2
Control 76/100 — 17mm core gives it longer dwell on soft shots.
34
Power
76
Control
85
Spin
70
Forgive
Best Control Pickleball Paddles
Control is not simply the absence of power. It's dwell time, a predictable response on soft shots, and enough stability that a reset doesn't pop up when you catch the ball off-centre.
DinkDex is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. This never affects which paddles we rank or how we rank them.
How this list was built
Ranked by our control index, which weights core thickness most heavily, then swing weight moderation, face softness and forgiveness.
The ranking comes straight from the database — no editor moved anything up, and no brand paid to appear. Scores are derived estimates from published specs, not measurements.
Top of the list
Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic
Thick-core control paddle with a Florek carbon face and a plush, muted feel. Built for players who win points with resets rather than bangs.
Control 82/100 — 20mm core gives it longer dwell on soft shots.
Check price at SelkirkCheck price at Amazon
$279.99 MSRP. Retail prices change often — we link out rather than quote a price that might be wrong by the time you read this.
The rest of the list
3
Control 75/100 — 16mm core gives it longer dwell on soft shots.
41
Power
75
Control
85
Spin
72
Forgive
4
Control 72/100 — 16mm core gives it longer dwell on soft shots.
37
Power
72
Control
85
Spin
69
Forgive
5
Control 72/100 — 16mm core gives it longer dwell on soft shots.
37
Power
72
Control
85
Spin
67
Forgive
6
Control 71/100 — 16mm core gives it longer dwell on soft shots.
37
Power
71
Control
79
Spin
67
Forgive
7
Control 71/100 — 16mm core gives it longer dwell on soft shots.
35
Power
71
Control
85
Spin
67
Forgive
8
Control 71/100 — 16mm core gives it longer dwell on soft shots.
36
Power
71
Control
85
Spin
69
Forgive
Questions worth asking
- What core thickness is best for control?
- 16mm is the modern default. 20mm cores go further still, trading away pace for an extremely muted, forgiving feel that suits dedicated soft-game players.