Pickleball’s top pros only use the most technologically advanced, high-performance paddles. The Erne Paddle can go toe-to-toe with these paddles by any measurement.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle: power, control, spin, length, weight, maneuverability, forgiveness, paddle shape, grip size…and the answer for “best” often comes down to personal preference.

But, according to pickleball’s top pros, there are some things that just make a paddle better. 

We chose what we consider the 10 most important engineering aspects of a pickleball paddle and then researched the paddles used by each of pickleball’s top 10-rated professional mens and womens players. While these 20 players use different paddles, many of them are making sure their paddles have the same important features.

Skip to the end of this breakdown to see how the Erne Paddle checks the box for every one of these 10 categories.

Textured Surface.

Used by: 8/10 top male pros, 7/10 top female pros
As pickleball has evolved, spin has become increasingly important for top-spin serves, cutting returns, and drives. Top pros have begun using paddles with textured surfaces to generate more spin. These rough surfaces help maximize friction and are opening the door to an entirely new arsenal of shots.

Honeycomb Polypropylene Core.

Used by: 10/10 top male pros, 10/10 top female pros
Brands will dress this up using different words like “reactive polymer core,” but all high-performance paddles are made of the same polypropylene plastic. The key words here are “honeycomb polypropylene.”

Weight: 8.0 oz. (+/- ½ oz.)

Used by: 10/10 top male pros, 9/10 top female pros
Men’s Average: 8.1 oz.
Women’s Average: 7.8 oz.
Many cheap pickleball paddles weigh in under 7.8 oz., but professional players tend to prefer paddles in this upper-middle-weight range. Paddles lighter than 7.5 oz. miss out on both power and control. Paddles heavier than 9 oz. are too heavy to swing quickly. Most paddles over 9 oz. are made of wood or aluminum, which are not optimal for a paddle maneuvarbility.

13mm or 16mm thickness (exact).

Used by: 8/10 top male pros, 8/10 top female pros
Men’s Average: 14.6mm
Women’s Average: 13.9mm
Even though most cheap pickleball paddles are 10mm or 11mm thick, almost all high-performance paddles come in 13mm or 16mm thickness. 13mm cores typically have more power and pop, while 16mm cores will typically provide extra control.

16.5” Total Reach (exact).

Used by: 7/10 top male pros, 5/10 top female pros
Men’s Average: 16.3” 
Women’s Average: 16.2” 
Length is critical in pickleball to reach over the kitchen and better cover the court. Longer paddles also generate more torque and power. 16.5” has become a popular length because it offers extended reach without compromising total surface area.

7.5” Width (+/- ½”)

Used by: 9/10 top male pros, 10/10 top female pros
Men’s Average: 7.5”
Women’s Average: 7.7”
It is important to note that the regulations regarding paddle length and width do not revolve around the paddle's surface area, but its perimeter: the paddle's length and width perimeter (added together) must be less than or equal to 24." For the optimal 16.5” length, the widest a paddle can get is 7.5.” 

5.25” Long Handle (+/- ¼”)

Used by: 8/10 top male pros, 9/10 top female pros
Men’s Average: 5.31”
Women’s Average: 5.26”
Most cheaper paddles have handles 5" or shorter, but high-performance paddles are often made with longer grips for added reach and more power. Longer handles are also ideal for players with a two-handed backhand.

4.25” Grip Circumference (+/- ¼”).

Used by: 9/10 top male pros, 10/10 top female pros
Men’s Average: 4.28”
Women’s Average: 4.29”
A grip that fits snugly and comfortably in hand is what makes the pickleballer one with his or her paddle. Many pros re-wrap their grips with an overgrip to get exact fit.

Edge Guard.

Used by: 9/10 top male pros, 10/10 top female pros
An edge guard holds the plastic layers of a pickleball paddle together, protecting it from delamination and scratching.

USA Pickleball Approved.

Used by: 10/10 top male pros, 10/10 top female pros
This is not surprising, considering USA Pickleball approval is required for professional tournament play.

How Does the Erne Paddle Compare?

Textured Surface: ✅ 
The Erne Paddle’s gritty fiberglass surface friction measures in at 32.2 Rt, among the highest-recorded of any USA Pickleball-approved paddle (the highest we’ve ever seen).

Core: Honeycomb Polypropylene ✅ 
The Erne Paddle uses the same durable, lightweight honeycomb polymer core as the highest-performance paddles, giving it a comparable sweet spot, balance, and control throughout.

Length: 16.5” ✅ 

Width: 7.5” ✅ 

Handle Length: 5.25” ✅ 

The Erne Paddle’s length, width, and handle length are exactly the same as the top pros’ most popular picks. This length/width ratio is optimized for maximum reach. The elongated handle and paddle are also optimal for generating as much torque and power as possible.

Weight: 7.9 oz ✅ 

Thickness: 13mm ✅ 
The Erne Paddle’s weight falls right in the most popular weight range of both male and female pros. This weight and thickness are meant for the highest weight:power ratio—it packs as much power as we could possibly fit into a paddle in the mid-weight range. The 13mm thickness is popular among both men’s and women’s pros and proves to be a significant upgrade in both control and power for amateurs upgrading from 10mm and 11mm paddles.

Grip Circumference: 4.25” ✅ 
We modified our original 4.5” grip to match the most popular grips among both men and women. Our new smooth, 4.25” grip fits snugly in hand.

Edge Guard: Yes ✅ 

USA Pickleball Approved: Yes ✅ 
If you want a professional-level pickleball paddle for only $85, you can find all Erne Paddles here.

If you want to learn how we pulled this off for $85, read here.