If you're looking for the best pickleball paddles, you've come to the right place. The Pickleheads team has tested over 200 paddles (and counting) to find the best ones for you.
My new favorite is the SLK ERA Power. Released in June, this paddle has put the tried-and-true Selkirk brand back on top of the sport.
Right now, it offers the best value for the performance of any paddle I've tested - but there are other options worth considering.
Best pickleball paddles at a glance
Best overall
Our Rating:
1. Selkirk SLK ERA Power
Best budget paddle
Our Rating:
2. 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean
What the pros are using
Our Rating:
3. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV
Best for beginners
Our Rating:
4. Friday Original
Best for power players
Our Rating:
5. Bread & Butter Filth
Best for precision players
Our Rating:
6. Vatic Pro PRISM Flash
Note: our discount codes may be subject to change when products are on sale. Check the final price at checkout.
Which paddle is best for you?
Our top picks cover most players, but there's no one-size-fits-all paddle. If you're just starting out, you might want a lighter, more forgiving paddle. If you're a big hitter, you need spin, pop, and a paddle that can keep up.
That's why we built a 30-second quiz to match you with the paddle that fits your game.
Find the perfect paddle
We've tested over 200 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
A closer look at our top picks
We made a big decision to take the Six Zero Double Black Diamond off our top spot after a long, long time. A lot of players have chosen it and loved it. It's still a good paddle, but technology is changing.
We've been playing with a crazy amount of new paddles, but a lot of them are in the $200+ price range. We feel that's overkill for most players. That’s why our list skews toward paddles under $200. We’re all about finding the best performance at the best value.
Let's take a look at how each of these paddles plays and who they're best for. If you want a comprehensive breakdown of specs, on-court performance from our play testing, and side-by-side comparisons, you'll be able to click through to our full reviews of each paddle.
If you're curious about how we review our paddles, read about how we test and review gear at Pickleheads. Let's get into it.
1. Selkirk SLK ERA Power
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You’re looking to switch from a control paddle to something more powerful:
this is a great intro to a power paddle without losing control – it can be soft when you want, it can hit hard when you want.
Spin is a big part of your game:
the combination of a gritty face that grabs the ball and a lot of dwell time allows you to really shape your shots, both off the bounce and out of the air.
You want a fast paddle:
Selkirk excels at making aerodynamic paddles and this one swings easily through the air, boosting your speed in hands battles and allowing you to get back into position quickly.
Pass if:
You want a true power paddle:
if you don’t mind sacrificing control to get more power in your baseline drives, try the explosive JOOLA Perseus Pro IV or Bread & Butter Filth.
You want a paddle with a large sweet spot:
check out the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean if you’d prefer a giant sweet spot.
You don’t need a longer handle:
people who don’t use a two-handed backhand might find the 5.8-inch handle too long – it can take away from the paddle face (making the sweet spot a little smaller).
Today’s best deals
Also great
- Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF ($195): beginners to advanced players can all get a performance boost from this awesome foam-fiberglass hybrid. It has explosive pop but tons of forgiveness thanks to a huge sweet spot.
- 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power ($200): top budget brand 11SIX24 came for the premium tier in 2025 with their Alpha Pro Power series. The Vapor model (hybrid) especially is a real all-court paddle that players at all levels will love.
2. 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
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Buy if:
You want a forgiving paddle with fewer mishits:
with its large sweet spot, mishits are way less punishing – even when you hit off-center shots, you can stay in the point.
You prefer a softer paddle:
while not quite as good as the ERA, this is still a soft, responsive paddle that helps your accuracy.
You want the best paddle available under $100:
we also like the Vatic Pro in this category, but the Jelly Bean is slightly better.
Pass if:
You want the most power possible:
most players will get enough pop here, but it's not as powerful as the Bread & Butter Filth.
You want a longer paddle:
you'll get more reach on overheads and at the kitchen with a hybrid or elongated paddle (the Jelly Bean is a standard-shaped, square paddle).
You're willing to spend a little more for higher quality:
check out the SLK ERA if you have the money, or you're rising up the ranks.
Today’s best deal
Also great
- Friday Fever ($99): this is like an elongated version of the 11Six24 Jelly Bean. It excels on spin and forgiveness and is another one of the best $100 paddles, built with high-end materials. Read our Friday Fever review.
- Engage Pursuit V2.0 ($100): power players on a budget will love how much pop and spin they can generate with the Pursuit V2.0. A knockout paddle from Engage. Read our full Engage Pursuit V2.0 review.
3. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
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Buy if:
You're willing to shell out for the highest quality:
this is an expensive paddle, but you get what you pay for.
You play an aggressive game:
you'll get the most power in the industry and heavy topspin – tennis players will feel right at home.
You still want a paddle you can control:
advanced players will easily find control and forgiveness here when they need to pivot to touch shots.
Pass if:
You struggle with paddles that have a lot of pop:
try the PRISM Flash or the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean instead.
You're not ready to spend $280 just yet:
the Bread & Butter Filth is an amazing mid-range alternative with comparable power.
You don’t want an elongated paddle:
the standard-shaped model in this series, the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV, is one of our favorite paddles too – it’s a fast little weapon.
Today’s best deals
Also great
- Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik ($333): an unapologetically powerful paddle that really hits like a boomstick. This paddle stands out for its huge sweet spot too, a rarity in power paddles. Read our Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik review.
- Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C ($250): fast, square-shaped, and light, the ESQ-C is a weapon in a widebody package. There's so much pop and speed, it makes playing at the kitchen super exciting. Read our Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C review.
- Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated ($260): incredible all-court performance – one of the best blends of power, control, spin, and forgiveness in an advanced paddle. Read my Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated review.
4. Friday Original
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Buy if:
You want the best gear to start your pickleball journey:
newcomers will win more games with the better-performing, more premium Friday over most entry-level paddles.
You want a great deal:
two carbon fiber paddles that play this well for $99 is crazy – this is one of the best deals in pickleball.
You want a beginner paddle with power and spin:
the stiff thermoformed construction gives you good power, and the gritty surface generates spin.
Pass if:
You want a softer paddle:
the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash has a plush, softer feel that gives you more control on your touch shots.
You want a large sweet spot:
this has a smaller sweet spot, and I had a few mishits because of it. If that’s a concern, try the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean.
You’re ready for an upgrade:
once you’re playing at a competitive level, you’ll want to upgrade to the likes of an SLK ERA (intermediate) or JOOLA Perseus Pro IV (advanced).
Today’s best deals
5. Bread & Butter Filth
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Buy if:
Power is your priority:
if you have an aggressive play style and like to win with power, this is for you.
You still want a paddle with control:
unlike some powerful paddles (say, the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power Elongated), you can consistently land touch shots with the Filth – once you take a little time to learn to rein in the power.
You don’t want to spend over $200:
the Filth is a real bargain at $165 – it’s almost as powerful as the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV and Paddletek Bantam TKO-C (both are $250+).
Pass if:
You play the soft game more than power:
the ERA will give you a better all-court balance, so you can easily switch between your soft game and power mode.
You’re a brand-new player:
this will probably be too lively and wild for you – the 11SIX24, Friday, and Vatic Pro paddles are my top choices for beginners.
You're ready to invest in the best:
if you have the money to spend, the $280 JOOLA Perseus Pro IV is a more premium version of this paddle, with power that feels more controlled.
Today’s best deal
6. Vatic Pro PRISM Flash
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You want a softer, more controlled feel:
compared to other beginner-friendly paddles (11SIX24, Friday), this has a more plush feel that elevates your touch game.
You still need power:
I like surprising my opponents by swinging hard and amping up power when I need to put balls away.
Your budget is $100:
the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is a good alternative to the SLK ERA if you’re shopping in the $100 range.
Pass if:
You want a really powerful paddle:
the PRISM Flash doesn’t have the raw power of a Bread & Butter Filth or JOOLA Pro IV paddle.
You prefer a large sweet spot:
the PRISM Flash has a medium-sized sweet spot and I get some mishits if I don’t hit the ball dead center on the paddle face – try the 11SIX24.
You want a paddle set:
get the Friday Original on its 2-for-$99 deal and hit the courts with a partner.
Today’s best deals
How we choose the best pickleball paddles
At Pickleheads, we pride ourselves on our hands-on testing of all the paddles and gear we review. Every paddle you see recommended above was put through rigorous on-court sessions by myself, Stephen Mijangos (our pro paddle tester), or other members of the Pickleheads team. This includes a minimum play time of five hours per paddle, across at least two play sessions.
When we're ranking our favorite paddles, we consider overall performance (power, spin, etc.) but also important factors like price, value for money, and what type of player the paddle appeals to.
We have heated debates before we come to a general consensus for our best-of paddle guides. Often, the top paddles stand out from the rest, and it's sometimes the case that we all agree quickly on what the best paddle is.
The SLK ERA Power is one of those paddles – for all of us, it offers the best all-court performance at the best price to help the largest number of players improve their game.
What do the professionals say?
We also reached out to pickleball pros and top coaches to get their opinions on the best pickleball paddles. Here's what they said:
Wayne Dollard
Wayne is the Publisher of Pickleball Magazine, Director of LevelUp Pickleball Camps, a 5.0 US Open Gold Medalist, and USA Pickleball National Champion. His LevelUp Pickleball Camps have taught over 25,000 beginner, intermediate, and advanced players since 2017.
What type of paddles would you recommend to someone looking for their first paddle, and why?
Wayne recommends harder paddles with a good amount of power, “something that beginners like to have since controlled dinking and drops are not a big part of their games," he said. The Friday Original is a good example of a harder, more powerful beginner paddle.
What paddles would you recommend to someone looking for their first "investment" or upgrade paddle, and why?
"Once you move up to that intermediate level you should be focused on a better all-around paddle for improved control and power. If you are willing to work the mid-court with drops, you will need a paddle with a better sweet spot and more control. Of course, this comes at a cost.
Are there any other paddles you strongly recommend, and why?
"There are so many great paddles and manufacturers. My recommendation is to ask your local pro for demos or borrow as many paddles as you can. You will quickly find out the type of paddle that best suits our game."
Jackie Cheung
Jackie is a 5.0 player and founder of the women-led tournament and event organizer PickleballChicks.
What type of paddles would you recommend to someone looking for their first paddle, and why?
Jackie’s answer differs from Wayne’s here, and shows that paddle preferences can be highly subjective: "For beginners, I usually recommend something affordable with a generous sweet spot to make learning easier," she said.
What paddles would you recommend to someone looking for their first "investment" or upgrade paddle, and why?
Jackie recommends paddles that strike “that perfect balance between power and touch” and are durable and built to last.
Are there any other paddles you strongly recommend, and why?
"Once you get into the game, the best thing you can do is demo! Try a bunch of paddles meant for control, power, different materials, paddle lengths, brands etc. and see what works best for you."
How to choose a pickleball paddle
Choosing the right paddle depends on how you actually play, not just your budget or what's trending. New players can sometimes make the mistake of buying the latest hot paddle, only to find it's not right for them.
Here are some things to consider when deciding on a pickleball paddle:
Skill level
Some paddles are better for new players, others work best for pros, and there are many in between. Let's break down the skill levels so you can see what each group should prioritize in a paddle:
Beginner (2.0-2.5)
Newer players should focus first on building up their accuracy, getting the ball to stay in the court. You'll want a paddle that's not too explosive when it comes to power and pop.
That's why softer paddles that prioritize control are recommended. If they have a larger sweet spot, the paddle is more forgiving – even if you hit the ball away from the center of the paddle face, you should still get a consistent bounce.
Check out more of the best beginner paddles.
Best upgrade
Vatic Pro Saga Bloom
Budget option
SLK NEO 2.0
Intermediate (3.0-4.0)
You've gotten used to touch shots like drops and dinks. Now you want a bit more power and spin, without sacrificing too much softness and forgiveness just yet. This is where all-court paddles shine.
Look for a paddle that's well-rounded and offers a consistent performance across power, control, spin, and forgiveness.
Check out more of the best intermediate paddles.
Best upgrade
PIKKL Hurricane Pro
Budget option
Our Rating:
Vatic Pro PRISM V7
Advanced (4.0+)
In 2025, pickleball has become much more of a power game than it used to be. Advanced players are hitting more drives to win quick points and create offensive opportunities. So it’s no surprise that power is the most important thing advanced players need in a paddle.
Check out more of the best advanced paddles.
Best upgrade
Our Rating:
Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated
Budget option
Engage Pursuit V2.0
Play style
Different players have different styles of play. Let's look at three main types of play style and how they affect what paddle you should get:
Control-first
Your game is more about strategic shot placement rather than overwhelming your opponent with power. You rely on accuracy to win points. You like to play as the defensive partner in doubles games. If that's you, you'll want a paddle that scores high on control.
Spin is often important too, as it lets you shape your touch shots to vary them and catch your opponent out. You might also like paddles with larger sweet spots because you get a more consistent response across the paddle face, with less dead zones where the ball falls flat.
Check out more of the best control paddles.
Best upgrade
Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta
Budget option
Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S
Power-first
You're what we call a "banger" – someone who likes to put their opponent on the backfoot. You're the aggressor, and you like paddles that lead with power. Spin is super important for you too, combining with your power shots to give you a competitive edge.
For a while, a lot of power paddles focused so much on pop to the point where they were downright explosive, and lacked in control. Many of these were eventually deemed to be "illegal" and banned by USA Pickleball.
Newer paddles are replacing them, finding a way to give you almost the same level of explosiveness while maintaining a lot more control for a better-rounded performance.
Check out more of the best paddles for power.
Best upgrade
Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power Elongated
Budget option
Bread & Butter Shogun
All-court players
You're a player who wants a strong blend of power and control. Ideally, you'll get a paddle with lots of spin, good forgiveness, and a balanced weight distribution too. Beware, though: tons of brands claim that their paddles are all-court paddles.
In truth, finding a paddle with a truly impressive balance of the top attributes is rarer than you might think. That's why reading real reviews from on-court testing is so important.
Best upgrade
Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C
Budget option
Volair Mach 2 FORZA
Paddle shapes
The shape of your paddle also affects how it plays. Here are some things to know about the three shapes of a pickleball paddle:
Elongated shape
An elongated paddle is longer in length and narrower. The most common dimensions are 16.5x7.5 inches but I've seen paddles (like the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy) that are 17 inches long.
Elongated paddles naturally offer the most reach, and they're usually the most powerful too. They tend to be a bit slower than hybrid and standard-shaped paddles, though some offset this with well-designed weight distribution.
Best upgrade
JOOLA Agassi Pro
Budget option
Vatic Pro Saga V7
Hybrid shape
A hybrid paddle lies between an elongated and a standard-shaped paddle – that is, it's a little shorter and wider than an elongated paddle. They're known for having curved tops, which make them move through the air faster than elongated paddles.
A good hybrid paddle gives you the best of both worlds – some of the power of an elongated paddle matched with some of the forgiveness and speed of a standard-shaped paddle.
Best upgrade
Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Hybrid
Standard shape
Also known as widebody or square-shaped paddles, a standard-shaped paddle is shorter in length and wider. The typical dimensions of the paddle face are 16x8 inches, with some variation. Standard paddles are often faster and more forgiving, due to having a wider playing surface that enlarges the sweet spot.
Best upgrade
CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2
Budget option
Our Rating:
GoSports GS1
You can also read my full guidelines on how to choose a pickleball paddle.
Recent updates
August 2025
The Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control has finally been knocked off the top spot! It's held it down since 2023, which is no small feat. The SLK ERA brought Selkirk back to the top after a long hiatus, impressing us with its strong build and expert balance of power and control.
The SLK ERA is a great paddle for anyone ready to step up to the next level after playing with a control paddle or a mid-tier all-court paddle like the DBD or B&B Filth. At $200, it also offers a huge saving against rivals from the likes of CRBN and JOOLA.
FAQs
