As a pickleball player who has dealt with shoulder and arm pain, I know how important the right equipment can be.
In particular, choosing the best pickleball paddle for shoulder pain can make a significant difference in both your comfort and your game.
My search has led me to two exceptional paddles that have significantly reduced my shoulder discomfort: the Prokennex Pro Flight series and the Selkirk Amped series.
These paddles have been game-changers for me and other players, providing the perfect balance of weight, control, and ease on our shoulders.
But there are other great options out there too.
In this post, I’ll break down these top picks and review additional paddles known for their shoulder-friendly design.
Alongside, we’ll offer practical tips for dealing with shoulder pain.
Quick Look at My Top 3 Paddles for Shoulder Pain
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- Weight: 7.4 oz
- Grip: 4”
- Paddle Length: 15.43″
- Paddle Width: 7.6
- Weight: 7.2-7.7 oz
- Grip: 4.25″
- Paddle Length: 15.75″
- Paddle Width: 8.0
- Weight: 7.5-8.2
- Grip: 4.25″
- Paddle Length: 15.5″
- Paddle Width: 8.125″
Understanding Shoulder Pain in Relation to Paddle Choice
The connection between the pickleball paddle you use and shoulder pain is more significant than many players realize.
Through both my struggles with shoulder pain and conversations with other players, I’ve come to appreciate how a paddle can either exacerbate or reduce shoulder discomfort.
How the Wrong Paddle Can Worsen Shoulder Pain
Using a paddle that’s too heavy puts additional strain on your shoulder, especially during repetitive strokes and powerful serves.
It’s a lesson I learned the hard way. The extra effort needed to maneuver a heavier paddle can lead to overuse injuries, exacerbating existing shoulder issues or even causing new ones.
The Right Paddle-A Key to Pain Prevention
Conversely, a paddle that’s well-suited for you and your play style can help prevent shoulder pain.
A lighter, well-balanced paddle reduces the stress on your shoulder with each swing, making your game more comfortable and sustainable.
The grip size and paddle composition also play a role. A grip that’s too large or too small can alter your stroke mechanics, leading to unnecessary shoulder and arm strain.
Personal Revelation-Best Pickleball Paddle for Shoulder Pain
My personal revelation came when I switched to lighter paddles like the Prokennex Pro Flight series and the Selkirk Amped series.
These paddles offered the support my shoulder needed, allowing me to play longer and harder without the nagging pain.
PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle
As someone with shoulder and elbow problems, the ProKennex Pro Flight is one of the two paddles I consistently rely on.
Its Kinetic technology dramatically eases discomfort by absorbing shock, which is validated by an MIT Labs study showing a 43% reduction in vibration.
This feature is a boon for reducing arm and shoulder strain. Additionally, its 7-layer carbon fiber surface with enhanced spin control ensures a balanced game.
Perfect for players needing to mitigate pain without losing out on paddle power and control.
Paddle Specifications
- Weight: 7.4 oz- Perfect for players with tennis elbow!
- Grip: 4”
- Handle Length: 5”
- Paddle Length: 15.43″
- Paddle Width: 7.6″
- Paddle Face: Proprietary 7-layer coating and complex composite, including specially treated soft skin with spin-grab feature, carbon/fiberglass and Prokennex Release epoxy/resin system.
- Paddle Frame: Kinetic System Technology with Carbon Casing
- Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb matrix with special quiet, high impact resistance polymer
Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle
The Selkirk Amped paddle is a top pick for shoulder pain relief, and it’s one of my other go-to choices.
Handcrafted in the USA, it combines high performance with comfort. Its FiberFlex fiberglass surface and thick Polypropylene X5 core are designed to reduce vibration, thus easing shoulder and arm pain.
The paddle’s long handle and large surface area balance power and control, ideal for two-handed swings. Choosing the Selkirk Amped means opting for a superior play experience.
Paddle Specifications
- Skill Level: Beginner to Pro
- Average Lightweight: 7.2oz – 7.7oz
- Average Midweight: 7.8oz – 8.4oz
- Height: 15.75″
- Width: 8.0″
- Grip Length: 5.25″
- Grip Circumference: 4.25″
ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
For those seeking an effective solution for shoulder pain in pickleball, the ONIX Graphite Z5 paddle stands out.
It excels in delivering exceptional ball control and a remarkable feel during play.
The combination of its graphite face and Nomex core ensures a superb touch, effectively reducing vibration and shock from repetitive ball strikes.
Its widebody design creates a generous sweet spot, and the graphite face enhances spin capabilities. The ONIX Graphite Z5 is an excellent option for players across all skill levels.
Paddle Specifications
- Paddle Length: 15.5″
- Face Width: 8.125″
- Handle Length: 5″
- Grip Size Circumference: 4.25″
- Weight: 7.5-8.2 oz
- Face: Graphite
- Core: Nomex
- Paddle Shape: Wide Body
PROKENNEX Pro Speed II Pickleball Paddle
As you already know, the Prokennex is one of the 2 paddles that I use.
The Pro Speed II it’s another fantastic choice for enhancing gameplay while alleviating shoulder pain.
Like its counterpart, it incorporates ProKennex’s patented Kinetic technology, cutting down vibration by as much as 43%.
The Pro Speed II is also equipped with a textured surface, enhancing grip and control during play. This means you can engage in longer, more intense matches without overstraining your shoulder.”
Paddle Specifications
- Weight: 7.7 – 8 OZ
- Grip Style: Comfort Cushion
- Grip Circumference: 4″
- Handle Length: 4 7/8″
- Paddle Length: 15.43″
- Paddle Width: 7.6″
- Paddle Face: Proprietary 7-layer coating and complex composite, including specially treated soft skin with spin-grab feature, carbon/fiberglass and Prokennex Release epoxy/resin system.
- Paddle Frame: Kinetic System Technology with Carbon Casing
- Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb matrix with special quiet, high-impact resistance polymer.
Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle
Highly recommended for players, the Onix Evoke Premier stands out with its Atomic13 Edge Technology, expertly balancing shock absorption with increased power and speed.
Its distinctive shape not only extends reach but also boosts power from the baseline.
The paddle features a DF Composite Face for soft, spin-enhancing contact with the ball, complemented by a precision-cut polypropylene core for improved touch.
The Onix Evoke Premier is more than a comfortable option; it’s engineered to enhance your play while safeguarding your shoulder.
Paddle Specifications
- Paddle Length: 16″
- Face Width: 8″
- Handle Length: 5″
- Grip Size Circumference: 4.125″
- Weight: Lightweight (7.5-7.8), Standard (7.8-8.2), Heavyweight (8.2-8.5) oz
- Face: DF Composite
- Core: Polypropylene
Paddletek Tempest Wave II Pickleball Paddle
The Paddletek Tempest Wave II is a strong contender in the pickleball paddle arena.
It features a Tempest PolyCore with graphite that effectively dampens vibrations, reducing the risk of arm injury and pain.
This design allows for extended, more intense play without concerns about discomfort.
Its expansive sweet spot facilitates precise shot-making, and the paddle’s well-balanced weight enhances both speed and maneuverability.
Paddle Specifications
- Grip circumference: 4 1/4”
- Grip length: 5 1/4”
- Total length: 15 7/8”
- Width: 8”
- Weight: 7.4 – 7.8oz.
WILSON Juice Camo Grey Pickleball Paddle
The WILSON Juice CAMO Grey stands out as a premier pickleball paddle choice.
Its innovative PolyCore-X design includes a polypropylene honeycomb core that effectively reduces vibrations and shock, lessening the strain on your arm and shoulder.
This results in a more comfortable swing every time. Moreover, the paddle’s PO3 Fiberglass Composite Face is crafted from durable, lightweight materials, ensuring outstanding responsiveness and depth in your shots.
Paddle Specifications
- Grip circumference: 4 1/8”
- Grip length: 5”
- Total length: 15 1/4”
- Width: 8 1/4”
- Weight: 7.6 – 8.0 oz.
- Surface Material: Fiberglass Composite Blend
- Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb
HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle
Don’t let its position on my list fool you; the HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle is among the top picks out there.
Boasting over 1000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, it holds its own against competitors.
This paddle is distinguished by its polypropylene honeycomb core paired with HEAD’s renowned technology, offering a distinctive feel along with superb vibration and shock absorption capabilities
Paddle Specifications
- Weight: 8.1 oz
- Length: 16 in
- Width: 7 7/8 in
- Grip size: 4 1/4 in
- Paddle Surface: Fiberglass
- Core Material: Polypropylene honeycomb
Key Features of Shoulder-Friendly Pickleball Paddles
In my search for the best pickleball paddle for shoulder pain, I’ve identified several key features that make a significant difference.
These features not only enhance playability but also offer the necessary support to reduce strain on your shoulder.
Light Weight
The most critical factor is the weight of the paddle. Lightweight and midweight paddles, typically ranging from 6 to 7.8 ounces, demand less effort from your shoulder, reducing the risk of strain or injury.
Both the Prokennex Pro Flight and Selkirk Amped series fall into these weight classes, providing a comfortable weight that doesn’t sacrifice power or control.
Grip Size and Comfort
The grip size of the paddle should fit comfortably in your hand. A grip that’s too large or too small can lead to improper grip techniques and increased tension in the arm and shoulder.
Paddle Face and Core
The paddle’s face texture and core composition can affect the impact on your shoulder. A paddle with a softer core and a textured face, for example, can provide better control and reduce the need for forceful swings, which in turn helps in minimizing shoulder stress.
These features make a big difference when selecting a paddle for those with shoulder concerns.
Additional Strategies to Alleviate Shoulder Pain
While selecting the right paddle is crucial in reducing shoulder pain, it’s just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to managing your shoulder health. Here are some additional strategies that have complemented my choice of paddle and helped in alleviating shoulder pain.
Incorporate Regular Stretching and Strengthening
Shoulder-Specific Exercises: Engaging in exercises that strengthen and stretch the shoulder muscles can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
I’ve incorporated rotator cuff exercises and shoulder stretches into my daily routine, and the difference in resilience and flexibility is remarkable.
Core and Upper Body Workouts: A strong core and upper body provide better support for your shoulders during play, distributing the physical stress more evenly.
Mindful Play Practices
- Proper Technique: Ensure that your playing technique is sound. Working with a coach to fine-tune your strokes can help in reducing unnecessary strain on your shoulders.
- Play Frequency and Duration: Be mindful of how often and how long you play. I’ve learned to listen to my body and take breaks when needed, rather than pushing through pain.
Link to Detailed Shoulder Pain Management Post
For more detailed information on managing and treating shoulder pain, be sure to check out my comprehensive post on the topic: Pickleball Shoulder Pain.
It covers everything from early signs of shoulder issues to professional treatment options.
Join the Conversation and Enhance Your Game
As we conclude our discussion on finding the best pickleball paddle for shoulder pain, I invite you to join the conversation. Your experiences, choices, and insights are invaluable in helping others navigate this common challenge.
Share Your Experiences: Have you found a particular paddle that helps alleviate shoulder pain? What strategies have worked for you in managing discomfort while playing?
Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
Spread the Word: If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your pickleball friends and networks. Together, we can create a community of well-informed, healthy, and happy players.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to hearing about your journey to finding the perfect paddle and maintaining your shoulder health.
Let’s continue to support each other in our shared passion for pickleball!
