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.
The pickleball paddle I recommend to most players is the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control. 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. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
Best budget paddle
Our Rating:
2. 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean
Best for serious players
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
Another top budget pick
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
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. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
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Buy if:
You're stepping up from a beginner paddle:
you're ready for a paddle with pop.
Spin and speed are important for you:
this is a fast paddle and it generates awesome spin.
You don't want to lose consistency:
the large sweet spot makes this a forgiving paddle, minimizing mishits.
Pass if:
You still struggle with pop:
try a softer paddle like the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean.
You prefer the reach and power boost of an elongated paddle:
check out the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV, as the DBD has a hybrid shape.
Today’s best deals
Also great
- Honolulu Sword & Shield J2K ($155): like the DBD, this is a quick, hybrid-shaped paddle. It doesn't have as much pop but it's super popular for its combo of spin, control, and forgiveness. Read our Honolulu Sword & Shield J2K review.
- 11SIX24 Hurache-X Power ($170): this elongated paddle hits hard but has a consistent, large sweet spot. That balance makes it appeal to a wide range of players.
2. 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
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Buy if:
You're focused more on control:
your game is built around placement and precision, especially if you rely on two-handed shots.
You prefer a softer paddle:
this is a responsive paddle with good dwell time (how long the ball stays on the paddle face when you hit it).
You want great spin generation:
this paddle has a highly competitive combination of touch and spin.
Pass if:
You're looking for a paddle that delivers a lot of power:
the fiberglass layer gives this enough pop for most newer players, but it's not a super powerful paddle.
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 have a bigger budget or you're ready for a pro-level paddle:
check out the Six Zero DBD and JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 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 Encore Pro V2.0 ($60): Engage is known for making some of the most premium, expensive paddles. Their Encore Pro V2.0 is a top budget choice with good pop and power for a serious bargain price. Read our Engage Encore Pro V2.0 review.
3. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV
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Power
Control
Spin
Forgiveness
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Buy if:
You're a banger:
you love to play an aggressive game with tons of power and spin.
You still want a paddle you can control:
more advanced players especially will find control and forgiveness when they need to pivot to touch shots.
You like elongated paddles:
you get extra reach and power with this paddle shape.
Pass if:
You struggle with paddles that have a lot of pop:
try the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean.
You're not ready to spend $280 just yet:
the Six Zero DBD is an amazing alternative.
Today’s best deals
Also great
- 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.
- 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.
- Selkirk LABS Project 008 ($288): touch, feel, and spin combine here to make this a high-end paddle for players who care more about shot placement and precision than power. Read our Selkirk LABS Project 008 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 a Six Zero DBD (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:
You want more power than the Six Zero DBD:
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 DBD 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 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.
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 Six Zero DBD 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 paddles would you recommend to someone looking for their first paddle, and why?
"For players at the beginner level, the most popular paddle we see would be the Onix Z5. They are hard 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. With a price tag of only $45, you really can't go wrong."
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.
"We love the Trnity Revolution paddles and Selkirk LUXX models for ultimate control while maintaining significant power. Men's #1 GOAT, Ben Johns, chooses the JOOLA Perseus 16 mm model because it offers great control and packs plenty of punch.
"I've also been a long-time fan of the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro (14 mm) for control – while the World #1 player Anna Leigh Waters chooses their Paddletek Bantam ALW-C. All of these paddles are over $200+, but they can last a couple years – making them well worth the investment."
Are there any other paddles you strongly recommend, and why?
"There are so many other great paddles and manufacturers that I left out. 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 5.0 player and founder of the women-led tournament and event organizer PickleballChicks.
What paddles would you recommend to someone looking for their first paddle, and why?
"For beginners, I usually recommend something affordable with a generous sweet spot to make learning easier. One paddle I’ve had a lot of success with is the Head Radical Elite. It offers plenty of pop and a forgiving sweet spot that helps keep rallies going, even on off-center hits. It’s also a blast at the kitchen – great for hand battles and putaways. It’s easy to handle, which makes it perfect for building consistency while still having fun. Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone just getting into the game."
What paddles would you recommend to someone looking for their first "investment" or upgrade paddle, and why?
"I’ve really enjoyed playing with the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power Elongated. It’s built a little differently than most paddles out there, so there’s a bit of an adjustment period – but once you get the feel for it, it’s a game-changer. It strikes that perfect balance between power and touch. Drives and putaways come off strong and clean, but you still get the control you need for an aggressive, confident kitchen game. One of the biggest perks? Durability. This paddle is built to last. You won’t have to worry about it going dead on you after a few months – once you get one, you’re set for the long haul."
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. I love my Gearbox paddles – so definitely add in a few to the mix. I love the Pro and CX14 series."
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)
Intermediate players have got used to touch shots like drops and dinks. Now they 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.
Budget option
Our Rating:
4. Friday Original
Best upgrade
PIKKL Hurricane Pro
Advanced (4.0+)
More competitive players want to keep up in fast-paced games. They usually like paddles with a lot of power and spin. Many advanced players, who have mastered touch shots, don't need softer paddles but want something that has precision when a controlled, accurate shot is called for.
Check out more of the best advanced paddles.
Best upgrade
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C
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
JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV
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
Six Zero Quartz
You can also read my full guidelines on how to choose a pickleball paddle.
Recent updates
June 2025
I've added some more products to my main list, including the Friday Original ("best for beginners") and the Bread & Butter Filth ("best for power players"). I've also included the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash – a longtime favorite – for another great budget option.
These six paddles will suit the majority of players. However, you can find even more options later on, sorted by skill level, play style, and paddle shape.
FAQs
