Best pickleball paddles 2025

Buy if:

• You want the best bang for your buck:

  at this price point, it's unrivaled in quality.

• You want an even balance of power and control:

  I can switch quickly from aggressive pop to accurate touch shots with this paddle.

• Spin and speed are important for you:

  this is a fast paddle and it generates awesome spin.

Pass if:

• You struggle a lot with popping the ball up:

  try a softer paddle like the Pickleball Apes Pulse S or Vatic Pro PRISM Flash.

• You want the most technologically advanced paddle:

  if you don't mind paying the premium, check out the newer CRBN TruFoam and JOOLA Pro IV paddles for more updated tech.

• You're not ready for an investment paddle:

  you can still find high-quality paddles for a little cheaper, like the 11SIX24 or the Vatic Pro.

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 strong alternative to the Six Zero DBD 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.

Buy if:

• You want a durable paddle:

  foam paddles are built to avoid issues like delamination so the TruFoam 4 should stand the test of time.

• You want power and control:

  this model nails the balance of softness from the foam core with a poppy fiberglass face for aggressive play.

• You play a fast game:

  this hybrid model is one of the quickest paddles I tested this year, and the fastest in the TruFoam series.

Pass if:

• You don't need a next-gen paddle:

  the Six Zero DBD is an excellent Gen 2 alternative – it'll cost you around $100 less, too.

• You're new to pickleball:

  the sweet spot isn't huge – you'll have an easier time with mishits with a paddle like the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean.

• You want the biggest sweet spot:

  the Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF is the most forgiving paddle for intermediate to advanced players.

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, 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 Gearbox GX2 Power (both are over $250).

Pass if:

• You play the soft game more than power:

  take a look at the Pickleball Apes Pulse S, especially if you're an intermediate player who is focused on their touch game.

• 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 for max power:

  if you have the money to spend, the $280 Gearbox GX2 Power amps the power up to the maximum level.

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 the Pickleball Apes Pulse S (intermediate) or JOOLA Perseus Pro IV (advanced).

Buy if:

• Your touch game matters more than power:

  if control is your priority, you won't find much better than this consistent, plush, and accurate paddle.

• You're upgrading from a beginner paddle:

  with its soft and forgiving feel, this is perfect for new intermediates.

• You're ready to play with more spin:

  you'll be able to hit great topspin with this paddle.

Pass if:

• You want a power paddle for intermediate players:

  try the Bread & Butter Filth – no question. It has all the power you need and enough control and forgiveness too.

• You're still at beginner level:

  save some money and get the Friday Original two-paddle deal.

• You're ready for a pro paddle:

  the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV is my top pick for advanced players.

Buy if:

• Power is your #1 priority:

  if it's max power you want, nothing hits harder than the GX2 Power.

• You still need control and forgiveness:

  unlike Gearbox's previous paddles, this one has a softer feel and a larger sweet spot for increased precision and accuracy.

• You're already a Gearbox fan:

  Gearbox paddles have a distinct feel that's a bit stiff and poppy, so it helps if you're used to it, though this is definitely their most user-friendly paddle yet.

Pass if:

• You need a pure control paddle:

  while control is much improved here, it requires skill to work with the explosive power. Try the Pickleball Apes Pulse S if you want a true control paddle out of the box.

• You're on a budget:

  this is a premium power paddle like the JOOLA Pro IV series – the Bread & Butter Filth is a great power alternative that costs more than $100 less.

• You want a widebody paddle:

  the GX2 Power comes in elongated and hybrid versions – check out the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean if you want a standard (widebody) paddle.

Buy if:

• You want a paddle with a big sweet spot:

  no need to worry about hitting dead center – this paddle is forgiving right across the face, with a super consistent bounce.

• You like paddles with a lot of pop:

  the ball comes off the fiberglass face with a satisfying pop for players who like to play aggressively.

• You like fast hands battles:

  this one is lively at the kitchen zone, with a low 110 swing weight, allowing you to react with speed.

Pass if:

• You want a softer feel for more control:

  the fiberglass counteracts the foam core so this isn't as soft as a more cushioned paddle like the Pickleball Apes Pulse S or Vatic Pro PRISM Flash.

• You need better spin generation:

  if you rely on hitting shots with big spin, try the Six Zero DBD.

• You want a cheaper alternative:

  the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean is almost as forgiving and costs less than $100.

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 plush as the PRISM Flash, this is still a soft, responsive paddle that helps your accuracy.

• You want to spend under $100:

  the Jelly Bean is one of the top budget paddles, easily rivaling $150 paddles.

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 PB Apes Pulse, Honolulu J2NF, Six Zero DBD, and B&B Filth if you have the money, or you're rising up the ranks.

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.

Buy if:

• You're new to pickleball:

  this set is ideal for beginners, giving you everything you need to start playing with a friend.

• You want a top-quality set:

  Selkirk delivered on their reputation here. The bag is great quality and the balls are much better than the kind you usually get in other budget sets.

• You're on a budget:

  $60-80 is an amazing price for two quality paddles, a pickleball bag, and four balls.

Pass if:

• You're past beginner level:

  these paddles lack the power, spin, and control that intermediate and advanced players need.

• You don't need a full set:

  if you only need one beginner paddle, try the Friday Original, Vatic Pro PRISM Flash or 11SIX24 Pegasus.

• You want a heavier paddle:

  this is lightweight (7.5 oz), so try the Friday Original for a heavier option that's still affordable and good for beginners.