Recent data from pro player Erik Lange and researcher Kale Klein reveals that JOOLA is the leading pickleball paddle brand among Major League Pickleball pros, with 21 of 64 Premier Level starters using JOOLA paddles. The most popular models are the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV and the Proton Series Three – Project Flamingo. Other notable brands include Proton, Paddletek, ProXR, Franklin, and Selkirk, though many players without sponsorships also choose top-performing paddles from these brands.
The research highlights a key difference in paddle thickness preferences between genders: 70% of male pros favor 16mm thick paddles, which offer a balance of control and power suited for longer rallies and drives, while 90% of female pros prefer thinner paddles under 16mm for quicker reactions and more “pop” at the net. Modern Generation 3 paddles, like the JOOLA Pro IV, combine softness with power through advanced foam layers, enabling “progressive power” that adapts to shot intensity. These evolving paddle technologies reflect the sport’s growth and the increasing demand for equipment tailored to players’ styles and strengths.
