Best Pickleball Paddles for Large Hands (2025) — Bigger Grips, Better Leverage
Updated August 2025
If you’ve ever picked up a pickleball paddle and felt like the handle was made for a kid’s hand, you’re not alone. Many players with larger hands struggle to find paddles that feel comfortable and secure. A grip that’s too small forces you to overcompensate, squeezing tighter, which can lead to mishits, wrist strain, or even long term injury.
The good news? Paddle makers have caught on. In 2025, there are now more paddles than ever with grip circumferences of 4.5 inches or larger and longer handles in the 5.3–5.5in range. These models not only improve comfort, but also give players better leverage, stability, and confidence on every shot. This guide highlights our picks for the best pickleball paddles for large hands in 2025 and shows you how to customize grip size for the perfect fit.
Why Grip Size Matters in Pickleball
Grip size is more than a comfort feature, it affects mechanics, stability, and injury prevention.
Players with large hands who use too small grips often find themselves over flexing their wrists. This can create inconsistency on dinks, reduced accuracy on drives, and unnecessary strain during long rallies. By contrast, a larger grip:
- Improves stability by giving your hand more surface area to hold.
- Reduces wrist strain because you don’t have to over-grip.
- Enhances leverage for drives and two-handed backhands.
For most players with bigger hands, a grip circumference of 4.5 inches or more is the sweet spot. Pair that with a handle length of 5.3–5.5in, and you’ll have a setup that feels natural and controlled.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Large Hands (Our 2025 Picks)
#1 Best Overall — Selkirk Vanguard Invikta
Selkirk Vanguard Invikta
- Why It’s Here: The Vanguard Invikta is one of the most trusted elongated paddles in the game. Its longer 5.3-inch handle and 4.5 inch+ grip circumference make it a natural fit for larger hands. The elongated design also provides extra reach, perfect for singles players or aggressive doubles play.
- Specs:
- Core: 16mm polymer honeycomb
- Surface: QuadCarbon (Carbon Fiber)
- Shape: Elongated
- Grip Size: 4.5in+
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16
- Why It’s Here: One of the most popular paddles on tour, the Hyperion CFS 16 has a slightly thicker handle and one of the longest grips available at 5.5 inches. This makes it especially valuable for players with large hands, or anyone who likes to use two hands on the backhand. It balances pro-level spin with dependable control, making it as functional as it is comfortable.
- Specs:
- Core: 16mm polymer honeycomb
- Surface: Carbon Friction Surface (CFS)
- Handle: 5.5in
- Grip Size: 4.5in
CRBN-3X Power Series
- Why It’s Here: CRBN’s Power Series is a premium option built with foam-injected walls and raw T700 carbon fiber. The thermoformed construction adds stability, while the longer handle makes it a strong pick for players with bigger hands who want more leverage. It’s also customizable, so you can build up the grip further if needed.
- Specs:
- Core: 16mm
- Surface: Raw T700 Carbon
- Build: Thermoformed with foam-injected edges
- Handle: Extended length for leverage
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
- Why It’s Here: The Tempest Wave Pro has long been a control player’s favorite, but it’s also known for offering thicker grip options. For players with large hands who want a softer, more controlled feel, this paddle is one of the most comfortable fits available.
- Specs:
- Core: Polymer honeycomb
- Surface: Textured graphite
- Grip Sizes: Available up to 4.5in+
- Shape: Standard
Onix Evoke Premier
- Why It’s Here: Designed with input from pro players, the Evoke Premier offers a slightly larger grip out of the box and strong edge guard durability—important for outdoor players. It’s available in both standard and elongated variations, so you can match it to your preferred play style while still enjoying a grip that works for larger hands.
- Specs:
- Core: Polypropylene honeycomb
- Surface: Composite face
- Grip Size: 4.5in
- Variations: Standard and elongated models
How to Build Up Your Paddle Grip
Even with these paddles, you may still want to fine tune your grip size. Thankfully, it’s easy to build up a paddle handle at home without changing the paddle itself.
- Overgrips: The simplest option. Each overgrip adds about 1/16 inch to the circumference. They’re cheap, replaceable, and add tackiness for sweaty conditions.
- Heat shrink sleeves: A more permanent solution. Slide the sleeve over your handle, apply heat, and it molds to your grip. Each sleeve adds about 1/8 inch.
- Grip tape layering: Athletic grip tape or cushioning tape can be wrapped under an overgrip for more bulk.
As a rule of thumb, start with a paddle that’s close to your natural fit, then build up gradually. Adding too much thickness at once can make the grip feel clumsy. Replace overgrips regularly, especially if you play outdoors, since sweat and humidity wear them down quickly.
Tips for Choosing the Right Paddle for Large Hands
- Look for grip circumferences of 4.5in or more out of the box.
- Prioritize handle lengths of 5.3–5.5in if you hit two-handed backhands.
- Carbon and graphite faces tend to feel more comfortable for controlled play, while raw carbon gives you extra bite and spin.
- If you’re between sizes, choose slightly smaller and add overgrip for custom fine tuning.
Final Thoughts
For players with larger hands, the right grip size can transform how a paddle feels and how you perform on the court. Options like the Selkirk Vanguard Invikta and JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16 are ideal if you want professional-level paddles with longer handles, while the Onix Evoke Premier and Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro deliver comfort and affordability without skimping on grip size.
If nothing feels perfect out of the box, remember you can always customize your grip using overgrips, sleeves, or tape. The goal is a paddle that feels secure and natural, letting you focus on your game rather than your hand placement. With the right fit, you’ll notice immediate improvements in stability, consistency, and comfort, proof that grip size really does matter.
FAQ:
What is the best pickleball paddle for large hands?
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 and Selkirk Vanguard Invikta are top choices thanks to their longer handles and thicker grip sizes.
What grip size is best for large hands in pickleball?
A grip circumference of 4.5 inches or larger is ideal for players with bigger hands.
Can I make my pickleball paddle grip bigger?
Yes. You can add overgrips, grip tape, or heat shrink sleeves to increase grip size by 1/16–1/8 inch increments until it feels comfortable.
Do larger grips reduce spin in pickleball?
Slightly. A thicker grip may reduce wrist snap, which limits spin potential. But the tradeoff is more stability and less strain on your arm.
Are longer handles better for large hands?
Yes. Handles in the 5.3–5.5in range give players with large hands more surface area and are excellent for two-handed backhands.
Which paddles have the thickest grips?
Brands like Selkirk, Paddletek, and JOOLA regularly offer paddles with stock grip sizes at 4.5in or more.
Is it better to add grip tape or buy a bigger grip paddle?
If you can, buy a paddle with a larger grip to begin with. But adding tape or overgrip is a cost effective way to fine tune your fit.
What’s the downside of using a grip that’s too small?
Smaller grips cause players to over grip the paddle, which leads to wrist strain, less accuracy, and higher risk of injury.
