At The Pickleball Collective, we’re on a mission to grow the game of pickleball across Australia, helping beginners find their rhythm and supporting seasoned players in chasing performance at every level. That’s why we’re thrilled to review Standout Pickleball, an emerging force in the paddle market that’s combining high-performance engineering with sleek designs.
In this article, we take a look at three of Standout’s top pickleball paddles: each tailored to a specific level & style of play, from complete beginners to elite competitors. Standout Pickleball paddles even make regular appearances across Pro PPA & MLP events in Australia, with one of their Pro team members being Somer Dalla-Bona, who has her own signature paddle.
Let’s take a look at the Top 3 Standout Pickeball paddles and why you should consider Standout for your next paddle.
Best Standout Pickleball Paddles From Beginner to Pro
Beginner: Standout RC2 Paddle
Best For: Social players, First-timers
Paddle Overview:
If you’re just learning pickleball or enjoy a casual hit with mates, the RC2 is the perfect launchpad. Designed for maximum forgiveness, comfort, and control, this paddle helps newcomers build confidence quickly.
Key Benefits:
- Large Sweet Spot: The generous hitting zone gives players more room for error—perfect for off-centre hits during learning curves.
- Fiberglass Face: Provides plenty of pop while offering a bit more cushion and flex than carbon paddles. This means you get decent power without compromising feel.
- Polypropylene Core: The honeycomb core absorbs vibration well, reducing elbow strain—a blessing for new players developing technique.
Real Player Insight:
One of our new members, Sarah, who picked up a paddle just three weeks ago, said this about the RC2:
“I was surprised how easy it was to control the ball. Even if I didn’t hit it perfectly, the paddle helped keep it in play. It’s light, responsive, and gave me the confidence to stick with it.”
During testing, the RC2 helped players execute dinks and soft shots at the kitchen line with ease. It’s especially helpful for those still learning shot placement, as it doesn’t punish mishits too harshly.
Intermediate: Standout CF3 16 CONTROL Paddle
Best For: Players progressing beyond social play, Club-level competitors
Paddle Overview:
Once you’ve got the basics down and are hungry for more control and consistency, the CF3 16 CONTROL steps up to the challenge. It’s a serious paddle with premium build quality designed to help you master finesse play.
Key Benefits:
- T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Face: This paddle face delivers unmatched spin and control. Players will notice the ball “gripping” the surface, ideal for soft dinks and roll volleys.
- 16mm Control Core: The thicker core dampens vibration and gives more control on resets and third-shot drops.
- Balanced Weight: Slightly heavier than the RC2, but the weight distribution is perfect—providing stability at the net without feeling clunky.
Real Player Insight:
Our regular competition player Chris, said after his first week with the CF3:
“I usually struggle with my soft game; however, my drops and dinks felt way more precise. I was placing shots exactly where I wanted. It felt like an extension of my hand.”
From fast hands battles at the net to long dink rallies, the CF3 CONTROL helps you dominate the kitchen line and reset under pressure. Spin lovers will also appreciate the textured face—it’s a big upgrade for topspin serves and slicing returns.
PRO: Standout CF4 POWER NXT GEN Paddle
Best For: Tournament players and pros, Aggressive baseliners & Power hitters
Paddle Overview:
Ready to take on the pros? The CF4 POWER NXT GEN is the paddle for competitive players who want aggressive performance and unmatched explosiveness. It’s the most technologically advanced paddle in the Standout lineup—and it delivers serious firepower.
Key Benefits:
- Next-Gen T700+ Raw Carbon Face: Enhanced surface texture delivers elite spin potential while keeping your drives laser-accurate.
- Pulse foam technology: Specifically engineered for maximum energy transfer, this core gives you blistering pace on overheads, serves, and speed-ups.
- Optimised Swing Weight: It’s slightly heavier than the others, but built for quick acceleration and pop.
Pro Player Insight:
SOMER DALLA-BONA, a competitive Pro level player ranked in the top 5 in Australia, uses this exact same paddle with her own SDB signature paddle, colour way & version now available
If this paddle performs well for the pros, it’s certainly a paddle worth trying if you’re looking to take your game to that next level.
Standout Pickleball Paddle Comparison
| Paddle Name | Skill Level | Weight | Face Material | Core Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standout RC2 Paddle | Beginner | ~230g (7.9 – 8.1 oz) | Fiberglass Face | Polypropylene Honeycomb |
| Standout CF3 16 CONTROL Paddle | Intermediate to Advanced | ~233g (7.8 – 8.3 oz) | Raw Carbon Fiber (T700) | 16mm Polypropylene Core |
| Standout CF4 POWER NXT GEN Paddle | Advanced to Pro | ~235g (7.8 – 8.3 oz) | Raw Carbon Fiber (T700+) | NEXT GEN Pulse core |
Standout Pickleball Paddle Review
Standout Pickleball is about more than just gear… It’s about building a better experience for Aussie players. These paddles were designed with precision, and whether you’re training for your first game or looking to dominate your next tournament, there’s a Standout paddle that will help you shine.
Keep an eye on The Pickleball Collective socials & site for exclusive deals, paddle demo days, and more using the Standout Pickleball range.
