD will have more control. The 14mm DBD will also provide faster hand speed through the air. Six Zero engineers have designed a 3D carbon-forged handle to reduce vibration and increase responsiveness.
The face material is the main difference between the Black Diamond Power and the Double Black Diamond Control Paddles. The Black Diamond Power uses a Toray Raw Fibreglass face, providing incredible power and pop. It also is more forgiving in the throat area. This paddle may take some adjustment if you come from a traditional soft paddle.
3. Selkirk SLK Halo Control XL Pickleball Paddle
In the Selkirk Halo line, you will find three paddles (power, control, signature) available in two different shapes (Max, XL (elongated)). It is a decent paddle for the price point that it is offered at. The handle is well constructed with covered polymer. You will find the spin adequate, around 1425-1450 Rpms. While not stellar, it is decent for comparable paddles within the same price point. Control felt natural, and I performed well while playing a soft game. Pickleball Paddle Selkirk SLK Halo Control XL is the best pickleball paddle for control and power.
This paddle will not provide the power you may desire in a battle round. Adding lead tape will increase the sweet spot if hitting off-center. This is a decent paddle for a beginner-intermediate player who enjoys playing a controlled game and for those who prefer a more modest price point.
4. CRBN1 and CRBN2 Pickleball Paddle
The CRBN has become increasingly popular among professional pickleball players on tour. It is well-balanced between spin and control. Pickleball Paddle CRBN1 or CRBN2 is the best pickleball paddle for control and power. The CRBN 2 has a shorter and broader body than the one series, which will be more forgiving. The 16mm is better for control and drinking.
However, we found it to be very soft. If you want something more head-heavy, we recommend the 14mm option. There is a weight of 7.8-8.1 ounces in this pickleball paddle and a length of 4.75″ in this pickleball paddle. The pickleball paddle has a grip circumference of 4.25 inches.
5. Gearbox CX11Q Control
The Gearbox CX11Q does not disappoint. Gearbox’s patented solid span technology allows this paddle to be constructed in one solid piece. The Gearbox CX11Q is undoubtedly the best pickleball paddle for control and power. One downside to consider is the need for an edge guard. Gearbox makes up for this in the core with an incredibly durable 3K woven carbon fiber on the face and perimeter of the paddle.
The ribbed core also allows for extreme spin. The gearbox used a woven carbon fib material of choice. There is a 3 5/8″ circumference to the grip (circumference) of the tool.
Power vs. Control in Pickleball
Pickleball players oriented towards control tend to make more calculated shots, such as dinks and drops, to outmaneuver their opponents on the court. Maintain a high level of control during gameplay. You can preserve rallies, exploit your opponent’s weaknesses, and even dictate the flow of games with finesse and accuracy.
Players often need help deciding whether to prioritize power or control in pickleball. A power-oriented paddle is ideal for players who want to dominate a court by playing aggressively. On the other hand, players can strategically place their shots with accuracy with control-focused paddles.
Power Player
If you consistently hit strong, aggressive shots so fast that your opponent cannot always return them, you are more of a power player than anything else. There is also the possibility that this is also referred to as a “banger” – a player who hits the ball hard and fast to make their opponent miss it.
Power, spin, and maneuverability are essential for a good power paddle. These paddles are made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aluminum, making them lightweight and durable. They also have a thinner grip, allowing greater control and feel.
Control Player
On the other hand, a control paddle is designed to slow down the ball, making it easier to execute soft shots such as drops, dinks, and resets. Players who value accuracy and placement tend to use them instead of focusing on power. Players can control the ball better with a control paddle because the sweet spot is smaller, and the surface is softer.
Reasonable control paddles should have attributes such as feeling, stability, and forgiveness. Materials such as graphite and polymer make these paddles heavier and more stable. Furthermore, they have thicker grips, which make them more comfortable and controllable.
Final Words
Pickleball players should choose their paddles carefully to make their game more enjoyable. Feel, stability, forgiveness, and core thickness are all factors regarding control and power. Ultimately, when choosing the best pickleball paddle for control and power, the Selkirk SLK Halo Control XL Pickleball Paddle emerges as the clear winner. With its winning combination of precision, power, and durability, this paddle is ideal for players who refuse to compromise on performance. Invest in the Selkirk SLK Halo Control XL Pickleball Paddle today and elevate your game to new heights on the pickleball court.
Play styles and preferences vary from paddle to paddle, so all paddles have unique features and benefits. Finding the best pickleball paddle involves trying different options and considering personal preferences to find the one that fits you best. Also, if you are looking for a quality pickleball paddle at an affordable price, check out our Best Graphite Pickleball Paddle for Beginners.
