The FLiK F3 is a really exciting paddle launch. This is an immediate contender for our best pickleball paddles list and it's priced very attractively at $190 (you can take 10% off that price with our exclusive discount).
After playing for more than 10 hours, I have nothing but good things to say about the F3. I tested the elongated model, as per my usual preference, but there's something for everyone with hybrid and standard alternatives. Read on to see why I rate this paddle so highly against top-tier $250+ paddles.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that the FLiK F3 does everything to an elite degree. It's a super rare paddle that scores a 9 or 10 on all of our metrics. A lot of it comes down to its unique triple foam core, which gives you power when you need it, the best forgiveness, and great dwell time on the paddle face to control and spin your shots. If you want a paddle that can do it all without costing you more than $200, this is it.
A total knockout from FLiK
I've played with a FLiK paddle before, and we reviewed the FLiK F1 in the past, but they've really outdone themselves here. This is an extremely well-made paddle that I compare favorably to $280 paddles like the JOOLA Pro IV series. I feel like the FLiK actually gives you a way more rounded game for $100 less.
It sits comfortably in the same league as the Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF and the Bread & Butter Loco – two standout paddles in the mid-range price bracket that truly excel across power, control, spin, and forgiveness. Like those paddles, the FLiK F3 has next-gen foam technology.
✅ What stands out
Controlled power
I love the power here. It's not the rocket-launcher power of the Selkirk Boomstik – it's more of a dwell-based power, and it really works for my game.
The biggest difference I felt was on my counters. If my opponent sped the ball up through the middle, I was able to control that counter more often than with other paddles. I put this down to the triple-density foam core. With other paddles, you don't often get the cleanest hit on these shots because you have to swing quickly. With the FLiK F3, even if I didn't hit the ball 100% on the sweet spot, there was great power to put the counter away.
My serves were insane too. Many 5.0 players wanted to know what paddle I was using because I would be getting four points on missed serve returns or even aces.
The ideal dwell time
This paddle is phenomenal in the control department. I love the dwell time you get on the face (that's how long the ball seems to rest on the surface when you hit). It's exceptional.
I feel like some paddles actually have too much dwell – you can accidentally carry the ball a little too much. With this paddle, it was just right. I was able to control attacks back at my opponents easily. Whenever I had to back up, I was able to reset the ball and make it unattackable, put it in a difficult position for my opponents and make them stretch.
10 out of 10 forgiveness
This is one of the most forgiving paddles I've ever played with, along with the Warping Point Neon and the aforementioned Honolulu J2NF. The triple foam core brings so much to the table. I noticed a big difference on defense – the sweet spot is huge, so even if the ball doesn't come off the middle of the paddle, it still has the same trajectory.
On serve returns, it's not always easy to fully predict how the ball is going to come at you, which can lead to mishits. With this paddle, I rarely had to worry about overhitting my returns or sending them into the net.
Spin is great
The dwell time lets you really hold the ball and lift it up over the net. I used this to great effect on my backhands. I tend to hit backhands a little too flat, and they often go into the net, or in the best-case scenario, they hit the top of the net and bounce over. With this paddle's consistent dwell time, I was able to push through and lift the ball for cleaner and more deliberate backhands.
One of my favorite shots is a disguised whip to the outside. My opponent thinks I'm speeding up to the middle, then they have to suddenly dive to the outside. With this paddle I could keep doing that consistently with the spin I could generate.
❌ What to consider
Not an explosive power paddle
I would describe this paddle as having controlled power. If you're looking for the utmost sheer explosiveness, and you're not too worried about control, try a raw power paddle instead.
Cheaper options for beginners
This paddle is definitely forgiving and controlled enough for newer players. If you have the budget, it's a no-brainer. If you want to spend less, you can find great, cheaper pickleball paddles and paddles made for beginners to get you started, before you progress to a paddle like this one.
How the FLiK F3 plays
| Category | Rating | Notes |
| Power | 9/10 | Not lacking in the power department. It punishes high balls – you can attack and put pressure on your opponents. One of my favorite things about this paddle was how it performed on counters through the middle. |
| Control | 10/10 | You get the same dwell time no matter where you hit on the paddle. That really lends itself to incredible control and consistency with your drops and other finesse shots. |
| Spin | 9/10 | The dwell time allows you to shape your shots with great spin. |
| Forgiveness | 10/10 | No matter where I hit the paddle face, I felt confident the ball was going over the net and staying in. |
| Weighting | 9/10 | All three models have the same 8-ounce static weight. I did add weight to my elongated paddle to prevent it from turning (I was playing against hard-hitting 5.0 players). It gave me more control, but overall, it's a really well-balanced paddle. |
| Grip | 9.5/10 | The grip has a little more give and squish to it than most, and I like the tackiness. It has pronounced ridges, which some players might not like, but I do! They give me a really good grip. The only downside for me is that it's white, so it gets dirty easily. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Some minor scuffs and scrapes on the surface. There's a lot of white on the paddle, so it can look dirty quickly. But overall, it's very durable and made with great materials (see the features below). |
| Aerodynamics | 9.5/10 | Very light and quick through the air. This helps on defense and attacks. |
Features that matter
- Triple foam core: to my knowledge, this is the only paddle made with a triple-density foam core. You've got foam in the center, a ring of foam around that, and another one around the edges of the paddle. I think this is what gives the paddle such a good feel and forgiveness.
- Three layers of raw Toray T700 carbon: this is the premium-grade stuff used in the best carbon fiber paddles. It boosts spin and durability big time.
- Other specs: the core is a thicker 16 mm, giving you more control than 14 mm paddles. The handle length is a standard 5.5 inches. The paddle comes in three shapes – standard, hybrid, elongated.
Who the FLiK F3 is for
This is a rare paddle that works for players at any level. It's a fantastic intermediate paddle because it's so well-rounded. It works great as a paddle for advanced players like me – I was winning lots of games at 5.0 level with it.
Generally, 4.0 level players and up will get the most out of it because they'll enjoy its nuances. They'll appreciate using the dwell time to manipulate spin, defend and generate power.
The price point might also push it more into the 4.0+ (upper intermediate) space, but newer players with the budget will love it.
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