Our 7 Top Picks for Every Playing Style!

From Anna Leigh Waters' signature paddle to beginner-friendly options, discover the best pickleball paddles for women who want more power, control, spin, and confidence on the court.

What is the best pickleball paddle for women? The answer depends on your playing style, skill level, and what you want to improve. The JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V is an excellent all-around option for competitive doubles players, while the Franklin Anna Leigh Waters C45 Aurelius stands out for quick hands and aggressive play. Women looking for an affordable upgrade, a more forgiving sweet spot, or additional putaway power have several other excellent choices.

Women's pickleball has never been more competitive. Watch any of the top female professionals on the PPA Tour, and you'll see incredible hand speed, precision, spin, and aggressive attacking.

But here's something recreational players can learn from the pros: the best paddle isn't necessarily the most powerful or the most expensive. It's the one that complements your game.

Whether you're a beginner looking for your first quality paddle, an intermediate player trying to improve your consistency, or an advanced competitor searching for an edge, we've narrowed down seven excellent options for 2026.

The 7 Best Pickleball Paddles for Women in 2026

Paddle	Best For
JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus Pro V	Best overall
Franklin Anna Leigh Waters C45 Aurelius	Best for fast hands and attacking
PIKKL Hurricane Pro	Best for improving players
Franklin Parris Todd C45 Signature	Best for customization and aggressive play
Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody	Best for easy power
Friday Aura Pro Widebody 16mm	Best value
JOOLA Agassi Pro V	Best for tennis players and two-handed backhands

1. JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus Pro V — Best Overall Pickleball Paddle for Women

Best for: Intermediate to advanced doubles players who want a balance of control, forgiveness, and offensive capability.

Professional player: Anna Bright

If you're looking for a premium paddle that performs well in almost every situation, the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V deserves serious consideration.

Designed with one of women's pickleball's most exciting players, Anna Bright, the Scorpeus features a wider, traditional paddle shape that provides a generous sweet spot and excellent stability.

That matters especially during women's doubles, where fast exchanges at the kitchen line can demand repeated blocks, counters, and resets.

The Scorpeus Pro V comes in 14mm and 16mm versions, with Anna Bright's signature models featuring a relatively slim 4.125-inch grip circumference. That makes the handle worth considering for players who find larger grips uncomfortable.

The 14mm model weighs approximately 8.0 ounces, while the 16mm version weighs approximately 8.2 ounces. Both use JOOLA's KineticFrame technology, designed to manage energy transfer and produce a predictable response.

Why women might love it

The Scorpeus is particularly appealing to players who value quick reactions and consistent contact. Its wider face offers additional forgiveness when a fast-moving ball doesn't land perfectly in the center.

Players who frequently struggle with defensive blocks or transition-zone resets may appreciate its stability and controlled feel.

Anna Bright herself has highlighted the paddle's forgiveness, explaining that its large sweet spot helps players defend even when contact isn't perfectly centered.

Potential downside: The premium price may be difficult to justify for beginners, and players who prioritize maximum reach might prefer an elongated paddle.

Our verdict: The best overall option on this list for competitive women's doubles players who want to combine offense with dependable defense.

2. Franklin Anna Leigh Waters C45 Aurelius — Best for Fast Hands and Aggressive Play

Best for: Competitive players who want maneuverability, spin, and the ability to attack quickly.

Professional player: Anna Leigh Waters
Note: Waters began using a Franklin paddle with a question mark emblazoned on it during the second half of 2026 to tease the upcoming launch of the newest version of her paddle. 

When you're choosing a paddle, it's hard to ignore the equipment developed with one of the most dominant players in pickleball history.

Anna Leigh Waters is known for her aggressive style, explosive counters, powerful drives, and ability to turn defense into offense almost instantly.

Her signature Franklin C45 Aurelius is designed to support that kind of fast, attacking game.

The paddle features a carbon-fiber playing surface, a double-thermoformed construction, and multiple thickness options, including 12.7mm, 14mm, and 16mm.

One particularly interesting characteristic is its maneuverability.

Independent measurements published by Matt's Pickleball recorded a swing weight of 100 for the 16mm version, suggesting a paddle that is especially easy to accelerate and reposition.

For players who feel like they're consistently a fraction of a second late during hand battles, that characteristic can be valuable.

Why women might love it

Some players have excellent technique but struggle to generate enough paddle-head speed with heavier-feeling equipment.

The Aurelius offers an appealing combination of manageable swing weight and competitive-level offensive performance.

Its traditional shape also makes it an interesting alternative to longer paddles, particularly for players who spend most of their time competing in doubles.

Potential downside: Its lively response may require an adjustment period, especially for newer players who are still developing consistent touch.

Our verdict: An excellent choice for ambitious intermediate and advanced players who want faster hands without giving up attacking capability.

3. PIKKL Hurricane Pro — Best for Improving Players

Best for: Beginners progressing into intermediate play and players who want a forgiving, control-oriented paddle.

Professional connection: PIKKL is used by several of the top women's professional players, including Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black. Note: these two players have since begun to play with a newer, unreleased version of this paddle.

Not every woman needs a $300 paddle to improve her game.

For players developing their dinks, drops, resets, and shot placement, a paddle that feels predictable can be more useful than one that produces overwhelming power.

That's where the PIKKL Hurricane Pro stands out.

The Hurricane Pro has earned positive attention for its soft feel, approachable power, and ability to help players place the ball accurately.

In a hands-on review published by The Kitchen, Crystal Zamora praised the paddle's ball feel and found it especially accessible for players moving toward more competitive pickleball.

That makes it a compelling choice for women who are starting to take their game seriously but aren't ready to spend premium-paddle prices.

Why women might love it

Control is one of the most valuable skills in pickleball, regardless of gender.

A paddle that allows players to consistently execute drops, keep dinks low, and absorb pace can help build confidence while they develop their technique.

The Hurricane Pro offers that type of approachable performance without requiring a particularly aggressive swing.

Potential downside: Players who already generate excellent control and want maximum offensive power may eventually prefer a more explosive paddle.

Our verdict: A strong choice for developing players who want to improve consistency and feel before prioritizing maximum power.

4. Franklin Parris Todd C45 Signature — Best for Customization and Aggressive Play

Best for: Intermediate and advanced players who want a maneuverable paddle they can customize to their preferences.

Professional player: Parris Todd

Parris Todd had a specific vision when she worked with Franklin on her signature paddle.

She wanted equipment that delivered serious competitive performance while also appealing to women who felt overlooked by traditional paddle designs.

In an interview with The Kitchen, Todd discussed creating a paddle tailored to women, combining attractive styling with the performance characteristics required at the professional level.

The resulting Franklin Parris Todd C45 Signature offers a blend of spin, power, and maneuverability.

One of its most interesting characteristics is its relatively light starting feel, which allows experienced players to experiment with adding weight to achieve their preferred balance.

Additional weight in different locations can influence stability, power, and maneuverability, although every modification involves tradeoffs.

Why women might love it

Not every player wants the same paddle setup.

Some prefer a lightweight feel that helps them react quickly. Others want additional stability for blocking hard drives or more mass behind their putaways.

Starting with a maneuverable paddle can provide flexibility for players who understand their preferences.

Todd's signature paddle also demonstrates that women-focused equipment can be both stylish and genuinely competitive.

Potential downside: Its elongated, offense-oriented characteristics may feel less forgiving than a wider paddle, particularly on off-center contact.

Our verdict: An appealing option for attacking players who want to fine-tune their equipment rather than accept a one-size-fits-all setup.

5. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody — Best for Easy Power

Best for: Intermediate and advanced players who want more offensive power without sacrificing a generous sweet spot.

Professional connection: Selkirk has sponsored elite women's professionals over the years, including Catherine Parenteau and singles powerhouse Kiora Kunimoto. This recommendation is based on the Boomstik's performance characteristics and overall reviews, however, and it should be noted that Catherine Parenteau left the Selkirk team in 2026.

One of the most common frustrations in recreational pickleball is struggling to finish points.

You set up a perfect opportunity, your opponent leaves the ball high, and your putaway comes back.

Sometimes the problem is technique. Other times, your paddle simply isn't helping you generate the pace you want.

The Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Widebody is worth considering for players who want additional power without moving to a narrow, unforgiving paddle.

Its widebody design provides a large hitting area, while its construction is designed to deliver substantial power and spin.

The Boomstik has also attracted attention from recreational and competitive players for combining a powerful response with impressive stability.

Why women might love it

Players who don't naturally generate a great deal of racket-head speed may appreciate equipment that helps produce a more forceful ball.

This can be particularly useful on putaways, drives, and counters.

However, a more powerful paddle won't automatically improve your offense. You still need the technique to control the ball and keep it in play.

Potential downside: The Boomstik is relatively heavy in static weight, and its lively response may be difficult for some players to manage during delicate shots.

Our verdict: An excellent option for experienced players who want more finishing power and are comfortable handling a heavier, powerful paddle.

6. Friday Aura Pro Widebody 16mm — Best Value Pickleball Paddle for Women

Best for: Budget-conscious intermediate players who want competitive performance without a premium price tag.

Professional connection: Friday has partnered with top professional players, including Rachel Rohrabacher. This recommendation does not assume she uses the Aura Pro Widebody, but that is the version what we'll be focusing on below.

The Friday Aura Pro Widebody proves that good pickleball equipment doesn't have to cost $250 or more.

This paddle combines a forgiving widebody shape with a 16mm construction, making it an interesting option for players who want a blend of control, spin, and offensive capability. Thanks to its full-foam construction, this paddle has a good amount of pop to it and solid durability over time.

Independent testing published by Matt's Pickleball recorded a swing weight of 107 for the Aura Pro Widebody 16mm, along with competitive spin and serve-speed measurements.

Those numbers suggest an appealing combination of maneuverability and performance at a considerably lower price than many premium models.

Why women might love it

The Aura Pro Widebody is particularly interesting for players who want quick hands at the kitchen without sacrificing too much stability.

Its wider shape can help on defensive shots, while its manageable swing weight may appeal to players who find head-heavy paddles tiring. If you're a player wanting a little more explosiveness to your play, you might consider the hybrid shape of this paddle rather than the widebody.

For someone upgrading from an inexpensive beginner paddle, this could be a meaningful improvement without a huge financial commitment.

Potential downside: Players looking for the most advanced construction or the exact feel of a premium professional paddle may prefer a higher-end option.

Our verdict: One of the strongest value choices for women who play regularly and want an affordable, well-rounded paddle.

7. JOOLA Agassi Pro V — Best for Former Tennis Players

Best for: Tennis converts, singles players, and women who prefer two-handed backhands or an elongated paddle shape.

Professional connection: JOOLA offers an Agassi Pro V dual-signature edition associated with women's professionals Brooke Buckner and Kate Fahey.

Women transitioning from tennis often bring valuable skills to pickleball: powerful groundstrokes, topspin, footwork, and comfort with two-handed backhands.

However, not every pickleball paddle feels natural to someone accustomed to a tennis racket.

The JOOLA Agassi Pro V offers an elongated shape designed to appeal to players who want something that feels more like swinging a racquet.

Its longer profile provides additional reach and leverage, which can be helpful on drives, passing shots, and two-handed backhands.

The Agassi shape also provides an interesting alternative for players who feel cramped using shorter, traditional paddles.

Why women might love it

The longer handle and elongated hitting surface can feel more familiar to players with backgrounds in tennis, squash, badminton, padel, or racquetball.

For women who rely on heavy topspin, aggressive baseline play, or two-handed backhands, this type of shape may complement their existing technique.

The tradeoff is that longer paddles can feel less maneuverable during rapid kitchen exchanges, depending on their weight distribution.

Potential downside: Players who prioritize defensive forgiveness and maximum hand speed may prefer a wider, shorter paddle.

Our verdict: A strong option for women transitioning from tennis or looking for extra reach and leverage.

Do Women Need Different Pickleball Paddles Than Men?

Not necessarily.

There is no fundamental reason that a woman cannot use the same paddle as a man, and many of the best paddles on the market are suitable for players of either gender.

However, individual differences in hand size, strength, swing mechanics, and playing style can make certain paddle characteristics more appealing.

Rather than shopping for a paddle simply because it is marketed toward women, focus on the following factors.

1. Grip Size: Smaller Hands May Need a Smaller Handle

A paddle's grip circumference is one of the most overlooked considerations when choosing equipment.

Players with smaller hands may find that a thinner grip allows them to hold the paddle more comfortably and make grip adjustments more easily.

An oversized grip can encourage unnecessary tension, potentially making quick adjustments more difficult.

For women with smaller hands, a grip circumference around 4 to 4.125 inches can be a useful starting point, but the ideal size depends on the individual.

Players who prefer a larger grip can add an overgrip, while reducing the size of an already oversized handle is more difficult.

What to look for: A comfortable grip that allows secure control without excessive squeezing.

2. Swing Weight: Why a Paddle's Balance Matters More Than Its Weight

Two paddles can weigh exactly the same but feel dramatically different when you swing them.

That's because static weight and swing weight are not the same thing.

Static weight measures how much a paddle weighs on a scale. Swing weight describes how much resistance you feel when accelerating and rotating the paddle.

A paddle with more weight concentrated toward the head can feel slower to maneuver, even if its overall weight is relatively low.

For players who rely on quick reactions, a manageable swing weight can be especially valuable.

This is one reason a lightweight-feeling paddle isn't necessarily the best choice for every woman.

What to look for: A paddle that feels quick and comfortable during repeated volleys, not just when you first pick it up.

3. Power vs. Control: Which Should Women Prioritize?

This is where personal playing style becomes especially important.

A player who naturally generates powerful drives may benefit from a more control-oriented paddle.

A player who consistently places the ball well but struggles to finish points might benefit from additional power.

Modern pickleball paddles offer a wide spectrum of performance characteristics.

Power paddles help generate pace on drives, putaways, and aggressive shots.

Control paddles prioritize a predictable response for dinks, drops, and resets.

All-court paddles attempt to balance both characteristics.

There's no universally correct answer. The best choice depends on which shots you already execute well and which shots you want to improve.

4. Paddle Shape: Widebody vs. Elongated

Paddle shape can dramatically affect how equipment performs.

Widebody paddles generally offer a larger, more forgiving hitting area. They are often appealing for doubles players who prioritize blocks, resets, and fast exchanges.

Elongated paddles offer additional reach and leverage, making them attractive to singles players and those who use two-handed backhands.

Hybrid paddles attempt to walk the middle line, balancing reach, forgiveness, pop, and maneuverability.

For women who primarily play doubles, a widebody or hybrid paddle is often an excellent place to start.

For women who frequently play singles or have a tennis background, an elongated paddle may be worth trying.

Is Women's Pickleball Different From Men's Pickleball?

At the professional level, men's and women's doubles can display different tactical patterns, but these differences should not be treated as rules about how men and women play.

Women's doubles often features extended exchanges, precise placement, patient point construction, and quick changes between offense and defense.

At the same time, elite women's pickleball has become increasingly aggressive.

Players like Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright demonstrate how important powerful counters, offensive dinking, aggressive speed-ups, and fast hands have become.

In men's doubles, explosive putaways and heavy attacks are also prominent, but the skills required to succeed overlap considerably.

The takeaway for recreational players is simple: choose a paddle for the type of pickleball you actually play, not the type of pickleball someone assumes you play because you're a woman.

If you spend most of your matches engaged in quick exchanges at the kitchen, maneuverability and stability may be especially valuable.

If you're constantly attacking, driving, and looking to finish points, additional power and spin may be more important.

And if you're still developing your game, a forgiving paddle that helps you build consistency may be your best investment.

How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddle for Your Game

Before purchasing a new paddle, ask yourself three questions.

1. What is my biggest weakness?

Do you struggle with resets? Are your drives too weak? Do you consistently hit dinks too high? Identifying your biggest limitation helps narrow your options.

2. What type of player am I?

A patient, defensive player may prefer a forgiving control paddle, while an aggressive player might want something with more pop and spin.

3. How does my current paddle feel?

If your paddle feels slow, uncomfortable, or difficult to maneuver, grip size and swing weight may be worth examining before you spend money on a replacement.

Still Not Sure Which Paddle Is Right for You?

Finding the perfect paddle can feel overwhelming, especially with so many brands, shapes, and technologies available.

One of the best ways to get more clarity about what you're looking for is to take the Pickleball Hub Paddle Finder Quiz.

Their free two-minute quiz helps narrow down paddle options based on your playing style and preferences, so you can spend less time comparing equipment and more time improving your game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball Paddles for Women

What is the best overall pickleball paddle for women?

The JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus Pro V is our top overall recommendation for competitive women's doubles players because of its combination of forgiveness, stability, control, and offensive performance. Beginners and budget-conscious players may prefer a more affordable option.

What weight pickleball paddle is best for women?

Many adult players use paddles weighing approximately 7.5 to 8.5 ounces, but the ideal weight depends on strength, comfort, and playing style. Swing weight and balance are often more useful indicators of maneuverability than static weight alone.

What is the best pickleball paddle for women beginners?

The PIKKL Hurricane Pro is a strong choice for beginners who are becoming serious about improving. Its approachable performance and control-oriented characteristics can help developing players build consistency.

Are lighter pickleball paddles better for women?

Not always. Lighter paddles can feel easier to maneuver, but heavier paddles may provide additional stability and power. A paddle's swing weight, balance, grip size, and overall comfort matter more than simply choosing the lightest model.

Are 14mm or 16mm pickleball paddles better for women?

A paddle in milimeters generally refers to the thickness of the paddle face. 14mm thickness is thinner, creating less cushioning and more power. 16mm thickness is a bit thicker, creating more cushioning and more control. Choose the paddle quality that matters more to you.

What is the best pickleball paddle for women with small hands?

Look for paddles with smaller grip circumferences, often around 4 to 4.125 inches. The Anna Bright JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V signature models, with 4.125-inch grips, are worth considering.

What pickleball paddle does Anna Leigh Waters use?

Anna Leigh Waters is associated with the Franklin C45 Aurelius signature paddle series, developed in collaboration with Franklin. The series offers different thickness options for players seeking different performance characteristics.

What pickleball paddle does Anna Bright use?

Anna Bright has a signature version of the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V, a widebody paddle designed for stability, forgiveness, and fast exchanges at the kitchen line.

Are expensive pickleball paddles worth it?

Expensive paddles can offer advanced materials, specialized construction, and premium performance, but they won't automatically make someone a better player. Many recreational and intermediate players can find excellent options for considerably less than $200.

Final Thoughts: The Best Paddle Is the One That Fits Your Game

The best women's pickleball paddle isn't necessarily pink, lightweight, or designed with a female professional's name on it.

It's the paddle that helps you play your best.

For competitive doubles players, the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro V offers an excellent balance of performance characteristics. Aggressive players should consider the Franklin Anna Leigh Waters C45 Aurelius, while improving players may find the PIKKL Hurricane Pro particularly approachable.

Those looking for extra power, a customizable setup, or a more affordable option have several excellent alternatives.

Most importantly, don't assume that copying a professional player's equipment will automatically produce the same results.

Pay attention to how a paddle feels in your hand, how confidently you can execute your favorite shots, and whether it helps address the areas of your game that need improvement.

Have fun out there and keep pickling!