Our rule for this list has two parts: a paddle qualifies if its maker says it is manufactured in China, or if its brand is a China-based company by the company’s own words. JOOLA (#1, #2) and Selkirk (#3) meet the first part, Joysent (#4, #5) meets both, and Li-Ning (#6) and Niupipo (#7) meet the second only: both are based in China, and we found no statement from either on where these paddles are built. All seven were in stock on Amazon on November 10, 2026, at or below the maker’s regular price where one is published. We do not treat origin as a sign of quality either way; the picks are compared on specs and sources.
Our Top Picks
Find the paddle for how you play
Pick how you play and what you want to spend. The suggestion is our editorial starting point, drawn from the seven paddles below, not a test result.
Compare the 7 paddles
Each row is the version we link, with the face material in the maker’s words. “USA Pickleball” is the approved-list entry we found on November 10, 2026, with its date.
JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mmElongated, Long HandleElongated, all-court16 mm8.4 oz average$159.95 Prime
Evidence: Pickleball Effect, this model at its 2022 launch (original colours); page carries JOOLA discount codes
JOOLA Magnus 3S 14mmElongated, Short HandleElongated, power14 mm7.9 oz average$99.95 Prime
Evidence: Pickleball Effect, this model (2024 JOOLA 3S review); page carries JOOLA discount codes
SLK Evo Control MaxWide Control PaddleControl, beginners16 mm polymer honeycomb7.6-8.1 oz$49.99
Evidence: no independent test of this version found; maker specs
Joysent GearFoam Max 14mmSoft Foam CoreElongated, control14 mm triple foam7.9 ± 0.2 oz$98.99
Evidence: MyPickleList, this model; sample sent by Joysent, a few days of play
Joysent Halo X5 16mmRaw Carbon, Head-HeavyPower, raw carbon16 mm PP G28.1 ± 0.2 oz$59.99
Evidence: no written independent review found (video only); maker specs; Amazon listing figures differ
Li-Ning Hyperpower 10Fiberglass BeginnerBeginners, power10.5 mm PP honeycomb220 g$36.75
Evidence: no written independent review found; maker specs; Amazon description names Hyperpower 30
Niupipo 2024 ProFrameless, Vented FaceAggressive play, spinPolymer honeycomb8 oz$54.99
Evidence: no independent test found; maker specs; size differs on Amazon
What “Chinese” Means in This Guide
Two kinds of maker qualify. JOOLA (headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, per its answer) and Selkirk (which designs in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, per its FAQ) say their paddles are manufactured in China. Joysent’s Contact page lists an office in Shenzhen and a factory in Dongguan, China. Li-Ning’s investor site says it is headquartered in Beijing, and Niupipo’s Our Story page gives a Shenzhen address; neither says where these paddles are built.
What we left out. The top result for this search, an r/Pickleball thread, is about AliExpress paddles; none was sold on Amazon by a maker stating origin. For Juciao, XSPAK and Yiheng, from related searches, we found no maker statement that met our rule. Our page on where JOOLA paddles are made covers how owners spot a counterfeit.
Related guide: Best Grit Pickleball Paddles: 7 Picks by Grit Type
Check the exact model. Selkirk’s FAQ says all its paddles are manufactured in China, while its AMPED Control page says “Made in the USA”.
How These Seven Were Chosen
How this guide was built
built from manufacturer spec pages, FAQs and product-page answers, the makers’ Amazon listings, the USA Pickleball approved-paddle list, and published reviews by Pickleball Effect and MyPickleList; we have not tested these products ourselves.
Each pick needed a linked maker statement meeting our rule (an Amazon country-of-origin field alone would not count), a New Amazon offer and a USA Pickleball approval check by brand and model. Li-Ning publishes no US price.
Sources and their ties
Pickleball Effect’s review pages carry JOOLA discount codes. MyPickleList says Joysent sent its sample and mentions a discount code. More JOOLA and SLK models met our origin rule, but this site already reviews them; see our JOOLA paddle guide.
Detailed Reviews
JOOLA Hyperion CFS 16mm, Elongated, Long Handle
Players who want an elongated paddle with a long handle and accept a heavier feel.
$159.95 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 05:27 UTCVerdict
JOOLA’s original elongated Hyperion shape with a 5.5 in grip, independently play-tested, for players who want reach and a long handle.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleball Effect: Hyperion CFS 16 (original colours, reviewed October 2022).
Where it’s made: asked on the Hyperion CFS page whether it is produced in China or the USA, JOOLA answered on December 8, 2025: “Tested, designed in the USA and manufactured in China.”
Pickleball Effect tested it in 2022: “The Hyperion CFS 16 is an all-court paddle that leans towards the power side.” It added: “The paddle is on the heavier side at 8.4 oz and is head heavy which made it feel even heavier than its actual weight.” That test used the original colours; JOOLA says the new colourways keep the same honeycomb core and Hyperfoam edge wall. JOOLA’s warranty runs six months, or 12 with NFC registration.
Specs (JOOLA Hyperion CFS, 16mm, Crisp Blue)
- Core: 16 mm honeycomb (description); spec tab says “Thermoformed” (JOOLA)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.5 in; grip length 5.5 in; grip circumference 4.25 in (JOOLA)
Pros
- Long 5.5 in grip on an elongated face, by JOOLA’s figures
Cons
- Head-heavy at 8.4 oz, which Pickleball Effect found hard to accelerate at times
- The independent test dates from 2022
Who should buy it
Players who want an elongated paddle with a long handle and accept a heavier feel.
JOOLA Magnus 3S 14mm, Elongated, Short Handle
Players who want an elongated 14 mm paddle with a short handle who do not need a USA Pickleball-approved model.
$99.95 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 05:27 UTCVerdict
An elongated paddle with a short handle and a thinner core, for players who want power and maneuverability.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleball Effect: Magnus 3S 14mm.
Where it’s made: the Magnus 3S page has no origin answer, but on the Perseus Pro V page JOOLA wrote on April 6, 2026: “All JOOLA products are designed and tested in the U.S. and manufactured in China.”
Pickleball Effect reviewed this model: “While I think the tighter sweet spot and firmer feel of an already very powerful paddle makes this paddle more niche, it will still be appealing for those looking for power and more maneuverability and like the lower ball flight the thinner core offers.” On the Magnus 3S page, JOOLA answered on July 31, 2026: “This paddle is UPA-A certified only, but the Magnus 3S Dual is USAP and UPA-A certified. I would consult your tournament host before buying.” JOOLA lists a 12-month warranty with registration; Pickleball Effect lists six months, JOOLA’s term without it.
Specs (JOOLA Magnus 3S, 14mm)
- Core: 14 mm (JOOLA)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.5 in; grip length 5 in; grip circumference 4.1875 in (JOOLA)
Pros
- Short 5 in handle on an elongated face, by JOOLA’s figures
- Exact model reviewed by Pickleball Effect
Cons
- Tighter sweet spot and firmer feel, per Pickleball Effect
- No USA Pickleball list entry found
Who should buy it
Players who want an elongated 14 mm paddle with a short handle who do not need a USA Pickleball-approved model.
SLK Evo Control Max, Wide Control Paddle
Newer and improving players who want a wide, control-oriented paddle.
$49.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 05:27 UTCVerdict
A wide-face control paddle in the lower price tier, for newer players.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Selkirk (maker page).
Where it’s made: the Evo Control Max page reads “Designed and Quality Controlled in the USA” and “Country of Origin: China”.
Selkirk writes: “The EVO Control is for advancing pickleball players looking for a control paddle, with a touch of power.” It lists a “Beginner – Intermediate” skill level and a one-year warranty on workmanship and manufacturing defects. The Amazon listing calls the core a 16mm X5 core; Selkirk’s page says Rev-Control polymer honeycomb.
Specs (SLK Evo Control, Max, Oasis)
- Core: 16 mm Rev-Control polymer honeycomb (Selkirk)
- Size: 16 x 7.85 in; handle 4.85 in; grip circumference 4.25 in (Selkirk)
Pros
- Wide 7.85 in face with a 16 mm core, by Selkirk’s figures
Cons
- No independent test of this version found
- Short 4.85 in handle
Who should buy it
Newer and improving players who want a wide, control-oriented paddle.
Joysent GearFoam Max 14mm, Soft Foam Core
Players who want a soft-feeling elongated foam-core paddle.
$98.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 05:27 UTCVerdict
An elongated foam-core paddle, for players who want a soft feel.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. MyPickleList: GearFoam Max 14mm.
Where it’s made: Joysent’s FAQ answers “Where are your paddles manufactured?” with: “Our paddles are manufactured in China, where we maintain strict quality control standards.” Joysent is a direct-to-consumer brand: its About page describes a direct sales model, and it sells from its own web store and its Amazon store.
MyPickleList played Joysent’s sample for a few days and rated it 8/10: “It’s very soft, with a large sweet spot for an elongated shape — that made resets and getting to the kitchen easy.” It called the pop average and said its sample’s build felt on the cheaper side. Joysent offers a one-year limited warranty.
Specs (Joysent GearFoam Max, 14mm, Blue-Pink)
- Core: 14 mm GearBridge Triple Foam (Joysent)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.56 in; grip length 5.51 in; grip circumference 4.25 in (Joysent)
Pros
- Foam core under a raw carbon face, by Joysent’s description
- Exact model reviewed by MyPickleList
Cons
- Average pop, per MyPickleList
- One short review, on a sample from the maker
Joysent Halo X5 16mm, Raw Carbon, Head-Heavy
Verdict
A raw carbon paddle that Joysent lists as head-heavy, for budget players who want power.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Joysent (maker page).
Where it’s made: same Joysent FAQ answer as #4.
Amazon titles the listing a “Pickleball Paddles Set”; its listed components are one paddle, two grip tapes and 12 lead tapes. Joysent’s Amazon listing also disagrees with its site: 7.42 in wide (site: 7.56), grip 5.63 by 4.41 in (site: 5.71 by 4.33), and one bullet describes a 6 mm polymer honeycomb core while the title says 16mm. We found only video reviews.
Specs (Joysent Halo X5, 16mm)
- Core: 16 mm PP G2 (Joysent)
- Balance: 240 mm, “Head Heavy”; swing weight 127.5 (Joysent)
- Size: 16.42 x 7.56 in; grip length 5.71 in; grip circumference 4.33 in (Joysent site; Amazon differs)
Pros
- Raw carbon face and head-heavy balance, by Joysent’s figures
Cons
- Site and Amazon listing disagree on width, grip and core
- No written independent review found
Li-Ning Hyperpower 10, Fiberglass Beginner
Pearl White · 10.5 mm PP honeycomb
New players who want a light fiberglass paddle and do not need an approved model.
$36.75 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 05:27 UTCVerdict
A fiberglass paddle that Li-Ning rates for beginners, sold by its own Amazon store.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Li-Ning (maker pages).
Where it’s made: Li-Ning’s investor site says: “Headquartered in Beijing, the Group has brand marketing, research and development, design, manufacturing, distribution and retail capabilities.” It does not say where this paddle is built.
Li-Ning’s Malaysian store lists “Player Level: Beginner” and: “Ultra-light speed – At just 220 g and 418 mm long, it’s built for quick swings and easy reach, perfect for new players.” Li-Ning’s Amazon listing carries a description headed “LI-NING HYPERPOWER 30” with the same model number and gives 403 mm.
Specs (Li-Ning Hyperpower 10, Pearl White, ACPV069)
- Core: 10.5 mm PP honeycomb (Li-Ning)
- Size: 418 mm long (Amazon: 403 mm); handle 143 mm; grip 4 1/8 in; width not published (Li-Ning Malaysia)
Pros
- Fiberglass face rated for beginners by Li-Ning
- Sold by the maker’s own Amazon store
Cons
- No USA Pickleball list entry found
- Amazon description names a different model
Who should buy it
New players who want a light fiberglass paddle and do not need an approved model.
Niupipo 2024 Pro, Frameless, Vented Face
Sky Blue & Black · Polymer honeycomb
Budget players who want a gritty-surface paddle and can live with few published specs.
$54.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 05:27 UTCVerdict
A frameless, vented paddle with a gritty face, for budget players who want spin.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Niupipo (maker page).
Where it’s made: Niupipo’s Our Story page gives its “Company Address: SHENZHEN YULI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD 322F, Ba Gua Ling Gong Ye Qu 619 Dong Shen Zhen Shi, 518029 Guangdong, China”. It does not name the factory for this paddle.
Niupipo’s product page gives model number MX-59 and a surface coated with carbon fiber spray and fine grit for spin. Niupipo lists a 12-month warranty. Sold by Woot, shipped by Amazon.
Specs (Niupipo 2024 Pro, Sky Blue & Black, MX-59)
- Core: polymer honeycomb; thickness not published (Niupipo)
- Size: 15.9 x 7.4 in (Amazon: 15.5 x 7.9 in); handle and grip not published (Niupipo)
Pros
- Frameless build with holes in the face, by Niupipo’s description
Cons
- Size differs between Niupipo’s site and Amazon
- Sold by Woot rather than Niupipo
Who should buy it
Budget players who want a gritty-surface paddle and can live with few published specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best pickleball paddle made in China?
We found no test that ranks paddles by country. Here, three picks have exact-model reviews: the JOOLA Hyperion CFS and Magnus 3S (Pickleball Effect) and the Joysent GearFoam Max (MyPickleList). Choose by shape, core and handle first.
Q. Is JOOLA made in China?
Yes, by JOOLA’s own answers (see #1 and #2). See where JOOLA paddles are made.
Q. Which pickleball paddle brands are Chinese?
Joysent, Li-Ning and Niupipo are China-based companies, by their own Contact page, investor site and Our Story page. JOOLA and Selkirk are US-based and say their paddles are built in China.
Q. Are these paddles USA Pickleball approved?
Approval goes by model. Five of these seven have an entry on the approved list; the Magnus 3S 14mm (UPA-A only, per JOOLA) and Hyperpower 10 have none we found. Our approved-paddle guide explains checking one.
Q. What are the top 5 pickleball paddle brands?
That depends on how you play, not where a paddle is made. Our best pickleball paddles guide covers every origin.
Final Verdict
On price, see our budget paddles guide and the under $50, under $100 and under $150 lists. Former tennis players can start with paddles for tennis players, and our vibration-dampening paddle guide compares cores by feel. Everything else is in the pickleball paddles section.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
