Oliver Pickleball Paddles for 2026 review and details
Oliver Pickleball Paddles Guide (2026): Features, Materials, Weight, Shape & Playing Style
If you’re comparing Oliver pickleball paddles and you want a clear breakdown of what each model is built for, this guide covers the key specs and on-court feel for the most popular options in the range. We look at material, surface, shape, design, playing style, weight, and balance so you can judge which pickleball paddle will best suit your playing style.
1) Oliver Stream-1 Lite - £135.50
The Oliver Stream-1 Lite (White/Orange) is positioned as a lightweight, agile paddle with an extended/elongated frame shape for added reach and better paddle rotation on long shots. Oliver markets it for players who want a mix of power and control in a fast-handling paddle.
Features
- Racket/Paddle material (core): PP Honeycomb (polypropylene honeycomb), 12.8 mm / 13 mm core
- Surface: Fiberglass
- Shape: Elongated / extended frame (longer reach, better rotation on longer strokes)
- Design: White/Orange colorway (Oliver also highlights it as an eye-catching design)
- Playing style: Best for players wanting a light, maneuverable paddle with spin and dynamic response; Oliver describes it as suitable for advanced players looking to step up their game
- Weight: 226 g (+/- 5 g)
- Balance: Not explicitly published by Oliver (play feel is agile/lightweight)
- Size: 406 mm length / 203 mm width
2) Oliver Stream-1 Carbon - £142.50
The Oliver Stream-1 Carbon (Black/Blue) is the more premium Stream option, built around a 4-layer carbon fiber construction and an elongated frame. Oliver positions it as a paddle for experienced players who want control, power, spin, and precision in one setup.
Features
- Racket/Paddle material (core): PP Honeycomb, 12.8 mm / 13 mm core
- Surface: Carbon (Oliver also highlights a 4-layer carbon fiber system)
- Shape: Elongated / extended frame (Oliver specifies 419 mm length and extended reach)
- Design: Black/Blue colorway
- Playing style: Strong fit for advanced / experienced players focused on precision, spin, and performance
- Weight: 226 g (+/- 5 g)
- Balance: Not explicitly published by Oliver (described as lightweight and high-control)
- Size: 419 mm length / 190 mm width
3) Oliver Stream-1 Black/White - £117.50
The Oliver Stream-1 model is sold in multiple color variants, including Black/White (and White/Black). This is the non-Carbon Stream model and is designed as a control-and-performance paddle with an elongated frame and a thicker honeycomb core. The Black/White version uses the same construction/spec platform as the Stream-1 variant listing.
Features
- Racket/Paddle material (core): Honeycomb core, 15.5 mm / 16 mm (Oliver lists “Honeycomb / 15.5 mm”)
- Surface: Fiberglass (Oliver also mentions a textured poly finish in the description)
- Shape: Elongated frame (Oliver highlights extended reach and powerful hits)
- Design: Black/White variant available (alongside White/Black)
- Playing style: Aimed at advanced players seeking control, power, and spin, with a slightly thicker core for feel and durability
- Weight: 232 g (+/- 5 g)
- Balance: Not explicitly published by Oliver (marketed as a control/performance paddle)
- Size: 419 mm length / 190 mm width
4) Oliver Phantom 200 - £68.95
The Oliver Phantom 200 (Black/Grey) is a beginner-friendly pickleball paddle built for easy handling and casual play. Oliver describes it as reliable, comfortable, and fun for new players or anyone just trying pickleball.
Features
- Racket/Paddle material (core): PP Honeycomb, 12.8 mm core
- Surface: Fiberglass (Oliver also describes a sturdy fiberglass frame)
- Shape: Standard/all-round shape (398 mm x 200 mm footprint) geared for easy handling
- Design: Black/Grey clean, simple design
- Playing style: Best for beginners and casual players, relaxed matches, and first training sessions
- Weight: 220 g (+/- 5 g)
- Balance: Not explicitly published by Oliver (described as comfortable and easy to maneuver)
- Size: 398 mm length / 200 mm width
5) Oliver Rio Wave - £92.50
The Oliver Rio Wave is a versatile, value-focused paddle aimed primarily at beginners and casual players, with a lightweight feel, fiberglass face, and easy control. Oliver offers multiple color variants (including blue and purple options).
Features
- Racket/Paddle material (core): PP Honeycomb, 12.8 mm core
- Surface: Fiberglass
- Shape: Standard/all-round shape (398 mm x 200 mm) for easy handling and control
- Design: Offered in Blue and Purple variants (Oliver highlights a modern, eye-catching look)
- Playing style: Great for beginners, casual games, and players who prioritize easy control and comfort
- Weight: 220 g (+/- 5 g)
- Balance: Not explicitly published by Oliver (described as lightweight and easy to handle)
- Size: 398 mm length / 200 mm width
6) Oliver Delta XL - £142.50
The Oliver Delta XL (Black/White) is a more performance-oriented paddle in the Delta family, built with a carbon surface, honeycomb core, and a large sweet spot. Oliver clearly positions it for competitive / experienced players.
Features
- Racket/Paddle material (core): Honeycomb core, 12.8 mm (Oliver “Core/size: Honeycomb / 12.8 mm”)
- Surface: Carbon (Oliver also mentions a 4-layer carbon fiber system and textured poly finish)
- Shape: Wide-body style with a large sweet spot (406 mm x 203 mm)
- Design: Black/White (image alt text also references black with grey/red detailing)
- Playing style: Best for competitive play, especially players wanting stability, spin, and net-shot precision
- Weight: 226 g (+/- 5 g)
- Balance: Not explicitly published by Oliver (described as light yet stable)
- Size: 406 mm length / 203 mm width
7) Oliver Delta XL Lite- £137.50
The Oliver Delta XL Lite (Purple/Pink) is the easier-swinging Delta option, combining a fiberglass face with a 13 mm PP honeycomb core. Oliver presents it as a multi-level paddle (beginner to advanced) with an emphasis on maneuverability and comfort.
Features
- Racket/Paddle material (core): PP Honeycomb, 12.8 mm / 13 mm core
- Surface: Fiberglass
- Shape: Delta XL shape / wider-body style with 406 mm x 203 mm dimensions
- Design: Purple/Pink colorway
- Playing style: Good for all skill levels, especially players who want light handling, control, and spin
- Weight: 220 g (+/- 5 g)
- Balance: Not explicitly published by Oliver (play feel is light/agile)
- Size: 406 mm length / 203 mm width
8) Oliver Delta XL Control - £137.50
The Oliver Delta XL Control (White/Grey) is built for players who want a more controlled response from the Delta series. Oliver highlights its thicker 16 mm PP honeycomb core, fiberglass surface, and textured finish for a balanced control/power profile.
Features
- Racket/Paddle material (core): PP Honeycomb, 15.5 mm / 16 mm core
- Surface: Fiberglass (with textured poly finish mentioned in the description)
- Shape: Delta XL shape / wider-body profile, 406 mm x 203 mm
- Design: White/Grey colorway
- Playing style: Best for players prioritizing technique, control, versatility, and spin, including fast rallies and all-round play
- Weight: 226 g (+/- 5 g)
- Balance: Not explicitly published by Oliver (Oliver describes the playing profile as a balanced control/power setup)
- Size: 406 mm length / 203 mm width
Quick Buying Guide: Which Oliver Pickleball Paddle Fits Your Game?
- Best for beginners: Phantom 200 or Rio Wave (both are easy to handle, fiberglass-faced, and around 220 g).
- Best lightweight all-round option: Delta XL Lite (220 g, fiberglass, maneuverable, all-skill-level positioning).
- Best control-oriented Delta: Delta XL Control (thicker 16 mm core, control/power blend).
- Best competitive carbon option: Delta XL (carbon surface, large sweet spot, spin-focused competitive positioning).
- Best elongated performance paddle: Stream-1 Carbon (elongated frame, carbon face, advanced player focus).
- Best elongated fiberglass option: Stream-1 Lite or Stream-1 Black/White depending whether you want lighter/livelier feel vs thicker-core Stream-1 feel.
The Oliver pickleball paddle lineup covers everything from beginner-friendly paddles like the Oliver Phantom 200 and Oliver Rio Wave to advanced options such as the Oliver Stream-1 Carbon, Oliver Stream-1 Black/White, and the Delta XL series. Across the range, Oliver uses PP honeycomb cores with either fiberglass or carbon surfaces, with paddle weights mostly in the 220–232 g range and shape profiles split between elongated Stream models and wider Delta/Rio/Phantom silhouettes.