Gametime Hero Guide to Pickleball Paddles

Welcome to the Gametime Hero Guide to Pickleball Paddles!

So you’ve caught the pickleball bug, huh? Whether you're a seasoned pro smashing serves like a kitchen legend, or you just discovered the game and still think a "dink" is a new dance move, finding the right paddle is crucial to winning your next match. Here’s a fun, breezy guide to the best pickleball paddles, perfect for all levels of play.

And hey—if you're already on Gametime Hero, what are you waiting for? Join a league, find a group, and use that paddle to dominate the court! If you’re not...well, you should be. It’s like a combo of Meetup and LinkedIn but with more dinking and less networking anxiety.

1. The All-Around MVP

• Selkirk Vanguard Control Invikta ($200)
• Imagine a paddle that can do it all—this is the Swiss Army knife of pickleball paddles. Perfect for players who want precision over power but aren’t afraid to hit with a little extra heat. It’s like being able to hit 3-pointers, dunks, and alley-oops—all in one swing. If this paddle were a person, it’d be your friend who excels at trivia, karaoke, and somehow still has a great jump shot.
• Best for: Control freaks who love getting the ball exactly where they want it.

2. Budget Baller

• Panel Sound Pickleball Set (2 Paddles, $36)
• Two paddles and balls, plus towels?! The beginner pickleball starter kit your wallet will thank you for. Sure, it doesn’t have the glitz and glam of a $200 paddle, but for newbies, this is the perfect gateway to pickleball addiction. Use it to learn the ropes, and when you level up, keep this as your “loaner” set for that one friend who "totally knows how to play but has never actually played."
• Best for: Beginners who like to save while learning.

3. Power Puncher

• Joola Ben Johns Persus 14mm ($175)
• Want to hit hard? Like...REALLY hard? This paddle is your new BFF. Perfect for people who like to put their opponents on the defensive from the first serve. It’s like swinging a wrecking ball...but with finesse (if that’s a thing). If you’re looking to intimidate, this is the paddle that lets you stare down the competition while casually mentioning you’ve "been working on your shoulder rotation."
• Best for: Power players who like to hit rockets, not pickleballs.

4. Spin Master

• Reload Pickleball Paddle ($200)
• This paddle gives you all the spin your wildest backyard Wiffle ball dreams could imagine. For those who love to watch the ball take a wicked curve or drop at the last second like a magic trick, this is your go-to. It even lets you replace the paddle’s surface, so you’ll stay sharp and gritty for months of play. Call it “forever spin” tech, which sounds exactly as cool as it is.
• Best for: Tricksters who want their spin to look like an optical illusion.

5. Beginner Boost

• SLK Evo Power XL 2.0 ($60)
• After a few rounds with a starter paddle, it’s time for your beginner upgrade! The SLK Evo plays a lot like your high school tennis racket, which means you’ll feel right at home if you’ve got any court sports background. Your friends will see you with this paddle and think, "Oh wow, you’ve been practicing!"—even if you just picked it up.
• Best for: Beginners ready to level up and impress their friends.

Ready to Pick Your Paddle?

Join a Gametime Hero pickleball league and put that shiny new paddle to good use! Whether you’re in it for the power, the control, or just to look good while hanging with friends, the right gear is just a swipe away. Let’s get on the court and show them how it’s done!

Image Final Touch: End with a big group of happy pickleball players laughing and holding their paddles, ready for a game.

‍