Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. Originating on Bainbridge Island, WA in 1965, pickleball has exploded in popularity across the country over the last decade. The sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It can be played as singles or doubles on a badminton sized court with a lower net using a wiffle ball and paddles. Pickleball is a great sport for all ages and skill levels. It provides an excellent low-impact aerobic workout while also helping improve coordination, reflexes, and mobility.
With the growth of pickleball, there are now numerous paddle brands and models to choose from. Helium is one of the more popular budget-friendly pickleball paddle brands. They offer a range of fiberglass and graphite composite paddles designed for beginners to experienced players. We evaluated several of Helium’s top-selling pickleball paddle sets to provide detailed helium pickleball paddle review on performance, construction quality, value, and ideal playing levels.
Helium Versus Pickleball Paddle
The Helium Versus is an affordable beginner level fiberglass pickleball paddle set. It includes 4 paddles, 4 balls and a carrying bag, providing everything needed for singles or doubles play.
Construction & Materials
The Versus pickleball paddles have a lightweight honeycomb polymer core with a fiberglass composite face. The edges are protected by a guard to prevent chipping and cracking. The paddles measure approximately 15.9” x 7.75” providing a decent sweet spot and surface area for control.
The grip is 4.5 inches in circumference and made of a perforated sweat-absorbent polymer. It provides a comfortable, non-slip hold even during extended play sessions.
At 7.7 ounces, the Versus paddles have a nice lightweight feel. The fiberglass face and polymer core give a good balance of power and control for beginner to intermediate players. The paddles have USAPA approval for sanctioned pickleball tournaments.
Performance & Playability
We found the Helium Versus paddles performed admirably for a budget paddle set. The fiberglass face offered decent pop and responsiveness on shots. It provided good touch and control on volleys and dinks near the net. The paddles felt comfortable and balanced in hand.
The larger sweet spot helped provide some forgiveness on off-center hits. The lightweight honeycomb core gave the paddles enough heft to generate solid power on ground strokes and serves while still being maneuverable.
The grip maintained a secure hold even during intense volley exchanges. The Versus paddles held up well during aggressive spikes and smashes, as the faces absorbed impact without damage.
Overall, the Helium Versus paddles allow beginners to develop solid fundamental stroke techniques while still offering enough control for intermediate players working on placement and strategy during games. The larger grip size may be too big for players with smaller hands, especially juniors and women.
- Very affordable at under $25 per paddle
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Forgiving fiberglass construction good for beginners
- Provides decent pop and control
- Carrying case and balls included
- Limits finesse and touch versus graphite paddles
- Grip size may be too large for some players
- Not ideal for advanced tournament play
Value & Cost
The Versus paddles offer very good bang for your buck performance-wise. While serious or aspiring tournament players will eventually need a higher quality graphite paddle, the Versus set allows new players to experience quality pickleball gear at an affordable price point. The 2-year warranty provides decent protection against manufacturer defects.
Conclusion
The Helium Versus paddle set earns our recommendation as a top value choice for beginners. The durable fiberglass paddles provide forgiving performance to help build skills and court strategy. The included accessories and carrying bag make this an ideal set for groups or families. While the grip size may be an issue for smaller players, the Versus paddles deliver responsive playability at a very affordable cost.
Ideal For:
- Beginners learning fundamentals
- Intermediate players working on control
- Recreational games
- Groups/families
Helium Patriot Pickleball Paddles
The Helium Patriot paddle set includes 4 fiberglass composite pickleball paddles designed for novice to intermediate players. The USAPA approved paddles come with 4 balls and a carrying case.
- Graphite fiberglass face generates more control and power in each swing.
- Polypropylene honeycomb core makes the paddle lightweight and reduces arm fatigue.
- Strike the optimal balance of power and control with the dynamic Patriot pickleball paddle.
Construction & Materials
Like the Versus, the Patriot paddles have a lightweight polymer honeycomb core surrounded by a forgiving fiberglass face. However, the Patriot paddles are slightly wider providing a surface area of 15.9” x 7.75” for improved reach and hitting sweet spot.
The durable fiberglass face adds a bit more power and pop without sacrificing much control. The edge guard protects the rims from cracking. The perforated polymer grip helps absorb sweat and provides a comfortable secure hold.
Weighing in at 8 ounces, the Patriot paddles feel nicely balanced and maneuverable in hand. While not as lightweight as more expensive graphite options, the fiberglass construction keeps them from feeling too heavy or bulky for newer players learning proper technique and footwork.
Performance & Playability
During play tests, the Helium Patriot paddles provided consistent performance for developing beginners, but still offered enough touch and control for intermediate players. The wider face increased the sweet spot for cleaner hits across a larger surface area.
We found the Patriot paddles had a little more power and pop on ground strokes and serves versus the Versus paddles. But the fiberglass face still provided enough touch for good feel on finesse shots like dinks, drops and blocks near the non-volley zone.
The secure grip allowed for stable volley exchanges at the net. The paddles remained comfortable even during longer rallies thanks to the perforated sweat-absorbent polymer grip. The Patriot paddles withstood aggressive spikes and smashes without compromise. The 7.75” width felt ideal for beginners learning proper grip and swing mechanics.
- Widebody design improves sweet spot
- Nice balance of power and control
- Comfortable perforated grip
- Very affordable at under $25 per paddle
- Carrying case and balls included
- Still limited versus graphite paddle performance
- Not much finesse for experienced players
- Grip size may be large for some users
Value & Cost
While the Patriot paddles will be outgrown by improving players looking for more finesse and pop from composite graphite, they allow beginners and intermediates to experience solid performance without a big upfront investment. The 2-year warranty provides decent protection against early manufacturing defects.
Conclusion
While the Helium Patriot paddles don’t offer the power and precision of high-end graphite models, the fiberglass construction provides very forgiving and responsive play for developing beginners through intermediate players. The wider design improves the sweet spot and reach. We recommend the Patriot set as a nice value option for casual play and introductory instructional programs. The included carrying case and accessories make it easy to transport and store.
Ideal For:
- Adult beginners learning fundamentals
- Intermediates working on control and placement
- Recreational and social play
- Groups and families
Helium Element Pickleball Paddle
The Helium Element pickleball set includes 4 paddles – 2 adult sized and 2 junior sized – along with 4 balls and a carry bag. This versatile set accommodates the whole family or mixed-level groups.
Construction & Materials
Both the adult and junior Element paddles share the same quality construction. The cores consists of lightweight polymer honeycomb surrounded by durable fiberglass faces for forgiveness and control.
The junior paddles measure approximately 13.88” x 7” providing an ideal size for smaller hands and developing techniques. The larger adult paddles are 16.06” x 7.87” offering improved reach and sweet spot for intermediate to advanced play.
The perforated polymer grips help absorb sweat and provide a comfortable, secure hold even during active volley exchanges. The edge guards protect the paddles from chips and cracks. At 7.8 ounces, the junior paddles are extremely lightweight and maneuverable for kids and teens. The adult paddles weigh 8.5 ounces.
Performance & Playability
We found the Helium Element junior paddles performed admirably for young beginners. The smaller grip fit comfortably in kids and teens hands, allowing proper hold and stroke mechanics. The lightweight design made it easy for them to wield the paddles smoothly and generate decent pop on returns.
The adult Element paddles provided very consistent control and power for recreational play. While competitive players may eventually want a graphite upgrade, the fiberglass Element paddles offer nice forgiveness on off-center hits and still provide enough touch for finesse shots around the net. The security and comfort of the grip stood out during intense volley exchanges.
- Includes adult and junior sized paddles
- Versatile for whole family or mixed levels
- Nice quality and value for cost
- Carrying case and balls included
- Adult paddles still limited versus graphite
- Grip size may be large for smaller hands
Value & Cost
While the adult paddles have some limitations versus higher end graphite models, they allow aspiring players to experience quality gear at an affordable cost. The junior paddles are well-constructed for safe introduction to the sport. For mixed level groups or family play, the Element set gives nice versatility and value. The 2-year warranty provides decent protection.
Conclusion
The Helium Element pickleball paddle set earns our recommendation for its versatility accommodating both junior and adult beginner/intermediate play. The youth paddles allow safe introduction to the game, while the adult sizes offer forgiving performance for recreational games. The included carry bag provides organized storage and transport. Ideal for families or mixed level groups, the Element set delivers quality construction and playability at a very affordable price point.
Ideal For:
- Youth and family recreation
- Beginner adults learning fundamentals
- Intermediate players focused on control
- Mixed level social and casual play
Helium Atmos Pickleball Paddle
The Helium Atmos pickleball paddle set includes 4 premium composite graphite paddles designed for competitive intermediate and advanced play. The USAPA-approved paddles provide excellent power, control and durability.
- High grade woven carbon fiber for better spin and control.
- Polypropylene honeycomb core is lightweight so you can generate a faster swing.
- Textured carbon surface grips the ball allowing you a faster spin when returning the pickleball.
Construction & Materials
The Atmos paddles feature a polypropylene honeycomb core surrounded by a woven carbon fiber composite face. This lightweight construction optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio for dynamic power and control demanded by experienced players.
The aerodynamic teardrop shape and optimized 16” x 8” surface area increases the sweet spot for cleaner contact and more precise ball control. The textured carbon fiber face generates excellent spin and snap on shots. The protective edge guard increases durability.
At just 8 ounces, the Atmos paddles feel extremely quick and maneuverable in hand. The 4.5 inch perforated polymer grips absorb sweat and maintain a secure, comfortable hold even during intense gameplay. The premium materials and quality control result in USAPA approval for tournament play up to the professional level.
Performance & Playability
During on-court tests, the Helium Atmos paddles lived up to their premium billing by providing the exceptional blend of power, control and responsiveness demanded by high level competitors. The lightweight graphite construction delivered very dynamic pop and superb touch on all types of returns.
The enlarged sweet spot allowed for pinpoint placement on volleys, ground strokes and serves. We were able to consistently laser angle shots with precision. The textured face generated heavy spin on serves and returns to keep opponents off balance.
The secure grip instilled confidence going after balls at full speed and extension during doubles exchanges at the net. The paddles remained comfortable and stable even during long, intense rallies and rapid fire volley exchanges. The protection and durability provided peace of mind during aggressive spikes and blocks.
- Graphite face provides excellent pop and control
- Enlarged sweet spot and optimized surface
- Very good value versus other graphite brands
- Carrying case and balls included
- Higher cost than fiberglass models
- Still not as premium as $150+ graphite paddles
- Small grip size for players with large hands
Value & Cost
The performance, quality and durability of the Atmos paddles rival significantly more expensive models from other top composite pickleball brands. For intermediate players looking to elevate their game or experienced tournament competitors, the Atmos set delivers pro-level playability at an accessible price point, well under $100 per paddle.
Conclusion
We highly recommend the Helium Atmos paddles for competitive and aspiring tournament players seeking a high performance graphite paddle at an affordable cost. The aerodynamic design, premium materials and quality manufacturing allow the Atmos to rival paddles costing much more from other leading brands. The included accessories and case provide nice added value. Backed by a 1-year warranty, the Atmos set earns our top recommendation for intermediate and advanced players ready to elevate their games with a proven graphite paddle.
Ideal For:
- Intermediate players ready for graphite paddle
- Tournament and competitive players
- Advanced recreational games
- Aspiring professionals
Helium Paragon Pickleball Paddles
The Helium Paragon paddle set provides 4 quality fiberglass composite paddles designed for beginner and intermediate players. The set includes paddles, balls and a carrying case.
Construction & Materials
The Paragon paddles feature a lightweight polymer honeycomb core surrounded by a forgiving fiberglass composite face. The durable fiberglass construction strikes a nice balance of power and control for developing players.
At 15.9” x 7.75”, the Paragon paddles have a decently sized sweet spot and surface area for improved reach and contact. The edge guard helps protect the rims from cracking or chipping damage.
The 4.5” circumference grip provides a secure, comfortable hold during play. It absorbs sweat to maintain stability. At 8 ounces, the Paragon paddles have a nice lightweight feel for maneuvering while still providing enough heft for ground stroke power. The quality manufacturing achieves USAPA approval.
Performance & Playability
We found the Helium Paragon paddles offered very consistent playability and forgiveness, making them ideal for new players learning proper technique and footwork. While limiting the finesse and pop of advanced graphite paddles, the Paragon models provided nice balance between touch, control and power.
The Paragon paddles offered enough stability and pop on serves, along with decent touch on volleys near the net. Ground strokes had enough depth and pace to remain competitive during rallies and games. The enlarged sweet spot increased forgiveness on off-center hits.
The grip maintained a stable hold even when forced well outside the core hitting zone on reach shots. The Paragon paddles withstood aggressive spikes and blocks without compromise to the face or edges. The 7.75” width provided a comfortable swing path for building proper mechanics.
- Forgiving fiberglass good for beginners
- Comfortable perforated grip
- Nice balance of power and touch
- Excellent value at around $25 per paddle
- Carrying case and balls included
- Lacks precision and finesse of graphite
- Grip may be too large for smaller hands
- Not ideal for competitive tournament play
Value & Cost
While the Paragon paddles have some limitations versus higher end graphite models, the value provided makes them ideal for beginners and intermediates focused on building skills and strategy through enjoyable recreational play. The 2-year warranty provides decent protection against early manufacturer defects.
Conclusion
The Helium Paragon pickleball paddle set earns our recommendation as a top value fiberglass option for developing beginners through intermediate players. The quality construction materials offer nice pop, control and forgiveness to help build fundamentals without the high cost of graphite paddles. The included accessories provide nice added value. For casual play and introductory instruction, the Paragon set delivers proven performance and durability at an accessible price point.
Ideal For:
- Adult beginners learning fundamentals
- Intermediates working on control and placement
- Budget-friendly recreational and social play
- Value-focused schools and instructors
FAQs
Helium uses both fiberglass and graphite composites in their paddles. Their fiberglass models like the Versus and Patriot have a polymer honeycomb core surrounded by fiberglass faces. The graphite paddles like the Atmos feature aerospace grade carbon fiber faces for maximum pop and control.
Most Helium paddles are traditional oval or teardrop heads, measuring approximately 15.5 to 16 inches long by 7.5 to 8 inches wide. They offer grip circumferences of 4.5 inches as standard. The Element set also includes smaller junior paddles with smaller grips.
With both fiberglass and graphite models, Helium paddles accommodate every skill level. Fiberglass choices like the Paragon suit new beginners, while their graphite Atmos line serves intermediate to advanced tournament players.
Most Helium paddle sets include 4 paddles, 4 outdoor balls, and a carrying case. This provides everything needed for doubles or singles play. The Element set also includes smaller junior paddles.
Summary
Pickleball’s popularity has exploded thanks to growing interest across a wide range of ages and skill levels attracted to the sport’s fun, social and competitive attributes. As more new players look to buy gear, Helium has emerged as a leading value brand offering quality pickleball paddles for every type of player.
Their versatile lineup includes the Versus and Patriot fiberglass models, providing forgiveness and control for developing beginners. The Element set accommodates both youth and adult recreational play. The premium Atmos graphite paddles deliver pro-level performance for aspiring competitors. And the Paragon paddles give beginners tournament-approved quality at an affordable price.
Helium pickleball paddles earn strong marks for consistent construction quality and playability across their diverse lineup. By focusing on proven fiberglass and graphite technologies rather than overhyped innovations, Helium paddles deliver excellent performance relative to cost. The included accessories and carrying cases provide nice added value for the money.
For new players looking for quality gear that won’t break the bank or need constant replacement as skills improve, Helium pickleball paddles present a very attractive option to get started and elevate your game over time. Their paddles hold up well under daily recreational use while offering forgiving playability to help build skills and strategy with confidence. We happily recommend Helium as a brand to consider for any pickleball player or group.
I am a professional physiotherapist and the author of the BallSportsPro. I worked with athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional, and i helped them overcome injuries and improve their performance. I am a certified Pickleball instructor and has been playing the sport for over 10 years.