6 Best GAMMA Pickleball Paddles
Pickleball paddles are growing more and more popular by the day. After all, they offer a better grip, more power and are lightweight. However, this means that the number of companies producing pickleball paddles is increasing too.
So this poses a challenge for the buyers: which pickleball paddle is the best? Well, to solve this dilemma, we’ve decided to review paddles from GAMMA, one of the best in the biz! That’s not all—you’ll also get insight into how you can choose the most suitable one for you. So read on to know more!
Although this is not a complete guide of Gamma's pickleball paddle lineup there are a few models that stand out above the rest. We have narrowed down the list to feature the seven best models based on performance, design and durability.
You will also find a detailed comparison table below, as well a buyers guide that provides up to date information that you need to make a choice.
Who Is GAMMA and Why We Love Them
GAMMA Sports is by no means a stranger to the game of tennis. First established in 1972, the brand started by dabbling in the development of tennis strings. Dr. Harry Ferrari, the founder, then put a string pattern called gut tennis string on the map.
Since then, the strings' patented design has been on the receiving end of several accolades from the tennis community. However, a company that thrives on innovation could not just stop there! So Dr. Harry and his team decided to embark on a new venture: pickleball paddle development.
The Technology
When pickleball first made its mark in the sporting world, there was a massive demand for innovative and sturdy paddles. So Dr. Harry decided to devote his company’s time to providing people with what they needed.
GAMMA’s first paddles sets underwent rigorous testing for around nine months, both in labs and on courts. The company’s prior experience contributed immensely to developing pickleball rackets with tennis influences to everyone's delight.
Among their outstanding innovations, a popular one is the flush fit bumper. This deep-set bumper helps guard the racket rim without compromising play.
The Commitment
With over 40 years of experience, it is safe to say the Pittsburgh-based company is now a household name. Now headed by Dr. Harry’s son, Matthew, the company still maintains its innovation and experimentation legacy.
Their commitment to the game is evident through the variety of pickleball programs and events they sponsor worldwide. You can expect to see the US Open's GAMMA name to the Pittsburgh Pickleball Classic for Parkinson’s. So rest assured, when you rely on GAMMA, you get premium quality and top-notch performance.
Best GAMMA Pickleball Paddles
While you can expect all GAMMA paddles to be high-quality, choosing one can still be challenging. For that reason, we’ve decided to put together a list featuring the cream of the crop for you. Here are the best paddles GAMMA has in stock!
GAMMA Pickleball Paddle - Comparison Table
Header | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core | NeuCore Poly Core | Sensa Poly Core | Sensa Poly Core | Nomex Honeycomb | NeuCore Poly Core | NeuCore Poly Core |
Surface | Textured Graphite | Textured Graphite | Textured Graphite | Textured Graphite | Textured Graphite | Textured Graphite |
Weight | 7.3-7.7 ounces | 7.5-7.8 ounces | 7.5-7.9 ounces | 7.3-7.7 ounces | 7.5-7.8 ounces | 7.4-7.7 ounces |
edge guard | ||||||
Paddle Shape | Wide Body (16.5” X 7.2") | Wide Body (16"x7.9") | Wide Body (15.5"x7.75") | Wide Body (15.5"x8.2") | Wide Body (15.6"x7.75") | Wide Body (15.8"x8") |
Grip | Ultra Cushion Gamma Honeycomb ~4 3/4" | Ultra Cushion Gamma Honeycomb ~4 1/4" | Ultra Cushion Gamma Honeycomb ~5" | Ultra Cushion Gamma Honeycomb ~5 1/4" | Ultra Cushion Gamma Honeycomb ~4 3/4" | Ultra Cushion Gamma Honeycomb ~4 1/2" |
USAPA Approved |
It has always been our main goal to provide the best possible Unbiased, Authentic and In-depth information to help choose the perfect paddle.
Product Review
Specifications
Average Weight
7.75 oz Medium-Weight
Core Material
NeuCore Poly Core
Paddle Surface
Textured Graphite
Paddle Length
16 5/8”
Paddle Width
7 1/8"
Grip Circumference
4 1/8”
Handle lenth
4 3/4"
edge guard
1/8" -edged shock guard
Grip Material
Ultra Cushion, perforated, ribbed
The primary concerns for any pickleball player are touch, control, and power. Well, the COMPASS NeuCore Pickleball Paddle offers all of these and more! For one, this 7.75-ounce paddle comes in an elongated design, providing more leverage, reach, and whip on the pickleball.
The paddle’s NeuCore technology adds to that by making the paddle 25% thicker than usual. That means you can expect greater control and power. Not to mention, this stands whether you’re attacking from the back of the court or defending from the net.
Add to that the paddle’s textured graphite face, and you have a real winner in your hands. While the graphite gives you a responsive feel, the texturing enhances the spin on a smash. The COMPASS pickleball paddle also comes with a multi-functional edge guard. Not only is the guard durable, but it also helps minimize shock and vibrations during shots.
With a 4.7” grip length, some may find the graphite paddle handle to be on the shorter side. However, this in no way compromises the player’s ability to hit both one and two-handed shots. Instead, the high tackiness of the grip enhances the traction providing better control and feedback.
So if you want to improve your gameplay, the GAMMA COMPASS pickleball paddle can only help.
STANDOUT FEATURES
4.8
Out of 5.0
Overall
Rating
96%
of customers that buy from this merchant give them a 4 or 5-Star rating.
Specifications
Average Weight
7.6 ounces
Core Material
Sensa Poly Core
Paddle Surface
Textured Graphite
Paddle Length
16 5/8”
Paddle Width
7 1/8"
Grip Circumference
4 1/8”
Handle lenth
4 1/4"
edge guard
1/8" -edged shock guard
Grip Material
Ultra Cushion Gamma Honeycomb Grip
If you’re in the market for an elongated paddle that’s not as heavy as the COMPASS, look no further. The GAMMA Needle weighs 7.6 ounces, making it ideal for keeping up those fast reactions around the court. Besides, of course, offering excellent leverage and reach.
Perhaps the best feature of this one is the ball control because of its Sensa Poly Core technology. This feature reduces the shock from hits, so you can expect the same performance whether you’re smashing or dinking shots.
The Needle pickleball paddle also features a textured graphite face giving you that much-desired ‘pop.’ It even aids in precision while making shots from the baseline. Not to mention, it is not top-heavy in the least, making it one of the most well-balanced paddles out there.
Since the paddle features a 7⅛” surface, you get ample space as well as a large center sweet spot. Along with that, its perforated Honeycomb grip molds to your palm and draws away moisture for better control.
The GAMMA Needle is nothing short of a work of art, and it is suitable for all levels of players.
STANDOUT FEATURES
4.9
Out of 5.0
Overall
Rating
97%
of customers that buy from this merchant give them a 4 or 5-Star rating.
Specifications
Average Weight
7.5-7.9 ounces
Core Material
Sensa Poly Core
Paddle Surface
Textured Graphite
Paddle Length
15 7/8”
Paddle Width
8"
Grip Circumference
4 1/8”
Handle lenth
4 3/4"
edge guard
1/8" -edged shock guard
Grip Material
Ultra Cushion Gamma Honeycomb Grip
The GAMMA RZR Graphite Pickleball Paddle is the one you should rely on if what you want is an all-rounder. If you’re looking for a light to middleweight paddle, look no further than this 7.6-ounce beauty. This slightly heavier design ensures you get more force into your shots. Simultaneously, it is light enough not to cause any shoulder or joint issues.
This pickleball paddle comes with Sensa Core making it equally predictable and reactive. So this one is perfect for powerful striking as well as defending against aggressive shots.
The RZR’s textured graphite face is better for swerve and is also among the largest. This large surface makes the paddle especially ideal for beginners because of the more prominent sweet spot. You will find your gameplay improving as the sweet spot enhances your accuracy when hitting shots.
Power and Control
Besides, the RZR pickleball paddle also comes with a Honeycomb paddle grip. So sweat and a slippery grip will be the least of your concerns when playing with this one. In simple terms, this one is perfect for those wanting a middleweight paddle with all the necessary pickleball attributes.
STANDOUT FEATURES
4.8
Out of 5.0
Overall
Rating
96%
of customers that buy from this merchant give them a 4 or 5-Star rating.
Specifications
Average Weight
7.3 - 7.8 oz
Core Material
Nomex Honeycomb
Paddle Surface
Textured Graphite
Paddle Length
15 3/8”
Paddle Width
8-1/8”
Grip Circumference
4 "
Handle lenth
5 1/4"
edge guard
1/8" -edged shock guard
Grip Material
Ultra Cushion GAMMA Honeycomb
The GAMMA Voltage 2.0 is the first paddle on this list that’s aimed at elite players. If you’re already a pro and all you need is a broader paddle, look no further. This one is ideal for competitive players that prioritize speed and accuracy to smash those shots over the net.
This paddle features an Aramid Core 2.0 Construction, designed to provide fantastic power while still lightweight and responsive. For this reason, the Voltage 2.0 weighs no more than 7.6 ounces.
Not to mention, the generous 8⅛” pickleball paddle face ensures you have a large sweet spot. The surface also features textured graphite, redesigned to offer a more ‘scratchy’ feel. The result being, you get a better spin and more pop on your shots. Of course, along with that, you get a more nuanced touch and more feedback.
Ultimate Intermediate Paddle
If that’s not enough, the GAMMA Voltage 2.0 pickleball paddle comes with a reinforced periphery frame. This frame helps get rid of paddle dead-spots while also providing a flush fit bumper. This frame even expands the paddle’s sweet spot by nearly 30%.
Finally, it has a Honeycomb 4” grip, which is on the smaller side but offers excellent traction. That said, the GAMMA Voltage 2.0 pickleball paddle is best for those who are at least at an intermediate level.
STANDOUT FEATURES
4.1
Out of 5.0
Overall
Rating
93%
of customers that buy from this merchant give them a 4 or 5-Star rating.
Specifications
Average Weight
8.0-8.6 ounces
Core Material
NeuCore Poly Core
Paddle Surface
Textured Graphite
Paddle Length
15 7/8”
Paddle Width
8"
Grip Circumference
4 1/4"
Handle lenth
4 3/4"
edge guard
1/8" -edged shock guard
Grip Material
Ultra Cushion High Tack Performance Grip
If you would like something like the GAMMA COMPASS but shorter and broader, the GAMMA SHARD is perfect for you! A well-proportioned pickleball paddle, this one proves you the ideal blend of power, control, and balance.
The GAMMA SHARD features the brand’s patented NeuCore, making it 25% thicker than the standard paddle. So rest assured, you’ll be hitting your shots with full force around the courts. It also comes with enlarged cells for enhanced vibration control, which is a plus.
Larger Sweet Spot and Better Accuracy
Like most of the paddles on this list, the GAMMA SHARD has a textured graphite paddle surface. So not only are you guaranteed better spin, but you also get more control and pop on your shots.
The paddle does weigh around 7.76 ounces putting it in the heavier bracket. That said, it is incredibly balanced with a broad 8” face that can handle any shot. Simultaneously, it allows you to put more power into your hits.
With a 4.75” Honeycomb grip, the paddle offers you two benefits. First, it provides comfort, especially if you like to place a thumb on the pickleball paddle while you play. Second, it tacks away any sweat enhancing your control. Available in two brilliant colors, pink and yellow, this is the ideal all-around paddle.
STANDOUT FEATURES
4.8
Out of 5.0
Overall
Rating
97%
of customers that buy from this merchant give them a 4 or 5-Star rating.
Specifications
Average Weight
7.4 - 7.8 oz
Core Material
High Grade Graphite Polymer Composite Honeycomb
Paddle Surface
Textured Graphite
Paddle Length
15 7/8"
Paddle Width
8"
Grip Circumference
4 1/4"
Handle lenth
5 1/4"
edge guard
1/8" -edged shock guard
Grip Material
Ultra Cushion High Tack Performance Grip
HELLBENDER NEUCORE PICKLEBALL PADDLE
New from GAMMA Sports is the Hellbender Pickleball Paddle. Ideal for players from intermediate to advanced. If you prioritize powerful shots and finesse, this pickleball paddle is the one you want for your games.
The GAMMA Hellbender boasts an oversized sweet spot for playability and is designed with a large elongated face for better follow through and a powerful swing.
The paddle features a NeuCore Technology, with a 25% thicker celled core, and provides a super-responsive feel, playing a soft touch. The GAMMA Sports comes with a textured graphite paddle face for a more impressive spin on your shots.
Control and Touch
The Hellbender is ideal for those who prefer a larger hitting surface and a more significant sweet spot. Simultaneously, the 7.6 oz, medium weight means you can hit shots with more strength. So if what you want is to enhance your accuracy without giving up on force, look no further.
The paddle’s grip is around 4 1/2” long, which is ideal and offers great wrist action and combined with GAMMA Honeycomb Cushion Grip provides long-lasting comfort and tackiness. Finally, the GAMMA Sports comes with a blue and yellow design. So it will appeal to those who like their equipment to look as good as they perform.
This professional paddle delivers the power and performance you require to win a game. It contains a large sweet spot that adds strength and spin to every shot.
STANDOUT FEATURES
- NeuCore Poly Core with 25% thicker celled core for a more powerful performance
- Textured Graphite paddle surface for better spin
- High-quality materials this paddle has been designed with a large head to pull power through your shots.
4.9
Out of 5.0
Overall
Rating
99%
of customers that buy from this merchant give them a 4 or 5-Star rating.
GAMMA Pickleball Paddle Buying Guide
GAMMA designs each model of pickleball model with the utmost care in terms of quality and construction. The brand is well aware of the varying needs of pickleball players like you. So, though there is no one-size-fits-all, rest assured there is one perfectly-designed paddle to meet your needs.
To help you choose the most suitable option, here is an extensive GAMMA paddle buying guide. Dive in!
GAMMA Pickleball Paddles Core Options
Though the paddle face can significantly affect your gameplay, the core is what matters the most. Its construction regulates the feel of the paddle, determining the ball reaction to a great extent.
When you scan through the GAMMA pickleball paddles, you will come across three varying core technologies.
NEUCORE Poly Core Construction
The NEUCORE Poly Core features one of the best innovative technologies by GAMMA so far. It boasts a 25% thicker core that can significantly enhance your gameplay. You can enjoy superior predictability and responsiveness with 10mm hexagonal cell openings and about 5/8-inch-thick polypropylene.
Most of the paddles you choose will offer varying degrees of responsiveness based on your shot. However, the all-new NEUCORE ensures you get the same feeling with every stroke. It safeguards the outcome so you can hit every shot with maximum confidence. Isn’t it simply amazing?
That said, though this technology is excellent for all play levels, it is the most suited for intermediate to advanced level players.
Sensa Poly Core Paddle Construction
Though the Sensa Poly Core was designed before the NEUCORE, it is still quite proficient in a different way. GAMMA has used an exceptional tactic of providing a sizeable central sweet spot in this type. This allows you to experience greater power, touch, and overall control.
It features 8mm hexagonal cells that are about 1/2-inch-thick—slightly less than NEUCORE. Still, if you want to dominate the paddle with a higher degree of domination, this option is for you. Plus, Sensa is perfectly suitable for you irrespective of your playing level.
Aramid Core 2.0 Paddle Construction
This type of core features the standard construction that you will find in the most efficient paddles. That is because they have a good balance of power, control, and responsiveness. GAMMA's paddles with this core are almost 7/16 inches in thickness. Therefore, this design provides enhanced paddle pop and superior drive as they hit relatively harder.
Apart from that, what makes this core a fantastic choice is its suitability for both beginners and the experienced. So, you can pick a paddle with this core without any second thoughts.
GAMMA Paddle Face Options
After having chosen a suitable core option, you must carefully pick the face material. That is because the paddle surface can significantly heighten or compress the core’s properties. Here are GAMMA's different pickleball paddle faces that you will come across.
Fiberglass: These paddles are relatively heavier than GAMMA's other paddle options. However, a heavy paddle generates more power, thus giving you greater control over your shot.
Composite: If you are looking for good performance with a mid-ranged paddle, this is the one. GAMMA composite paddles combine various materials like aluminum, graphite, and others for a highly-durable construction. Still, they are light and performance-oriented.
Graphite: Paddles featuring a graphite face boast superior design that can significantly level-up your performance. They are comparatively lighter, more responsive, and offer a better speed than the others. Thus, graphite paddles are downright the best for advanced players. That said, these are also the priciest of the lot.
Best Value GAMMA Pickleball Paddles
So, which GAMMA pickleball paddle will provide you maximum value? You must understand that a paddle that offers all the features you desire offers the best value for money. Therefore, you need to carefully inspect every specification and characteristic of the paddle from the next section.
That said, if you want to view from the cost perspective, paddles with the Aramid 2.0 Core are the most inexpensive. These land at around $100 or less, while the NEUCORE and Sensa Poly core paddles fall in the range of $100-$140.
That said, you must note that all the GAMMA paddles have been in the market for decades. They feature high-quality materials that are sure to last long, which is why these paddles are loved by pros and novices alike.
Other Considerations
Weight
The mass of a pickleball paddle makes for one of the most important considerations. Though they can range from 6 to 14 oz., you must choose a middle-weight or heavy paddle, considering your fitness.
Heavy paddles provide superior power but less control, while the lighter ones do the exact opposite. You must note that though heavier paddles may cause fatigue in your arms, they make your shots more accurate. You can start by choosing a middle-weight and increase according to your skill level.
Paddle Shape
GAMMA's pickleball paddles come in three shapes—standard, elongated, and wide-body. While the standard ones are the most common and suitable for all types of players, the other two vary in performance.
A wide-body paddle has a larger centralized sweet spot. It is more forgiving, which is excellent for beginners. On the contrary, an elongated paddle has its spot slightly near the tip. They can get tricky for beginners due to the relatively narrower spot but are perfect for pros.
Edge Guard
The edge guard is a material wrapped around the paddle face to protect it from chipping. However, it decreases the hitting surface by creating a lip. Also, if the ball hits this area, you are likely to get a miss-hit.
On the contrary, a paddle without this guard may get chipped and worn-out sooner, though it offers a larger playing surface.
Grip
GAMMA features its signature honeycomb cushion grip in all the pickleball paddles that absorbs moisture, providing sturdiness. You got to consider the grip circumference and length.
Circumference: Choose a paddle handle that is neither too small nor too big for your hands. When you hold a paddle, the space between your fingers and thumb pad must be about ¼ to ½ inches. On this basis, you can choose the GAMMA pickleball paddles that range from 4 to 4-1/8 inches.
Length: Paddles with extended grips are perfect for those who play a two-handed game as it offers a larger surface. Also, length adds to the overall balance and provides more power.
FAQs
Yes, GAMMA's paddles come with a manufacturer's warranty of 1 year from purchase for manufacturing defects. Note that this manufacturer's warranty does not cover the usual wear and tear caused due to use and modification by the user.
Owing to the GAMMA 30-day return policy, you can also apply for a refund within 30 days of your purchase.
Though they slightly differ in cost, the prime difference between graphite and composite pickleball paddles is their performance. While graphite paddles are ultra-light, offering excellent response and feel at the net, composite paddles excel at providing power.
Apart from that, composite paddles are usually more forgiving and prove to be great for game-winning passing shots. On the other hand, graphite ones offer greater versatility for all types of players.
So, when it comes to selecting the winner between the two, it depends on the exact feature you want. Plus, both these paddles are durable enough and will not disappoint you.
The best weight for a pickleball paddle is the mid-range, i.e., between 7 to 8 ounces. However, what you need to consider is heavy paddles are spot-on at offering power while the lighter ones provide control.
Heavy paddles, weighing around 8 oz. or more, let you hit more accurate shots with minimal effort. On the contrary, paddles with a mass of around 7 oz offer longer drives. That said, you will need to apply a greater force while hitting the ball with a lighter paddle. Therefore, you must start with midweight paddles, build-up more strength, and shift to heavyweight paddles gradually.
The GAMMA Fusion 2.0 is one of the best pickleball paddles GAMMA offers if you are starting with pickleball. It is a midweight paddle (8 oz) that still falls in the heavyweight range, providing considerable power. Yet, it will not cause fatigue even if you play for longer durations.
The Fusion 2.0 boasts a wide-body face made from fiberglass with a sizeable sweet point. Plus, its surface is textured so that you can for better touch and feedback. To top it all, this GAMMA pickleball paddle features its signature honeycomb grip making it all the more comfortable!
Wrap Up
GAMMA Sports started a revolution in the pickleball industry, and this is apparent from their products. While all of their items are top-notch, we recommend the GAMMA Compass or the GAMMA Needle paddle if you still can’t decide. With this paddle, you get the perfect blend of power, control, and durability.
So if you want to take your gameplay to the next level, you now know the best GAMMA pickleball paddles!