Last updated on March 6th, 2024 at 03:35 pm
Speed, precision, and agility—carbon fiber pickleball paddles deliver these game-changing benefits. This guide cuts through the clutter to detail the top paddles on the market, equipping you with the knowledge to select one that aligns with your playstyle and budget. With hundreds of paddles on the market, how do you decide which is right?
Embarking on your pickleball journey requires a paddle that complements your playing style, skill level, and budget. And if you’re keen on stepping up your game, carbon fiber paddles are the way to go. Esteemed brands like Vatic Pro, Bread & Butter, and Spartus have harnessed the power of carbon fiber to create a range of elite paddles that cater to a gamut of playing styles.
If you’re unsure where to begin, please check out our blog on How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddle.
Our Top Picks for Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles
Best Value Pickleball Paddle: Vatic Pro Prism Flash 16mm
Top All-Around Court Paddle: Spartus Gladius Centurion
Best Power Paddle: Bread & Butter Filth
Top Control Pickleball Paddle: Spartus Ballista V2
Best Pop Paddle: Vatic Flash 14mm
Best Pickleball Paddle for Two-Handed Backhands: Speedup Fire 14mm
Best Hybrid Paddle: Bread & Butter Loco
Best Paddle for Advanced Players: Speedup Ice 16mm
Most Comfortable for Extended Play: Vatic Flash 16mm
This buying guide is for you if:
- You’re an intermediate to advanced player. Carbon fiber paddles are often favored by experienced players who have developed a specific playing style and can handle the extra power and spin provided by these paddles.
- You want more power. Carbon fiber paddles are known for providing extra power due to their stiffness and responsiveness. Players who prefer a more aggressive playing style and rely on powerful shots may find a carbon fiber paddle more suitable.
- You want more spin. Many carbon fiber paddles have textured or rough surfaces that can enhance the ability to put spin on the ball. The surface texture allows players to grip the ball more effectively, imparting spin and creating more challenging shots for opponents.
- You want better control. Carbon fiber paddles are known for their stiffness, which can provide players with better control over their shots. Carbon fiber’s rigid nature allows for precise shot placement and minimizes energy loss, giving players a more controlled feel during play.
Who this guide is not for:
- Beginner players. Carbon fiber paddles excel at generating power, and players with a slower swing speed may find it challenging to control the additional power produced by these paddles. A paddle with a more forgiving sweet spot might be preferable for such players. Check out our blog on The Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners for advice on buying your first paddle.
- Players on a budget. Carbon fiber paddles can be relatively more expensive compared to paddles made from other materials. If budget is a significant concern, players might opt for paddles with different constructions that offer a more cost-effective solution. If you’re not ready to invest in a high performance pickleball paddle, a Pickleball Paddle Set could be a more affordable option.
Top Picks - Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles
Best Value
Carving a niche in the pickleball world, the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and performance. It’s designed with precision, incorporating top-grade materials such as Toray T700 raw carbon fiber to deliver a budget-friendly, high-performing paddle.
The paddle’s unique shape, foam injection, and unibody design, meticulously crafted from raw carbon fiber, contribute to its durability and premium feel. However, it might take a little time to get accustomed to its unique feel, like any good wine.
Despite its affordability, the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash does not compromise on performance. It offers a lightweight feel for easy maneuverability, along with remarkable control and spin. While it may not deliver as much power as thermoformed paddles, its wide surface area makes up for it, contributing to its effectiveness on the court.
Simply Pickleball Interview with Vatic CEO
Rating
- Control: 5/5
- Power: 4/5
- Spin: 4.5/5
- Value: 5/5
- Paddle face: Raw TORAY T700 carbon fiber
- Design: Foam Inject Walls
- Thermoformed: No
- Shape: Hybrid, Areo-dynamic tip
- Average weight of 16mm: 7.9-8.2oz
- Swing Weight: 115 g
- Total length: 16.3 inches
- Width: 7.7 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Core Material: Polymer Honeycomb
- Core Thickness: 16mm
- Spin Rate: 1800 RPM
- Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU
- USAP Approved: Yes
Affordable
Exceptional control, spin, and power
High-quality materials
The unique feel may require adjustment time
May lack some power compared to thermoformed paddles
Best All-Court Paddle
The Gladius Centurion boasts a fully thermoformed structure crafted from a singular 360-degree wrapped Toray T700 carbon fiber piece, striking an ideal harmony between power, control, and spin. This meticulous method involves tailored molds, subjecting the entire paddle to sustained heat for bolstering its resilience.
Injected Edgefoam envelops the paddle's perimeter, optimizing the sweet spot, while each layer spans the entire length, establishing a unified body for remarkable durability in the Gladius Centurion.
Be it driving winners, executing precise volleys, or finesse at the net, the Gladius Centurion excels across all shots, available at an affordable price under $100.
USAP approval for tournament play makes Spartus' Gladius paddles the ultimate selection for pickleball enthusiasts or competitors seeking to elevate their game. Elevate your play today!
Simply Pickleball Spartus Gladius Centurion Review
Simply Pickleball Interview with Spartus Founder Josh Kim
Specs:
- Thermoformed: Yes
- Unibody: Yes
- Edgefoam: Yes
- Core Thickness: 16 mm
- Overall Thickness: 16 mm
- Paddle Length: 16.5 inches
- Paddle Width: 7.5 inches
- Grip Length: 5.5 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Average Weight: 8.0 ounces
- Swing Weight: 120
- Paddle Face Material: Toray T700 carbon fiber
- Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
- USAP Approved: Yes
Great all-court paddle
Game improvement paddle
Incredible value
It is not suitable for someone who needs a lighter paddle
Spin can decrease overtime with raw carbon fiber paddles
Best Power Paddle
This Filth is giving its competitors a run for their money. The carbon fiber face gives it plenty of spin and durability. The thermoforming adds the power needed for advanced players and pros. This is everything you need in a high-performance paddle for a fraction of the cost.
Ideal for intermediate and advanced players.
Simply Pickleball Bread & Butter Paddle Review
Simply Pickleball Interview with Bread & Butter CEO
- Paddle Face: Raw Nano T700 carbon fiber
- Design: Foam injection, unibody construction, thermoformed
- Shape: Elongated
- Weight: 8 oz
- Swing Weight: 121 g
- Spin Rate: 1850 RPM
- Total length: 16.5 inches
- Width: 7.375 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.24 inches
- Grip Length: 5.5 inches
- Core Material: Honeycomb Polypropylene
- Core Thickness: 16mm
Powerful
Large Sweet Spot
Long Handle
Swingweight can reduce hand speed
Takes time to adjust to raw carbon fiber face
Top Control Carbon Fiber Paddle
Introducing the Spartus Ballista V2. Crafted from scratch, this patent-pending innovation prioritizes performance above all else. Employing hot molding ("thermoforming"), the Ballista features a unibody construction and an unprecedented compacted cell core structure, a groundbreaking feature unseen in 16mm paddles until now. Its forte? Delivering not just control but also power and speed.
At a swing weight of 111, the Ballista reigns as the fastest thermoformed paddle of its size, enabling effortless victories in hand battles.
The paddle boasts edge foam and weighted tape, expanding the sweet spot to the paddle's edges, minimizing your chances of mishits. Reinforced with three layers of carbon fiber and an extra layer of fiberglass, the paddle's edges gain enhanced strength.
All these exceptional features come at an incredible price, thanks to our relentless efforts in reducing production and operational costs, all for your benefit.
USAPA's stamp of approval for tournament play solidifies Spartus' Ballista paddles as the ultimate choice for pickleball enthusiasts or competitors aiming to elevate their game. Elevate your game today!
Simply Pickleball Paddle Review: Spartus Ballista V2
Simply Pickleball Interview with Spartus Founder Josh Kim
Paddle Specifications:
- Thermoformed: Yes
- Unibody: Yes
- Edgefoam: Yes
- Core Thickness: 15.5 mm
- Overall Thickness: 16 mm
- Paddle Length: 16.4 inches
- Paddle Width: 7.5 inches
- Grip Length: 5.4 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Average Weight: 8.0 ounces
- Swing Weight: 111
- Paddle Face Material: Toray T700 carbon fiber
- Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
- USAP Approved: Yes
Fast paddle
Great control
Sleek design
Granule paint is prone to wear off quickly
Not a power paddle
Best Pop in Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Do you have fast hands and spin the ball like crazy? This paddle is suited for a quick, aggressive, high-velocity playing style. It has a smaller sweet spot compared with Prism Flash. The thermoformed design adds more velocity off the face.
Rating
- Control: 4/5
- Power: 4.5/5
- Spin: 5/5
- Value: 4.5/5
Paddle Specifications:
- Thermoformed: Yes
- Shape: Hybrid, Aerodynamic Tip
- Unibody: Yes
- Edgefoam: Yes
- Core Thickness: 14 mm
- Paddle Length: 16.3 inches
- Paddle Width: 7.7 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Average Weight: 7.8-8.0 ounces
- Swing Weight: 111
- Paddle Face Material: Toray T700 carbon fiber
- Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
- USAP Approved: Yes
Improved control and soft game experience
Extra reach and forgiveness
Lightweight – good for those recovering from tennis or pickleball elbow
May require an adjustment period for new players
May not generate as much power as other thermoformed paddles
Best for Two-Handed Backhands
Get ready to elevate your game with the Fire 14 paddle! Designed for speed, spin, power, and accuracy. The elongated 6-inch handle will deliver dynamic shots like strong drives, precise flicks, and powerful punches at the kitchen line.
Its aerodynamic engineering supports versatile playing styles, and if you prefer the sturdy handles found in tennis and badminton rackets, you'll feel right at home with this paddle. Whether you're gearing up for intense battles or prefer singles play, the Fire 14 will be your reliable companion on the court.
Simply Pickleball Speedup Pickleball Review
Simply Pickleball Interview with Speedup CEO
Technical specifications for the Speedup Fire 14:
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
- Swing Weight: 117
- Twist Weight: 5.91
- Surface Material: Toray T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
- Construction: Thermoformed Unibody Design with Foam Edge Walls
- Core: High-Performance Polypropylene Honeycomb
- Thickness: 14mm
- Paddle Length: 16.5 inches
- Width: 7.5 inches
- Handle Length: 6 inches
- Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Handle Shape: Octagonal
- Handle Material: Polyurethane Mold over Reinforced Carbon Fiber
- Paddle Shape: Hybrid
- Warranty: 3 Months against Manufacturer Defects
A ton of pop
Great control paddle
Long handle
Small sweet spot
Less power than a 16mm paddle
Best Hybrid Paddle
The Bread and Butter Loco is a cutting-edge thermoformed pickleball paddle engineered with premium T-700 carbon fiber, mirroring the elite offerings in the market.
Extensive market research highlighted the demand for a hybrid-shaped paddle, catering to individuals seeking reduced swing weights, enhanced hand speed, or an alternative to elongated paddles. As a result, the Loco was developed, boasting superior hand speed complemented by formidable power and finesse.
Its design incorporates injected foam along the edges and handle. This innovative feature enhances stability, dampens vibration, and significantly enlarges the paddle's sweet spot, ensuring consistent shot precision across all play areas. The Loco is designed for serious pickleball players keen on advancing their game to new heights.
Interview with Bread & Butter CEO
Specs:
- Paddle Face: Raw Nano T700 carbon fiber
- Design: Foam injection, unibody construction, thermoformed
- Shape: Hybrid
- Weight: 7.7 oz
- Swing Weight: 114 g
- Spin Rate: 1863 RPM
- Total length: 16.3 inches
- Width: 7.7 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Core Material: Honeycomb Polypropylene
- Core Thickness: 16mm
High spin rating
Good control and pop
Large sweet spot
Lacking power
No 14mm option
Best Paddle for Advanced Players
For the tacticians on the court, introducing the Ice 16: a paddle designed for precision, finesse, and controlled power. With its plush 16mm profile, this paddle empowers players with unparalleled touch, enabling precise shots even in intense moments. Crafted meticulously, it offers a large, consistent sweet spot for enhanced performance.
The elongated six-inch handle suits two-handed backhands, flicks, and kitchen punches, providing familiar comfort to racket enthusiasts. Embrace the cool, calculated strategy of pickleball with the Ice 16, your perfect companion for strategic finesse and bursts of power.
Technical specifications for the Speedup Ice 16:
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
- Swing Weight: 122
- Twist Weight: 6.06
- Surface Material: Toray T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
- Construction: Thermoformed Unibody Design with Foam Edge Walls
- Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb
- Thickness: 16mm
- Paddle Length: 16.5 inches
- Width: 7.5 inches
- Handle: Length: 6 inches
- Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Shape: Octagonal
- Handle Material: Polyurethane Mold over Reinforced Carbon Fiber
- Paddle Shape: Elongated
- Warranty: 3 Months against Manufacturer Defects
Powerful paddle
Long handle gives it more leverage
Incredible value
They sell out fast
Better suited for advanced players
Most Comfortable for Extended Play
Designed specifically to optimize performance during extended play, the Vatic Pro Flash redefines comfort in pickleball. It’s fabricated using TORAY T700 raw Carbon Fiber and an advanced thermoforming process, improving performance and comfort.
The benefits of its ergonomic design extend beyond just comfort. Its hybrid shape offers extra reach and forgiveness, reduces player fatigue during prolonged gaming sessions, and offers great control over the ball. Although it may not generate as much power as some other paddles, its focus on comfort and control makes it a worthy investment for anyone looking to take their game to the next level.
Rating
- Control: 4.5/5
- Power: 4/5
- Spin: 5/5
- Value: 4.5/5
Paddle Specifications:
- Thermoformed: Yes
- Shape: Hybrid, Aerodynamic Tip
- Unibody: Yes
- Edgefoam: Yes
- Core Thickness: 16 mm
- Paddle Length: 16.3 inches
- Paddle Width: 7.7 inches
- Grip Length: 5.3 inches
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
- Average Weight: 8.0-8.2 ounces
- Swing Weight: 115
- Paddle Face Material: Toray T700 carbon fiber
- Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
- USAP Approved: Yes
Improved control and soft game experience
Extra reach and forgiveness
Lightweight – good for those recovering from tennis or pickleball elbow
May require an adjustment period for new players
May not generate as much power as other thermoformed paddles
FAQs: Best Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles
What makes carbon fiber a popular choice for pickleball paddles?
Carbon fiber is known for its lightweight and durable properties. It provides excellent strength and stiffness to the paddle without adding much weight, enhancing power and maneuverability.
How does a carbon fiber paddle differ from other materials?
Carbon fiber paddles are typically lighter and more responsive than paddles made from other materials like wood or composite. They often offer a more solid feel and better control. For more information, check out our blog on Why Carbon Fiber is Used for Pickleball Paddles.
What advantages does a carbon fiber pickleball paddle offer in terms of power and control?
Carbon fiber paddles are favored for their combination of power and control. The material allows for a powerful shot while maintaining precision and accuracy, making them suitable for various playing styles.
Are all carbon fiber paddles the same, or do they vary in terms of performance?
Carbon fiber paddles can vary in terms of construction, core material, grip size, and weight distribution. These factors can significantly impact performance, so it’s essential to choose a paddle that suits your playing style.
What is the ideal weight range for a carbon fiber pickleball paddle?
The weight of a paddle is a personal preference, but many players find success with paddles weighing 7.3 to 8.4 ounces. Lighter paddles offer quick maneuverability, while heavier ones provide more power.
Can carbon fiber paddles be used by beginners?
Carbon fiber paddles are suitable for players of all skill levels. Beginners may benefit from the lightweight nature and forgiveness of these paddles, while advanced players appreciate the power and control they offer.
Can carbon fiber paddles be used by beginners?
Carbon fiber paddles are suitable for players of all skill levels. Beginners may benefit from the lightweight nature and forgiveness of these paddles, while advanced players appreciate the power and control they offer.
Are there any specific care instructions for carbon fiber pickleball paddles?
Carbon fiber paddles are generally durable, but avoiding extreme temperatures and direct sunlight is essential. Regularly check for any signs of wear and tear, and clean the paddle with a damp cloth after use. Check out our blog on How to Clean your Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle.
What is the average lifespan of a carbon fiber pickleball paddle?
A paddle’s lifespan depends on usage, playing style, and care. With proper maintenance and avoiding impacts, a high-quality carbon fiber paddle can last several years. Read our blog on How Long Do Pickleball Paddles Last for more information.
What type of pickleball paddle should you buy?
The majority of us recreational players are playing doubles. When choosing a paddle for doubles, you may want to sacrifice some power for spin and control. That’s because most points are (or should) be played at the kitchen line or non-volley zone. With that in mind, a carbon fiber pickleball paddle is typically what you want.
How much should you spend on a pickleball paddle?
As you can see below, you can spend as little as $99 for a well-made carbon fiber paddle. If you increase your budget to $150, there are enough options to satisfy most pickleball players.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and take action, we’ll be compensated. Click here for our full disclaimer.
Join thousands of fellow pickleball players from around the world. Subscribe today!
