One of the perks of providing you the best pickleball paddles that you can buy is that I get to try paddles before they are released like the new Luzz Blade2 that Chris Haworth just used to win gold at the Carvana Masters in 2026.
Even though it’s still early 2026, I’ve already tested a handful of newly released paddles in 2026. I am so excited about the new releases that I added a new section to this article with my most anticipated paddles in 2026.
In addition to the 2026 paddles, I’ve tested over 100 paddles from $5 to the most expensive pickleball paddles to form the best paddles list, including many paddles from top brands such as new Selkirk Boomstick, RPM Frictionless Pro, CRBN TrueFoam, Joola Perseus Pro IV, Engage Pro1 Innovation, Luzz Inferno and Tornazo, Gearbox GX2 and Power models, Vatic V-Sol Pro and Power, 11six24 Vapor, etc. If you’re interested, here’s the list.
Just a heads up, when you click a link below or use my discount code, thank you for supporting my small business directly. That said, no expectations whatsoever. Please see our affiliate policy for additional details.
Most Anticipated in 2026
One thing that I pay very close attention to is the newly approved pickleball paddle list which allows you to filter by date added which helps me build my most anticipated 2026 paddles that have not been released.
I scoured the internet to show you pictures of the paddles, and then what the name of the paddles are. Here are my 4 most anticipated paddles in 2026.
1. RPM Friction Pro Elongated V2
The RPM Friction Pro was the #2 paddle in 2025. I already pre-ordered this paddle and should receive it soon. If you want to get it, you can use the code bepickleballer to get 15% off if helpful.
2. Joola Kosmos V.
How will this compare to the Joola Perseus Pro 4? It looks like the paddle may be Generation 3, so I am curious why Joola isn’t going the foam paddle route.
3. Luzz Blade2
Chris Haworth won a key singles tournament in 2026 already with this paddle. I just got the unreleased paddle in the mail, and it’s already been blowing my mind.
4. CRBN TrueFoam Barrage
There’s very little information about the CRB TrueFoam Barrage, but will this be much better than the 2026 full foam introduction?
5. 11six24 Vapor Power 2
The 11six24 paddles are excellent. How will the Vapor 2 compare to the Vapor 1?
What’s already been interesting is the random non-pickleball brands that are creating paddles. The most random of 2026 thus far is Callaway Golf creating a pickleball paddle. Huh?
Before these new paddles appear, you need a paddle today. Here are the best 5 paddles thus far in 2026.
5 Best Overall
Let’s start with the top overall pickleball paddle that was really exciting.
1. First Place
The best pickleball paddle is the Honolulu J2NF pickleball paddle. The paddle is an incredible value and investment at around $175 after copying the code PICKLEBALLER20 and pasting it into the discount code desction that takes almost $20 off this paddle, especially coming from my $300 Joola Pro IV, which fell to the fourth ranked paddle on this list. I’ve also played with the Selkirk Boomstick ($333), which is an incredible paddle, but I still prefer the J2NF even though it’s nearly half the price.
Firstly, I’ll share the playability and how I competed the J2NF vs my other main paddles below. but first I want to share a quick story about just how special this paddle is.
After one of my first games, I wanted my opponent to try the J2NF, and he loved the paddle so much that he used my discount code to purchase the paddle 15 minutes after we finished play. He’s never done that before, and his main has been the Joola Ben Johns Pro IV.
Let’s talk about what really set this paddle apart from the rest of the pack, and I’ll share one modification later.
Control
I play a lot of doubles, but I wanted to see how this paddle performed in singles matches.
In terms of control, the J2NF is incredible. I would rank this as an A+ in the control bracket. My dinks were insane, and I only missed one or two dinks in warm up, and that is quite different than my normal play.
In addition, I do not think I missed a drop today, and both my backhands and forehands were on point. It was really insane.
Power
Power is another place that the J2NF thrives, but what was impressive is that I didn’t lose the control. My opponent noted just how deep my serves and returned were going, and with another one of my main paddles, I would have had hit the ball with more effort to get that return.
In addition, I could feel the paddles power on both foerhands and backhands as it was effortless to
In a recent tournament, I ended up switching out of the Joola Ben Johns Pro IV to my Engage Pro1 Innovation because I had a difficult time controlling the ball. It felt like a wild stallion.
I did not have that with the J2NF. It still maintained incredible control while not discounting the power. Yes, I would say that the Joola Ben Johns still is overall more powerful, but it’s an incremental power for far less control in my opinion. I would rank A for power.
Spin
I thought that the J2NF also maintained incredible spin. Like I mentioned earlier, my opponent mentioned the amount of dwell time that he felt when using the J2NF and he mentioned just how incredible his top spin felt.
When I was playing again the J2NF, I would 100% agree that his top spin was on point. That said, this paddle also provide a fantastic spin on my knuckle serve, and the paddle also maintain great slice capability.
I would rank A for spin as well. Let’s talk about game results.
Game Results
In my first game with the Honolulu J2NF, I won the game 11-0 against an opponent that I usually switch wins and losses with. I mentioned that we switched paddles, and I started using some of my other mains. It was a close battle, but my opponent actually won the second game 13-11.
We switched paddles again to play skinny singles, and I went back to just appreciating just how well this paddle plays, winning the last game 11-8.
One modification that both my opponent and I mentioned is that we plan to use overgrip as the paddle felt a bit slippery after a few games.
Cost Consideration
The J2NF retails at $195 and comes with a really nice paddle cover with a clip, which I believe is well worth it even before the discount code.
Unfortunately, you cannot purchase this paddle on Amazon, but I purchased mine and received it literally 2 days later, perhaps even faster than Amazon.
Please note you do not get the discount unless you that copy the PICKLEBALLER20 discount code and paste it into the discount code section for it to work. For some reason, it doesn’t automatically carry the discount code.
Here’s where you add the code information:
The J2NF is seriously the swiss army knife of pickleball paddles, but now I want to compare how the J2NF stacks against my other mains below. I also wanted to make sure this was the best paddle, so consider my articles comparing this paddles to other top contenders:
- J2NF vs J2FC+ Pickleball Paddle Review
- J2NF vs CRBN TrueFoam Paddle Review
- J2NF vs J2K Pickleball Paddle Review
Let’s look at the best runner up paddle. If helpful, check out my video below which shows actual game play and how the J2NF compared against the other best pickleball paddles below.
The Honolulu J2NF is incredible, but let’s look at the spin master in the number 2 position.
2. Second Place
The RPM Frictionless Pro 16mm elongated pickleball paddle has literally blown my mind away.
In November 2025, I had not even heard much about the RPM paddle, but when I was researching holiday deals, I kept seeing more and more people mentioning on multiple forms just how special this paddle is.
Let’s talk about just how special this paddle is, and why this is the best paddle you can buy right now, and how the team provides a generous discount code: bepickleballer that provides 15% off your next purchase and is better than the 10% off website discount.
Firstly, the pop feels completely different than any of the other paddles I own. I doesn’t feel hollow like the Selkirk Boomstick or the Luzz Inferno, but it feel much better than the Joola Ben Johns Pro IV.
Spin
RPM stands for “Revolutions per minute” so the goal of the RPM brand is to provide unparalleled spin. I 100% felt that on my serves, top spins and slices. The paddle just grips the ball in an insane way. I was really impressed.
It was easy for my opponent to comment on the dwell time and how noticeable the topspin felt when using this paddle.
After playing with the RPM Friction Pro, I can attest that the topspin was consistent and easy to generate. On top of that, my knuckle serve had great action, and I was still able to get excellent slice when I needed it.
Overall, spin is A+ for me
Control
I’ve played with the RPM friction pro in both doubles and singles.
From a control standpoint, this paddle has insane control My dinks were dialed in right away. I missed maybe one or two during warmups, which is not normal for me at all.
Once the games started, it felt even better. I honestly don’t think I missed a single drop shot all day. Both my forehands and backhands felt completely locked in. Everything was going exactly where I wanted it to, and it felt almost effortless.
I’d easily give it an A for control.
Power
Power is another area where the RPM Friction really shines, but what stood out most was that I never felt like I was giving up control to get it. With some of my other main paddles, I would’ve had to swing a lot harder to get that same depth.
The power showed up on both forehands and backhands, but it never felt wild or hard to manage. It was just there when I needed it.
In a recent tournament, I actually switched off the Joola Ben Johns Pro IV and went back to my Engage Pro1 Innovation because I was struggling to control the ball. The Pro IV felt like a wild stallion that day.
I would have never had that issue if I would have played with the RPM Friction Pro. It kept the power while still feeling composed and predictable. Yes, I’d say the Joola Ben Johns Pro IV or Selkirk Boomstick (check my comparison review) is overall more powerful, but in my opinion, it’s only a slight increase in power at the cost of a lot of control.
I’d give the RPM an A+ for power.
Let’s talk about cost as the RPM paddle is going to be an investment. It’s $249.99 before discount code, but thankfully, RPM provides one of the best discount codes at 15% off using the code bepickleballer that gets this paddle under $215 before tax.
For the best runner up pickleball paddle in 2025, that’s a solid deal.
The RPM friction pro is incredible, but the third place paddle is also great. Let’s cover that next.
3. Third Place
I had a great experience with the Luzz Cannon, and then I moved onto the the Luzz Tornazo (see my review), which quickly became one of my main paddles.
I had to wait a while to get my hands on the Luzz Inferno given how often this paddle sells out, and the paddle was well worth the wait. Let me explain why.
When I got the Selkirk Boomstick, I immediately fell in love, but the $333 price tag felt prohibitive to many of my readers. I loved the pwoer and spin and feel of the paddle, so I wanted to find a paddle that I could share with my readers that could utilize some of those key components.
Meet the Luzz Inferno.
This paddle felt like it has a similar hollow feel of the Selkirk Boomstick, and the power is incredible. Consider the Luzz Inferno if you like balanced power and control, and the Tornazo if you want more raw power but don’t mind less control.
I loved how I didn’t miss serves with this paddle, and how much power I was able to drive to the back of the baseline. I also loved how I could control drops and drips.
Luzz is also super generous when it comes to discount codes with a 15% off discount code, bepickleballer that sends this paddle under $200, making this an awesome alternative to the Boomstick.
4. Fourth Place
The Honolulu J2FC+ could arguably be the number 1 pick, swapped with the Honolulu J2NF. It’s currently one of my main paddles, and I cannot tell you just how fun this paddle is to play with.
The paddle has the same amazing control, but much better power than my main from April 2024, the Joola Ben Johns CFS16mm. In addition, this paddle has insane spin. You can see this on backhand slices, and my knuckle serves.
The pop and dwell time is also insane. You get much more forgiveness than the Ben Johns Pro IV and some of the higher paddles on this list, makign this an excellent choice for the intermediate and advanced player.
If you like control go with the J2FC+. If you have soft hands and prefer power, go with the J2NF.
Discount Code: PICKLEBALLER20
5. Fifth Place
The Joola Ben Johns Pro 4 is now in the 5th position as we close out 2025 as it’s taken a nose dive since I ranked this paddle first early after it’s release. I honestly thought I would be ranking this as the best pickleball paddle of 2025.
Let’s start with the good stuff. Also, please consider checking out my full review for more insights.
From the moment I unboxed it, the paddle felt premium, well-designed, clean-looking, and packed with thoughtful extras like grip tape and stickers. I would expect that from the #7 most expensive pickleball paddle in the world right now.
In addition, the Joola Ben Johns Pro IV has the most power of any paddles on the list. It’s insane and feels like a rocket ship. Right off the bat, the paddle just feels different in a good way.
On the court, this paddle initially blew me away. My soft game instantly improved, and my dinks were more consistent than ever. I went with the 16mm version and still experienced explosive pop on serves and putaways. The spin on this paddle was next level as I saw how the spin on the ball forced my opponent to almost dive for the ball as the ball’s spin was insane.
Now the issue I’ve had recently is the control of this paddle. It feels like a wild stallion. Yes, I have been able to get incredible puta ways, but the control has been so challenging to rein in that I recently switched from this paddle exclusively in a tournament to my Engage Pro1 Power Innovation (review here). I saw these issues on almost all facets of my game, so I have not been using this paddle as much, but again, this is an incredible overall power paddle and many top professionals use this paddle.
At $300, I would opt for the #1 paddle on this list if you appreciate more controllable power. I chose to buy it on Amazon for the 30-day return option, but honestly, I realized early on that I would never send this paddle back.
New update: In October, 2025, I competed the Joola Perseus 4 vs $50 Budget Paddle vs $5 Cheapest Paddle, in game play, and the results may be surprising to you. Is the $300 cost worth it?
If you want a paddle that can truly do it all: control, power, and spin, the Joola Gen 4 should be at the top of your list.
Let’s cover next the best pickleball paddles by categories.
Best By Category
Here is a picture showcasing some of the best pickleball paddles by category.
We will start with the best budget pickleball paddle.
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.
Here’s a recent video where I competed the Doctor Surgical control paddle against the Joola Perseus Pro IV and a $5 paddle, just for fun.
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 $50
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.
Sometimes you can find this paddle on Amazon for under $50.
Best Under $100
The Vatic Pro V-Sol is hands down the best pickleball paddle you can get under $100 (Read my full review), but I am getting constant competition from the Ronbus Quanta.
These are foam core paddles under $100 with massive playability, so let’s talk about control, speed, spin and power for the V-Sol paddles and whether you should go with the V-Sol Power or V-Sol Pro.
Control
I usually lean toward control over power and speed. The Vatic V-Sol Pro takes the edge here, thicker cores absorb the ball more on contact, giving you that softer, more precise feel.
Interestingly, the16mm version of the V-Sols have a similar sweet spot. Most Power paddles have smaller sweet spots and require more finesse, but here, control feels just as sharp on both.
Spin
For spin, the V-Sol Pro 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.
Power
The V-Sol Power is the best power play, 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 V-Sol Power might give you the kind of power you’re really after
Cost
Both the V-Sol Power and Pro paddle is $109.99, but you can get this paddle for $99.99 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 it were up to me, I would opt for the V-Sol Pro although both paddles are great buys.
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 Selkirk Boomstick is the best pickleball paddle for advanced players (Read my full review).
The Selkirk Boomstick is an incredible paddle and is currently ranked the #3 most expensive paddle in the world). Used by top pros like Catherine Parenteau and Jack Sock in recent tournament play, the Boomstick has quickly climbed to the top 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 Selkirk generations like the 007 and 008.
I’ve tested the Boomstick paddle extensively, and it’s a completely different beast. It blends spin and control beautifully, with so much power to put balls away when it counts. It is also the first paddle that I played with that has a completely hollow feel.
Power
The Selkirk Boomstick is a full-blown power paddle, it absolutely delivers when you need to rip a passing shot or add depth to your drives. The internal core gives it a crisp pop that’s noticeably different than other Selkirk paddles. Combined with the 16mm core’s stability, the paddle gives you power without sacrificing control, which I appreciate
Control
If you’re a control-first player, you’ll love how the Boomstick 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. Selkirk clearly engineered the paddle to prioritize precision, and you can feel that reliability during high-pressure points.
Spin
This paddle grips the ball exceptionally well. Selkirk Boomstick’s 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 Boomstick gives you the confidence to swing freely.
Cost
As of now, the Boomstick retails at $333, 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. You can check the most recent price below.
Best for Control
The new Honolulu J2FC+ is the best pickleball paddle for control (Read my full review).
Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a control-focused paddle, especially after loving the feel of the Honolulu J2FC+.
This one absolutely delivered. It’s seriously one of the best paddles I’ve ever played with when it comes to control. I would guess I’ve won 70% of my games 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 16mm thickness gives this paddle a super steady, controlled feel. That foam core helps absorb shock and gives you a generous sweet spot.
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 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 Honolulu J2FC+ paddle normally goes for under $195, but with the code PICKLEABLLER10, you can grab it for around $175.
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.
Discount Code: PICKLEBALLER20
Best for Power
I collected ~10-20 power pickleball paddles to test and review the best power pickleball paddles, and the new Joola Ben Johns Pro IV pickleball paddle was the clear winner by far.
When I handed this paddle to my buddy, I’d never seen him hit with so much force. He crushed the ball like never before. Not long after, he ended up buying his own, right after a solid stretch using my backup Joola Ben Johns CFS 16mm 2nd Gen.
I could honestly go on and on about how much power this paddle brings. The first thing that really stood out was the serve. I was able to hit deep into the corner with pace, and I lost count of how many returns slammed into the net or floated short, perfect setups for a clean finish.
You’ll also love how much pop you get on your returns. It feels like I’m playing a different version of the game with this paddle. I’m planning to post a video soon that shows just how hard you can drive the ball back with it.
And that sweet spot? Unreal. What makes this my favorite overall power paddle is that it also gives you control. I’ve honestly never felt more confident at the net, and my dinks have never been better than they are with the Joola Ben Johns Pro IV. My friend noted that I played the best dinks with this paddle than any other paddle, and he also described how he may level up his Joola Ben Johns Perseus 3s to this paddle.
When it came to buying this paddle, I debated between ordering from Joola’s site or Amazon. I ended up going with Amazon because of the easy 30-day free return policy. Joola’s return policy just felt a bit too wordy and complicated for me. That said, definitely check both sites to see where you can get the best deal.
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.
That said, later in 2025, I have seen him play with the Joola Ben Johns Pro IV.
2. Ben Johns
Per the PPA, Ben uses the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16 before switching to the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S UPA-A. That said, in 2025, Ben Johns started using his new signature Ben Johns Joola Pro IV. As you can see above, the paddle is fantastic.
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.
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