What Paddles do The Current Top Five Men Use?
🥁Drumroll, please…🥁 because we’re about to drop the ultimate pickleball scoop! Have you ever wondered what’s the secret weapon of the top pros in the pickleball world? Today, we’re not only revealing the who’s who of the men’s pro circuit, but we’re also serving up a dish on their paddles of choice. 😲🎾
Welcome to the Paddle Parade, a parade like no other where the glitz and glamour are replaced with spin and slam! We’re taking you behind the scenes and straight into the pickleball court, revealing the artillery of the biggest stars of the game. So, grab your popcorn 🍿, fasten your seatbelt, and get ready for an exhilarating journey into the world of pickleball elites!
Ready? Set? Serve! Let’s dive into the exciting world of pro pickleball players and their magic wands… I mean, paddles! 🧙♂️🎾
| Player | Paddle | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5. JW Johnson | Franklin Carbon STK 17mm | $150 |
| 4. Jay Devilliers | Vulcan V740MAX Pickleball Paddle | $200 |
| 3. Tyson McGuffin | Selkirk Power Air Invikta | $150 |
| 2. Federico Staksrud | JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle | $220 |
| 1. Ben 🐐 Johns | JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 14 Pickleball Paddle | $240 |
- What Paddle Does JW Johnson Use?
- Fun Facts About JW Johnson
- What Paddle Does Jay Devilliers Use?
- Fun Facts About Jay Devilliers
- What Paddle Does Tyson McGuffin Use?
- Fun Facts About Tyson McGuffin
- What Paddle Does Federico Staksrud Use?
- Fun Facts About Federico Staksrud
- What Paddle Does Ben Johns Use?
- Fun Facts About Ben Johns
JW Johnson
JW Johnson is a rising star in the world of pickleball, known for his lightning-fast skills and unique playing style. Born James Walter Johnson, JW has made a name for himself with his impressive performances on the court. Despite early comparisons to pickleball legend Ben Johns, JW has successfully developed his own identity as a player.
With exceptional hand speed and a closed wrist technique for dinks, JW has mastered a style that sets him apart from others. His ability to drop his paddle at the side of his body while maintaining lightning-fast hands showcases his agility and precision. JW’s even-keeled demeanor and composed presence on the court further contribute to his success.
What Paddle Does JW Johnson Use?
Ol’ JW isn’t messing around when it comes to paddles. He got together with the R&D team over at Franklin and did some serious testing to come up with the singular FRANKLIN SPORTS JW JOHSON SIGNATURE EDITION CARBON STK PICKLEBALL PADDLE BLACK. Here’s our first take on it:
The Franklin Carbon STK Paddle sings a siren song of promise but delivers an aria of disappointment. Clothed in the trendy carbon fiber armor, the paddle thrums with a tantalizing mystery, its unusual tactile texture setting it apart from the carbon-clad choir. It’s a curiosity that sparks a dance of discovery, calling you to the court.
Two thicknesses to choose from, 17 mm and 14.5 mm, add a layer of intrigue to this enigma, inviting you to experiment, to explore. It is the latter of these that I waltzed with for a period of three weeks. Light as a feather, it waltzed back with its commendable balance and laudable maneuverability – the melody of this dance reaching a crescendo when the paddle met the sweet spot, painting a symphony of control and pleasant, semi-soft feel.
However, like a tragic ballad, the Carbon STK Paddle faltered when straying from the sweet spot. An unforgiving taskmaster, it punished errant hits with dwindling power and a symphony turned discordant. Despite promises of a raw carbon fiber face, the rhythm of spin was mediocre – a sorrowful waltz that fell out of step with peers in its league. The performance of power left much to be desired, an anticlimax for a paddle of 14.5 mm thickness, and its voice, a strident cacophony when striking the edges, was far from melodic.
Fun Facts About JW Johnson
- 🍦 JW Johnson’s favorite flavor of ice cream is Salted Caramel.
- 💪 JW Johnson recovers from a day of competition by stretching, using the Yobow, drinking a Day One, eating a good dinner, and hydrating.
- 🗽 JW Johnson’s favorite tournament to attend each year is the NYC Open.
- 🎵 To prepare mentally for competition, JW Johnson listens to music, discusses strategy with his partners, and analyzes his opponents.
- 🏓 JW Johnson believes pickleball may become an Olympic sport by 2028.
- 💡 JW Johnson advises beginners to cross-train to avoid injury and work on dinks and resets.
- 🎾 JW Johnson’s partnerships in 2023 will be with Dylan and Jorja.
- 👨👧👦 JW stands for James Walter, named after his grandfather.
Jay Devilliers
Jay Devilliers, often referred to as the “Flying Frenchman,” is a pickleball sensation who has soared to the top of the sport in all three divisions. Known for his fiery gameplay and electrifying presence, Jay is a crowd favorite, captivating audiences with his towering stature, rugged good looks, and French charm. His signature “come on!” echoes across the court, a testament to his relentless positivity and team spirit. Jay’s journey to pickleball stardom is as thrilling as his gameplay.
A former tennis prodigy, he turned to pickleball after an injury and quickly found his new passion. He now travels year-round, honing his skills and spreading the love for the sport. Off the court, Jay is a dedicated family man and a globetrotter, always eager to explore new cultures. With his first Mixed Doubles title in 2021, Jay Devilliers is a player to watch, a thrilling force in the world of pickleball.
What Paddle Does Jay Devilliers Use?
🔥 The Vulcan V740 MAX Pickleball Paddle is a top-tier, USA-made 🇺🇸 pickleball paddle that screams premium performance! 🚀 This is the signature model of Team Vulcan Pro Jay Devilliers, and boy, does it pack a punch! 💪 It’s designed for maximum power and control, with a sleek shape and an extended handle perfect for two-handed backhands. 🎾
The paddle’s balance is nothing short of remarkable, making it feel and play lighter than its actual weight. 🪶 It features a Vulcan Max Control Grip of 4-3/4” and weighs in at a popular weight of 8.3 oz. It sports Devilliers’ Circuit design in a classy black and gold. 🖤💛
This paddle is part of Vulcan’s all-new 2022 V700 Series, which brings together power and feel using cutting-edge technology. 🚀 The series uses the world’s highest-quality carbon fiber, TeXtreme™, and introduces smart paddle weight balancing. 🧠 These advancements in engineering and breakthroughs in materials’ science, shape, and design show Vulcan’s dedication to helping players perform at their best. 🏆 The Vulcan V740 MAX Pickleball Paddle is priced at $199.99. 💰
Fun Facts About Jay Devilliers
- 🎂 He was born on December 18, 1994, in Rosny-Sous-Bois, France, and currently resides in Wichita, KS.
- 🥇 His highest PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) career rankings include #2 in singles, #3 in doubles, and #2 in mixed events.
- 👨👩👦👦 Jay is married to Aleksandra Trifunovic since 2017, and they have three children – Danilo, Mateo, and Leonardo.
- 🗣️ He is multilingual, speaking French, English, and Spanish.
- 🎾 Prior to pickleball, Jay played Tennis at Wichita State University from 2013 to 2017.
- 🏆 Jay has achieved numerous accolades in the PPA circuit, including wins in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories over the years 2020-2023.
- 👨🏫 He also provides pickleball clinics, offering fans and aspiring players an opportunity to learn from his expertise.
Tyson McGuffin
Tyson McGuffin, a 31-year-old pickleball powerhouse, is a force to be reckoned with on the court. Known as a 5x Grand Slam Champion and 4x National Champion, Tyson is a former tennis player who has successfully transitioned into a top-ranked pickleball pro. He’s currently ranked #1 in men’s pro doubles and #2 in men’s singles.
Selkirk Power Air Invikta
Tyson’s athletic journey began in Lake Chelan, Washington, where he grew up in a family passionate about wrestling. Despite his wrestling background, Tyson chose tennis in college, a decision that eventually led him to pickleball. He turned pro within just six months of playing pickleball and has been a top-five player in all three events for the last four years. Off the court, Tyson is a dedicated family man and a certified coach, sharing his love for the game through his personal business ventures. Tyson’s journey is a testament to his determination and love for the sport.
What Paddle Does Tyson McGuffin Use?
As an avid pickleball player, I was thrilled to get my hands on the Selkirk AMPED Invikta Paddle, Tyson McGuffin Edition. From the moment I picked it up, I could feel the quality and craftsmanship that went into its design.
The paddle has a longer handle and a slightly elongated face, which offers a larger sweet spot and greater reach. This design is perfect for players like me who enjoy a two-handed backhand. The AMPED technology provides a perfect balance between power and control, allowing me to make powerful shots without sacrificing accuracy.
The paddle’s weight feels just right, not too heavy, not too light. It’s well-balanced, which makes it easy to maneuver and quick to respond. The grip is comfortable and secure, reducing the risk of the paddle slipping during intense play.
The Tyson McGuffin Edition also stands out aesthetically. The design is sleek and modern, with a vibrant color that adds a touch of personality to the game.
After several games, I can confidently say that the Selkirk AMPED Invikta Paddle Tyson McGuffin Edition has improved my performance on the court. It’s a game-changer, and I highly recommend it to any pickleball player looking to step up their game.
Fun Facts About Tyson McGuffin
- 🏓 Tyson McGuffin, a top-ranked pickleball player, transitioned from professional tennis to pickleball, leveraging his skills effectively.
- 🏅 He quickly adapted to the new sport, earning accolades such as the 5x Grand Slam Champion and 4x National Champion.
- 🎾 McGuffin advocates viewing pickleball as small court tennis with an emphasis on net play.
- 💼 Backed by key sponsors like Selkirk Sport, he also supplements his income through coaching and other partnerships.
- 🌍 Based in Coeur D’Alene, he offers pickleball skills training locally and globally.
- 📲 McGuffin actively shares coaching tips, pickleball content, and personal updates on various social media platforms.
Federico Staksrud
Federico Staksrud is a professional pickleball player who is part of the PPA Tour. He resides in Naples, Florida, and turned pro in pickleball in 2021. He grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina and has a tennis background. Staksrud attended multiple colleges including the University of New Orleans and Tennessee Wesleyan. He also earned his master’s degree in Information Systems at Florida Gulf Coast University while working at a software company and coaching tennis. He switched to pickleball after having the opportunity to train with top players like Simone Jardim, CJ Klinger, Kyle Yates, Pablo Tellez, Brendon Long, and Ryan Sherry. In addition to pickleball, Staksrud enjoys watching F1 racing, tennis, and the NBA.
What Paddle Does Federico Staksrud Use?
Federico needs to talk to his agent about his paddle sponsorship deals. Currently he is playing with the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle – if you didn’t notice by the name, that is the signature paddle of his arch nemesis and number one player Ben Johns. More on that paddle below. Now that Ben switched to the Perseus paddle, maybe poor Federico can get his own paddle line.
Fun Facts About Federico Staksrud
- 🏓 Federico Staksrud is an emerging talent in pickleball, having started his journey in the sport in July 2021.
- 🇦🇷 Originally from Argentina, Staksrud was a top tennis player (#7 in the U18 category) before switching to pickleball.
- 🇺🇸 He moved to the U.S. to study and continued playing tennis at the University of New Orleans before his transition to pickleball.
- 🏆 Despite being new to pickleball, he has already achieved significant success, including winning the 2022 Atlanta Open PBA tournament and beating well-known players like Rafa Hewitt and Tyson Mcguffin.
- 🎥 There are numerous videos available online showcasing Staksrud’s pickleball skills and highlights from his matches.
- 🌟 He is currently rated 6.80 doubles and 7.03 singles in the sport of Pickleball.
- 👥 He often partnered with players like Dylan Frazier in doubles matches, as revealed by match records.
- 📈 Staksrud’s rapid ascent in pickleball underscores his athletic talent and competitive spirit.
Ben Johns
Benjamin Ellingham Johns, born March 18, 1999, is an American professional pickleball player, achieving global recognition with number one rankings in singles, mixed doubles, and doubles by the Pro Pickleball Association, World Pickleball Rankings, and Global Pickleball Rankings. Raised in Laytonsville, Maryland, Johns began his pickleball career in 2016 at age 17 and soon started winning championships and making his way to the top of the world rankings. Besides his athletic prowess, Johns also holds a Materials Science and Engineering degree from the University of Maryland.
Ben Johns has earned over 80 titles on the PPA Tour, 15 of which were triple crowns, and has had an impressive 108-match winning streak in singles. His dominance in the sport led to a three-year sponsorship deal with Franklin Sports in 2019 and more recently, a partnership with JOOLA Pickleball in 2022. Apart from his pickleball career, Johns has been involved in business ventures including Pickleball Getaways, a vacation-plus-pickleball-instruction company and Pickleball 360, an instructional video subscription service. Johns also created elog.com, a website for investing in a cryptocurrency index fund.
What Paddle Does Ben Johns Use?
Now, let’s get this straight: these paddles are not just good but exceptional. The spin potential is off the charts, making it a breeze to whip up aggressive shots or to dip balls swiftly to your opponent’s feet. You’re not just holding a paddle; you’re wielding an ace. Regardless of your skill level, the JOOLA Perseus paddles are a solid investment in elevating your pickleball game. It’s a must-check at totalpickleball.com.
Fun Facts About Ben Johns
- 🏓 Benjamin Ellingham Johns is the No. 1 ranked professional pickleball player in the world for doubles, mixed doubles, and singles.
- 🎾 He hails from Laytonsville, Maryland, and was homeschooled before earning a degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Maryland.
- 👨👦 He has an elder brother named Collin Johns, who is also a highly-ranked professional pickleball player and Ben’s doubles partner.
- 🏅 Ben has an impressive pickleball career with over 80 titles on the PPA Tour, including 15 triple crowns (gold medal in all three events).
- 🏆 He holds remarkable records, such as a 108-match winning streak in men’s singles and undefeated runs in mixed doubles for 22 consecutive tournaments.
- 💼 Ben has ventured into business endeavors, co-founding Pickleball Getaways, a company combining vacations with on-site pickleball instruction in exotic destinations.
- 📺 He has made television appearances, including a match on the “Live with Kelly And Ryan” show alongside his brother.
- 💼 In 2019, he signed sponsorship deals with Franklin Sports and JOOLA Pickleball, collaborating with the latter to design his official paddle, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16.
- 💰 Outside of pickleball, Ben launched elog.com, a website for investing in a cryptocurrency index fund.
- 📆 Ben Johns was born on March 18, 1999, and turned pro in 2016. He stands 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) tall and plays with a right-handed one-handed backhand.
- 🌍 He has represented the United States in pickleball and has gained recognition for his achievements in the sport.
In my college days, I could be found acing serves on the tennis court, honing my skills and leading my team to victory. But life has a funny way of serving up surprises, and following a back injury, my tennis days came to a halt.
Yet, in the midst of adversity, pickleball emerged as my beacon of hope. The sport gave me a chance to continue my love for racquet games, and without the physical stress that tennis put on my body. I've traded the sound of a tennis ball's pop for the unique clink of a pickleball on a paddle, and honestly, I've never looked back.
Now, I'm not just creating beautiful designs and innovative visuals; I'm also mastering the art of the dink shot and the thrill of the slam in pickleball. My journey serves as a testament to the fact that no matter what curveballs life throws your way, there's always a way to adjust your swing. Let's connect on and off the court!
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