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I have been reading reviews and collecting an arsenal of power pickleball paddles in anticipation of writing this best power pickleball paddles article. Of my 60+ pickleball paddles, many of my favorite paddles are power paddles.
The challenge with the top power paddles is control, so the #1 paddle is the best overall paddle that yields amazing power and control, but I’ll include the best power paddle as well.
- Best Overall Power Paddle: Joola Pro IV Ben Johns 14mm or 16mm
- Runner Up Power Paddle: Bread and Butter Filth
- Second Runner Up Power Paddle: CRBN X-1
- Best Budget Power Paddle: Vatic Pro Prism Flash 14mm
- Most Creative Power Paddle: Holbrook Aero T
- Most Powerful Power Paddle: Beatnik X-Monster
- Honorable Mention : Warping Point Grasp Power Paddle
1. Best Overall Power Paddle
Out of my 60 pickleball paddles, something felt different about the Joola Ben John Pro IV 16mm pickleball paddle. During my first time playing with this paddle, my friend commented how my game had improved.
When I let my friend use this paddle, I never saw him crush the ball with such power before. He ended up getting his own after a successful run with my second favorite Joola Ben Johns CFS 16mm 2 Gen paddle (my review here).
I could write for days about how powerful this paddle is, and in fact, I have via my comprehensive review article, but the first thing I noticed is the power on the serve. I was able to pin the back corner with power, and I have never seen so many hits back into the net or shallow returns for a follow through banger.
In addition, you will love your power returns. Honestly, it feels like I am playing a different level of a game with this paddle, and I will try to show a video with just how much power you can return the ball.
Finally, the sweet spot on this paddle is incredible, and the reason this is the best power paddle overall is that you also get the great control. For example, I have never dinked better with any other paddle than with this Joola Ben Johns Pro IV.
In terms of cost, I weighed whether to purchase this on Joola’s website or Amazon, and I decided on Amazon given the free 30 day return policy. I also didn’t love how much verbiage Joola’s return policy had, which made it feel extra complicated. That said, check the price on each to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
2. Runner Up Power Paddle
The Bread and Butter Filth had to make this list. I had seen this paddle rank highly on Picklehead’s list, but I didn’t actually think it would rank highly on my list until I started testing my power paddles against each other.
This is built for players who crave raw power without sacrificing feel. I immediately noticed how explosive my drives became thanks to its thermoformed construction and gritty carbon fiber surface. Check my comprehensive review that shares the specifications.
This paddle packs a serious punch from the baseline, letting you rip passing shots and overpower your opponent with ease. But it’s not just about brute force, and the pop off the face gives you the confidence to hit aggressive put-aways while still maintaining decent touch on third-shot drops. If you’re looking for a power pickleball paddle that brings energy to every swing, the Filth lives up to its name.
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3. Second Runner Up Power Paddle
The CRBN X-1 Power Series paddle delivers unmatched pop and precision for aggressive players.
Right away, I felt how quick the ball jumped off the paddle face, perfect for punishing drives and fast-paced volleys.
With its unibody thermoformed design and raw carbon fiber surface, the X-1 blends power with spin, letting me shape shots while still hitting through the court. It’s ideal if you like to play offensively and take control at the net.
For anyone searching for a pickleball paddle that brings serious firepower without losing finesse, the CRBN X-1 Power is a top-tier choice.
4. Best Budget Power Paddle
The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash 14mm pickleball paddle stands out as a top-tier choice for players seeking a blend of speed, spin, and control without the hefty price tag. Constructed with raw Toray T700 carbon fiber and featuring foam-injected unibody walls, this paddle offers a plush feel that enhances touch shots and dinks. Its 14mm core provides a responsive pop, making it ideal for quick exchanges at the net. I own two of these paddles, and I outlined which was more powerful in my review article.
Weighing between 7.7-7.9 oz, the Vatic Prism Flash Flash 14mm is lightweight, allowing for swift hand movements and rapid resets. The paddle’s textured surface ensures excellent spin potential, rivaling higher-priced models. While it may have a slightly smaller sweet spot compared to some thicker paddles, its overall performance and affordability make it a compelling option for intermediate to advanced players.
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If you prefer, check the price on Amazon to make sure you get the price.
5. Most Creative Power Paddle
The power from the Holbrook Aero T pickleball paddle is seriously impressive with insane raw power. I would compare the raw power to the Beatnik X-Monster, but you will notice that this paddle is more handle heavy which I like.. I felt like my drives and serves had more pop compared to most other paddles I’ve tried.
Even though it’s a 14mm core, it doesn’t feel too thin or unstable. The unibody design and carbon face give it a smooth, controlled feel. It reminds me of how a 16mm paddle plays, just quicker. Here’s my comprehensive review.
I also love how the balance feels in my hand. The weight is dialed in just right, giving you extra whip without feeling head-heavy. For a paddle at this price, it delivers high-end power and playability.
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6. Most Powerful Power Paddle
The Beatnik X-Monster surprised me with how much controlled power it delivers and I believe is the most powerful paddle in the bunch. Right off the bat, I felt a boost in my drives and overheads without losing my touch on softer shots. Check my article covering the power behind this paddle.
Even though it’s built with a thicker core, it swings fast almost like a thinner paddle. The edgeless design adds to that quick feel while giving it a sleek look. It feels like you’re getting both power and speed in one package.
What stood out most was the solid contact and how stable it felt on off-center hits. If you’re looking for a paddle that blends punch with control, the X-Monster definitely holds its own.
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7. Honorable Mention
The Warping Point Grasp Power pickleball paddle delivers impressive power and spin at an affordable price point. Its 13mm honeycomb polymer core offers a responsive feel, enhancing the force behind drives and serves.
The raw T700 carbon fiber surface, combined with a teflon coating, provides excellent spin potential, allowing for precise shot placement and control.
Despite its thinner core, the paddle’s unibody edgeless design and multi-layer carbon fiber construction contribute to a stable and forgiving experience, even on off-center hits. The elongated shape handle length extend reach and improve leverage, particularly beneficial for two-handed backhands.
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What To Look For In a Power Pickleball Paddle
Not all power paddles are built the same. Let’s go over what to look for if you want more bang on the court.
1. Core Matters
The core is the engine of your paddle. For power, I look for a polymer honeycomb core that’s slightly thicker (13mm–14mm). Some thinner cores (11mm–12mm) give even more pop but offer less control. Check the core of this pickleball paddle.
I’ve found that thicker cores with harder materials give me power without sacrificing too much touch.
2. Material Type
The paddle material and face makes a huge difference. I prefer raw carbon fiber or unibody thermoformed paddles when I want more power. These feel rigid and explosive. Fiberglass paddles also give you good pop, but I feel carbon gives you both spin and speed. For me, thermoformed paddles hit the hardest.
3. Weight and Swing Weight
Weight is another key. I always go for something 8.2 oz or heavier. Heavier paddles generate more force naturally. But swing weight matters too. Some paddles feel heavier in motion than others. If I can whip the paddle quickly and still get power, that’s a win. High swing weight = more plow-through.
4. Shape and Sweet Spot
Power paddles often have an elongated shape. This gives me more reach and leverage. Just keep in mind that some of these paddles have smaller sweet spots. Personally, I like paddles that balance shape with forgiveness. A wider sweet spot helps me hit harder even on off-center shots.
5. Handle Length
Longer handles give more torque on two-handed backhands. I use a two-hander, so I look for a handle length of 5.5 inches or more. It helps me generate more spin and power. If you use one hand, you might not care as much, but for me, it’s a must.
6. Surface Grit
Power and spin go hand-in-hand. A gritty surface grabs the ball better. That helps me create topspin on drives and serves. Some paddles lose grit quickly, so I stick with ones that have permanent grit baked into the material, like raw carbon.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article covering the best power paddles help you choose a paddle that will provide the best banging experience. In addition, many of these paddles provide decent control as well that will level up your game.
Finally, I will continue to iterate this article, so please write me an email or comment below if you have a paddle I should try to test again my other paddles.
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