Best Lightweight Pickleball Paddles
Lightweight paddles can improve hand speed at the kitchen and reduce fatigue, but they may feel less stable on off-center hits. Use published weight ranges and your own arm comfort as the deciding factors.
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Quick picks
Jump to a recommendation, then read the full write-up below.
| Category | Recommendation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Best lightweight-leaning pick | Paddletek Bantam TS-5 | Check price |
| Best value lighter feel | Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm | Check price |
Lightweight tradeoffs
Faster hands and easier acceleration versus potentially less plow-through and stability. If you miss wide often on blocks, a true midweight may feel more trustworthy.
Paddletek
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
Best for: Players who want a truly lightweight paddle
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Paddletek |
| Weight | 7.0–7.5 oz |
| Thickness | 12.7mm |
| Length | 15.625" |
| Width | 7.75" |
| Grip length | 5.0" |
| Grip circumference | 4.25" |
| Surface | Textured fiberglass epoxy hybrid |
| Core | Bantam PolyCore polymer honeycomb |
| Shape | standard |
| Price range | $80–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +Light static weight (7.0–7.5 oz) for hand speed
- +Standard shape is approachable for most recreational players
- +Strong value from a established paddle brand
Tradeoffs
- −12.7mm core is thinner than typical “control” 16mm recommendations
- −Fiberglass hybrid face, not carbon
- −Less brand hype than JOOLA/Selkirk for some shoppers
Who should buy it
Players who want a truly lightweight paddle Recreational players seeking faster hands at the kitchen Shoppers who want a reputable sub-$100 all-court option
Who should skip it
Players who specifically want a thick 16mm+ control core Players chasing elongated reach or premium raw carbon
Alternatives
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Check price on Amazon →
Franklin Sports
Franklin Sports Signature Series Pro 16mm
Best for: Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle
A widely available fiberglass 16mm paddle that makes sense as a first real upgrade for recreational players.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Franklin Sports |
| Weight | 7.9–8.3 oz |
| Thickness | 16mm |
| Length | 16.5" |
| Width | 7.5" |
| Grip length | 5.6" |
| Grip circumference | 4.5" |
| Surface | Fiberglass with MaxGrit |
| Core | Polypropylene honeycomb |
| Shape | elongated |
| Price range | $70–$100 |
Specs last verified 2026-09-10. Source: specification source.
Advantages
- +Approachable price for a USAP-approved paddle
- +16mm core favors control and a softer feel for newer players
- +MaxGrit surface helps generate spin without a steep learning curve
Tradeoffs
- −Not as powerful as premium carbon paddles
- −Larger 4.5" grip may feel thick for smaller hands
- −Build quality is solid for the price, not flagship-tier
Who should buy it
Beginners upgrading from a starter paddle Players shopping around or under $100 Recreational players who want a forgiving fiberglass face
Who should skip it
Players who specifically want a carbon face for max spin Competitive players seeking premium thermoformed construction
Alternatives
Paddletek Bantam TS-5
A lightweight fiberglass-hybrid paddle from Paddletek—best framed as a hand-speed / value pick, not a thick-core carbon control paddle.
Check price on Amazon →
FAQ
Troxgo Editors
Research & editorial
We research manufacturer specs, compare paddles against consistent criteria, and explain who each product actually makes sense for—without fabricated “we tested it” claims.
Published 2026-03-20 · Updated 2026-03-20