Best Pickleball Paddles for Power in 2025

Stephen Mijangos with the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV pickleball paddles

With so many amazing power paddles on the market right now, how do you pick the right one for your game? I'm here to help – as a self-proclaimed banger, I love testing and reviewing powerful paddles. I know there's a ton to choose from, so that's why I've narrowed it down to the top five to help you decide.

Each of the paddles below offers something different to suit your playing style or budget. So, after personally testing over 100 paddles, here are the best power paddles in 2025.

Best pickleball paddles at a glance

Note: our discount codes may be subject to change when products are on sale. Check the final price at checkout.

Best overall

JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

1. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV

Nothing hits harder than Ben Johns' new paddle, the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV. There's a 14 mm model for true bangers and a 16 mm option with good control.

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Read my deep dive

Best all-court

The Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

2. Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated

The Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated is a truly unique paddle. It can switch from huge power to excellent control in an instant, with awesome spin and forgiveness too.

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Read my deep dive

Best for control

Our Rating:

3. JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV

The JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV is a rare standard-shaped weapon. Its widebody shape gives you a large sweet spot and excellent control, but it's loaded up with pop.

Read my deep dive

Best cheap

Photo of the Friday Original pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

4. Friday Original

The Friday Original is a top beginner or step-up paddle for intermediate players. Grab two paddles for $98 and start learning power and spin right away.

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Read my deep dive

Best for spin

CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

5. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 has an amazing combo of spin and power. It's made from the newest tech, with a pure foam core and a Gen 4 design.

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Which paddle is best for you?

Before buying a paddle, it’s important to make sure it fits your game. That's why I created a 30-second quiz that recommends the best paddles for your play style and budget.

Give it a try and see if any of these power paddles make the list:

Find the perfect paddle

I've personally tested over 100 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.

Take Paddle Fitting Quiz

Read on to find out which is best for your game:

Best overall

1. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV

Ben Johns' Perseus Pro IV is a banger's dream.

10/10

Power

8/10

Control

9/10

Spin

8.5/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You want a power paddle that's legal:
the Perseus Pro IV manages to generate crazy power without having the "trampoline effect" that got the JOOLA Perseus 3 banned by USA Pickleball.
You want lots of spin:
you can put plenty of shape on your shots thanks to the trademark JOOLA Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) which really grabs the ball.
You want the choice of more pop or more control:
choose either the poppier 14 mm core or the thicker 16 mm core (for more cushion on touch shots).

Pass if:

You want a powerful paddle with more control:
the Scorpeus Pro IV evenly balances strong power and control, with awesome spin and speed too.
You want the best all-court paddle with power:
I really like the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated for advanced players who want a paddle that does everything well.
You're on a budget:
you can get two Friday Original paddles for $99 – these are great for new players who want to start hitting powerful shots.

JOOLA

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Amazon

Paddle Weight

7.9 oz (14 mm) or 8.1 oz (16 mm)

Paddle Length

16.5 inches

Paddle Width

7.5 inches

Handle Length

5.5 inches

Grip Circumference

4.125 inches (14 mm) or 4.25 inches (16 mm)

Paddle Face Material

Carbon friction surface

Core Material

Polypropylene

Core Thickness

14 mm (0.55 inches) or 16 mm (0.63 inches)

Sweet Spot

Medium

If you want the best overall paddle for power in 2025, check out the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV. It's the most powerful paddle I've played with besides the paddles that USA Pickleball banned.

If you like to play aggressively and can handle a lot of pop (especially on the 14 mm model), you'll have so much fun with this attacking paddle. It's another knock-out from JOOLA and Ben Johns. It's great to see them rebound with a paddle that's UPA-A and USAP PBCoR .43 certified for tournaments.

Who it suits

The 14 mm model suits more advanced players because it's poppy, which makes it hard for lower-level players to control. The 16 mm will suit more intermediate players who want a really powerful paddle.

If you play in tournaments and want an explosive paddle that's still approved by USA Pickleball, this is my recommendation for you.

Features

The standout feature is the propulsion core. I was surprised JOOLA kept it here because a lot of people assumed this is why their Gen 3 paddles were banned. The core is what gives this paddle 10/10 power – it works to hold and release the ball like a rocket.

Like the JOOLA Agassi Pro, the Perseus Pro IV features the TechFlex Power (TFP) tech to help balance the weighting. It also stops this paddle from having a head-heavy feel like the JOOLA Hyperion.

Lastly, the Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) does a great job at generating topspin. While it's not quite as good as the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1, Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0, or Paddletek Bantam TKO-C, this is still one of the best spin paddles on the market.

Design and feel

The Perseus Pro IV has a classic elongated shape (16.5x7.5 inches) with an elongated handle (5.5 inches). The design is cool, too – premium, sleek, and professional. It looks great on the courts and stays cleaner than most black carbon paddles, which get dirty quickly.

Both the 14 and 16 mm models have a well-balanced weight. They don't have that draggy, head-heavy feel that some elongated power paddles have. They feel great to swing, are very comfortable, and don't put any strain on my wrists and elbows. If you're after a paddle for tennis elbow, this is worth considering.

Performance

The Perseus Pro IV is an explosive paddle. I can hit very deep serves that put me on the front foot immediately, as well as drives and putaways with tons of pop and topspin.

I was surprised by how forgiving this paddle is for an elongated model. There's foam added by the throat that prevents dead spots, so your shots have a consistent bounce to them rather than falling flat.

If you're not an advanced player or a banger, watch out for the pop – especially on the 14 mm. It's easy to sail the ball long, so you'll have to adjust the angle of your paddle to keep the ball low. If you'd prefer more dwell time on your paddle face for touch shots, try the 16 mm for a slightly softer feel.

Value for money

The JOOLA Perseus Pro IV is a premium paddle, and it's priced accordingly at $279.95. If you want the most powerful paddle and you have the budget, it's a worthy investment. The fact that it's certified by USA Pickleball for tournaments adds to the value as it's not going to be delisted.

If you're a newer player, you don't necessarily need to spend this amount of money yet. You can get all the power you need from the Friday Original or Six Zero DBD.

My verdict

If you're a banger, the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV is a contender for the most powerful paddle ever made. It's definitely the most powerful legal paddle I've played with. It's even more explosive than the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C, which was my go-to power paddle before this. If you want a premium power paddle from one of pickleball's top brands, this is a no-brainer.

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Best all-court

2. Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated

A rare blend of awesome power, spin, control, and forgiveness.

9.5/10

Power

9/10

Control

10/10

Spin

9/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You need more than just power:
this is a rare elongated paddle that balances a really high level of power, spin, control, and forgiveness.
You want to play in tournaments:
this all-court paddle gives me the most complete advanced performance yet, and I got my highest tournament score with it.
You're prone to pickleball injuries:
this is one of the best paddles for tennis elbow – Engage is a really popular brand with injury-prone players.

Pass if:

You want a standard-shaped all-court paddle:
take a look at the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV, a great control paddle.
You want the most powerful paddle:
the Perseus Pro IV just about edges this on pure power.
You want a cheap paddle:
look at our 2-for-$98 offer on the Friday Original.

Engage Pickleball

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Amazon

Paddle Weight

8.0-8.3 oz (Standard) / 7.6-7.9 oz (LITE weight)

Paddle Length

16.5 inches

Paddle Width

7.5 inches

Handle Length

5.85 inches

Grip Circumference

4.25 inches

Paddle Face Material

Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber

Core Material

Polymer

Core Thickness

15.875 mm (0.625 inches)

Sweet Spot

Large

If you're after the best all-court paddle with raw power in 2025, you'll get a lot out of the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated. It narrowly misses out on the top spot on my list because the JOOLA Perseus edges it on power alone.

However, the Engage gives you a better balance of power and spin with high levels of control and forgiveness – especially if you're an advanced player.

Who it suits

While it can suit intermediates because it's so forgiving, you'll unlock this paddle's true all-court potential the more advanced you are. It’s one of the best paddles for advanced players.

Pack this for a tournament if you want to play a top all-court game. It helped me to my best competition performance so far, in Phoenix in September 2024. I almost won a 5.0 tournament with it.

It's also one of the best paddles for pickleball elbow and other injuries thanks to Engage's vibration-dampening tech. You can really feel it in this paddle's stability. Many injury-prone players recommend Engage (myself included).

Features

You always find unique tech in Engage paddles. They're highly rated by players who suffer from pickleball injuries because their vibration-dampening tech is built into the whole paddle – not just the handle. As someone who struggles with tennis elbow, I can really feel the stability in this paddle.

It might sound like marketing jargon, but the tech does work. This paddle adapts to your swing speed. The "MachPro Polymer Core" holds the point of contact with the ball, softening the paddle so you can control your touch shots.

If you swing fast, though, you'll unlock the "Variable Release 2.0 Technology", which turns this into a hard-hitting power paddle. That's what makes it such a special all-court power paddle. Luckily, the more advanced you are, the easier you'll find handling this feature.

Design and feel

I like the design here. The elongated shape gives you nice reach while the curved hybrid-style top makes it quicker, reducing much of the lag common with elongated paddles. If you like hitting two-handed backhands, you'll appreciate the extra-long handle (5.87 inches).

Engage paddles have a unique feel – they're non-thermoformed but stiff and poppy. The tech here makes the Pursuit Pro1 feel so much better than the Pursuit EX 6.0 and Pursuit MAXX MX 6.0. It's easily the best Engage paddle I've played with.

I do wish the grip felt less bulky. It's 4.25 inches like many paddles but it feels thicker. It can get a little uncomfortable with sweaty hands.

Performance

The Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated is almost up there with the elongated JOOLA Pro IV paddles when it comes to ripping power and spin. It's a lethal combination when you swing hard.

What I love is that when you rein in your swing, it becomes a control paddle. Not just any control paddle either, but one that rivals even the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta.

It also has a large sweet spot, making it one of the only elongated paddles with this much power and forgiveness combined. I've hardly had any mishits.

Value for money

At $259.99, the Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is $20 cheaper than the JOOLA Pro IVs. It's 100% worth it if you're ready to invest in your game – especially if you're gearing up for a tournament.

I also recommend it to advancing intermediate or advanced-level players who struggle with strains and injuries like pickleball elbow. It'll help you get back on the courts and avoid future injuries.

To learn more, check out my full Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated review.

My verdict

I was really surprised by the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated. It changed my perception of Engage paddles and I can see why so many players love it. It's in my tournament bag from now on, and it's one of my top recommendations for advanced players. If you're ready to invest $260 in your game, this is a real all-court paddle with tons of power.

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Best for control

3. JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV

A fast all-court paddle that balances elite pop and control.

9/10

Power

9/10

Control

9.5/10

Spin

9/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You want control plus power:
the Scorpeus is built like a control paddle but it still has tons of pop.
You play with lots of spin:
this is one of JOOLA's best spin paddles – you can put lots of spin on your touch shots.
You like fast paddles:
the standard shape makes this a lot faster than most elongated power paddles, so it's deadly in hand battles.

Pass if:

You want a pure power paddle:
for more putaway power, check out the elongated model in this series, the Perseus Pro IV.
You want an all-court paddle with more reach:
the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated is another incredible all-court paddle.
You're on a beginner budget:
the Friday Original is the best bargain power paddle, and you can get 2-for-$98 with our exclusive deal.

JOOLA

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Paddle Weight

7.9 oz (14 mm) or 8.1 oz (16 mm)

Paddle Length

16 inches

Paddle Width

8 inches

Handle Length

5.25 inches

Grip Circumference

4.125 inches (14 mm) or 4.25 inches (16 mm)

Paddle Face Material

Carbon friction surface

Core Material

Propulsion core

Core Thickness

14 mm (0.55 inches) or 16 mm (0.63 inches)

Sweet Spot

Large

If you want a power paddle that shines on control, the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV is your best bet. It's our reviewer Stephen Mijangos' new favorite paddle.

It has the best qualities of a widebody control paddle (aerodynamic shape, big sweet spot for forgiveness) and yet offers way more pop and power than most standard-shaped paddles. It's the most complete paddle of JOOLA's Gen 4 series, in terms of the all-court performance it gives you.

Who it suits

If you play a fast game at the kitchen with a lot of power, this is designed for you. It gives you the speed and pop you need for intense hand battles. Plus, you don't lose any control or forgiveness, so your touch game is very accurate.

Stephen and I prefer the 16 mm model because it gives you more control without sacrificing much pop. If you want more pop, try the 14 mm model. If you're a beginner, you might struggle to rein in the Scorpeus' pop. If that's you, check out the Friday Original paddle or another of the best beginner paddles.

Features

The propulsion core is the best feature of JOOLA's Gen 4 paddles. It's what gives them their trademark pop. You still get a bit of the "trampoline effect", but JOOLA managed to rein it in so that these paddles don't get banned like the JOOLA Scorpeus 3.

JOOLA's new tech here is called TechFlex Power (TFP). I'm not sure it adds much "flex" but it does everything else right. It helps to distribute weight and increase the sweet spot and precision.

Of all the Pro IV paddles, the Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) works best on the Scorpeus. It has the highest spin generation of the series, putting it up there with the best pickleball paddles for spin.

Design and feel

The Scorpeus Pro IV has a classic standard shape (16 x 8 inches) with a standard-sized handle (5.25 inches). This is one paddle that just looks and feels premium.

Both models have great weight balance, without any head heaviness. They cut through the air but don't feel overly light. They feel solid and sturdy, and give you the confidence to swing hard.

Performance

The Scorpeus might not have the explosive power of the others in the JOOLA Pro IV series (including the Hyperion Pro IV and Magnus Pro IV). That said, it's still very powerful for a fast widebody paddle. These paddles are usually known for their control.

The Scorpeus reminds me of the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C, one of the best widebody paddles on the market. These have the same power and spin, but the Scorpeus has even better control and forgiveness.

You can play an aggressive game with flicks, counters, and blocks. You can switch it up and place touch shots like drops and dinks with great precision. Spin is so good that you can use it to your advantage on power shots or soft shots. You can play a really complete game with the Scorpeus.

Value for money

The Scorpeus Pro IV is an expensive paddle at $279.95, but it justifies the price for players who can afford it. If you're ready to invest long term in your game, you'll struggle to find a better paddle when it comes to balancing power and control.

Read more in our JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV review.

My verdict

If you don't need the reach of an elongated paddle, check out the Scorpeus Pro IV. It has a little less power than paddles like the Perseus Pro IV and the Engage Pursuit Pro1. It's a speedy weapon, though, excelling on pop and spin. When you need control, this is a precise and forgiving paddle – a great all-rounder.

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Best cheap

4. Friday Original

Power and spin at a budget price for beginners and intermediates.

8/10

Power

7.5/10

Control

8.5/10

Spin

7/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You're a beginner or early intermediate:
if you're a newer player who wants to start learning power and spin, this is my recommendation.
You want a budget carbon fiber paddle:
this is a thermoformed carbon paddle for under $100.
You want a great deal:
with our exclusive discount, you can get two Friday Original paddles for $98.

Pass if:

You're a rising intermediate or above:
once you hit that higher intermediate 3.5 level, you'll want a higher-performing paddle like the others on this list.
You want an advanced paddle:
the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is a top all-court paddle for advanced players.
You're ready to invest in your game:
check out the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1, a super-premium paddle made with cutting-edge tech, or the JOOLA Pro IVs.

Friday

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Paddle Weight

8.3 oz

Paddle Length

16.5 inches

Paddle Width

7.5 inches

Handle Length

5.5 inches

Grip Circumference

4.25 inches

Paddle Face Material

Carbon fiber

Core Material

Polypropylene honeycomb

Core Thickness

16 mm (0.63 inches)

Sweet Spot

Small

The Friday Original is the best cheap power paddle in 2025. It's a game changer – a real carbon fiber thermoformed paddle for just $69.99. Even better, you get two of them for $98 with our exclusive deal. There's never been a better, more powerful paddle for under $50.

Who it suits

This is an ideal step-up paddle for anyone upgrading to intermediate level. It's also one of the best beginner paddles because it suits any new players who want a starter paddle with real power and spin to help advance and win more games.

If you get the 2-for-$98 offer, it's also one of the best pickleball sets you can get. Plus, it makes a great pickleball gift for anyone wanting to hit the courts with a partner.

Features

You don't often see a thermoformed carbon fiber paddle for less than $100. While it isn't made from premium raw carbon, it's still a huge upgrade on the fiberglass paddles you often see at this price range.

The carbon fiber gives it great spin, while the heavier weight (8.3 oz) gives it a boost of power. The 16 mm core brings in enough control, making this a decent all-court paddle too.

Design and feel

This is another elongated paddle (they usually generate more power) but like the Engage Pursuit Pro1, it has the curved top of a hybrid paddle. This works well to speed the paddle up, offsetting the heavier feel. I have faster hands than I expected given the paddle's weight.

Just note: if you aren't used to thermoformed paddles, they do have a slightly stiff feel. However, the tradeoff is more power than most beginner and step-up paddles have.

The tennis-style grip is comfortable and the funky paddle designs really make this one stand out on the courts.

Performance

You don't often see budget paddles with lots of spin, but it's the best thing about the Friday Original. Power is right up there too and, when combined, you can hit hard topspin drives – something a new intermediate will love learning. I can almost always put the ball away when I have an opening. That's so satisfying for a paddle at this price.

There's a small sweet spot, so this isn't a paddle for players who need lots of forgiveness. There's some inconsistency too. If you want more control with power, I'd recommend the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV instead.

That said, I was able to adjust to these drawbacks. After some practice, I was playing a better all-court game than any $50 paddle has ever allowed me.

Value for money

This is one of the best values in pickleball ever. At $69.99, it's already a great bargain. If you use our exclusive discount code, you can get yourself two Friday Originals for $98. That's less than $50 for a thermoformed carbon fiber paddle with power and spin.

Learn more in my Friday Original review.

My verdict

The Friday Original generates awesome power and spin for a $50 paddle (with our 2-for-$98 discount). I've even won games against advanced players with this paddle! If you're a beginner or early intermediate and you want to play with power without breaking the bank, this is ideal for you.

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Best for spin

5. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1

Awesome spin makes this a power paddle to contend with.

9/10

Power

8.5/10

Control

9.5/10

Spin

7.5/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You like new tech:
this is the first "Gen 4" paddle series, with cores that are made from 100% foam.
You play with lots of power and spin:
the spin is so good that it boosts your power game big time.
You like elongated handles:
unlike with the Genesis 3 model (5.25-inch handle), you get a 5.5-inch handle here for two-handed backhands.

Pass if:

You need a lot of forgiveness:
the Genesis 1 has a narrower body and a tighter sweet spot than the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 and JOOLA Perseus Pro IV.
You like super-fast paddles:
check out the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV for one of the quickest power paddles.
You're on a budget:
the Friday Original is a great option if your budget is under $100.

CRBN

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Paddle Weight

7.8-8.1 oz

Paddle Length

16.5 inches

Paddle Width

7.35 inches

Handle Length

5.5 inches

Grip Circumference

4.125 inches

Paddle Face Material

T700 raw carbon fiber/fiberglass layer

Core Material

Foam

Core Thickness

14 mm (0.55 inches)

Sweet Spot

Small-medium

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 may not be quite as powerful as the Perseus and Engage paddles, but the spin is incredible and it makes for a deadly combo when combined with power. That's why I'm picking it for any bangers who like to play an aggressive game.

Who it suits

This mostly suits advanced players and bangers, and it's priced accordingly at $280. It's a great new "Gen 4" paddle that will appeal to anyone who likes cutting-edge tech.

Features

The TruFoam Genesis paddles were the first I'd seen with a 100% foam core, meaning no more honeycomb. The idea here is to stop the core-crushing that Gen 2 paddles can experience while also avoiding the trampoline effect that got many Gen 3 paddles banned.

Unlike the CRBN-1X Power Series, which offers both 14 mm and 16 mm sizes, the Genesis 1 comes in just 14 mm to focus more on power. The foam core helps to bring in a lot of dwell time and softness, though, which boosts control.

There's also a layer of fiberglass on the raw carbon fiber – another way this paddle differs from the CRBN Power Series. This feature surprised me a lot. It adds good pop while keeping the natural feel of the carbon.

Design and feel

This is a cool-looking paddle with a nice design on it. It definitely looks and feels like a super-high-end premium paddle.

I've had a few issues with the grip getting sweaty, something I don't usually have a problem with as I don't have sweaty hands. I'd recommend replacing the base grip or using an overgrip.

Performance

In our review of the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1, Stephen Mijangos found the spin generation so good because the ball really dwells on the paddle face, allowing you to shape your shots. This is especially good on topspin and sliced dinks. The fiberglass kicks in when you need pop so, combined with the spin, you can play a really aggressive game.

To counter that, the foam core brings a nice softness to prevent too many pop-ups. Just be aware that the narrow face means a smaller sweet spot, so don't expect a ton of forgiveness here.

Value for money

At $279.99, this is one of the priciest paddles on the market alongside the JOOLA Gen 4s. However, if you're a banger who likes elongated paddles with a 5.5-inch handle and you also like new tech, this is worth it for you.

It was designed to pass the USA Pickleball's new PBCoR regulations, meaning it won't be decertified for 2025 like the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated and other paddles. That helps to increase its value for players who are entering tournaments this year.

To learn more, check my my full CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 review.

My verdict

If you like to shape your game around spin, I recommend the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1. You can utilize the dwell time on this paddle face to shape the type of shots you want, bringing in big pop and power when you need, and a softer touch game when needed. It's expensive but it's worth it – especially for advanced players getting ready for tournaments.

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How to choose the best pickleball paddle for power

I've tested over 100 paddles at this point – some good, some bad. While this list reflects my own honest opinions based on these testing sessions, I also made sure to consult plenty of other sources. I read reviews from both experts and customers to get a full perspective on what's available.

Stephen Mijangos with the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV

Here are some of the things I think are important when picking a power paddle:

Paddle size/shape

Elongated paddles (typically 16.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide) are usually the most powerful. As you'll see from my list, most of the paddles are elongated.

Paddle weight

You'd think that the heavier the paddle the more powerful it is, but that's not always true. Let's look at the rough weight categories for pickleball paddles:

Lightweight: 7.2 oz and under
Midweight: 7.3-8.3 oz
Heavyweight: 8.4 oz and over

The paddles on my power list average just over 8 oz in weight. In fact, they all fall in the midweight category. Lots of heavyweight paddles are powerful but tend to have a higher swing weight, meaning it can be harder to swing fast (which generates power).

The paddles I found the most powerful are often ones that have enough heft but still allow you to swing hard to get lots of power.

Surface material

Despite newer materials appearing on the scene (you can now find Kevlar paddles and titanium paddles), carbon fiber still seems to be the most powerful material. All the paddles on this list are carbon paddles, while the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 adds a layer of fiberglass too for extra pop.

Carbon fiber helps to add spin but is also just a really strong and durable material, leading to reliable power.

Core thickness

This is one of the most important features in any paddle, so you'll often see it appearing prominently. Most paddles have a core thickness somewhere between 10 mm and 20 mm, with 14 mm and 16 mm being the most common.

Usually, a thinner core means more power and pop. So, a 14 mm paddle should have more bang than a 16 mm paddle. That's not always the case, though, and you'll see a mix on this list. That's why it's important to read reviews before you rush into buying a paddle.

Durability

Durability is always important. There's no point in having a powerful paddle that wears down quickly. Some paddles are known to start falling apart within months.

Make sure you're reading reviews and checking if the paddle you're about to buy is made from long-lasting materials. Durability is an important category in all of my reviews and something I factor in when making an overall assessment.

Price

The paddles on this list range from $69.99 all the way up to $279.99. The big surprise this year is the Friday Original, my pick for the best budget power paddle.

It packs a punch and can be bagged for just $50 a paddle with our 2-for-$99 deal. It's great to see a real carbon paddle at such a low price, a big sign of how the pickleball paddle market is changing. Last year, you'd only find a graphite or fiberglass paddle at this price.

The overall winner in 2025, the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV, is the same price as the CRBN TruFoam Genesis at $280, though it's not always the case that you get what you pay for.

How to add more power to your shots

Once you've bought the right paddle, consider these tips to help you generate more power:

Posture: most of the power in your swing comes from your legs. For starters, try standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Make sure you're standing tall with your chin up and chest out. As you swing, push your back foot forward, transferring the weight of your body to your front foot. This kind of hip rotation will put more force behind your shots.
Follow-through: make sure you're putting a lot of follow-through on your shots. Don't be afraid to take a big backswing too (but don't do this on your drops).
Spin: learning how to hit with topspin will give your shots more control. This allows you to swing harder and hit with more power.

Bottom line

We're really spoiled for choice with so many new and exciting power paddles right now. Newer brands keep appearing, and established brands are putting out top-quality offerings with crazy power behind them.

My favorite power paddle this year is the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV. It's the best replacement for the disappointing Gen 3s – it hits harder than anything else, it's sanctioned for tournaments, and it gives you a complete all-court game.

Here's a recap of my top five paddles for power players:

JOOLA Perseus Pro IV - Best overall
Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated - Best all-court
JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV - Best for control
Friday Original - Best cheap
CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 - Best for spin

Recent updates

April 2025

We've seen so many great power paddles released in the last year. Some paddles, like the JOOLA Gen 3 Perseus and Gearbox Pro Power Elongated, were even banned by USA Pickleball for being too powerful.

After testing it recently, I chose the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV as the new best overall power paddle in 2025, replacing the awesome Paddletek Bantam TKO-C.

The TKO-C is still one of my favorite paddles for power, but I have to hand it to JOOLA – the new Perseus just hits harder than anything else right now. Not only is the power 10/10, but it also passed all USA Pickleball tests, so there's no risk of it being banned.

Another paddle from the Pro IV line is so good that we had to include it also. The JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV is probably the hardest-hitting standard-shaped paddle ever released. It replaces the Six Zero DBD as the best power paddle with control.

FAQs

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About the author

Brandon Mackie

Brandon is an avid writer and co-founder of Pickleheads™. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can now be found these days honing his dinks on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.

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