7 Best Pickleball Paddles in Melbourne: Our Top Picks for 2026
Looking for the best pickleball paddle in Melbourne?
You're in the right place. At Racquet World — Melbourne's dedicated pickleball store in Epping — we stock a carefully curated range of premium brands trusted by players across Australia. Whether you're just picking up the sport or chasing a competitive edge, this guide covers seven standout paddles from our range to help you find the right fit for your game.
All paddles below are available now at racquetworld.com.au, with free standard shipping Australia-wide on orders over $250. We also offer free click and collect from our Epping store with a 48-hour turnaround.
1. RPM Friction Pro V2 — James Ignatowich Signature — Best Premium Elongated
Shop: RPM Friction Pro Elongated 16mm V2 — $369 (use code RPM10 for 10% off)
The V2 is the latest evolution of RPM's flagship paddle, signed by James Ignatowich — PPA Champion and RPM co-founder. Built on the same friction-enhanced CarbonBite platform as the V1, the V2 refines the feel and control profile for players who want to push their game further. As Ignatowich puts it: this paddle is for anyone — forgiving and controllable, but the top-end power and spin are elite.
What's improved in V2
The 16mm core gives a larger sweet spot and a more forgiving response on off-centre hits, while still delivering the explosive spin that made the original Friction Pro famous. If you play long doubles sessions and want a paddle that stays consistent over hours of play, the V2 delivers.
Key specs
- Shape: Elongated
- Core thickness: 16mm
- Surface: Carbon fibre, friction-enhanced (V2 formula)
- Weight: 224g (7.9oz)
- Best for: All-court play, advanced players, long sessions
- USA Pickleball approved
Also available: Ryan Fu Signature 14mm V2 ($369) — lighter and faster for players who like to attack first.
2. RPM Q2 Full Foam — Best for Power and Forgiveness
Shop: RPM Q2 14mm — $369 | RPM Q2 16mm — $369 (use code RPM10 for 10% off)
The RPM Q2 takes a different approach to the Friction Pro range. Where the Friction Pro is engineered for elite spin, the Q2 is built around RPM's full foam core construction — delivering explosive power and a consistent, forgiving response across the entire paddle face. It's the paddle for players who want to attack confidently from the baseline and still feel in control at the kitchen.
What makes the full foam core different
Traditional paddles use a polypropylene honeycomb core with air gaps. RPM's Q2 replaces this with a precision-tuned full foam construction that provides greater stability and a larger, more predictable sweet spot. The result is a paddle that doesn't punish off-centre hits — making it excellent for players building consistency as well as those who already play at pace.
Key specs
- Available in: Elongated 14mm and Elongated 16mm
- Core: Full foam construction
- Surface: Carbon fibre
- Weight: 221g (7.8oz)
- Best for: Power, forgiveness, consistent all-court play
- Price: $369 — use code RPM10 for 10% off
- USA Pickleball approved
Choose the 14mm Q2 for more pop and a faster feel, or the 16mm Q2 for more control and dwell time.
3. Facolos Nexx 16mm — Best for Spin and Power
Shop: Facolos Nexx 16mm — $369 (use code FACOLOS10 for 10% off)
The Facolos Nexx 16mm is their flagship elongated paddle, built for players who want professional-level spin and power in a well-balanced package. The carbon fibre face generates aggressive ball grip and high spin potential, while the 16mm polypropylene core delivers a soft, controlled feel that keeps dinking and reset play effortless.
Key features
The elongated shape gives you extra reach for low balls and baseline drives, while the 16mm core adds forgiveness on off-centre hits and keeps your arm comfortable through long sessions. Available in multiple striking colourways including Abyss Flow, Emerald Shadow, Furor Grove, and Neon Horizon.
Key specs
- Shape: Elongated
- Core thickness: 16mm
- Surface: Carbon fibre
- Best for: Spin, power, all-round competitive play
- Price: $369 — use code FACOLOS10 for 10% off
- USA Pickleball approved
4. RPM Friction Pro — Elongated 14mm — Best for Spin
Shop: RPM Friction Pro 14mm — $369 | 16mm — $369 (use code RPM10 for 10% off)
If generating extreme spin is your priority, the RPM Friction Pro is in a class of its own. RPM's friction-enhanced CarbonBite surface has been tested at over 2,300 RPM of ball rotation — among the highest of any paddle on the market. It's used by multiple players in the world's top 50 on the PPA Tour.
14mm vs 16mm — which to choose
The 14mm is Ryan Fu's competition paddle — built for aggression, reach, pop, and maneuverability. It rewards players who like to dictate the pace and attack from mid-court. The 16mm adds increased stability and shock absorption, making it the better choice for the same explosive spin with a more forgiving, controllable feel through longer rallies.
Key specs (both models)
- Shape: Elongated (16.5" x 7.5")
- Surface: RPM CarbonBite carbon fibre, friction-enhanced
- Technology: DwellZone Sweet-Spot + Tri-Density Core
- 14mm weight: 221g (7.8oz) | 16mm weight: 227g (8.0oz)
- Best for: Spin, power, competitive play
- USA Pickleball approved
Also available: Widebody 14mm and Widebody 16mm for players who prefer a larger hitting surface.
5. Facolos Elite X — 14mm & 16mm — Best for Control and Precision
Shop: Facolos Elite X — racquetworld.com.au (use code FACOLOS10 for 10% off)
The Facolos Elite X is built for the player who wins through placement, consistency, and smart shot-making rather than raw power. Its T700 raw carbon surface provides a naturally textured grip on the ball for strong spin potential, while the elastic polypropylene honeycomb core delivers a soft, controlled feel that makes delicate resets and kitchen-line play effortless.
14mm vs 16mm
The 14mm is the livelier option — more pop and faster response, rewarding aggressive net play. The 16mm adds a softer, more forgiving feel with a larger sweet spot — ideal for players who prioritise control and consistency, especially at the kitchen line.
Key specs
- Core thickness: 14mm or 16mm (both available)
- Surface: Multidirectional T700 Raw Carbon
- Weight: 225–235g
- Length: 42cm | Width: 19cm
- Best for: Control, precision placement, kitchen-line play
- USA Pickleball approved
Also available: Facolos Elite X Widebody for players who want a larger hitting surface.
6. Joola Agassi Pro IV 14mm — Best Tournament-Ready Paddle
Shop: Joola Agassi Pro IV 14mm — racquetworld.com.au
The Joola Agassi Pro IV is what touring professionals play with — designed in collaboration with Andre Agassi and built to the exacting standards of Joola's Pro IV range. The 14mm core produces a lively, powerful response with exceptional spin from the carbon fibre face, making it the paddle of choice for competitive players who want elite performance and a legendary name behind it.
Why the Pro IV stands out
Joola's Tech Flex Power (TFP) technology expands the sweet spot and adds consistency across the entire face, while the Propulsion Honeycomb Core delivers a soft yet explosive feel. The Hyper-Foam Edge Wall boosts stability on off-centre hits. It sits at the top of Joola's performance ladder — built for players who want every technical advantage on the court.
Key specs
- Core thickness: 14mm
- Surface: Carbon fibre
- Technology: TFP + Hyper-Foam Edge Wall
- Best for: Competitive and tournament play, advanced players
- USA Pickleball approved
Browse the full Joola Agassi & Graff range at Racquet World, plus the complete Joola Pro IV series, Joola 3S, and Joola bags.
7. Pro Kennex Kinetic Black ACE LG 14 — Best for Arm-Friendly Play
Shop: Pro Kennex Kinetic Black ACE LG 14 — racquetworld.com.au (use code KENNEX15 for 15% off)
Pro Kennex built its reputation in tennis with kinetic technology designed to reduce vibration and joint stress — and that same technology carries into their pickleball range. The Kinetic Black ACE LG 14 is the large-grip variant of our most popular Pro Kennex paddle, making it one of the best options for players who experience elbow discomfort, or who play frequently and want to protect their arm over time.
How kinetic technology works
Small kinetic particles inside the paddle frame shift on impact, absorbing shock before it travels into your wrist and elbow. Players who have switched to Pro Kennex after arm issues often report significant relief. If you play multiple times a week and are starting to feel wear on your joints, this paddle is worth trying before the problem gets worse.
Key specs
- Core thickness: 14mm
- Technology: Kinetic vibration dampening
- Grip: Large grip (LG) variant
- Best for: Players with arm sensitivity, larger hands, high-frequency players
- Discount: Use code KENNEX15 for 15% off
Full Pro Kennex range at Racquet World
- Kinetic Black ACE 14 — standard grip
- Kinetic Black ACE 14 XF
- Kinetic Black ACE 16
- Kinetic Pro Flight
- Kinetic Pro Spin
- Strike — great entry-level option
- Performer Pickleball Set — two paddles included
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy pickleball paddles in Melbourne?
Racquet World is Melbourne's dedicated pickleball store, located at 4/59 Willandra Drive, Epping, Victoria 3076. All paddles are also available online at racquetworld.com.au with free standard shipping Australia-wide on orders over $250.
What's the difference between a 14mm and 16mm core?
A 14mm core produces a livelier, more powerful feel and is preferred by players who like to drive the ball hard and play aggressively. A 16mm core dampens the response slightly, giving more control and a softer feel — ideal for players focused on dinking, resets, and kitchen-line play. If you're unsure, come into the store and we can help you choose.
Which surface is better — carbon fibre or fibreglass?
Carbon fibre faces grip the ball more aggressively, generating higher spin and a crisper response. Fibreglass faces are softer and more forgiving, which suits beginners or players who prefer touch over power. Most of our premium range features carbon fibre.
Do you offer click and collect?
Yes — free click and collect is available from our Epping store with a 48-hour turnaround. Great if you're in Melbourne's northern suburbs and want to get your paddle quickly.
What discount codes are currently available?
We have active codes on several brands: RPM10 (10% off RPM paddles), FACOLOS10 (10% off Facolos), KENNEX15 (15% off Pro Kennex). Check racquetworld.com.au for the full current list.
Do you ship outside Melbourne?
We ship to all Australian states and territories. Free standard shipping applies to orders over $250 (heavy and medium items excluded). We do not ship internationally.
Ready to find your paddle?
Melbourne's pickleball scene is growing fast, and having the right paddle makes a genuine difference — whether you're playing socially at your local club or competing in state tournaments. At Racquet World, every paddle in our range has been selected for quality, performance, and value.
Browse the full range at racquetworld.com.au/pickleball, or visit us in Epping. Our staff know every brand inside out and can help you find the paddle that suits your game and budget.
