Some of the best pickleball paddles in the market are composite pickleball paddles. Contrary to popular belief, the term ‘composite’ does not refer to the material of the pickleball paddle, but the mix of materials that are used to construct the paddle. Many composite pickleball paddles are made up of a mix of carbon fibers, fiberglass, vinyl and resins. This unique blend of materials gives you a paddle that will make it easier and more controlled to hit bigger, more powerful shots. That means if you are a player who is comfortable handling a typically heavier paddle that gives you more power, and the ability to impact the pickleball with control and spin, then a composite pickleball paddle is likely for you.
Another great thing about composite paddles is their textured paddle surfaces. This texture is widely recognized by its ability to give more control than graphite pickleball paddles, which tend to ‘pop’ the ball back at opponents. Composite pickleball paddles tend to hold the ball longer than a graphite paddle, giving you more chances to apply spin or swerve. That’s not to say that graphite pickleball paddles don’t have excellent advantages – paddle ‘pop’ is one of the most sought after paddle qualities. But, if you’re in the market for a composite paddle, know that you will be able to hit big, swerve and apply spin with ease.
Later in this guide, we take a look at the key things to consider when buying a composite pickleball paddle. But first, take a look at our best composite pickleball paddles review. Here we show you the best composite paddles available for purchase today.
Top 5 Composite Pickleball Paddles
Check out our list of the top 5 composite pickleball paddles to buy. All of the paddles included in our list are considered 5-star paddles by hundreds of pickleball players – many of these paddles feature on our best pickleball paddles guide as some of the best paddles money can buy.
1. Paddletek Bantam Ex-L Pickleball Paddle
The Paddletek Bantam Ex-L Pickleball Paddle is one of the best paddles regardless of pickleball paddle category. The paddle features a fiberglass paddle face, with geometric vinyl decal overlay and polymer honeycomb core. This makes it a paddle that is designed to provide power, control, and durability that will outperform a Nomex core paddle. On top of this, it’s a green-zone, quiet paddle thanks to this polymer core.
The Paddletek Bantam Ex-L Pickleball Paddle weighs between 7.7 – 8.4 ounces, with an average paddle weight of 8.2 ounces. The Bantam Ex-L paddle face measures 7 7/8″ wide and features a 1/8″ overlapping edge guard. The paddles grip length measures 5 1/8″ long, giving you the ability to hold the paddle with one or two hands. This mix of paddle attributes. creates a well-balanced paddle that plays well across all aspects on-court. The slightly heavier paddle weight makes power-play more effortless, while the wider paddle face and longer grip length gives you control, and reach.
The Bantam Ex-L is available in six different color options and looks great on-court. In our view, it’s one of the best looking paddles out there. Priced around the $100 mark, the Bantam Ex-L also provides excellent value for money.
Standout Features
- Fiberglass paddle face with geometric vinyl decal overlay creates control and power off the paddle face
- Polymer honeycomb core has shock and sound-absorbing qualities, that increase shot control
- Excellent value for money priced around $100 mark
2. Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 FiberFlex Pickleball Paddle
Second on our composite pickleball paddles is the Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 Pickleball Paddle. The Selkirk S2 X5 needs no introduction. Known as one of the best pickleball paddles around by pro’s and elite level players alike, the S2 X5 delivers power, control, and touched packed into a high-tech paddle.
The Selkirk AMPED S2 X5 Pickleball Paddle features a Selkirk’s fiberglass FiberFlex paddle face, with Selkirk’s X5 polymer core. Both attributes combine to deliver a paddle that provides consistency, low-shock, and quiet pickleball ball-striking qualities. The S2 X5 weighs between 8.0 – 8.5 ounces, with an average paddle weight of 8.3 ounces in its heavier model (the paddle is also available in a lighter option, with a paddle weight between 7.4 – 7.9 ounces). On top of this, the Selkirk S2 X5 paddle face measures 8″ across, with a handle length of 4 3/4″. This makes the paddle easy to control, with a large sweet-spot for controlling any type of pickleball shot. The paddles edge-guard is a low-profile vinyl edge trim, which ensures that you have a larger hitting surface with less risk of miss-hits off the edge-guard.
The Selkirk S2 X5 Pickleball Paddle is available in seven different colors and looks great on-court. For anyone looking to purchase a high-tech paddle that packs a punch, the Selkirk S2 X5 is for you.
Standout Features
- Fiberglass, FiberFlex face provides control and ‘pop’, while X5 polymer core ensures consistent feel across all shots
- Wide paddle face (8″) gives players big-hitting surface
- Two weight options give players who prefer a lighter or heavyweight paddle the option to purchase
3. Engage Encore Composite Pickleball Paddle
Next on our composite pickleball paddles list is the Engage Encore Composite Pickleball Paddle. The Encore Composite Paddle has a fiberglass paddle face, with a polymer honeycomb core. Featuring input from many top-ranked pickleball players, the Encore Pickleball Paddle is a brilliant, unassuming pickleball paddle.
The Engage Encore Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle is known for its oversized sweet spot and specialized paddle skin that promotes roughness and deflection. These paddle attributes give players the added ability to spin and swerve the pickleball with ease, while the polymer core provides power when smashing or hitting from the back of the court. The Encore Pro weighs between 7.8 – 8.4 ounces, with an average paddle weight of 8.1 ounces. On top of this, the paddle face measures 8″ across, with a handle length of 4 3/4″. This wide paddle face provides players with an oversized sweet-spot that allows you to control the pickleball ball with ease.
The Engage Encore Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle is available in four color fades and is priced affordably at just over $100. If you are looking for a composite pickleball paddle that stretches the boundaries of roughness and deflection, look no further – the Encore Pro is for you.
Standout Features
- Specialized skin designed for roughness and deflection gives more control when spinning and swerving the pickleball ball
- Polymer core provides power and helps cushion hard opponent shots
- Oversized sweet spot, with wide paddle face gives more hitting surface and control
4. Engage Poach Advantage Pickleball Paddle
The Engage Poach Advantage is an excellent composite pickleball paddle, with a unique six-layer paddle face. Engage’s proprietary ‘variable release’ technology has been created to combine ball responsiveness with power, and a soft touch playing delicate pickleball shots. The Engage Poach Advantage’s unidirectional paddle face texture gives players unrivaled ‘workability’ of the pickleball ball.
The Engage Poach Advantage Pickleball Paddle comes highly regarded. In fact, almost all of the Engage Pro team now use this paddle to compete across the world. The reason behind this is that the paddle contains a six-layer paddle face which gives player’s ultimate control and power playing all types of pickleball shots. Secondly, the ‘variable release’ core provides ‘hold’ over the pickleball ball. As the ball contacts the paddle, the Engage Poach Advantage reacts differently depending on the shot. If you are playing a high impact, high-speed shot then the paddle will transfer energy into the ball, conversely, if you are defending with a block or dink, the paddle will suck the energy out of the ball and provide you with a delicate touch.
The Poach Advantage weighs between 7.9 – 8.3 ounces (or 7.5 – 7.8 ounces using the light model), with an average paddle weight of 7.9 ounces. Side to this, the grip length is 5″, with a paddle face measuring 8″ across. This mix of paddle attributes make the Poach Advantage very well balanced and allows you to play with one or two hands.
Available in five colors, the Poach Advantage is a beautiful paddle that looks great on-court. If you want to play like an Engage Pro, why not use the exact same paddle they do? Priced at the top end of the market, you get a great paddle in return for your investment.
Standout Features
- Six-layer paddle face combines with variable release technology to change feel depending on type of shot
- Paddle used by most of the Engage Pro team thanks to its optimal paddle weight and ability to combine power and control
- Looks epic in-hand and on-court, available in five beautiful colors
5. Onix Z5 Composite Pickleball Paddle
Completing our top composite pickleball paddles guide is the Onix Z5 Composite Pickleball Paddle. Widely known as the best graphite pickleball paddle, the Onix Z5 Composite is a heavier version of the Z5 Graphite and contains a slightly different composite pickleball paddle construction. This is a brilliant pickleball paddle that packs a real punch at an affordable price point.
If you have ever played with the Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle and felt that you’d like a bit more ‘oomph’ the Composite version is for you. The Onix Z5 Composite has a fiberglass face with a Nomex core and weighs between 8.4 – 9.2 ounces (average weight of 8.8 ounces). Like the graphite version, the handle length is 5″ and the paddle face measures 8 1/8″ across the paddle face. In addition, the Onix Z5 Composite contains the same 1/4″ overlapping edge guard which protects the paddles against hard court surfaces and miss-hits.
Available in five different bright colors, you really can’t go wrong purchasing the Onix Z5 Composite Pickleball Paddle. The Z5 Composite is one of the best paddles on the market and a brilliant option priced under $80. Don’t hesitate if you are looking to purchase a heavier, big-hitting paddle that will give you an edge on-court.
Standout Features
- Heavier than the Z5 Graphite paddle, giving more power when hitting smashes or back-of-court shots
- Fiberglass face creates ‘pop’ off paddle face, allowing you to play aggressive shots that put you in control
- Excellent value for money at unbeatable price point
Composite Pickleball Paddles Buying Guide
We’ve now completed our best composite pickleball paddles list (which we will continue to update with new paddle releases as time passes). Now it’s time to turn our attention to our composite paddle buying guide. Here we are going to run through what you need to look out for and consider any time you’re buying a new composite pickleball paddle. As we mentioned at the start of this guide, the term ‘composite’ can be misleading. It does not refer to the material that the pickleball paddle is built from, instead, it refers to the mix of materials that combine to create the paddle (more to follow).
And when it comes to buying a composite pickleball paddle, it’s important to understand how composite paddles differ from graphite pickleball paddles, which typically have a graphite face and Nomex core. Firstly, composite pickleball paddles are typically heavier than their graphite counterparts, containing a honeycomb polymer core. Next, they usually have a fiberglass or carbon fiber face, instead of a graphite face which causes the pickleball ball to react differently during contact. With that said, let’s get started.
Paddle Material
Composite pickleball paddles are made from a mix of materials, typically fiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum, polymer, and vinyl. These materials create a brilliant paddle surface that has the ability to snap the pickleball ball back at opponents, whilst also taking energy out of hard opponent play. This means you get a mix of power and control which is hard to rival with another type of pickleball paddle.
Side to this, the paddle core on a composite paddle is often made of polymer. While brands are experimenting with a mix of specialized materials, the polymer tends to be the core make-up of a pickleball paddle and gives the paddle more weight when hitting big shots or smashes. If you want a lighter paddle, it’s worth checking out a graphite pickleball paddle that is more likely to contain a lighter Nomex core.
Paddle Size
Picking a composite pickleball paddle won’t really impact the paddle size. Composite pickleball paddles are built to the same spec as other paddles and also come in oversized elongated pickleball paddle options. Most players like a well-balanced paddle that measures around 15-16″ in length and 7 1/4 – 8 1/4″ across the paddle face. There are a host of great composite pickleball paddles available with this paddle spec.
Paddle Weight
The noticeable thing about composite pickleball paddles is that they weigh more than graphite pickleball paddles. In fact, they tend to weigh over 8 ounces on average, which is well above some graphite alternatives. The advantage to this heavier build is more paddle to take the sting out of strong opponent play while giving you a paddle that can maximize power. Junior players also love composite paddles as the heavier weight gives greater ability to get the ball up and over the net with less power.
If you are someone who likes a lightweight paddle, pick a composite pickleball paddle that has a lightweight option (under 8 ounces), or pick a graphite pickleball paddle that contains a lighter core material like Nomex.
Paddle Noise
One of the best things about a composite pickleball paddle is that they typically don’t make as much noise. Pickleball can be a loud sport that is distracting to those who are going about their day around your match. By picking a composite pickleball paddle that contains a polymer core, you’re more likely to get a quiet pickleball paddle. If you are specifically looking for the best quiet pickleball paddle, then check out our detailed guide.
Paddle Deflection
The best thing about choosing a composite pickleball paddle is that they typically contain more deflection and paddle roughness. In fact, some composite pickleball paddles like the Engage Encore Pro contain specially designed skins that maximize deflection. This means you get more hold on the paddle face and will find it easier to influence the pickleball with swerve, spin or curl. On top of this, composite pickleball paddles contain specialized polymer cores that help dampen opponent shot power. Using this core to your advantage allows you to damped opponent shots and get on the front foot by sending the pickleball ball back over the net with maximum spin and control.
Paddle Grip
Composite pickleball paddles typically have the same length grips as other pickleball paddles. If you are someone who likes a longer grip, pick a handle length over 5″ in length. This will allow you to hold the paddle with two hands. Likewise, if you like a slim grip, pick a grip size of around 4 1/4″. Typically composite pickleball paddles will have wider grips as they are heavier paddle. There are options for players who like a slimmer grip though, so it’s easy to get the best of both worlds.
Paddle Edge-Guard
Unlike graphite pickleball paddles that tend to be more brittle, composite pickleball paddles are more resistant to chipping and tend to be more durable. This is also thanks to their denser polymer cores. With that said, the majority of paddles come with a slim edge-guard that helps protect the paddle. If you are someone who likes an edgeless pickleball paddle, it’s worth checking out our guide. There are some epic edgeless pickleball paddles that contain no edge-guard and provide a bigger hitting surface in the composite pickleball space.
Paddle Price
Composite pickleball paddles don’t have to be super expensive. It’s true that the highest tech options sit at the top end of the market from a price perspective. However, there are some great cheap composite pickleball paddles available. On average, the most expensive composite paddles price around $150, with the average composite paddle costing between $80-100. With that said, there are some great options around the $50-60 mark. Check out our cheap pickleball paddle guide to find paddles like the Rally Tyro 2 Pro, which is a brilliant composite pickleball paddle, at a more affordable price point.
Final Thoughts
Picking the best composite pickleball paddle can be a tricky endeavor. To make sure you stay on the right course, check out our best composite pickleball paddles list. Here we review all of the best, 5-star paddles on the market. If you’re still not sure, or you’re just getting started as a beginner pickleball player, pick a paddle that is mid-weight, contains a handle length of at least 5″, and a paddle width of around 8″. This will give you a well-balanced paddle that will get you to grips with using a composite pickleball paddle quickly. Until next time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Composite Pickleball Paddle?
Composite pickleball paddles are pickleball paddles made from more than one material like carbon fiber, or fiberglass. They are traditionally heavier than single material paddles as a result, and so mean you can generate more power with less effort. Traditionally, composite pickleball paddles have less ‘pop’ than graphite paddles, meaning you get a great sense of control over the pickleball.
What are the benefits of a Composite Pickleball Paddle?
Composite pickleball paddles tend to be heavier than graphite pickleball paddles, as such you can generate more power with less effort. Likewise, they tend to have textured surfaces which hold the pickleball on the paddle for longer. This means you get more control over the pickleball and greater ability to add spin, swerve or roll on the ball. While not always the case, composite pickleball paddles tend to be cheaper than other pickleball paddles making them great value for money.
What is the difference between Composite and Graphite Pickleball Paddles?
The primary difference between a composite and graphite pickleball paddle is that the composite paddle is made from more than one material like fiberglass or carbon fiber – as opposed to a graphite paddle which will have a graphite face. As a result, composite paddles tend to be heavier than graphite paddles, giving a different feeling when striking the ball. Some of the best pickleball paddles on the market are made from composite.
What material is a Composite Pickleball Paddle made from?
The term ‘composite’ can be misleading as it doesn’t actually refer to the material of the pickleball paddle. Instead, it refers to the fact that the pickleball paddle is made from two or more materials, as opposed to a single material like graphite. Most composite pickleball paddles are made from a mix of fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins and vinyl.
What is the best Composite Pickleball Paddle?
There are some fantastic composite pickleball paddles available. For example, the Paddletek Bantam Ex-L is a classy paddle that is made from Velvet textured Polycarbonate and loved by pickleball players around the world. Likewise the Selkirk AMPED line are all defined as composite pickleball paddles. Find out what we think the best composite pickleball paddles are by checking out our top list.
