Forget and forgo the wrist sprain and save yourself a visit to the hospital. We’ll be talking about some of the best pickleball paddles for small hands, that’ll surely come in handy.
What are the Best Pickleball Paddles for Small Hands?
According to a survey conducted in 2022, almost 4.1 million individuals are engaged in this sport and surely many of them are small-handed, requiring a compact grip for proper handling of the ball.
Although the hand size doesn’t matter much in pickleball. But a paddle that sits neatly in the palms surely does. Hence, we’ve thoroughly researched and come up with a variety of some of the best pickleball paddles for small hands for you to choose from.
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Prokennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle
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Vulcan V520 Blade Paddle
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Champion Spark Pickleball Paddle
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Diadem Riptide Pickleball Paddle
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VERSIX Strike 4F Composite Pickleball Paddle
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Prince Quantum Pro Pickleball Paddle
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GAMMA Dart Composite Pickleball Paddle
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1. Prokennex Kinetic Pro Speed II Paddle – Top choice for Sizeable Handle
9.4/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
-
Grip Circumference:
4†-
Grip Length:
4 ⅞†-
Weight Range:
7.7-8.0 ounces - 15.43†Length x 7.6†Width
ProKennex has transformed the pickleball industry by releasing Kinetic Pro Speed II which slides perfectly with small hands. With a sizable grip of 4â€, the paddle can be maneuvered quickly to either deflect or return the shots.
- The Kinetic Pro Speed II won’t let you fault near the NVZ when returning cross-court shots because of the 15.43 long shape.
- Although the paddle comes with a smaller grip, the 7.9 ounces weight of the paddle makes up for power shots.
- The replaceable air-o-guard of the paddle can be removed and adds 0.2†to the surface of the paddle, taking the width from 7.6†to a whopping 7.8â€. Resulting in a generous sweet spot.
Well, ProKennex Pro Speed II might be inclined towards the price point, but the lightweight combined with the reactive surface makes it all worthy. This can be a lethal weapon for small-handed people who want to improvise their ranking, while learning the defense mechanism and power attacking shots.
2. Vulcan V520 Blade Paddle – Excellent Tacky Grip
9.1/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
- 4†Grip Circumference
- 7.4 – 7.8 Ounces
- 15 ½†Length x 7 ¾†Width
- 11mm Core Thickness
- 4 ¾†Grip Length
Vulcan has shaken up the pickleball industry through its innovative paddle in 2021 that cuts through the air via its aerodynamic construction, hence the name V520 Blade. The 4 ¾†grip length when combined with the 4†grip circumference makes the blade a literal beast on the court.
- The best part about the V520 is that it diminishes the polymer core down to 11mm thickness for having more power, which compensates for the strength sacrificed due to its lighter weight.
- According to a survey in 2022, approximately 200 players reported having less fatigue since switching to the Blade because of its petite grip circumference
- The fiberglass composite surface of the paddle enhances the overall performance of the paddle by elevating its accuracy.
The V520 features an octagonal paddle grip rather than the standard round one. This unorthodox shape allows the player to latch onto the paddle, giving them a natural feel when clutching the paddle in their hands.
3. Champion Spark Pickleball Paddle – Best Expanded Handle for Most Reach
9.7/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Grip Circumference:
4 inches -
Grip length:
5 inches -
Paddle Length:
15 â… inches -
Width:
7 ¾ inches
- 6.7-7.0 ounces weight range
The super-light Champion Spark comes with a tiny 4†grip circumference, complementing not only the children who are into pickleball but also the womenfolk with small hands.
- The control-oriented champion spark accommodates a sufficient sweet spot because of its 7 ¾†wide construction and classifies as one of the lightest paddles in the sport, having an average weight of 6.8 ounces only.
- Besides being a lightweight paddle, the champion stark makes up for its robustness because of a deadly combination of polycarbonate surface accompanied by polymer honeycomb core, giving an upper hand to its users during action-packed games
- The paddle becomes unstoppable and shines brightly near the kitchen line as the 15 â…†length plays a pivotal role especially in returning complicated dinks.
By keeping the above traits in check, we can say that Champion Spark is an all-in-one package in terms of weight, dimensions, and performance.
4. Diadem Riptide Pickleball Paddle – Best Paddle for Small Hands
9.3/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Weight Range:
7.5 – 7.7 ounces -
Grip Circumference:
4″ (Small) -
Handle Length:
5″ -
Paddle Length:
16″
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Paddle Width:
7 ⅗†-
Core Thickness:
12mm (.47″)
The special ingredient of the Diadem Riptide that grabbed our attention is the 50/50 ratio of power and spin, making it an ideal choice not only for the newcomers but also for 5.0+ players.
The key pointers that conclude the Diadem Riptide are:
- The textured paddle face is composed of HMT Glass Fiber, a unique mix of hot melt glass fiber, taking your game to the next level by adding an extra spin to the shots.
- The 12mm core thickness of the paddle is reduced down to 15% in comparison with the traditional paddles, specifically for better responsiveness.
- The paddle offers remarkable reach, particularly near the NVZ through its elongated 16†construction along with 5 inches handle length, making this paddle a top pick for players with small hands.
5. VERSIX Strike 4F Composite Pickleball Paddle – Best Compact Grip
9.9/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Weight Range:
7.1 – 7.5 ounces -
Grip Circumference:
3 3/4″ (Small) -
Handle Length:
5.1″ -
Paddle Length:
15.4â€
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Paddle Width:
7.75†-
Core Thickness:
0.4″
VERSIX has revolutionized pickleball for novice small-handed since entering the market in 2022 with its first-ever paddle, i.e. Strike 4F Composite. The main idea behind manufacturing the paddle was to serve the untapped market in which the needs of small-handed pickleball players aren’t being fulfilled. VERSIX identified the areas that needed attention, i.e. paddles for small hands, and tailored the Strike 4F in accordance with the demands of the people.
- About 35% of players, including me, experienced enhanced gameplay because of the paddle’s 0.4 inches thick polymer core that allows for a better feel of the ball upon contact.
- The tacky 3 ¾ inches paddle grip gives a rather rectangular feel, adding more traction in hand combat on the court.
- Besides offering an adequate sweet spot, the paddle plays quite a significant role in reducing the number of faults or errors because of its stretched 7.75 inches wide design that aids in perfect ball placement, even if you’re playing on a tennis court.
Most paddles come with 5 inches of handle length. However, by adding 0.1 inches to the handle, the Strike 4F propelled forward with its phenomenal 5.1 inches grip length, extending reach to a great extent on the court.
6. Prince Quantum Pro Pickleball Paddle – Top Choice For Extended Reach
9.5/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Weight Range:
7.4-7.8 ounces -
Grip Circumference:
4 1/8″ (Small) & 4 3/8″ (Large) -
Grip Length:
6″ -
Paddle Length:
16 3/8â€
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Paddle Width:
7 3/8†-
Core Thickness:
9/16″ -
Edge Guard:
1/8†overlapping paddle face
The Prince Quantum Pro is comprised of a polymer honeycomb core, fused with textured UV-coated fiberglass for more rotation, and 16 ⅜†paddle height for overhead smashing volleys – all of which heavily influence your overall performance.
- The rounded edges of the paddle play a major role in providing a greater sweet spot, eliminating the need to stick to the center of the paddle for that flawless placement to send the ball flying.
- The paddle is a blessing as it arrives in a standard grip of 4 â…œ” and a thinner grip of 4 â…›” for individuals with smaller hands.
- The expanded 7 ⅜†surface of the paddle serves as a blocking tool against the shots while enhancing the precision of forehands and backhands.
The cherry on top? The whopping 6†grip length ‌complements two-handed or former tennis players.
All in all, Prince Quantum Pro is an elite choice for anyone who is looking forward to upgrading their game to the next stage, regardless of their skill levels.
7. GAMMA Dart Composite Pickleball Paddle – Powerful Firm Grip
9.2/10 – Our Score
Technical Specifications
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Weight Average:
7.4 ounces -
Grip Circumference:
4 1/8†(Small) -
Grip Length:
4 3/4 “ -
Paddle Length:
15 5/8 â€
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Paddle Width:
7 1/2″
The GAMMA Dart Composite is a lightweight paddle, averaging 7.4 ounces that lets you move, maneuver, and react to the opponent’s shot ‌ swiftly.
- The smaller grip circumference of 4 ⅛†maximizes the range of motion of the wrist to snap the ball, especially while serving.
- The paddle houses a textured composite hitting surface, paired with a polymer core having an 8mm hexagonal cell opening for a fatal combination of touch, power, spin, and feel.
- The handle is wrapped with GAMMA’s proprietary cushioned grip that immensely takes the comfort and control to the next step. Plus, the holes in the grip allow the air to pass through so the paddle won’t slip from the moisture forming in the palms.
In a nutshell, the compact paddle handle, along with a minute grip circumference, makes the Dart one of the best entry-level paddles crafted by GAMMA.
Why Go For Smaller Grips?
When it comes to grip sizes, the smaller ones are far more reliable and effective than the bigger ones. Why? Because what makes a paddle great is its ease of use. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that a paddle that goes well according to your gameplay will eventually aid you in ascending ranks in the world of pickleball.
So how does a smaller grip be helpful?
- Provides better wrist movements and swinging, resulting in achieving exceptional power, control, and spin over the ball
- There’s always an option for over-gripping in smaller grips. The benefits? Enhanced comfort, greater sweat absorption, more cushioning, and expanded grip circumference.
- It is quite easy to shift from smaller grips to larger grips once you have developed your game.
- Perfect for beginners when getting started with their pickleball journey.
Our Recommendation: For an optimal pickleball experience, the grip circumference should lie between 3 ⅞†and 4 â…›â€.
How to Opt for an Ideal Paddle for Small Hands?
Finding a paddle that sits nicely in your hands is just like finding a needle in a haystack. There’s no doubt in the fact that grip size is literally the most important factor. However, there are several other things that need to be taken into consideration before making a final decision.
Grip Size:
As stated before, the grip circumference is pretty crucial for elevating your pickleball game, because let’s be honest, a grip that doesn’t fit in your grasp won’t let you bag major wins. One of the biggest issues with having a grip size smaller than your hand is that your wrists and arms will have to spend a lot of energy to clench the paddle and keep it sturdy. This can easily become a cause for injuries.
In order to overcome this problem, the grip should be comfortable enough so that it won’t wear you out when returning the shots and smashing volleys. Plus, tackier and perforated grips create more friction that won’t let the paddle slip away from your hands as it takes in all the moisture and sweat. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to an individual’s preference of how they like their paddle’s grip.
| Suggested grip size for smaller hands: 4 inches |
Paddle Weight:
After the grip circumference, the weight of a paddle comes next in line when looking to purchase a paddle. The Golden Rule? The heavier the paddle, the mightier the shots. But don’t forget that heavier paddles can take a lot of time to get the hang of, as they’re quite difficult to swing and require practice for placing that winning shot.
Another thing to keep in mind here is that excessive use of heavyweight paddles for a long time might land you on a hospital bed because of wrist ache or muscle strain. So it is highly recommended, specifically for children or individuals with smaller hands to go for paddles that they’re able to move back and forth without applying extra effort.
| Suggested paddle weight for smaller hands: < 7 ounces |
Handle Length:
Many people debate over the fact that the handle length of a paddle doesn’t matter, but we beg to differ. The grip length of a paddle is directly associated with your performance. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a paddle with an appropriate handle length that tunes in incredibly with your gameplay style.
The longer handles are simply the best for tennis converts. However, it also works well for two-handed players for extreme power. On the flip side, players that prefer control over strength usually go with paddles having smaller handles.
| Suggested handle length for smaller hands: 4 – 5 inches. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Wrapping Things Up:
To wind things up, we have concluded that the best pickleball paddles for small hands are the ones with a smaller grip circumference for a rigid hold, a longer handle to return shots with full strength, and featherlike weight for fewer medical injuries.
In a nutshell, our top three picks are:
- VERSIX Strike 4F Composite: Favorable aspect – 5.1†Handle + 3 ¾†Grip Size.
- Champion Spark Pickleball Paddle: Favorable aspect – Average 6.8 ounces weight.
- GMMA Dart Composite Pickleball Paddle: Favorable aspect – Two alternate grip sizes.
He’s an extreme introvert and that’s one of the reasons he’s never seen participating in tournaments, despite having a 5+ rating. He hates the spotlight so much that he’d stay in the corner writing all the tips, tricks, and lengthy explanations about the game but would never come in front to communicate with someone. That’s why he stays as low-key as possible, helping the players randomly without acting as a couch where you gotta deal with so many players.
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