Pickleball Gear

Best pickleball paddles for spin in 2024 - top 5 compared

picture of Brandon Mackie
Brandon Mackie

Updated on: Feb 21, 2024

The top 3 pickleball paddles for spin in 2024: the Legacy Pro, the Diadem EDGE 18k, and the Bison Summit

You need spin to play a complete pickleball game, and you can't advance your level without it. So, how do you choose a paddle that'll give you the spin you need to play competitively? Whether you're a spin wizard or looking to add spin to your game for the first time, I'm here to help.

I love to play with spin. After testing over 40 paddles in the past year, I wanted to make a list of the best pickleball paddles for spin. Read on to see which one fits your game.

Best pickleball paddles at a glance

Best overall

Photo of the Diadem Edge 18k pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

1. Diadem Edge 18k

I've never played with a paddle that generates spin quite like the Diadem Edge. Its 18k weaved carbon tech is no marketing gimmick—this truly is a unique spin paddle.
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Read my deep dive

Runner-up

Photo of the Legacy Pro pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

2. Legacy Pro

The Legacy Pro is not only one of the best spin paddles out there, but it excels in control and forgiveness too. This makes it a top choice for intermediates and pros.
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Best cheap

Photo of the Bison Summit pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

3. Bison Summit

The Bison Summit is a $100 paddle with a textured raw carbon fiber face. It's one of the only carbon paddles at this price point, and it spins just like you'd want it to.

Best for power

Photo of the CRBN-1X Power Series pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

4. CRBN-1X Power Series

The CRBN-1X is an elongated spin paddle that hits really hard. It's my top pick for intermediates to pros who like to play aggressively.
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Best for control

Photo of the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

5. Vatic Pro PRISM Flash

The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash has surprisingly good spin for a budget paddle. It's a real all-court gem, and it only costs $100.
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Which paddle is best for you?

Before buying a paddle, it’s important to make sure it fits your game. That's why I created a 30-second quiz that recommends the best paddles for your play style and budget.

Give it a try and see if any of these spin paddles make the list:

Find the perfect paddle

Find the perfect paddle

I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.

Take Paddle Fitting Quiz

The best pickleball paddles for spin in 2024

Those are my favorites. Now let's dive into why I picked them:

Best overall

1. Diadem Edge 18k

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New spin tech that really works
7.5/10

Power

9/10

Control

10/10

Spin

8/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

  • Topspin is key to your game:

    this is true for me, and the Edge is the best paddle for topspin I've ever played with.

  • You want spin on all shots:

    the 18k carbon weave really does generate spin on all angles, no matter how you hit the ball.

  • You want control:

    this is a high-performance control paddle with a large sweet spot.

Pass if:

  • You're a power player:

    you'll like the CRBN-1X on this list. It's powerful without sacrificing spin.

  • You want a thermoformed paddle:

    the Legacy Pro is a top thermoformed paddle that's great for spin.

  • You want a budget-friendly paddle:

    check out the $100 Bison Summit, my favorite cheap paddle.

Diadem

Diadem

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Paddle Weight

8 oz

Paddle Length

16 ⅖"

Paddle Width

7 ½"

Handle Length

5 ⅓"

Grip Circumference

4 ⅛"

Paddle Face Material

3D 18k carbon fiber

Core Material

Honeycomb polymer core

Core Thickness

16 mm (0.63")

Sweet Spot

Large

The Diadem Edge 18k is a new kind of spin paddle. I've never been able to hit spin like this in pickleball. I would have given it 11/10 for spin if I could. So, I decided it deserved to take the top spot from the Legacy Pro. It's now one of my favorite pickleball paddles in 2024.
Who it's for
Firstly, this only suits people who can spend over $200 as it's currently priced at $230 (you can get it for $207 with the PICKLEHEADS10 discount). I wouldn't recommend it to beginners or players who like fast hands battles as this is a tad head-heavy.
The perfect player for this is someone from the intermediate level and up who loves to play with spin. It also suits anyone coming from tennis. I feel like I can just play tennis out there with this paddle, which is never usually a good idea in pickleball.
Features
For me, the standout feature is the 3D 18k carbon fiber face that uses a "triaxial weave" pattern. This is brand-new tech and super exciting, especially if you've been following the carbon fiber paddle trend like me.
Here's how it works. The weave pattern creates an angled surface that generates spin on literally any shot. It sounds like technical jargon, but trust me, the spin it generates is unlike anything I've ever seen.
I like that Diadem built in a strong edge guard. This will make for a sturdy, long-lasting paddle. It's also elongated for extra reach at the net.
Design and feel
I'm a big fan of the design. The bright red edge guard makes it stand out, and the 3D-boxed pattern on the face is cool. It's not just for show either. If you run your hand over the surface, you'll feel the 3D texture they're talking about. It's what gets you that spin.
The paddle has a premium feel that matches the price tag. I was a little disappointed with the weighting, though. I expected it to be in that sweet spot at 8 oz, but it feels a lot heavier than its weight suggests.
Performance
This 18k carbon fiber face generates some of the filthiest spin I've ever seen. It plays differently to 3K or T700 carbon fiber faces. I notice this most on my topspin shots. I actually feel like I can just play tennis with hard groundstrokes and still win games.
I feel really confident in my touch game too. My third-shot drops, dinks, and resets are all on point. It's forgiving for an elongated paddle thanks to its large sweet spot, and mishits are rare.
The one area that's lacking for me is power. It plays soft and doesn't have the kick that I like in the CRBN-1X.
Value for money
It's getting harder to justify spending $200 or more when there are plenty of cheaper alternatives. For example, you can get the runner-up on this list, the Legacy Pro, for $150.
That said, the Diadem Edge 18k is in a league of its own when it comes to spin. It will definitely find its market. Big spin players (who don't need too much extra power) with a $230 budget will find this worth every cent.
star icon
My verdict
The new tech on this paddle really works. I've never been able to hit spin like I can with the Diadem Edge 18k. My serves and drives are next-level. If you're a former tennis player, or spin is your number one priority, you have to check this out.

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Runner-up

2. Legacy Pro

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Another great spin and control paddle
7.5/10

Power

9/10

Control

10/10

Spin

9.5/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

  • You're a big spin player:

    the Legacy Pro has a carbon weave (a bit like the Diadem Edge) that helps this paddle generate 10/10 spin.

  • You're at intermediate level:

    you'll love how this paddle performs on control and forgiveness.

  • You don't want to spend $200 or more:

    this is a Toray T700 raw carbon fiber paddle that costs just $150.

Pass if:

  • You're a hard hitter:

    this is more of a control paddle, so check out the CRBN-1X for the best power and spin combo.

  • Your budget is $100:

    the next on this list, the Bison Summit, is my favorite cheap paddle for spin players.

  • You want the filthiest spin money can buy:

    if you've got $230 to spend, check out my new favorite spin paddle: the Diadem Edge 18k.

Legacy

Legacy

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Paddle Weight

8.0-8.4 oz

Paddle Length

16 ½"

Paddle Width

7 ½"

Handle Length

5.3"

Grip Circumference

4.125"

Paddle Face Material

Carbon fiber

Core Material

8 mm polymer honeycomb cells

Core Thickness

16 mm

Sweet Spot

Large

The Legacy Pro is the paddle you buy when you want to play with big spin, but don't want to spend over $150.
This used to be my top overall pick for spin. The Diadem Edge 18k recently grabbed the top slot, as it just offers something completely new with its "triaxial weave" and 18k carbon fiber.
However, the Legacy Pro is still one of the best spin paddles I've ever played with. It remains right up there as a highly recommended runner-up.
Who it's for
This paddle is a great match for intermediates who've learned to hit shots with topspin. It will also appeal to former tennis players like myself, and I think advanced players will love it too. At my local courts, the 5.0 pro plays exclusively with the Legacy Pro.
If the $230 Diadem Edge is too expensive for you, the Legacy Pro is a brilliant alternative at $150.

Check out the top pickleball paddles for pros

Features
This Legacy paddle has a woven carbon fiber face, almost like an earlier model for the Diadem Edge. It's great at generating a ton of topspin.
Unlike the Diadem, this is a thermoformed paddle with foam injected in the walls. This gives it a larger sweet spot and lots of stability. The elongated shape helps you when reaching for high balls.
Design and feel
This is a standard black carbon paddle that won't stand out. What's more important, though, is the performance it gives you for $150.
I really like how this feels in my hands. The grip is comfy even in the heat of a Phoenix summer. I did notice some head heaviness with it, though. The Legacy Pro tends to lag a little in kitchen exchanges, so if you like fast hands battles, it might not be for you.
Performance
Obviously, we have to talk about this paddle's spin first. It's really good. Like, really, really good. I can load up so much topspin that I feel confident swinging as hard as I can.
I'm able to consistently dip the ball right on the line too. Like lots of other players, I came to pickleball from tennis and I feel right at home with this paddle.
One big bonus this paddle has over the Diadem Edge 18k is its forgiveness. The sweet spot is really big for an elongated paddle. The muted feel helps too, giving me a super-forgiving paddle that boosts my touch game.
Like the Diadem Edge 18k, I just wish it had more power. I don't mind swinging hard, but the Legacy Pro doesn't generate power as easily as the CRBN-1X Power Series.
Value for money
In my opinion, this is one of the best value paddles you can find. For just $150, you're getting one of the most popular spin paddles on the market, with control and forgiveness to match the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control.
star icon
My verdict
The Legacy Pro might not be my "King of Spin" anymore, but I still recommend it all day. It will get you big spin, support your control game, and help intermediates keep advancing. At $150, it continues to offer great value for money in 2024.

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Best cheap

3. Bison Summit

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Solid spin at a really good price
7/10

Power

7/10

Control

7/10

Spin

7/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

  • You're adding spin to your game:

    the textured paddle face generates good spin for a step-up paddle.

  • You want a fast paddle:

    at just 7.8 oz, the Summit is speedy in hand battles.

  • You want a well-made budget paddle:

    this is built from way better materials than other cheap paddles you'll find on Amazon.

Pass if:

  • You're looking for a lot of power:

    while this has decent pop, the Bread & Butter Filth is better if you want a really powerful paddle.

  • You're an advanced player:

    you'll want a more premium paddle like the CRBN-1X.

  • You need more control:

    the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is a 16 mm control paddle that's also just $100.

Paddle Weight

7.8 oz

Paddle Length

16 ½"

Paddle Width

7 ½"

Handle Length

5 ½"

Grip Circumference

4 ⅛"

Paddle Face Material

Toray T700 raw carbon fiber

Core Material

Honeycomb polymer core

Core Thickness

14 mm (0.55")

Sweet Spot

Medium

I didn't expect a $100 paddle to have good spin. Almost no budget paddles do. However, the Summit has a real raw carbon face, and that's its secret. I could play a more advanced game than I could with most paddles at this price range.
Who it's for
This is a solid step-up paddle for anyone who's ready to leave their beginner paddle behind. It's got good pop but is still soft and controlled enough to work for newer intermediates who are starting to introduce spin into their game. It has an intermediate-friendly price, too.
Features
The surface is made from Toray T700 raw carbon fiber, which is known to get great spin. From experience, I know this won't wear down quickly like those with grit applied. The elongated shape gives you greater reach at the net and when defending lobs.
Design and feel
Bison paddles have a unique look, with the textured surface doubling as a logo. The mountain range on this paddle face stands out but I'm on the fence about whether it looks cool or a bit tacky. I guess everyone will have a different opinion on that.
What's important is how it feels. At 7.8 oz, this paddle feels light in my hands—a good or a bad thing depending on your preferences. The large grip gives you enough room to hit two-handed backhands.
All in all, it feels like a sturdy raw carbon fiber. That said, this isn't a unibody paddle like the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash (also $100), so I'm not sure how strong it'll be over time.
Performance
14 mm paddles offer good pop, and the Bison Summit is no different. I like how responsive it is. The ball flies off the paddle face to help with power. Since the paddle is also lightweight, you can play a quick game at the kitchen.
Spin is solid because of the raw carbon fiber face. It doesn't spin nearly as hard as the Legacy Pro or Diadem 18k, but it's much better than most budget paddles on Amazon. I think the PRISM Flash is better for spin at the same price point, but I put that in my control category (#5 on the list).
Control is adequate. I wasn't expecting much in this department with it being a 14 mm paddle. So, I was happy to find enough to complement my game. While it doesn't excel here, it's enough to keep intermediates happy.
Value for money
I have to compare this to the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash as they're the same price and have roughly the same level of spin. Both offer exceptional value. If you want more control, buy the Vatic Pro. If you're looking for something with a bit more pop, the Bison Summit will serve you well.
If you want an all-rounder, or if you're between the Summit and PRISM Flash, I'd say go with the Vatic Pro. You get way more tech and, honestly, just a better paddle.
star icon
My verdict
As a real raw carbon fiber paddle, the Summit offers great value for money. I could hit solid spin on my serves and drives and hang with 4.0-5.0 players. While I think the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is a better all-around paddle for this price, the Summit is worth considering if you're after a step-up paddle on Amazon.

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Best for power

4. CRBN-1X Power Series

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A premium choice for players who like to hit hard
9/10

Power

8/10

Control

10/10

Spin

9/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

  • You need power and spin:

    the CRBN-1X has the best combo of power and spin from my testing in 2024.

  • You want a premium paddle:

    this is made from the best materials and will last a long time.

  • You like elongated paddles:

    you'll get extra reach with this model.

Pass if:

  • You don't want to spend over $200:

    you can find great alternatives like the Bread & Butter Filth ($165), my top power paddle of 2024.

  • You need something aerodynamic:

    I found this a bit head-heavy. Check out the Diadem Edge 18k for a light paddle with spin.

  • You don't want an elongated paddle:

    the 1X is elongated, while the 2X is square-shaped and the 3X is a hybrid. All hit and spin hard.

CRBN

CRBN

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Pickleball Central

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Paddle Weight

7.8-8.1 oz

Paddle Length

16 ½"

Paddle Width

7 ½"

Handle Length

5 ½"

Grip Circumference

4 ¼"

Paddle Face Material

Carbon fiber

Core Material

Honeycomb polypropylene core

Core Thickness

14 mm or 16 mm (0.55" or 0.63")

Sweet Spot

Large

Not many paddles have 10/10 spin and hit this hard. The Bread & Butter Filth is one, but I went with the CRBN-1X as my favorite as it has a more responsive feel and better all-court performance. I think any aggressive player is going to like this paddle out of the box.
Who it's for
If you're an early intermediate, this paddle will probably be too powerful for you to handle. However, if you're advancing toward the 3.5 or higher level, check this one out. I think it suits anyone who likes to hit hard, all the way up to professionals.
Features
CRBN is known for their carbon fiber paddle faces. They're super durable and generate some of the best spin in the game. The 1X has foam injected around the perimeter for extra stability in your shots, and the unibody design means this paddle shouldn't break easily.
Design and feel
The 1X stands out from other black carbon paddles I've tested because it's so well made. It has a sleek, premium look and feel. Although it feels slightly heavier than the CRBN-2X and CRBN-3X Power Series, it is more powerful.
Performance
I get a satisfying pop off this paddle face. Add in the spin and I can play my super-aggressive game—hard and low third-shot drives, deep topspin serves, and shots that dip at my opponents' feet.
While the poppiness did affect my control game at the start, once I got used to it, I was happy with how well it performed on touch shots. I like the large sweet spot, which makes it a surprisingly forgiving paddle.
One drawback is the head heaviness, as I do feel some lag during kitchen exchanges.
Value for money
Despite plenty of cheaper paddles coming out in 2024, I still think the CRBN-1X Power Series is worth the $230 price tag. It just about outperforms competitors like the Bread & Butter Filth.
It has the controlled power and responsiveness that are lacking in cheaper paddles. When you buy a CRBN, you're getting a premium paddle from one of my favorite brands in pickleball.
To learn more, check out my full CRBN-1X Power Series pickleball paddle review.
star icon
My verdict
After playing with over 40 paddles in the past year, the CRBN-1X is still one of my go-to paddles. When I'm in the mood to play hard with lots of spin and third-shot drives, I choose this one. I find CRBN paddles have better feel, response, and control than most of their competitors. I recommend the 1X to any advancing intermediate who's ready to play aggressively.

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Best for control

5. Vatic Pro PRISM Flash

Loading...

Surprising spin from a great control paddle
8/10

Power

10/10

Control

9/10

Spin

10/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

  • You're in the market for a step-up paddle:

    this is ideal for new intermediates, with lots of spin for a control paddle.

  • You need some power too:

    You need some power too:

  • You're on a budget:

    the PRISM Flash is probably the best value in all of pickleball at just $100.

Pass if:

  • You want a thermoformed paddle:

    check out the Vatic Pro Flash, this paddle's thermoformed cousin.

  • You want more power:

    this is not a power paddle, so try the CRBN-1X instead.

  • You want a light, quick paddle:

    I found some head heaviness here, so take a look at the Bison Summit.

Vatic Pro

Vatic Pro

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Paddle Weight

7.7-7.9 oz (14 mm paddle) / 7.9-8.2 oz (16 mm paddle)

Paddle Length

16 ⅓"

Paddle Width

7 ⅔"

Handle Length

5 ⅓"

Grip Circumference

4 ⅛"

Paddle Face Material

Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber

Core Material

Polymer honeycomb

Edge Guard

Edge Guard

Core Thickness

14mm or 16 mm (0.55" or 0.63")

Sweet Spot

Medium

I was seriously impressed by this paddle's combination of control and spin. Vatic Pro have made a 10/10 control paddle and then loaded a lot of spin into it. Even if this were $200, I'd probably still have picked it. The fact that it's just $100 makes that choice all the easier.
Who it's for
This is a perfect step-up paddle for new intermediates because it'll introduce spin into your game while maintaining control. I can honestly see many higher-level players liking it too and I even think it's tournament-ready.
Features
With a Toray T700 carbon fiber face, a unibody construction, and foam edge walls, it's shocking this paddle isn't over $200. While it's not thermoformed, it's still really durable and plays like a much more expensive paddle.
Design and feel
While there's nothing particularly unique about how the PRISM Flash looks, it feels like a premium paddle to me. It's plush, stable, and holds up really well over multiple sessions. The only issue I have is some head heaviness that reminds me of the JOOLA Hyperion.
Performance
This is primarily a control paddle. Right from the start, I was able to hit dinks, drops, volleys, and just about any shot with good accuracy. It's super soft, which helped my touch game.
I'm surprised by how good the spin is. I can hit hard topspin, backspin, and sidespin just as well as any top raw carbon fiber paddle like the Gearbox CX14E Ultimate Power and the JOOLA Perseus (I'd say it's even better than the Perseus).
There's decent power too, thanks to the heaviness. It did best for me on hard topspin serves, landing deeper than most other paddles. The one letdown is the inconsistent sweet spot. While it's mostly a forgiving paddle, if I ever hit off-center, I get a mishit.
Value for money
This is hands down one of the best values ever offered to pickleball players, which is why I named it my top paddle under $100 for 2024.
For $100, you're buying an all-court paddle that really does rival $200 or above paddles like the Six Zero DBD Control and the JOOLA Perseus. No catch here.
To learn more, check out my full Vatic Pro PRISM Flash pickleball paddle review.
star icon
My verdict
The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is honestly one of the best control paddles I've ever played with. It has really good spin and decent power, making it a top all-court paddle—especially for intermediates. When you factor in the $100 price tag, this is value for money that's hard to beat.

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How to choose the best pickleball paddle for spin

Finding the right spin paddle can be hard. Trust me—I've played with lots of paddles in the past year, so picking the right one is not easy. It depends on what you need most from it, whether it's control, power, forgiveness, or durability.

Here are some of the things I think are important when picking a spin paddle:

  • Surface: for spin paddles, the surface is key. Paddles with a textured surface put spin on the ball. Most spin paddles used to have grit applied, but this wears down over time. That's why you'll see raw carbon fiber as the most common surface type now. It's textured but built into the paddle face, so it lasts for way longer.
  • Design and feel: a paddle that remains durable over time is important, so I factor in the design and build in my reviews. I always look at the materials used in making a paddle. I also place a lot of importance on the feel of a paddle. You can tell a lot from how it feels in your hands when playing on the court.
  • Performance: most importantly, I play-tested every paddle on this list and paid close attention to how it performed. I look at spin, as well as power, control, forgiveness, aerodynamics, and more.
  • Value for money: while performance is key, value for money definitely matters. If you can get a paddle for $150 that plays as good as one for $250, I want you to know about it.

Why spin matters in pickleball

Once you advance to the intermediate level, you need more than just accurate touch shots to win games. Spin is the next thing you can add to your skill set. It takes your game up a big notch by putting more velocity and unpredictability into your shots.

You can start swinging harder and keeping your opponents off the kitchen line more often. That compounds to a big advantage that'll win you more games.

Brandon Mackie holding the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash pickleball paddle on a court
Brandon Mackie holding the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash pickleball paddle on a court

Spin also improves your serves, giving you the confidence to swing harder and place the ball deeper. Once you've added spin to your game, you'll need to keep progressing it all the way to the highest level.

Spin vs control in pickleball

You might think that playing with a lot of spin will lead to less control, but that's not always the case. While some spin paddles focus more on power at the expense of control, some offer an excellent blend of spin and control.

Check out the ratings in each review above to see how the paddle scores on spin and control. If you want a paddle with a great combo of both, try the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash, the Legacy Pro, or the Diadem Edge 18k.

Bottom line

It's a really exciting time in pickleball. With improved tech appearing all the time, there's never been a better time to buy a new paddle. There are so many quality new brands popping up that make paddles that rival the best in the game at much more affordable prices.

Spin is always on top players' minds, so paddle manufacturers keep finding new ways to load more spin onto their paddles. My favorite this year is the Diadem Edge 18k. I get great spin with it, time after time. It's a little pricier at $230, but it's well worth it in my opinion.

Here's a recap of my top five pickleball paddles for spin:

  1. Diadem EDGE 18k - Best overall
  2. Legacy Pro - Runner-up
  3. Bison Summit - Best cheap
  4. CRBN-1X Power Series - Best for power
  5. Vatic Pro PRISM Flash - Best for control

Have a read of each of the reviews and see which one best suits you. You can't go wrong with these paddles as each one does what it's supposed to do so well.

Recent updates

February 2024

I've named my new favorite pickleball paddle for spin in 2024: the Diadem Edge 18k. Originally the runner-up, I swapped it with the Legacy Pro. After more testing on the courts, I realized it's a better paddle in many ways so it deserved the top spot.

FAQs

About the author
Brandon Mackie
Brandon is an avid writer and co-founder of Pickleheads™. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can now be found these days honing his dinks on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.
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