The short answer
The Franklin C45 Aurelius 12.7mm suits experienced players who tune with weight, the Selkirk AMPED Control Invikta Lightweight is an elongated control paddle, and the Franklin FS Tour Featherweight Dynasty 12mm is an elongated carbon option.
Our Top Picks
Every paddle here has a maker’s weight under 8.0 oz. Testers say light paddles give up some power and stability for hand speed.
Find the light 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 eight paddles below, not a test result.
Tiers are relative to the paddles in this guide; live prices are in the comparison table below.
Compare the 8 light paddles
“Weight” is the maker’s figure for the version we link, “Tester’s weight” a named tester’s reading. Approval entries are in each review.
Franklin C45 Aurelius 12.7mmTunable 12.7mm TraditionalSpeed, customizing, small grip12.7 mm polymer7.2–7.7 oz$229.96 Prime
Evidence: Pickleball Studio, this exact model
Franklin FS Tour Featherweight Dynasty 12mmFeatherweight ElongatedSpeed, elongated12 mm polymer7.3–7.6 oz$92.88 Prime
Evidence: The Dink (a retailer), not independent
Selkirk AMPED Control Invikta LightweightElongated Control, LightweightControl, elongated16 mm honeycomb7.2–7.7 oz$79.99
Evidence: PlayTime Scheduler, this exact model
JOOLA Hyperion Double Vision 16mmAramid ElongatedSpeed, elongated16 mm honeycomb~7.8 oz$119.95 Prime
Evidence: Pickleball Central (a retailer), not independent
JOOLA Scorpeus Double Vision 16mmWide-Face Sibling of #4Control, wide face16 mm honeycomb~7.8 oz$119.95 Prime
Evidence: Pickleball Warehouse (a retailer), not independent
JOOLA Agassi Heat Vision 16mmTextured-Carbon All-CourtAll-court, spin16 mm honeycomb~7.8 oz$99.95 Prime
Evidence: Pickleball Central (a retailer), not independent
Eleven Zero EZ Speed E14Elongated 14mm Foam CoreSpeed, elongated14 mm foam7.8 oz$219.95
Evidence: maker specs; Matt's Pickleball measured one unit (see review)
Franklin C45 Hybrid 14mmTunable 14mm HybridCustomizing, hybrid shape14 mm polymer7.6–7.9 oz$229.99 Prime
Evidence: Pickleball Effect, this exact model
How “light” was decided for this list
How this guide was built
from maker spec pages, Amazon listings, the USA Pickleball approved-paddle list, reviews and measurements by Pickleball Studio, Pickleball Effect, Pickleheads, PlayTime Scheduler and Matt’s Pickleball, retailers’ pages and Reddit; we have not tested or weighed these paddles.
Each pick needed a maker’s weight under 8.0 oz for the linked version, a New Amazon offer on 2026-11-04 at or below the maker’s regular price, and an approval entry. The 8 oz line is Pickleheads’ (updated May 15, 2026): “I’ve gone for any paddle under 8 ounces, trying to keep it in the 7.5 to 7.75 range as much as possible.”
Whose “lightweight” is it?
Each source draws the line in its own place, and Selkirk draws it twice: its 10-factors guide lists “Lightweight (<7.2 oz)”, while its AMPED Control page lists “Average lightweight: 7.2 – 7.7 oz”. Paddletek puts lightweight “Below 7.3oz” and Eleven Zero “under 7.5 oz”, while Pickleball Central files “Featherweight (7.5oz & below)” and “Lightweight (7.6 – 7.8oz)”. By Selkirk’s guide, Paddletek’s and Eleven Zero’s charts most paddles here are midweight; by Central’s they are featherweight or lightweight. Our paddle weight and swing weight guides compare the classes.
Related guide: Best Pickleball Paddles Under $150 in 2026: 8 That Fit the Cap
Related guide: Best Pickleball Paddles Under $100 (2026)
Related guide: Best Pickleball Paddles Under $200
Detailed Reviews
Franklin C45 Aurelius 12.7mm, Tunable 12.7mm Traditional
Players with smaller hands who tune paddles; see also our [paddles for small hands](https://pickleballsportinggoods.com/best-pickleball-paddle-for-small-hands/).
$229.96 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 03:23 UTCVerdict
A short widebody, in Pickleheads’ words, for experienced players who add weight.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleball Studio: Aurelius 12.7mm.
Pickleball Studio (April 8, 2026) weighed its unit at 7.28 oz: “The Franklin Aurelius 12.7mm is a very niche paddle for players who demand a very low swing weight paddle (easy to swing) with a thin grip, and short handle length.” Pickleheads names the Aurelius its top lightweight choice (no thickness given). Sold by Amazon.com; the buy box also showed Tennis Express (2026-11-04).
Specs (Franklin C45 Aurelius, 12.7mm, White)
- Core: 12.7 mm PowerFlex polymer, inner foam layer (Franklin); Amazon’s label says 12.75 mm
- Face: T700 carbon fiber, 45-degree peel ply (Franklin)
- Size: 15.7 x 7.9 in; handle 5.1 in; circumference 3.9 in (Franklin)
- Approval: “C45 Aurelius 12.7MM”, added 2026-03-05
Pros
- Thin 3.9 in grip, short handle
- A light base to customize
Cons
- Both testers say it needs weight
- Not for beginners, per Pickleheads
Who should buy it
Players with smaller hands who tune paddles; see also our paddles for small hands.
Franklin FS Tour Featherweight Dynasty 12mm, Featherweight Elongated
Franklin FS Tour Featherweight Dynasty 12mm
Players wanting light carbon and a long handle.
$92.88 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 03:23 UTCVerdict
Franklin’s 12 mm Featherweight in the Dynasty shape: light carbon, long handle.
Evidence: Retailer review (sells it), not independent. The Dink: FS Tour Featherweight, shape not stated.
The Dink and Pickleball Effect describe the Dynasty shape as elongated; Franklin publishes no length or width and calls only the 5.6 in handle elongated. The Dink (August 16, 2024), which sells paddles, does not name the shape it played: “When I first picked up this paddle, it was shocking how light it was.” Sold by Amazon.com (2026-11-04).
Specs (Franklin FS Tour Featherweight Dynasty, 12mm, White)
- Core: 12 mm polymer, foam-injected perimeter (Franklin)
- Face: T700 raw carbon fiber (Franklin)
- Size: length and width not published; handle 5.6 in; circumference 4.3 in (Franklin)
- Approval: “FS Tour Dynasty Featherweight 12MM”, added 2024-04-12
Pros
- T700 raw carbon face
- Long 5.6 in handle
Cons
- Only a retailer’s review found
- Length and width unpublished
Selkirk AMPED Control Invikta Lightweight, Elongated Control, Lightweight
Selkirk AMPED Control Invikta Lightweight
Players wanting a light elongated control paddle.
$79.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 03:23 UTCVerdict
The lighter build of Selkirk’s elongated Invikta control paddle.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. PlayTime Scheduler: AMPED Control Invikta Lightweight.
Selkirk sells the Invikta in a lightweight (7.2 – 7.7 oz) and a midweight build; by its 10-factors guide (above), this lightweight is mostly midweight. PlayTime Scheduler (September 23, 2024), whose page links to Selkirk’s shop, writes: “I really appreciate the lightweight version (7.2-7.7 oz) as I’m not playing pickleball to bulk up.” Sold by Selkirk Sport (2026-11-04).
Specs (Selkirk AMPED Control Invikta, Lightweight, Blue)
- Core: 16 mm X5 polypropylene honeycomb (Selkirk)
- Face: fiberglass FiberFlex+ (Selkirk)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.45 in; grip length 5.25 in; circumference 4.25 in (Selkirk)
- Approval: “AMPED Control Invikta Lightweight”, added 2024-06-24
Pros
- Selkirk’s lighter control build
- Sold by Selkirk’s own Amazon storefront
Cons
- Fiberglass face, not carbon
- One staff review; no tester’s weight
JOOLA Hyperion Double Vision 16mm, Aramid Elongated
JOOLA Hyperion Double Vision 16mm
Players who want an elongated aramid paddle.
$119.95 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 01:28 UTCVerdict
JOOLA’s elongated Hyperion with an aramid face, which JOOLA says plays softer.
Evidence: Retailer review (sells it), not independent. Pickleball Central: Hyperion Double Vision 16mm.
Pickleball Central, which sells it, writes: “It’s the perfect evolution of a proven shape, offering trusted performance, durable construction, and a lively all-court feel.” Sold by Amazon.com (2026-11-04).
Specs (JOOLA Hyperion Double Vision, 16mm, Bolt Blue)
- Core: 16 mm (JOOLA)
- Face: aramid (JOOLA)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.5 in; grip length 5.5 in; circumference not published (JOOLA’s Amazon listing)
- Approval: “Hyperion Double Vision 16mm”, added 2025-08-19
Pros
- Aramid face, elongated shape
- Approved since 2025
Cons
- Near the top of this list’s weights
- Retailer copy only
JOOLA Scorpeus Double Vision 16mm, Wide-Face Sibling of #4
JOOLA Scorpeus Double Vision 16mm
Players who prefer a wide face.
$119.95 from AmazonAs of Nov 13, 03:23 UTCVerdict
#4’s aramid build on JOOLA’s wider Scorpeus face, trading reach for width.
Evidence: Retailer review (sells it), not independent. Pickleball Warehouse: Scorpeus Double Vision 16mm.
JOOLA’s Amazon listing calls the shape a “Wide-body design ideal for defensive players” at 16 x 8 in. Pickleball Warehouse, which sells it, writes: “What makes the Scorpeus Double Vision stand out is how controlled it feels on every shot.” Sold by Amazon.com (2026-11-04).
Specs (JOOLA Scorpeus Double Vision, 16mm, Surge Green)
- Core: 16 mm (JOOLA)
- Face: aramid (JOOLA)
- Size: 16 x 8 in; grip length 5.25 in; circumference not published (JOOLA’s Amazon listing)
- Approval: “Scorpeus Double Vision 16mm”, added 2025-08-19
Pros
- Wide 8 in face
- Same aramid surface as #4
Cons
- Retailer copy only
- Shorter reach than #4
JOOLA Agassi Heat Vision 16mm, Textured-Carbon All-Court
Verdict
JOOLA’s textured-carbon Agassi shape for all-court play.
Evidence: Retailer review (sells it), not independent. Pickleball Central: Agassi Heat Vision 16mm.
JOOLA’s page states “USAP Certified: Yes”, but the approved list has no Heat Vision entry, only “Agassi Edge 16mm” (2024-11-26); check before a sanctioned event. Pickleball Central, which sells it, writes: “The Agassi Heat Vision 16mm combines classic tennis-inspired shaping with modern JOOLA innovation to create a paddle that’s as comfortable on defense as it is on the attack.” Sold by Amazon.com (2026-11-04).
Specs (JOOLA Agassi Heat Vision, 16mm, Charge Surge Green)
- Core: 16 mm (JOOLA)
- Face: textured carbon fiber (JOOLA)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.5 in (JOOLA’s Amazon listing); grip length 5.5 in; circumference 4.25 in (JOOLA)
- Approval: none named Heat Vision; nearest “Agassi Edge 16mm”, 2024-11-26
Pros
- Textured carbon face
- 4.25 in grip, 5.5 in handle
Cons
- No approval entry under its name
- Retailer copy only
Eleven Zero EZ Speed E14, Elongated 14mm Foam Core
Verdict
Eleven Zero’s 14 mm elongated paddle, built for “Advanced to professional players with an all-court, aggressive game.”
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Eleven Zero.
Eleven Zero’s product page says: “It’s the lightest paddle in the EZ Speed lineup.” Its weight guide calls that midweight: “The H13 Pro Origin and the EZ Speed E14, both 7.8 oz, sit right in this zone.” Matt’s Pickleball, which lists an Eleven Zero discount code, measured its unit at 8.12 oz (reviewed May 2026); we found no written independent review. Sold by Eleven Zero Sports, shipped by Amazon (2026-11-04).
Specs (Eleven Zero EZ Speed E14, 14mm, Black)
- Core: 14 mm triple-density foam: EPP, EVA, hard edge foam (Eleven Zero)
- Face: carbon fiber, fiberglass, carbon fiber at 90/0/90 (Eleven Zero)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.5 in; handle 5.5 in; grip 4 1/4 in; swing weight 114 (Eleven Zero)
- Approval: “EZ Speed E14”, added 2026-02-06
Pros
- Elongated 16.5 in face, 14 mm foam core
- USA Pickleball and (per Eleven Zero) UPA-A approved
Cons
- A tester’s unit weighed over 8 oz
- Maker specs only
Franklin C45 Hybrid 14mm, Tunable 14mm Hybrid
Verdict
The C45 sibling of #1 in the hybrid shape, for players who add weight.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleball Effect: C45 Hybrid.
Pickleball Effect (April 20, 2025) lists a 7.7 oz average and a swing weight of “107 (very light)”: “It’s extremely light and meant to be customizable with weighted tape for desired performance.” An owner on Reddit agrees: “the hybrid definitely does need tungsten added”. Sold by Amazon.com (2026-11-04).
Specs (Franklin C45 Hybrid, 14mm, Blue)
- Core: 14 mm Power Flex polymer, inner foam layer (Franklin)
- Face: T700 carbon fiber, 45-degree peel ply (Franklin)
- Size: 16.3 x 7.6 in; handle 5.7 in; circumference 4.3 in (Franklin)
- Approval: “C45 14MM”, added 2024-12-30
Pros
- Long 5.7 in handle
- 14 mm core with an inner foam layer
Cons
- Tester and owner say it needs weight
- 7.9 oz top is midweight on Central’s chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are lighter pickleball paddles better?
Not for everyone. On the Aurelius, Pickleheads writes: “Power is the biggest sacrifice.” See our best heavy pickleball paddles or how to add weight.
Q. Is a 14mm or 16mm paddle better?
In Franklin’s figures, less core thickness means less weight: the Aurelius lists 7.2 to 7.7 oz at 12.7 mm and 7.6 to 8.0 oz at 16 mm. See our 14 mm vs 16 mm guide.
Q. What is the lightest pickleball paddle?
No source we read weighs every paddle. Here, the lowest maker ranges start at 7.2 oz (the Aurelius 12.7mm and the Selkirk Invikta Lightweight).
Q. What is the best lightweight pickleball paddle for beginners?
Pickleheads does not recommend the Aurelius for beginners; Selkirk rates the AMPED Control “Beginner – Pro”. See our best beginner pickleball paddles.
Final Verdict
The Franklin C45 Aurelius 12.7mm (check price) is a light base to tune, the Selkirk AMPED Control Invikta Lightweight (check price) an elongated control paddle, and the Franklin FS Tour Featherweight Dynasty 12mm (check price) a light carbon paddle with a long handle. The JOOLA trio, the Eleven Zero EZ Speed E14 (check price) and the Franklin C45 Hybrid (check price) sit nearer the 8 oz line. More: our best pickleball paddles, the paddles hub, budget paddles and paddles to reduce vibration.
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.
