The short answer
The Engage Axiom Elongated 16mm is the gritty-faced paddle Paddle Review Hub names for singles players, the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV is bepickleballer’s second pick for singles (the author’s paddle is the 16mm), and the HEAD Boom Tour EX 2024 is an 11 mm elongated paddle HEAD pitches for doubles or singles.
Our Top Picks
Each paddle here is tied to singles by its maker or an independent reviewer, quoted in its review. All six were in stock on Amazon on November 4, 2026.
Find the singles 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 six paddles below, not a test result.
$, $$ and $$$ run from lower- to higher-priced within this guide; live Amazon prices are in the table.
Compare the 6 singles paddles
Maker figures for the linked version; “USA Pickleball” is the approved-list entry and date we found on 2026-11-04.
Engage Axiom Elongated 16mmDurable-Grit ElongatedElongated, durable grit, power16 mm polymer8.0 oz avg$199.99
Evidence: Paddle Review Hub, this exact model
JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mmStable 16mm ElongatedElongated, drives, control16 mm PP8.1 oz avg$149.95 Prime
Evidence: bepickleballer, this exact model
Enhance MPP Turbo ElongatedLong-Handle Foam ElongatedElongated, long handle, power16 mm MPP foam7.8-8.1 oz$119.99
Evidence: Paddle Review Hub, this exact model
Gearbox CX11E Power 7.8 ozSame Frame, Power TuningThin core, elongated, power11 mm carbon chambers7.8 oz$99.00
Evidence: maker specs only, no independent test
Gearbox CX11E Control 7.8 ozSame Frame, Control TuningThin core, elongated, control11 mm carbon chambers7.8 oz$99.00
Evidence: maker specs only, no independent test
HEAD Boom Tour EX 2024Thin-Core Tapered PowerThin core, elongated, power11 mm7.9 oz$72.43
Evidence: maker specs only, no independent test
What Makes a Paddle a Singles Paddle
Selkirk’s blog says “Typically, longer, thinner mid-weight paddles are preferred for singles matches.” On thickness, Pickleball Studio writes that “Thinner paddles are great for singles play because you are using a lot more drives to pass your opponent.”
Related guide: Best Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players
Related guide: Best Selkirk Pickleball Paddles (2026): Which Line to Buy
So compare reach (length and handle length), grip circumference, paddle weight and core thickness. All six picks are about 16.5 in long; three have 11 mm cores. More long faces: our elongated paddle guide and power paddle picks.
How These Singles Paddles Were Picked
How this guide was built
built from manufacturer documentation, published third-party reviews and the USA Pickleball approved-paddle list; we have not tested these products ourselves.
Each pick needed a singles tie from its maker or an independent reviewer (not a retailer), an in-stock new Amazon offer and a USA Pickleball list entry. Six Zero’s Double Black Diamond 16mm and Engage’s X2 Elongated also fit but were not ready to ship.
Related guide: Best Thermoformed Pickleball Paddles in 2026, Checked Against Each Maker’s Words
Detailed Reviews
Engage Axiom Elongated 16mm, Durable-Grit Elongated
Players who want an elongated paddle with a durable grit face.
$199.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 20:46 UTCVerdict
An elongated paddle with Engage’s patent-pending grit face, named by a tester for singles players.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Paddle Review Hub: Axiom Elongated 16mm.
Paddle Review Hub writes that it suits “All-court and singles players who want elongated Engage with a durable face …” It measured a swing weight of 113 and a twist weight of 5.9.
Specs (Engage Axiom Elongated, 16mm, Royal Blue)
- Weight: 8.0 oz average (Engage’s Amazon listing; not on Engage’s page)
- Core: 16 mm; face: carbon fiber with Durable Grit (Engage)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.5 in; handle 5.5 in; grip circumference 4.25 in (Engage)
Pros
- Gritty carbon face on an elongated shape
- Grip circumference published for each thickness
Cons
- Buy box: RacquetGalaxy, shipped by Amazon (2026-11-04)
- Engage’s own page gives no weight
JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm, Stable 16mm Elongated
Players who want a 16mm elongated paddle from a major brand.
$149.95 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 19:55 UTCVerdict
JOOLA’s elongated Perseus, 16mm core, ranked second for singles by bepickleballer.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. bepickleballer: Perseus Pro IV 16mm.
On bepickleballer, the author writes: “When I’m playing singles, I want to know that if I swing with intent, the ball is going to go where I think it’s going. The Perseus Pro IV gives me that trust.” The list names no thickness; the author’s full review is of the 16mm.
Specs (JOOLA Perseus Pro IV, 16mm)
- Weight: 8.1 oz average (JOOLA)
- Core: 16 mm PP core with EVA foam wall; face: textured carbon fiber
- Size: 16.5 x 7.5 in; grip length 5.5 in; grip circumference 4.25 in
Pros
- Full maker spec sheet
- Sold and shipped by Amazon.com
Cons
- Already reviewed in several of our other guides
- The singles list names no thickness
Enhance MPP Turbo Elongated w/ArmorGrit, Long-Handle Foam Elongated
Players who want an elongated foam paddle with a long handle.
$119.99 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 19:55 UTCVerdict
The longest handle here, 5.7 in, on a foam-core paddle that Enhance and a tester name for singles players.
Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Paddle Review Hub: MPP Turbo ArmorGrit Elongated 16mm.
Paddle Review Hub reviewed this ArmorGrit Elongated 16mm in October 2026 and names “Singles players, tennis converts and two-handers” first under “Who It’s For” (the rest of that line is a discount offer at Enhance’s store, so we leave it out). Enhance lists “Singles players” first under who the Elongated is for. More long handles: our two-handed backhand guide.
Specs (Enhance MPP Turbo w/ArmorGrit, Elongated, Black)
- Weight: 7.9-8.1 oz in one Enhance listing, 7.8-8.0 oz in another
- Core: 16 mm MPP foam with EVA ring; face: CFC layup with T700 carbon fiber and the ArmorGrit surface system (Enhance)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.5 in; handle 5.7 in; grip circumference 4.1 in
Pros
- 5.7 in handle on an elongated face
- Enhance publishes swing and twist weight
Cons
- Enhance warns of a higher swing weight that “can feel slower at the kitchen”
- Enhance’s two weight figures differ
Gearbox CX11E Power 7.8 oz, Same Frame, Power Tuning
7.8 oz · 11 mm carbon chambers
Players who want a thin-core elongated paddle tuned for power.
$99.00 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 19:55 UTCVerdict
An 11 mm carbon elongated paddle Gearbox calls a top choice for singles players.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Gearbox.
Gearbox writes: “The elongated shape enhances overall reach, making it a top choice for singles players or those seeking to dominate with precision from any position.” Gearbox lists identical core, face, shape and weight for this paddle and the CX11E Control. Beyond name and colour, they differ only in Gearbox’s tuning description: this one’s core returns energy to the ball for power, while the Control’s absorbs it for control. Amazon sells the two as Blue (Power) and Yellow (Control) options of one listing.
Specs (Gearbox CX11E Power, 7.8 oz, Blue)
- Weight: 7.8 oz (Gearbox)
- Core: 11 mm carbon fiber chambers; face finish 3K woven carbon fiber, material Toray T-700 carbon fiber (Gearbox)
- Size: 16.5 x 7.375 in; handle 5.5 in; grip circumference 3 15/16 in
Pros
- Thin 11 mm carbon-chamber core
- Sold by the brand’s own storefront
Cons
- No independent test found
- Amazon lists 16.63 in long, Gearbox 16.5 in
Gearbox CX11E Control 7.8 oz, Same Frame, Control Tuning
7.8 oz · 11 mm carbon chambers
Players who want the same thin-core elongated frame tuned for control.
$99.00 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 19:55 UTCVerdict
#4’s published frame tuned for control, which Gearbox calls perfect for singles players.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Gearbox.
Gearbox writes: “The CX11 Elongated Control features a longer, more maneuverable design with a narrower head, making it perfect for singles players and those who want to generate more spin.” Gearbox’s spec lists show no narrower head than #4’s: both give a 7 3/8″ width, and the Power page says “The narrow head improves maneuverability for quick reactions, while the longer handle accommodates two-handed shots with ease, adding versatility to your game.”
Specs (Gearbox CX11E Control, 7.8 oz, Yellow)
- Weight: 7.8 oz; core: 11 mm carbon fiber chambers (Gearbox)
- Face, size, handle and grip circumference: the same as #4 in Gearbox’s spec list
Pros
- Gearbox ties this one to singles and spin
- Sold by the brand’s own storefront
Cons
- Same published specs as #4; only Gearbox’s tuning description differs
- No independent test found
Who should buy it
Players who want the same thin-core elongated frame tuned for control.
HEAD Boom Tour EX 2024, Thin-Core Tapered Power
Players who want a thin-core elongated power paddle from HEAD.
$72.43 from AmazonAs of Nov 12, 19:55 UTCVerdict
HEAD’s 11 mm elongated power paddle, pitched for doubles or singles.
Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: HEAD.
HEAD writes: “Perfect for doubles or singles, it features an 11mm profile, increased swingweight, tapered power shape, and thermoformed T700 raw carbon construction.” Sold by Great Call Athletics and shipped by Amazon (2026-11-04).
Specs (HEAD Boom Tour EX 2024, Black/Mint)
- Weight: 7.9 oz (HEAD)
- Core: 11 mm; face: T700 carbon
- Size: 419 mm (about 16.5 in; HEAD’s Amazon listing rounds it to 16 in) x 7.5 in; handle 5.5 in; grip 4 1/8 in (listing)
Pros
- Thin 11 mm core on an elongated shape
- HEAD publishes weight and handle length
Cons
- No independent test found
- head.com gives no length or width
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the number one rated pickleball paddle for singles?
Lists differ: The Kitchen’s September 2026 singles list puts the JOOLA Agassi Pro V first; Paddle Review Hub’s puts the Honolulu J6CR Crystal Blue first. Our overall paddle guide covers the wider field.
Q. Is a 14mm or 16mm paddle better for singles?
Pickleball Studio, quoted above, favors thinner paddles for singles drives. Three picks here are 16 mm and three are 11 mm.
Q. Do you need a different paddle for singles?
Not necessarily. Selkirk writes: “Most recreational players are content with using a single pickleball paddle for all their events, and in most cases, that’s fine.”
Q. Is the Sonix Single Pickleball Paddle made for singles?
“Single” means one paddle sold alone; Sonix’s page does not mention singles play. Budget picks: our budget paddle guide.
Final Verdict
For a tester’s singles pick on a 16mm core, start with the Engage Axiom Elongated 16mm, JOOLA Perseus Pro IV or long-handled Enhance MPP Turbo Elongated. For an 11 mm core, the Gearbox CX11E Power and CX11E Control share one frame with power or control tuning, and the HEAD Boom Tour EX 2024 is HEAD’s. More in our paddles hub and our vibration-focused paddle guide.
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.
