Best pickleball paddles for spin (2026)

Buy if:

• You play a fast game:

  if you like to move fast and hit with big power and spin, this aerodynamic paddle is ideal for hands battles and speedups.

• You want a controlled paddle:

  the surface has great dwell time so the ball sits a moment on the face, allowing you to place precise shots with awesome spin.

• You want the latest pickleball tech:

  CRBN’s TruFoam line is one of the flagship foam-core paddle series – these paddles should outlast previous gen paddles by a long shot.

Pass if:

• You’re on a budget:

  this is a premium paddle at a premium price – check out the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean if you want a great $100 paddle.

• You want more reach:

  the RPM Friction Pro Elongated has more reach on overheads than the hybrid-shaped CRBN TFG4.

• You want a super-forgiving paddle:

  this paddle doesn’t have a huge sweet spot, so try the incredibly forgiving Honolulu J2NF.

Buy if:

• You want the most spin of any paddle:

  you can get an insane amount of dip and topspin that often make your shots completely unreturnable.

• You like light paddles:

  this is a fast paddle with a low swingweight, great for players who like to be quick at the kitchen.

• You prioritize power over control:

  this paddle leans more toward pop and aggression over a softer, more controlled feel.

Pass if:

• You want to have more control:

  try the softer J2NF and Pegasus Jelly Bean.

• You want more power:

  the Six Zero Black Opal is a premium power paddle with more intensity.

• You’re on a budget:

  the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean is a gem in the $100 range.

Buy if:

• You want a foam paddle:

  the J2NF joins paddles like the Bread & Butter Loco, bringing durable foam tech into the sub-$200 range.

• You want to minimize mishits:

  it’s so easy to keep the ball in play thanks to the giant sweet spot – even if you hit off-center on the paddle face, the ball won’t go dead.

• You play a fast game:

  like the CRBN TFG4, you can play with fast hands and a lot of pop.

Pass if:

• You want a more cushioned feel:

  this has a slightly stiffer, poppier feel with less dwell time than the softer CRBN.

• You want an elongated paddle:

  this is a hybrid paddle – the RPM Friction Pro Elongated gives you an extended shape for more reach at the kitchen zone.

• Your budget is $100:

  you can’t do better than the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean at the $100 range – its sweet spot almost matches the J2NF.

Buy if:

• You want a paddle that won’t punish you on mishits:

  the sweet spot is so big, like the J2NF, that off-center shots still go over the net and land in the court.

• You like a softer feel:

  this paddle has the same kind of responsive, plush feel that the CRBN has.

• You like longer handles:

  the 5.75-inch elongated handle gives you ample room for hitting two-handed backhands.

Pass if:

• You need more power:

  the other paddles all give you more natural power than this one.

• You’re ready to spend up:

  if you have a $175 budget, the Honolulu J2NF is a similar paddle with a big step up in quality and feel.

• You want the most advanced tech:

  try the CRBN TFG4, Six Zero Opal or Honolulu J2NF – all are Gen 4 foam paddles.

Buy if:

• Power is your priority:

  this is an exciting, punchy paddle with so much power on putaways.

• You want high-grade, long-lasting grit:

  the "Diamond Tough" texture has actual diamonds in it – it feels so high end and lasts incredibly well, while generating the best spin.

• You want control too:

  if you’re used to pop, you can find good accuracy on your touch shots by manipulating the spin and sweet spot.

Pass if:

• You’re a beginner or lower intermediate:

  this will be too powerful for you – you’ll fare better with the more plush Honolulu and 11SIX24 paddles.

• You want a cheaper option:

  the Honolulu J2NF shares a lot of similarities – it has great spin and pop and a hybrid shape, and costs $50 less.

• You prefer elongated paddles:

  try the elongated model of the RPM Friction Pro for more reach on overheads.