Best Pickleball Paddle for Women: Top 5 Lightweight Control Picks
Find the best pickleball paddle for women. Top 5 lightweight, control-focused picks tested and ranked. Shop now and elevate your game.
Finding the best pickleball paddle for women means looking for lightweight designs, excellent control, and a comfortable grip that suits smaller hand sizes. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the right paddle can dramatically improve your dink game and court coverage. Here are our top 5 picks for women pickleball players in 2026.
1. Selkirk Amped S2 — Best Overall for Women
The Selkirk Amped S2 is a favorite among women players for its elongated shape, lightweight feel at around 7.5 oz, and superb control at the kitchen line. The FiberFlex face provides excellent touch without sacrificing pop on drives. It is one of the most well-rounded paddles available for players who value precision over raw power.
2. Paddletek Bantam EX-L — Best for Beginners and Intermediates
The Paddletek Bantam EX-L is a polymer honeycomb core paddle weighing just under 7.8 oz, giving women players the lightweight touch they need for long rallies. Its graphite face delivers consistent ball placement, and the slightly larger face helps forgive off-center hits. This paddle is ideal for players transitioning from tennis or just getting serious about pickleball.
3. Onix Graphite Z5 — Best Budget-Friendly Pick for Women
The Onix Graphite Z5 is a wildly popular paddle that offers a widebody shape great for women who want a large sweet spot and easy power generation. At around 7.5 to 8.2 oz in the graphite version, it strikes a balance between control and punch. It is one of the best entry-level paddles that does not feel cheap or flimsy on the court.
4. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS — Best for Advanced Women Players
The JOOLA Hyperion CFS is used by professionals and is an excellent choice for advanced women players who want top-tier control and a raw carbon fiber face for enhanced spin. It weighs around 7.9 oz and features a 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core for a soft, responsive feel. If you want to play at your best, this paddle delivers at every level of the game.
5. Engage Encore Pro — Best for Finesse and Touch
The Engage Encore Pro is engineered for players who rely on soft game strategy and precise placement. With a specialized polymer core and a control-oriented skin, it excels at dinking and reset shots that win points in competitive play. Women players who focus on strategy over brute force will find the Encore Pro a natural fit for their style.
Bottom Line
The best pickleball paddle for women combines low weight, great touch, and a grip size that feels natural for longer play sessions. Our top pick is the Selkirk Amped S2 for its all-around excellence, but every paddle on this list delivers outstanding performance for different play styles. Test a few if you can, and prioritize how the paddle feels in your hand over specs alone.
More Gear Guides
- 🏓 Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
- 👟 Best Pickleball Shoes in 2026
- 🟡 Best Pickleball Balls: Outdoor vs Indoor
- 🎒 Pickleball Starter Kit
Browse all pickleball gear on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Gear Up & Play Better
Top-rated pickleball gear — hand-picked for all skill levels.
- Best Pickleball Paddles on Amazon →
- Pickleball Balls (Outdoor & Indoor) →
- Court Shoes for Pickleball →
- Pickleball Bags & Cases →
- 🏗️ Portable Pickleball Nets →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.