Best pro pickleball paddles 2025

Buy if:

• Power takes priority:

  the Perseus’ standout attribute is its explosive power – this is in the top tier of power paddles in 2025.

• You’re a former tennis player:

  I’ve seen a lot of tennis converts using this paddle – the combo of heavy topspin and power, and the elongated shape, appeal to them.

• You want a choice of core sizes:

  available in both 14 mm (more pop) and 16 mm (more control) versions, widening the appeal of this paddle.

Pass if:

• You want max power:

  the Selkirk Boomstik ever so slightly edges this on pure power – if you don’t mind paying an extra $50.

• You want a bit more control:

  try the Scorpeus (below) – it’s the widebody paddle in the Pro IV series and it’s fast, controlled, forgiving, and still powerful.

• You’re on a budget:

  the PIKKL Hurricane Pro gives you the best spin, control, and forgiveness for around $150 (as long as you don’t mind sacrificing power).

Buy if:

• You’re a power junkie:

  the Boomstik is my top power paddle this year – on sheer force, nothing goes harder than it.

• You want a choice of shapes:

  choose between the elongated model (my favorite) for more reach and a touch more power, or the widebody model for a slightly larger sweet spot.

• You like to hit two-handed shots:

  both paddles have long handles for comfortable two-handed backhands – Elongated (5.8 inches), Widebody (5.6 inches).

Pass if:

• You want a control paddle:

  the JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus Pro IV is the top control paddle for pro players.

• You want a great all-court paddle:

  the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C is an excellent all-court paddle for advanced players – it’ll save you over $100 compared to the Boomstik.

• You want to save $50:

  Ben Johns's JOOLA Perseus Pro IV is a very similar paddle – almost as explosive, with lots of control when you need it.

Buy if:

• You want a cheaper paddle that performs at pro level:

  this is the paddle of choice for Hurricane Tyra Black, and the only $150 paddle I’ve seen pro players using.

• Control is your priority:

  the Hurricane Pro stands out most for its pinpoint accuracy, control, and spin.

• You want a forgiving paddle:

  the extra-large sweet spot makes mishits virtually impossible for high-level players.

Pass if:

• You want more power:

  all the other paddles on this list have more power, with the Boomstik from Selkirk the most powerful.

• You want more reach:

  try the elongated Perseus Pro IV and Boomstik paddles.

• You want a quicker alternative:

  the PIKKL Hurricane Pro is a super-fast paddle but the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C just edges it on speed.

Buy if:

• You want power and control that are matched:

  the Scorpeus brings more control and accuracy while keeping a lot of the Perseus’s power.

• You’re a defensive player:

  this is Collin Johns’s paddle for a reason – blocks, resets, and counters are all improved thanks to the speed and large sweet spot.

• You want a choice of cores:

  like the other Pro IV paddles, you can get a 14 mm (more pop) or 16 mm (more control) Scorpeus.

Pass if:

• You want more power:

  the Perseus Pro IV is an elongated version of the Scorpeus and it’s built for more aggressive attacking players like Ben Johns.

• You want a cheaper alternative:

  the PIKKL Hurricane Pro is another widebody control paddle with great spin and forgiveness – it’s just $144 with our exclusive discount code.

• You want an even faster paddle:

  the Paddletek Bantam ALW-C has the same shape and a similar performance, but it’s even faster.

Buy if:

• You play a fast game:

  this is one of the lightest pro paddles (7.5-7.8 oz) with a very low swing weight of 105, encouraging you to play with fast hands.

• You want filthy spin:

  along with speed, spin is the ALW-C’s best attribute – I can put intense sidespin and topspin on my serves and third-shot drives.

• You hit two-handed backhands:

  despite having a 5.25-inch handle, it’s designed in a way that makes two-handed shots comfortable.

Pass if:

• You want a power paddle:

  the ALW-C has power when you need it, but it’s not a naturally explosive paddle like the Selkirk Boomstik.

• You want a more premium feel:

  the JOOLA Pro IV series paddles (the Perseus and Scorpeus above) have the best all-round feel for me – plush, controlled, and powerful.

• You want a cheaper alternative:

  you can save around $100 with the PIKKL Hurricane Pro, a similarly fast paddle with great control.