Best Pickleball Paddles for Women (2025) — Lighter, Smaller Grips, Better Feel
Updated July 2025
Looking for a paddle that actually fits your hand, feels light, and helps you control the court? The best pickleball paddles for women in 2025 combine finesse, comfort, and power.
Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced player tired of oversized paddles with clunky grips, we’ve rounded up picks that are easier to swing, offer better feel, and are specifically chosen for lighter builds or smaller hands.
What Makes a Pickleball Paddle Ideal for Women?
Grip Size and Hand Comfort
Grip size can be the difference between confidence and clumsiness. Many female players have smaller hands and need a grip that’s easy to hold without strain. Look for a 4″ to 4.25″ grip circumference with a cushioned or perforated surface.
Weight and Swing Speed
If your paddle feels like a kettlebell, you’re not going to move fast enough to react or play comfortably. Lighter paddles (7.3 oz – 7.8 oz) offer quicker swing speed, better control, and less fatigue over long matches.
Control and Feel vs Raw Power
Most women (especially beginners or finesse-first players) benefit from a paddle that emphasizes control, accuracy, and feel. That doesn’t mean giving up on power, but it means choosing materials and builds that enhance placement and reset play.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Women (2025)
Each pick below is lightweight, balanced, and well-suited for female players. Bonus points for comfort, control, and style.
Onix Evoke Premier
- Why it’s here: A professional-grade paddle with great feel, solid pop, and a grip that won’t overwhelm smaller hands. Great for intermediate players looking to level up.
- Specs:
- Weight: 7.5–7.8 oz
- Core: Polypropylene honeycomb
- Grip size: 4.25″
- Shape: Widebody
Selkirk SLK Halo Control XL
- Why it’s here: This paddle gives you elite spin and control in a manageable frame. Perfect for women who play with touch but still want to rip drives down the line.
- Specs:
- Weight: 7.6–7.9 oz
- Surface: Raw carbon fiber
- Grip size: 4.25″
- Handle: Elongated 5.75″
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
- Why it’s here: Trusted by pros, this one’s buttery smooth for resets, dinks, and finesse shots. Lighter swingweight without losing stability.
- Specs:
- Weight: 7.6–7.9 oz
- Surface: Graphite
- Core: High-grade polymer
- Grip size: 4.125″
JOOLA Essentials Paddle
- Why it’s here: Affordable, lightweight, and easy to swing. This is a top starter paddle for women who want balance, forgiveness, and a smaller grip.
- Specs:
- Weight: 7.8 oz
- Surface: Fiberglass
- Grip size: 4″
- Core: Response polymer honeycomb
Engage Pursuit EX 6.0
- Why it’s here: This one’s for women who want control AND advanced spin. Soft feel with great grip and consistency.
- Specs:
- Weight: ~7.9 oz
- Surface: Raw Toray carbon fiber
- Grip size: 4.25″
- Core: Control Pro polymer
Franklin Christine McGrath Signature Paddle
- Why it’s here: Designed with a female pro, this paddle balances touch and power with an ergonomic design. A great fit for casual players who want performance without the price tag.
- Specs:
- Weight: 7.5 oz
- Surface: Textured fiberglass
- Grip size: 4.125″
- Shape: Elongated
Head Radical Elite
- Why it’s here: It’s slightly heavier but super well-balanced. Ideal for women who want something reliable and under $70. A smart starter paddle.
- Specs:
- Weight: 8.0 oz
- Surface: Composite
- Grip size: 4.25″
- Shape: Traditional
How to Pick the Right Paddle for You
Your Hand Size and Comfort Level
Grip too big? You’ll lose control. Too small? You’ll overgrip and strain your hand. Use a ruler to measure from the bottom lateral crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger, that’s your ideal grip size in inches.
Do You Want Power, Control, or Spin?
- Power: Look for fiberglass or carbon fiber paddles with a thinner core (13mm–14mm).
- Control: Prioritize polymer cores and 16mm paddles with a softer face.
- Spin: Raw carbon faces give the most bite on the ball.
Is Weight More Important Than Shape?
Lightweight paddles improve reaction time. But shape also affects swing feel. Widebody paddles offer forgiveness, elongated paddles give reach and spin, and traditional shapes balance both.
Final Thoughts: Go Lighter Without Losing Power
Women shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort for performance. The best paddles now deliver both, giving you a lighter paddle with smarter design, better grips, and plenty of punch.
Stick with a grip that fits, a weight you can handle, and a build that helps your playstyle shine. Whether you play casually or compete every week, the right paddle makes a huge difference.
Need more help?
- Best Beginner Pickleball Paddles (2025)
- Best Pickleball Paddles for Seniors
- Best Control Pickleball Paddles
FAQ: Women’s Pickleball Paddles
Are women’s pickleball paddles different from men’s?
Technically, paddles aren’t gender-specific. But many women prefer smaller grips, lighter builds, and control focused paddles, so these picks are curated with that in mind.
What’s the best grip size for women?
Most women choose 4–4.25″ grips, depending on hand size. If you have very small hands or finger fatigue, opt for 4″ or wrap a 4″ grip with an overgrip for added cushion.
Should women choose edgeless paddles?
Edgeless paddles look sleek and feel aerodynamic, but they also lack protection from scuffs and cracks. For most women, a standard edge guard paddle is better unless you’re an advanced singles player.
What weight is best for senior women?
Look for paddles 7.3–7.8 oz for less joint fatigue. Also consider cushioned grips and control-focused paddles to reduce impact and boost precision.
