- Ben Johns plays the JOOLA Perseus Pro V; Anna Leigh Waters now plays the Franklin Aurelius after her blockbuster 2026 switch.
- Most pros play a signature model you can actually buy — often the exact paddle, sometimes with custom weight added.
- Sponsorships change constantly (2026 saw a wave of moves), so we date-stamp and update this list.
- Wondering if you should play what they play? Jump to should you use a pro’s paddle.
“What paddle does [your favorite pro] use?” is one of the most-asked questions in pickleball — because a lot of us want to play with what the best in the world trust. So here’s a current, sourced list of what paddle each pro uses, updated as sponsorships shift.
I’m Jason Regan, a USA Pickleball Ambassador for North Central Massachusetts, and I track the pro tours so this stays accurate. Last updated: August 2026.
What paddles do the top men’s pros use?
| Player | Brand | Paddle |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Johns | JOOLA | Perseus Pro V 16mm |
| Tyson McGuffin | JOOLA | Magnus 3S / Magnus CAS |
| Federico Staksrud | JOOLA | Kosmos Pro V 16mm |
| Collin Johns | JOOLA | Scorpeus series |
| Riley Newman | Paddletek | Signed 2026 (prev. GAMMA 206 / Selkirk) |
| Christian Alshon | Paddletek | Bantam / signature |
| Jack Sock | Selkirk | Team Selkirk |
| Andrei Daescu | CRBN | Signature (moved to CRBN, 2026) |
What paddles do the top women’s pros use?
| Player | Brand | Paddle |
|---|---|---|
| Anna Leigh Waters | Franklin | Franklin Aurelius |
| Catherine Parenteau | Selkirk | Vanguard Power Air Invikta |
| Anna Bright | JOOLA | Team JOOLA |
| Jackie Kawamoto | Proton | Signature (moved to Proton, 2026) |
| Paris Todd | Franklin | Team Franklin |
| Genie Bouchard | Proton | Team Proton |
Full pro roster by paddle brand (2026)
The wider list of who’s signed where heading through the 2026 season:
- JOOLA: Ben Johns, Collin Johns, Tyson McGuffin, Federico Staksrud, Anna Bright, Lea Jansen, Kate Fahey
- Franklin: Anna Leigh Waters, Paris Todd, Hayden Patriquin
- Selkirk: Jack Sock, Catherine Parenteau
- Paddletek: Riley Newman, Christian Alshon, Zane Navratil, Connor Garnett, Max Freeman
- CRBN: Andrei Daescu, Alex & Angie Walker, Allyce Jones
- Proton: Jackie Kawamoto, Jade Kawamoto, Genie Bouchard, Megan Dizon
- Six Zero: Blaine Hovenier, Gabe Joseph
- Others: Gabe Tardio (Facolos), Quang Duong (Wika), Eric Oncins (Engage), Hurricane Tyra Black (Pikkl)
Sponsorships move fast — 2026 alone saw dozens of players switch brands. Spot one that’s out of date? Reply to our newsletter and we’ll fix it.
Do pros use the same paddle you can buy — and should you?
Mostly, yes: the signature models are the retail paddles you can buy off the shelf, though pros often add lead tape to customize weight and balance. The bigger question is whether their paddle is right for you.
A pro’s paddle is built around a pro’s game — usually maximum power and spin, which can be a handful for a developing player who needs more control and forgiveness. So use this list as a starting point, not a rule. Two things worth reading before you copy a pro:
- Pros replace paddles constantly — here’s how often you actually should (spoiler: nowhere near as often).
- Match a paddle to your game with our best paddles guide and 700+ reviews.
For more from the tours, visit the Pro Corner.
— Jason Regan, USA Pickleball Ambassador, North Central Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What paddle does Ben Johns use?
Ben Johns plays the JOOLA Perseus Pro V (16mm), his signature carbon-fiber paddle. He has been with JOOLA since 2022.
What paddle does Anna Leigh Waters use?
As of her 2026 switch, Anna Leigh Waters plays the Franklin Aurelius, her signature paddle under a multi-year Franklin deal. She previously played Paddletek.
Do pro pickleball players use paddles you can buy?
Usually yes — most pros play signature or team models that are sold at retail. They often customize weight with lead tape, but the base paddle is the same one available to the public.
Why do pros change paddle brands so often?
Sponsorship contracts drive it. 2026 saw an unusually large wave of pros switching brands as deals expired and new offers landed, which is why any pro-paddle list needs regular updating.
Should I use the same paddle as a pro?
Not automatically. Pro paddles are tuned for elite power and spin and may be too demanding for a developing player. Use the pros as a starting point, then match a paddle to your own skill level and playing style.