Best Pickleball Paddles

Are you looking for the best pickleball paddle you can buy in 2025? What I’ve learned from acquiring over 60 pickleball paddles valued at nearly $5,000 and starting my own pickleball paddle brand is that a great paddle can help you win games or lose them.

Your pickleball paddle is the most important tool on the court.

So, whether you are just about to play your first game or whether you’ve been an advanced player for the last 10 years, here are my picks for the best pickleball paddles in 2025, including my full reviews, playability and cost considerations. Here’s an overview picture that helps you see the size differences between the best pickleball paddles.

Just a heads up, I do not want to put ads on my website, so this article may contain affiliate links that help support my writing. Please see our affiliate policy for additional details.

Best Overall

The Joola Ben Johns CFS 16MM is the best pickleball paddle (Read my full review).

I want to have a real, honest discussion just how special this Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle is. When you start having a more successful blog, you start getting companies reaching out to have you test its paddles.

These companies also offer affiliate links that can be very lucrative, often offering the writer up to $30 per purchase for premium paddles.

While it could be easy for me to say that those paddles are the best paddle, I would rather hold my ground that this is the best paddle even though the Amazon commission from a sale pales in comparison.

I say this because the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm is just that special. I have used the more expensive Joola Hyperion Perseus 3s multiple times, and it’s a great paddle, but it’s also over $100 more. I am sure I will also test the new Joola IV series in the near future, but it’s hard to beat a paddle that Ben Johns previously used, which is an incredible paddle at an insane value.

The runner ups for the top spot are the Mach 2 Forza and the Bread and Butter Shogun.

Features

Here are the feature specifications per Joola for this paddle. 

Source: Joola

This Paddle Is Best For

I would argue that this paddle is best for players 3.0+ as this is an intermediate and advanced player paddle. That said, if you are a beginner pickleball player with a tennis background, you would not do poorly with this paddle.

You may get a slightly more elongated paddle, but the Joola Ben Johns CFS 16mm is an excellent paddle.

Playability

The Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS has one of the most forgiving and responsive sweet spots. It’s especially well-suited for players ranging from intermediate 3.5 levels up through high-level 6.0+ DUPR players. The blend of pop and control helps you place the ball exactly where you want it on the court.

Since I play a lot of singles, I really value the paddle’s grip. The elongated handle and perforated, anti-slip ridge grip give me great traction, while also reducing vibration—perfect for long rallies and hard drives.

If you hit two-handed backhands like I do, this paddle makes them feel super natural and stable.

The Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) gives the face a gritty texture, thanks to the Carbon-Flex5 technology. The added spin it creates is noticeable right away.

I also appreciated the aerodynamic curve of the paddle. It noticeably increased my swing speed and helped cut through the air with less resistance, which definitely made a difference in faster-paced exchanges.

Another feature that stands out is the carbon-forged handle. It delivers a solid, connected feel while adding some extra power behind each shot. And that Hyperform edge wall? It really works. I felt more stability and a wider sweet spot, especially on off-center hits.

Cost

The final reason I love the Ben Johns CFS 16mm is that the paddle is well priced and a huge value for what you are getting for a slightly older model. You can drop $280+ or more on the most expensive paddle, but I’ve used the Perseus 3 and will soon try the Joola IV generation, and I believe that the Ben Johns CFS 16mm is often in the $160-$175 range and a total steal for the value.

Best Budget

The Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control is the best budget pickleball paddle (Read my full review).

Right off the bat, I really liked the design of the Doctor Surgical Control pickleball paddle. It has a clean look, and the heartbeat line in the center is a fun nod to the brand’s medical theme.

The name is clever too- control is key in surgery, and it fits this paddle’s purpose perfectly.

What makes this paddle stand out right away is its thickness. At 20mm, it’s noticeably thicker than most paddles, which gives it excellent control. You can really see that extra thickness from the side.

It’s also a bit heavier, coming in at 8.5 ounces. I’ll talk more about this in the playability section, but switching from a 14mm to a 20mm paddle definitely changes your hand speed. In my experience, thinner paddles tend to hit harder but are harder to control.

My first impression was really positive, but of course, what really matters is how it performs on the court.

Playability

This paddle plays just as well as it looks. Even though it’s marketed as a control paddle, I found it gave me a nice mix of spin and power too.

Control

I’ve been impressed with how much control I have using this paddle. To really test it, I played a few games with a friend who’s around a 4.0 DUPR level.

Game 1: I started with a cheap $10 paddle and lost 11-6.
Game 2: Switched to an $80 carbon fiber weave paddle and barely won 12-10.
Game 3: Played with my go-to paddle—the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS—and won 11-8.
Game 4: I brought out the Doctor Surgical Control… and had my best game yet, winning 11-3.

During that game, I felt totally in control of my shots. The paddle’s surface has a good amount of grit, and the thicker core helped me place the ball exactly where I wanted it.

Spin

Even though it’s designed for control, the paddle still gives plenty of spin. One of my favorite serves is a side spin from the right side that curves to the far corner—this paddle nailed it.

The surface texture isn’t as gritty as some of my other paddles, but it still has enough bite to put some serious spin on the ball.

Power

I was a little worried the thick 20mm core might reduce power, but it didn’t. I still got strong, solid hits on my serves and returns.

I think the slightly heavier weight helps generate more pop, even if your swing speed slows a little. Overall, the power felt just right.

Paddle Features

Here’s a quick look at the key features, based on Doctor’s Pickleball:

• 20mm Core: Great for players who want more control and a larger sweet spot.
• Carbon Fiber Face: Gives good spin without sacrificing power.
• Edge Guard: Protects the paddle and adds stability.
• Comfort Grip: Moisture-wicking and non-slip, ideal for long matches.
• Balanced Shape: 16.5″ long, 7.4″ wide, and about 7.9 ounces, easy to maneuver.

Cost

Recently, this paddle is priced under $70. What’s nice is you can buy it through their website and still get Amazon Prime shipping. Best of both worlds.

Check the current price below to see if it’s still under $70, you might be able to grab a great deal.

Best Under $75

The Roore Coronado Titanium Carbon Fiber Weave is the best pickleball paddle under $75 (Read my full review).

In my opinion, Roore makes one of the best-looking pickleball paddles out there. The design reminds me of a topographic map of the ocean that is clean, unique, and really eye-catching.

Also, this brand is from San Diego where I lived for 4 years during university, so what’s not to love about that.

Playability

A paddle can look amazing, but what matters most is how it performs on the court.

Control

Right away, I noticed how well I could control the ball with this paddle. In my first few games using it, I won easily, and I’m still undefeated with it so far!

I felt confident in every part of my game: serves, drops, dinks, and drives. It gave me exactly what I needed, shot after shot.

Spin

The spin was another standout. I played a session recently where I lost game one 11-6 using a different paddle against a strong 4.0 player. I switched to the Roore Coronado for the second game and came back to win 12-10.

That carbon fiber surface really helps grip the ball. I was able to hit spin serves that curved into the corners, forcing my opponent onto their backhand, just how I planned it.

Power

A lot of paddles give you either control or spin—but lack power. That’s not the case here.

The Roore paddle gives you all three. I tested the power mostly on my serves and forehand returns, and it held up beautifully. I had no problem putting pace on the ball when I needed it.

In short? Solid performance all around.

Cost

I reached out to Roore, and they were kind enough to offer a 10% discount code just for my readers!

If you want to try one of their paddles, you can use the code bepickleballer at checkout. It also helps support this site, as I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. That said, no pressure at all to use it.

If you prefer Amazon, you can check the price on Amazon as well.

Best Under $100

The Vatic Pro Prism Flash is the best pickleball paddle under $100 (Read my full review).

This is such a classic paddle, so I purchased the Flash 14mm and 16mm paddles recently. I played the same opponent with each one. I won both games with the Vatic Pro paddles: 14mm (12-10) and 16mm (11-9). But got smoked using a ~$200 paddle with final score was 11-2. Ouch.

Based on my experience (and research), Vatic Pro is hands down the best pickleball paddle you can get under $100. These paddles are now in my regular rotation, right alongside my Joola Hyperion Ben Johns and Volair Forza 2.

Playability

Control

I usually lean toward control over power and speed. The Vatic Pro Prism 16mm takes the edge here—thicker cores absorb the ball more on contact, giving you that softer, more precise feel.

Interestingly, both the 14mm and 16mm versions of the Prism Flash have a similar sweet spot, which isn’t always the case with 14mm paddles. Most 14mm paddles have smaller sweet spots and require more finesse, but here, control feels just as sharp on both.

Speed

The 14mm version can weigh up to half an ounce less than the 16mm, and that matters.

That lighter weight gives you quicker hands, faster reactions, and an edge in fast-paced exchanges. It also makes it easier to adjust mid-shot, especially at the net.

Spin

For spin, the 14mm is the winner in my book. Its thinner face grips the ball better, giving you more spin potential.

I can still get spin with the 16mm, but it doesn’t feel quite as grippy or sharp as the 14mm.

Power

The 14mm feels more powerful to me—thanks to its pop and better aerodynamics. It’s got that quick-fire energy advanced players love.

That said, the 16mm is heavier, so it feels like it hits harder. But that’s more controlled weight than explosive pop. If you’re a 4.0+ player, the 14mm might give you the kind of power you’re really after

Features

Here are these paddles features  from the Vatic Pro website for both of these paddles.

• Surface – Raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber with heat-compressed texturing 
• Unibody Foam injects walls for an increased sweet spot and added control
• Average Weight  16mm – 7.9 – 8.2oz
• Average Weight 14mm – 7.7-7.9oz
• Total Length – 16.3 Inches
• Width – 7.7 Inches
• Grip Circumference – 4.125 Inches
• Grip Length – 5.3 Inches (elongated for 2-hand backhands)
• Grip has 2 polyurethane inserts to reduce shock and help with tennis elbow
• Core – Optimized C7 Polymers and high-grade performance honeycomb
• Core Thickness – 16mm
• Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU

Cost

The paddle is already $99.99, but you can get this paddle for  $89.99 after using the bepickleballer discount code. In my opinion, it’s worth every penny, especially as it comes with a nice paddle cover for free.

If you prefer, check the price on Amazon below.

Best Beginner

The Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control is the best beginner pickleball paddle (Read my full review).

When I chose the best beginner paddle, control is my top priority. Power comes later as your game develops, but in the beginning, it’s all about learning where the ball is going and placing your shots with accuracy.

The Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control Paddle delivers exactly that. It just launched in 2025 and brings some cool new tech to the table.

One standout feature is its 20mm thickness, thicker than your typical 14mm or 16mm paddle. That extra thickness adds control and touch, making it easier to develop your game and build confidence faster.

Cost

While I know this paddle also ranked best budget paddle, I still feel that this is the best beginner paddle out there as well, considering the paddle is under $50 on Amazon and provides what few beginner paddles provide which is the 20mm paddle thickness.

In addition, this paddle has T700 carbon fiber, which I prefer given the ability to spin and control the ball

Best Intermediate

The JOOLA Ben Johns CFS 16MM is the best intermediate pickleball paddle (Read my review).

When you’re ready to move beyond beginner paddles, choosing the best intermediate paddle becomes all about finding the right mix of control, power, and spin. Here’s a picture of an array of the top intermediate paddles.

At this stage, your game is improving, and you need a paddle that keeps up with your faster reaction times, more consistent shots, and growing strategy on the court.

Here are the key features I look for in the best intermediate paddle:

• Balanced Performance: A paddle that offers both control and power is ideal. You want to feel confident dropping shots at the net, but also be able to rip a passing shot when needed
• Core Thickness:  Most intermediate players do well with a 14mm or 16mm core. A 16mm paddle offers more control, while 14mm gives a bit more pop.
• High-Quality Face Material: Carbon fiber or raw carbon paddles give you excellent spin and a clean, controlled feel on contact.
• Comfortable Grip: A grip that fits your hand well helps with touch shots and avoids unnecessary wrist strain

I know that the JOOLA Ben Johns CFS 16mm is the best overall pickleball paddle in 2025, but it also ranks as the top intermediate paddle.

What This Paddle Offers:

The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16mm paddle is an excellent choice for intermediate players because it delivers a well-rounded mix of control, power, and spin. Its 16mm core gives you a softer, more controlled feel, perfect for dinks, resets, and precise placement while still packing enough punch for hard drives and passing shots. The paddle’s balance makes it easy to transition between soft touch at the net and aggressive baseline play, which is exactly what developing players need as their game evolves.

What really sets this paddle apart is its high-quality Carbon Friction Surface, which grips the ball for better spin and adds consistency to every shot. The handle is also designed for comfort, with a soft, tacky grip that feels secure and absorbs impact, reducing hand fatigue. 

I tested other paddles and came back to this paddle, and found how amazing each of these features offer.

Cost

As stated above, you can often find the Joola Ben Johns CFS 16mm in the $150-$175 range on Amazon.

Best Advanced

The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S is the best pickleball paddle for advanced players (Read my full review).

The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S 16mm paddle is an incredible paddle.  Used by top pros like Ben Johns and Fed Strakrud in recent tournament play, the Perseus 3S has quickly climbed back to the #1 spot among competitive paddles. This model was designed with elite players in mind and brings a noticeable upgrade in playability, precision, and feel compared to earlier generations like the Hyperion CFS.

I’ve tested the Perseus 3S paddle myself, and it’s a completely different beast. It blends spin and control beautifully, with just enough power to put balls away when it counts. With the recent ban of the Gen 3 paddles, many believe JOOLA created the Perseus 3S to deliver pro-level performance while remaining fully UPA-A certified.

Playability

Control

If you’re a control-first player, you’ll love how the 3S Propulsion Core performs. The thicker 16mm core helps absorb pace, giving you excellent touch on dinks, resets, and drops. What sets it apart is how consistent the paddle feels, even on off-center hits. JOOLA clearly engineered the paddle to prioritize precision, and you can feel that reliability during high-pressure points.

Power

While the Perseus 3S isn’t a full-blown power paddle, it absolutely delivers when you need to rip a passing shot or add depth to your drives. The Charged Carbon Surface gives it a crisp pop that’s noticeably different from older models like the Hyperion CFS. Combined with the 16mm core’s stability, the paddle gives you power without sacrificing control, whic I appreciate

Spin

This paddle grips the ball exceptionally well. JOOLA’s Charged Carbon tech creates a surface that generates elite-level spin, which is a huge plus if you like to shape your shots or mix in heavy topspin. Whether it’s a spin serve or a third-shot drop with bite, the Perseus 3S gives you the confidence to swing freely.

Cost 

As of now, the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S 16mm paddle retails around $249, which puts it at the premium end of the market. That said, for players looking to match the gear used by the world’s top pros, the price reflects its build quality and on-court performance. 

Best for Control

The Warping Point Grasp Control is the best pickleball paddle for control (Read my full review). Before I begin, I love the unboxing experience of the Warping Point paddle, so I wanted to include a quick video for you to watch.

Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a control-focused paddle, especially after loving the feel of the Warping Point Ascent Control and the Grasp Balance paddles.

This one absolutely delivered. It’s seriously one of the best paddles I’ve ever played with when it comes to control. I’ve gone 5-0 using it so far, and honestly, I’ve never felt more dialed in with ball placement. It just gives you that extra confidence to hit your spots.

Playability

The control on this paddle is honestly out of control—so let’s start there.

Control

The 20mm thickness gives this paddle a super steady, controlled feel. That extra-thick core helps absorb shock and gives you a generous sweet spot. In my last three games, I only missed one serve, and I was consistently landing serves deep on the baseline some even earned me points outright.

The 4.125” grip really stood out, too. It let me move my hand more freely, which gave me better control on quick flicks and directional shots. I also found myself placing deep returns right on my opponent’s backhand on purpose, and it felt amazing.

One underrated feature? The length. At 6’3″, I was able to reach and control two balls I probably would’ve missed with a shorter paddle. It made a real difference.

Power

Now, with a core this thick, you’d expect to lose some power, and yes, it’s not a pure power paddle. But honestly, I didn’t feel like I lost that much. I was still cracking strong serves to the baseline and driving the ball when needed.

For me, the extra control easily outweighs any slight drop in power. The tradeoff is absolutely worth it.

Spin

Spin was another pleasant surprise. The raw T700 carbon fiber surface, paired with a teflon-like coating, gives the paddle a nice gritty texture. I was spinning serves with sidespin and hitting topspin returns that dipped just out of reach.

For a control paddle, it brings more than enough spin to keep your opponent guessing. The ball grip is real, and it shows up in game play.

Cost

The Warping Point Grasp Control paddle normally goes for under $135, but with the code bepickleballer, you can grab it for under $110.

That kind of pricing for this level of control? I’m pumped about it. Easily one of the best value paddles I’ve tried in the control category.

Unfortunately, Warping Point does not sell this paddle on Amazon.

Best for Spin

The Volair Mach 2 Forza is the best pickleball paddle for spin (Read my full review).

You know that feeling when you’re waiting for something in the mail, and when it finally shows up, it feels like Christmas morning?

That’s exactly how I felt opening the sleek Volair Mach 2 Forza box for the first time. I mean, check out this video and tell me you are not impressed.

The unboxing alone was a blast, but the paddle itself? Even better. The spin I was able to get off this thing is wild. It seriously bites the ball in a way most paddles just don’t. That’s exactly why I’d say the Volair Mach 2 Forza is hands-down one of the best pickleball paddles for spin.

Playability

The unboxing experience was awesome, but the real magic happened on the court. I’ve played with a lot of paddles, but I’d never pulled off going 4-0 in one day, including beating two competitive friends in back-to-back singles matches.

That all changed with the Volair Mach 2 Forza.

Spin

As soon as I opened the box and saw “Time to Unleash Your Spin Potential,” I knew spin was going to be a big part of this paddle’s identity. The wide body provides an amazing spin.

Thankfully, it lived up to the hype. One of my go-to serves is a spinning right-to-left forehand, and this paddle helped me execute it perfectly. I used that serve nearly every point in those matches, and it gave my opponents real trouble. The grip and spin potential here are seriously next level.

Control

This paddle gave me total confidence in shot placement. I felt locked in—like I knew exactly where the ball was going every time. Not only did I place shots well, but I made fewer unforced errors, too.

Since I mostly play singles, control is everything, and the Volair Mach 2 Forza absolutely delivered in that department.

Power

What surprised me most was how well this paddle handled power. It’s truly a balanced, all-around performer. The Volair Mach 2 Forza has just enough pop to finish points, without ever feeling out of control.

It’s like the Swiss Army knife of paddles: spin, control, power. The paddle brings everything together in one sleek package.

Cost

The Mach 2 Forza is a premium paddle, so this paddle is often around $175 – $200, but it comes with a nice cover and carbon fiber eraser, and you can use the discount code bepickleballer to save 10% off.

If you prefer Amazon, here’s the link to check the price on Amazon.

Best Elongated

The Bread and Butter Shogun Pickleball Paddle is the best elongated pickleball paddle (Read my full review).

I have 4 Bread and Butter paddles, and the Shogun was my favorite of the bunch although all the paddles are great. Each paddle has a fun unboxing experience, but I believe the Shogun had the best unboxing experience as you can see below.

It might not have had quite the same level of control as the Fat Boy, but it totally made up for it with spin and power.

I really loved the feel of the new carbon fiber weave, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bread & Butter ends up setting the trend with that material.

Playability

Bread & Butter stands out as one of the most fun paddle brands on the market, but they also know how to build high-quality gear.

One example? The Shogun. It features a unique T-700 Carbon Fiber x Electroplated Polyester weave that I had never seen before. As soon as I picked it up, I was excited to see how it played. Let’s break it down by control, spin, and power.

Control

This paddle has a really nice lightweight feel, and the carbon fiber face gives me the touch I need for precise drop shots and dinks. Since I mostly play singles, having that level of control is huge for setting up my short game. It also lets me hit clean, confident kill shots when it’s time to close out a rally.

Spin

The electroplated carbon fiber surface makes it easy to grab the ball and add spin. I like adding spin to my serve, and the Shogun gave me exactly what I needed. Even on backhands, I felt in control. The elongated handle helps too—great for two-handed backhands, which I’m still working into my game.

Power

I’ve played with both 14mm and 16mm paddles, and usually 14mm paddles feel quicker and more powerful. But honestly, the Shogun delivered impressive power even at 16mm. It had more pop than I expected, and enough to put away points when needed.

Cost

The Bread and Butter Shogun is a premium paddle, priced at around $189.99. That said, the paddle comes with a great unboxing experience and a beautiful cover.

At around $190, I believe this paddle is worth it, but the brand also provides a solid discount code to reduce this paddle by 15%.

Unfortunately, you can not purchase this paddle on Amazon currently.

Best Set

The Selkirk Sport Latitude 2.0 is the best pickleball paddle set that used to be exclusively at Costco (Read my full review).

That said, thankfully, you can now purchase these on Amazon for less than the price of Costco. And surprisingly, I can no longer find these at Costco.

Yes, it comes with fun accessories, but how does this set play? Let’s cover that next.

Playability

Control

I really liked the control I had with this paddle. I felt connected to the ball, especially on softer shots and placement plays. It’s probably thanks to the paddle face—it just had a nice, consistent feel. I’d definitely play with this paddle again when I’m looking for a control-focused option.

Spin

I haven’t had quite as much court time with this paddle as I’d like, but from what I’ve seen so far, the surface seems built for spin. The texture gives me the sense that I could get some serious movement on my serves and groundstrokes once I spend more time dialing it in.

Power

I was actually surprised by the amount of power this paddle had. It’s not a pure power paddle, but when I stepped into a shot, it responded well. Drives felt solid, and I didn’t have to over-swing to generate depth. For players who want a mix of control and power without sacrificing feel, this one’s a strong contender.

Cost

This paddle set can be found under $75 on Amazon, but I value both of these paddles at around $100 considering that Selkirk is one of the best pickleball brands you can buy from. 

My Methodology

When choosing the best pickleball paddles, I chose paddles that have the best pickleball paddle material, as many people question differences between carbon fiber and graphite and fiberglass. 

In addition, for each paddle on the list, I made sure to have that paddle compete with other paddles on the list. 

I’d estimate that I played hundreds of hours with these different paddles to make sure that the best paddles were actually the best paddles.

In addition, thankfully, because I own so many paddles and have access to so many more paddles, I was able to provide a consistent measure of accuracy for the best paddles because I was testing each paddle, and not comparing the notes of different people.

Your Choice

It depends on so many variables. If you are just transitioning from tennis to picklkeball, you may want a paddle with an elongated handle and a paddle in the 16-17 inches range.

If you are just starting playing a racket sport for the first time, you may want a wide body paddle with a large sweet spots.

Because I realized that the best pickleball paddle for one person may not be the best for another person, I added my knowledge in the free best pickleball paddle quiz below. 

Over 1000 people have taken this quiz, and the quiz performed so well that I just launched a second version that is much more robust. 

It’s 100% free, and you do not have to even add an email address unless you want to.

Best Materials

Carbon fiber is the best material to choose when picking a paddle’s materials in my opinion. You need to understand the differences between face materials and core materials.

Face Materials

Your paddle’s face is the outer layer—the part that hits the ball. It’s just as important as the core. Here are the most common materials:

Carbon Fiber

My personal favorite. It’s strong, light, and offers amazing control with decent power. Great for players who like precision.

Pro Tip: Avoid carbon fiber paddles with aluminum cores. That combo tends to wear out faster.

Graphite

Lightweight and responsive. It has a soft feel and gives you a nice mix of control and pop. Perfect for intermediate players. Graphite is better for you if you want a lighter paddle.

Fiberglass

Offers more power and spin, with good control. But the sweet spot is smaller, so beginners might find it harder to use.

Kevlar

A newer option. It’s super durable and great for control. Only a couple brands make Kevlar paddles (like Six Zero and Pickleball Apes), but it could be the next big thing.

Hybrid

Some paddles combine different materials to balance power, control, and durability. It depends on the mix—so check what’s used and if it fits your style.

Core Materials

The core is the middle part of the paddle—the “filling” between the face layers. The material and thickness both affect performance.

Polymer (Poly)

The most popular core. Soft feel, good control, durable, and quiet. Great all-around option for all levels. Here’s a picture of a core of a pickleball paddle of one of my paddles, which I find fascinating.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, go with polymer.

Nomex

Harder and louder than polymer. Built for power hitters, but you’ll lose a bit of control. Not great for quiet communities! Nomex is best for advanced players and aggressive hitters.

Aluminum

Light and easy to handle, but not very powerful. Might work for brand-new players who just want to get a feel for the game.

What Paddles Top Pros Use

When putting together the best pickleball paddles list, I also research which paddles the top men professional players use and which paddles the top women professional players use. 

This gave me another plethora of options that I knew I needed to test and try. Here are what the top 3 men and top 3 women use per the PPA tour ranking list.

Top Men

1. Fed Straksrud

Federico Staksrud current the top pro on the PPA Tour. 

While his profile lists the JOOLA Perseus, I spotted him using a JOOLA Perseus 16mm Mod TA-15 in a past tournament, which looks just like this version on Amazon (different color, 4.3 stars). 

That said, in a recent 2025 match, I saw him using the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S, the same paddle Ben is using now. 

Even though he announced he’s leaving JOOLA, he’s still using their paddle for now.

What’s exciting is he’s teaming up with Adidas to launch a signature paddle in April 2025. His words in a Forbes interview: “Developing my own signature paddle with a brand renowned for its innovation and quality is an exciting opportunity.” I’m honestly pumped to try it.

2. Ben Johns

Per the PPA, Ben uses the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16, but after watching him recently, he’s clearly switched to the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S UPA-A.

 I couldn’t tell if it’s the 14mm or 16mm, but I’ve tested the paddle, and it’s a beast.

 It’s priced around $279.95, so if that’s a bit steep, check out my picks for the best paddles for advanced players.

3. Connor Garnett

Connor Garnett, a former D1 tennis player, has been crushing it in pickleball with 15 medals already. He now plays with the ProXR Connor Garnett Signature Paddle, featuring a Raw T700 carbon face and honeycomb core.

It’s got a perfect 5.0 rating on JustPaddles.

Top Women

1. Anna Leigh Waters

Anna Leigh Waters is hands down the best women’s pickleball player right now, so it makes sense she has her own paddle.

The paddle she used in her latest tournament looks like the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C 14.3mm.

You can see below how it matches the one shown on Paddletek’s website.

2. Catherine Parenteau

In a recent YouTube video, Catherine Parenteau shared how excited she is about her paddle, the Selkirk Project 008.

Picture of Catherine Parenteau showing off her Selkirk Project 008 paddle

The PPA Tour site also confirms that Catherine is using the Project 008 right now.

I’ve also seen Quang Duong mention these paddles a few times, so it makes total sense that the world’s #2 women’s player is using one.

I couldn’t find this paddle on Amazon, but it’s available on Selkirk’s site.

3. Rachel Rohrabacher

Rachel Rohrabacher is quickly becoming a big name in pro pickleball. She uses the Selkirk Halo XL.

This paddle gives her the power and reach that match her strong, fast-paced playing style.

You can see her using it during her recent win over Anna Bright’s team.

Ask Me Anything

Can you please email me at ben@bepickleballer.com if you have any paddles that you think should have made this list, but did not?

Let’s be honest. I am always looking for an excuse to purchase another pickleball paddle.

Summary

In summary, the best pickleball paddles in 2025 are as follows:

• Overall: Joola Ben Johns CFS 16MM
• Budget: Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control 20mm
• Under $75: Roore Coronado Titanium Carbon Fiber Weave
• Under $100: Vatic Pro Prism Flash
• Beginner: Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control 20mm
• Intermediate: Joola Ben Johns CFS 16MM
• Advanced: JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S
• Control: Warping Point Grasp Control
• Spin: Volair March 2 Forza
• Elongated Paddles: Bread and Butter Shogun
• Pickleball Paddle set: Selkirk Latitude 2.0

Each of these paddles provide unique value for what they provide you, and I am so thankful to be able to have reviewed and tested so many great paddles.