The 12 Best Pickleball Paddles of 2025: PickleballMate’s Top Picks

It’s been a while since we updated our list of the best pickleball paddles, but with all of the recent changes to paddle technology, it’s time.

The pickleball paddle market has gone absolutely wild this year. We’re seeing foam cores that feel like hitting with a cloud, carbon fiber faces that grip the ball like velcro, and some paddles that push the legal power limits so hard they’re getting banned from tournaments.

The best pickleball paddles of 2025 combine cutting-edge materials with proven designs that cater to a wide range of players, from weekend warriors to touring pros. Whether you’re chasing more spin, hunting for power, or just want better control at the kitchen line, there’s a paddle here that’ll transform your game.

We break down the paddles that are actually worth your money, based on tournament data and thousands of hours of testing. You’ll learn about the latest paddle tech (spoiler: foam cores are changing everything) and which paddles we trust. Lastly, we’ve noted where each paddle shines so you can determine which one will work best for your style and skill level.

Top Picks: The 12 Best Pickleball Paddles of 2025

These paddles represent the absolute best of what 2025 has to offer. Each one excels in different areas, from the revolutionary foam cores that redefine paddle technology to the refined carbon fiber faces that provide supernatural spin control.

1. JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV – The New Tournament Standard

Ben Johns doesn’t slap his name on just any paddle. When he switched from the Perseus 3S to the Pro IV in late 2024, the entire pickleball world took notice. This paddle represents everything JOOLA learned from their earlier models, refined into what might be the most complete paddle on the market.

Key Features:

• Weight: 8.0-8.4 oz
• Core: 16mm Propulsion Core with TechFlex Power
• Surface: Charged Carbon Surface with enhanced texture
• Shape: Elongated for maximum reach
• Price: $280-300

The Pro IV uses JOOLA’s latest Propulsion Core technology, which creates a “suspended core” effect by combining traditional honeycomb with strategic foam placement. The result? You get explosive power on drives while maintaining the soft touch needed for drops and dinks.

What really sets this paddle apart is how it handles the new PBCoR testing standards. While some paddles are getting banned for excessive power, the Pro IV manages to deliver maximum legal pop without crossing the line.

What Makes It Special:

• Passes all 2025 USAP certification requirements
• TechFlex Power technology for consistent performance
• Enhanced sweet spot compared to the 3S
• Preferred paddle of the world’s #1 player

Players stepping up from the Perseus 3S notice the difference immediately. The Pro IV feels more stable on off-center hits and provides better feedback through the handle. The enhanced carbon texture grabs the ball just a bit longer, giving you more control over spin without sacrificing power.

2. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control – The Control Master’s Dream

Here’s a paddle that’s been quietly dominating the control category while everyone else chases maximum power. The Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control earned “Best Overall Paddle 2025” from multiple reviewers, and once you play with it, you understand why.

Performance Specs:

• Weight: 8.0-8.2 oz
• Core: 16mm thermoformed polymer
• Surface: T700 Toray carbon fiber
• Shape: Standard 16″ x 8″
• Price: $200-250

The magic happens in the thermoformed unibody construction. Unlike traditional paddles where the face and core are separate pieces glued together, the Double Black Diamond uses a seamless molding process that creates incredible consistency across the entire paddle face.

Performance Benefits:

• Exceptional touch around the kitchen
• Predictable response on every shot
• Surprisingly good power for a control paddle
• Minimal vibration even on mishits

Players describe the feel as “buttery smooth” with just enough pop to keep opponents honest. The T700 carbon fiber face provides excellent spin potential without being overly gritty. It’s the kind of paddle that makes you look better than you actually are.

The Double Black Diamond shines in hands battles at the net. That consistent feel means you can place dinks exactly where you want them, and the larger sweet spot forgives those slightly off-center blocks.

Available through select retailers and Six Zero’s official site.

3. Selkirk Vanguard Control – The Strategic Player’s Choice

The Selkirk Vanguard Control has earned its reputation as the thinking player’s paddle. While others chase raw power, this paddle focuses on precision, consistency, and making your opponents work for every point.

Key Features:

• Weight: 7.8-8.1 oz
• Core: X5+ Polypropylene honeycomb
• Surface: QuadCarbon fiber face
• Shape: Standard widebody
• Price: $170-190

The X5+ core technology dampens vibration better than almost any paddle on the market. This translates to exceptional feel and control, especially on those touch shots that separate good players from great ones.

What Sets It Apart:

• Massive sweet spot for consistent play
• FlexFoam perimeter for enhanced stability
• 360° Proto Molding for seamless construction
• Available in multiple grip sizes

The textured QuadCarbon face gives you plenty of spin potential, but it’s not overly aggressive. This makes it perfect for players who want reliable placement over wild power shots. The paddle encourages good technique—you can’t just muscle the ball and hope for the best.

Beginners love how forgiving it feels, while advanced players appreciate the precision it offers. It’s one of those rare paddles that grows with your game instead of holding you back.

4. CRBN 2 Gen 4 – The Foam Core Revolution

Forget everything you know about paddle construction. The CRBN 2 is the world’s first 100% foam core paddle, and it’s not just a gimmick—it’s the future of pickleball technology.

Revolutionary Specs:

• Weight: 8.0-8.3 oz
• Core: 100% TruFoam Genesis (no honeycomb)
• Surface: Raw T700 carbon fiber
• Shape: Elongated option available
• Price: $250-300

Traditional honeycomb cores can break down, lose their shape, or develop dead spots over time. The CRBN 2’s foam core eliminates these issues entirely. It maintains consistent performance from day one through thousands of hours of play.

Game-Changing Benefits:

• Unmatched durability—foam bounces back after every hit
• Larger effective sweet spot
• Better vibration dampening than any honeycomb
• Unique “crisp yet soft” feel

The first time you hit with the CRBN 2, it feels different. Not bad different—just different. There’s a crispness to contact that honeycomb can’t replicate, combined with a dwell time that gives you incredible control. Power players love how the foam stores and releases energy, while touch players appreciate the consistent feel across the entire face.

CRBN backs this innovation with their industry-leading warranty and a trial program that lets you test the paddle for 30 days. Available through CRBN’s website.

5. Selkirk Power Air Invikta – The Pro’s Power Paddle

When Jack Sock switched from tennis to pickleball, he needed a paddle that could match his aggressive style. The Selkirk Power Air became his weapon of choice since the paddle was introduced in 2024, and now half the PPA Tour seems to be following suit.

Note: these paddles come in several shapes. Our personal favorite is the Invikta (shown above), but many people also love the Selkirk Power Air Epic, which has a shorter but wider paddle face and a slightly longer handle than the Invikta. We found the Epic offered slightly more control, but we were able to reach more in the kitchen with the elongated face of the Invikta.

Power-Focused Design:

• Weight: 7.8-8.2 oz
• Core: X5 honeycomb with Air Dynamic throat
• Surface: MaxGrit carbon fiber texture
• Shape: Elongated with aerodynamic design
• Price: $250

The “Air” designation isn’t just marketing fluff. Selkirk redesigned the paddle’s throat area to reduce drag by 11%, meaning faster swing speeds and more power. Combined with the elongated shape, you get serious leverage on overhead smashes and drives.

Pro Player Features:

• MaxGrit texture for extreme spin generation
• Optimized weight distribution for head speed
• FlexFoam perimeter for stability on off-center hits

Despite the power focus, the Power Air Invikta doesn’t sacrifice control. The X5 core provides enough cushion for soft game work, though it definitely prefers to be swung hard. This is a paddle for players who want to dominate from the baseline and put opponents on their heels.

6. Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 – Power Runner-up

Some paddles flirt with the power limits. The Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 takes those limits out for dinner, slow dances with them, and still manages to stay legal for tournament play. This is as much power as you can get without breaking the rules.

Boundary-Pushing Specs:

• Weight: 8.0-8.5 oz
• Core: 16mm Control Pro polymer
• Surface: Raw carbon fiber with omnidirectional texture
• Shape: Elongated for maximum leverage
• Price: $260

Engage uses a proprietary omnidirectional carbon fiber texture that grabs the ball from any angle. This means you can generate massive spin even on off-center hits or when you’re stretched out wide.

Power Features:

• Tests at the maximum allowable coefficient of restitution
• Optimized weight distribution for head speed
• Variable thickness core for power and control zones
• Extended sweet spot through the upper paddle

What surprises players is how well-rounded this paddle feels despite its power focus. The 16mm core provides enough cushion for reset shots, and the raw carbon face gives you touch when you need it. But make no mistake—this paddle wants to hit hard.

7. Selkirk Luxx Control Air Invikta – Premium Control

The Luxx Control Air Invikta represents Selkirk’s no-compromise approach to paddle design. This is what happens when you throw out the budget constraints and focus purely on performance.

Premium Features:

• Weight: 7.8-8.1 oz
• Core: 20mm X7 Polypropylene with Air chambers
• Surface: Florek Carbon Fiber with InfiniGrit coating
• Shape: Invikta (elongated)
• Price: $250-280

The Air Core technology creates chambers within the paddle that reduce weight without sacrificing stability. This gives you faster hands at the net while maintaining the solid feel you need for power shots.

Luxury Performance Benefits:

• InfiniGrit surface maintains texture 3x longer
• Kevlar reinforced throat for durability
• Precision weighted for perfect balance
• Vibration-damping technology throughout

The 20mm core might seem thick, but Selkirk’s engineering makes it feel surprisingly quick. The extra thickness translates to an enormous sweet spot and incredible touch around the kitchen. This is a paddle for players who value consistency and control above all else.

The InfiniGrit coating deserves special mention. While most paddles lose their texture after a few months, the Luxx maintains its grip for the entire life of the paddle. That consistent spin potential is worth the premium price for serious players.

8. Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 12.7 – The Rising Star

Paddletek quietly released the Bantam TKO-C series without much fanfare, but word spread quickly through the tournament circuit. This paddle delivers pro-level performance at a price that doesn’t require a second mortgage.

Technical Specifications:

• Weight: 7.7-8.1 oz
• Core: 12.7mm PolyCore technology
• Surface: PT-700 raw carbon fiber
• Shape: Standard with enlarged sweet spot
• Price: $230-250

The “TKO” stands for Technical Knockout, and it’s an apt description. This paddle hits way above its weight class, competing with paddles that cost $50 to $100 more. The secret is in Paddletek’s PolyCore technology, which uses a proprietary polymer blend that’s both powerful and responsive.

Performance Highlights:

• Torsional stability for reduced twisting
• High-tack performance grip
• Consistent response across the face
• Exceptional value for the performance level

The 12.7mm thickness hits the sweet spot between power and control. It’s thin enough to generate serious pop but thick enough to maintain touch. Players moving up from beginner paddles notice an immediate improvement in their consistency and power.

The raw carbon fiber face provides excellent spin without being overly textured. After a few games, the surface “breaks in” to provide just the right amount of grip. It’s become a favorite among 4.0+ players who want performance without the premium price tag.

9. Franklin Signature Series – The Affordable Pro Choice

Not everyone can drop $300 on a paddle, and Franklin gets that. The Signature model brings pro-level design elements to a price point that won’t cause relationship problems.

Value-Focused Features:

• Weight: 7.7-8.0 oz
• Core: 16mm polymer honeycomb
• Surface: MaxGrit textured surface
• Shape: Standard with comfort grip
• Price: $69-99

Franklin originally worked with Ben Johns to create a paddle that captures the essence of his playing style without the premium materials. The result is surprisingly good, and this paddle punches way above its price point. It’s a great paddle to start with.

Smart Design Choices:

• Optimized weight distribution for all-court play
• Durable edge guard that doesn’t kill the sweet spot
• Comfortable grip that reduces fatigue
• One-year warranty against defects

No, it doesn’t have the latest foam core or premium carbon fiber. But it does have solid construction, reliable performance, and the backing of the world’s best player. For recreational players and those just getting serious about tournaments, it’s an excellent choice.

10. Gamma Hellbender – The Sleeper Pick

While everyone chases the latest from JOOLA and Selkirk, Gamma Sports has been quietly engineering one of pickleball’s best-kept secrets. The Hellbender delivers pro-level performance from a brand that most players overlook entirely.

Under-the-Radar Excellence:

• Weight: 7.6 oz
• Core: 16mm NeuCore Poly (25% thicker cells)
• Surface: Textured graphite face
• Shape: Teardrop with oversized sweet spot
• Price: $130-150 (but often on sale for less)

Gamma’s proprietary NeuCore technology uses cells that are 25% thicker than standard polymer cores. This creates a unique feel that reviewers describe as “soft yet powerful”—you get excellent touch around the kitchen while still generating surprising pop on drives.

Hidden Strengths:

• Vibration dampening that rivals paddles twice the price
• Exceptional forgiveness on off-center hits
• USA-made quality with family company attention to detail
• Dubbed “The People’s Paddle” by expert reviewers

Players consistently express surprise at the Hellbender’s completeness. It handles every shot type with confidence, from delicate dinks to aggressive smashes. The only limitation is the shorter 4.5″ handle, which may restrict players who like to use two hands for backhands (or whatever). Otherwise, this paddle quietly outperforms many options costing more.

11. Diadem Warrior V2 – The Control Specialist

While everyone else chases the latest technology, Diadem focuses on perfecting the fundamentals. The Warrior V2 proves that sometimes something simple done right beats complicated.

Back-to-Basics Excellence:

• Weight: 7.8-8.0 oz
• Core: 16mm honeycomb polymer
• Surface: Carbon fiber with spin texture
• Shape: Classic with enlarged sweet spot
• Price: $170-190

The Warrior V2 doesn’t have foam cores or revolutionary materials. Instead, it has perfect weight distribution, a consistently responsive face, and the kind of control that makes you look like a better player than you are.

Why Players Love It:

• Predictable response on every shot
• Excellent feel for a carbon fiber paddle
• Durable construction that maintains performance
• Great for players prioritizing placement over power

This paddle excels at the soft game. Dinks land where you aim them, third shot drops float over the net with perfect arc, and blocks stay low. It’s become a favorite among coaches who appreciate its ability to reward good technique.

12. Onix Evoke Premier Pro – The Spin Master

We close out our top twelve with a paddle that turns ordinary players into spin wizards. The Onix Evoke Premier Pro generates more rotation than any paddle we’ve tested.

Spin-Focused Design:

• Weight: 7.5-8 oz
• Core: 14mm polypropylene
• Surface: DF Composite with maximum texture
• Shape: Wide body for larger hitting surface
• Price: $180-199

Onix’s DF Composite face uses a proprietary texture pattern that grabs the ball without being abrasive. You can generate heavy topspin on serves, create wicked slice on returns, and add deception to every shot.

Spin Benefits:

• Serves dive at opponents’ feet
• Returns stay low with backspin
• Passing shots dip quickly
• Dinks have more margin for error

The wide body shape provides a massive hitting surface, making it forgiving for players still developing consistency. Combined with the spin potential, it’s an excellent choice for advancing players who want to add variety to their game.

Paddle Technologies Reshaping Pickleball in 2025

The paddle technology landscape in 2025 looks nothing like it did even two years ago. We’re seeing innovations that seemed impossible, materials borrowed from aerospace, and construction methods that challenge everything we thought we knew about paddle design.

The Foam Core Revolution – Why It Changes Everything

Remember when paddle cores were just honeycomb patterns in different materials? Those days are ending fast. Foam cores represent the biggest leap in paddle technology since carbon fiber faces, and they’re just getting started.

Traditional Honeycomb vs. Foam Cores:

Honeycomb cores work by creating thousands of tiny air pockets that compress and rebound when you hit the ball. It’s been the standard for decades because it works. But honeycomb has limitations:

• Individual cells can collapse over time
• Dead spots develop from repeated impacts
• Weather changes affect performance
• Limited sweet spot size

Foam cores eliminate these issues entirely. Instead of rigid cells, foam provides consistent cushioning across the entire paddle face. Here’s what makes them special:

Foam Core Advantages:

• Durability: Foam bounces back after every hit, maintaining performance for years
• Consistency: No dead spots or sweet spot degradation
• Feel: Unique “crisp yet cushioned” sensation
• Customization: Manufacturers can vary density for different play characteristics

The CRBN 2 pioneered 100% foam construction, but now we’re seeing hybrid approaches. Some paddles use foam in strategic areas while maintaining honeycomb in others, creating zones for power and control.

Carbon Fiber Evolution – Beyond Basic Textures

Carbon fiber faces have been around for years, but 2025’s versions make earlier attempts look primitive. We’re not just talking about basic texture anymore—these are engineered surfaces designed at the molecular level.

Raw vs. Painted Carbon Fiber:

Raw carbon fiber leaves the actual carbon weave exposed, creating natural texture from the material itself. This provides several advantages:

• More consistent spin across the face
• Better durability than painted surfaces
• Progressive break-in that improves feel
• No coating to wear off over time

Advanced Carbon Technologies:

T700 Carbon Fiber: The current gold standard, offering the perfect balance of stiffness and flex. Used in aerospace applications, it provides incredible strength without brittleness.

3K vs. 18K Weaves: The numbers refer to how many carbon filaments are in each tow. 3K provides more texture and spin, while 18K offers a smoother feel with more power.

Charged Carbon Surface: JOOLA’s proprietary treatment that enhances the carbon’s grip on the ball without adding coating. Think of it as giving the carbon fiber microscopic teeth.

InfiniGrit Technology: Selkirk’s permanent texturing solution that maintains consistent spin for the paddle’s entire lifespan. No more losing your spin after a few months of play.

Thermoforming – The Construction Revolution

Thermoforming might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but it’s rapidly becoming the preferred construction method for premium paddles. Here’s why it matters for your game.

Traditional paddle construction involves:

1. Creating the core
2. Attaching face materials with adhesive
3. Adding edge guards
4. Hoping everything stays together

Thermoforming changes everything by using heat and pressure to create a unibody design. The entire paddle becomes one piece, eliminating weak points where components join.

Benefits of Thermoformed Construction:

• Consistency: Every paddle performs identically
• Durability: No delamination or separation
• Larger Sweet Spot: More uniform response across the face
• Better Vibration Dampening: Energy disperses more evenly

The Six Zero Double Black Diamond showcases thermoforming at its best. The seamless construction creates a paddle that feels solid as a rock while maintaining excellent touch.

Propulsion Core Technology – JOOLA’s Game Changer

JOOLA’s patent-pending Propulsion Core deserves its own section because it represents a fundamental rethinking of how paddle cores work.

Instead of a uniform honeycomb throughout, Propulsion Cores use:

• Traditional honeycomb for structure
• Strategic foam placement for energy return
• Variable density zones for different shot types
• Suspended core design for maximum power

The result feels like the paddle is helping you hit harder without extra effort. The core stores energy during ball contact and releases it back into your shot. It’s the closest thing to having a motor in your paddle.

Vibration Dampening Innovations

Tennis elbow and shoulder problems plague pickleball players, especially as we age. Manufacturers are finally taking this seriously with advanced vibration-dampening technologies.

Current Dampening Methods:

Gel-Core Integration: Some paddles now incorporate gel layers that absorb shock before it reaches your arm. Players Pickleball pioneered this with their medical-grade gel inserts.

FlexFoam Perimeter: Selkirk’s solution puts foam around the paddle’s edge, reducing vibration from off-center hits while enlarging the sweet spot.

Multi-Material Cores: Combining different materials with varying densities creates natural dampening. Harder materials provide power while softer ones absorb shock.

Handle Technology: New grip materials and handle construction methods reduce vibration transmission. Some paddles now use carbon fiber handles with built-in flex zones.

What’s Coming Next – 2025 and Beyond

Based on patent filings and prototype testing, here’s what’s on the horizon:

Smart Paddle Technology: Built-in sensors that track swing speed, ball contact location, and spin rate. Some prototypes already sync with smartphone apps for real-time coaching.

Adjustable Weight Systems: Paddles with removable weights to customize balance and total weight for different playing conditions or opponents.

Temperature-Stable Materials: New polymers that maintain consistent performance whether it’s 40°F or 100°F. No more dead paddles in cold weather.

Recyclable Construction: Environmental conscientiousness is trickling through to pickleball. Expect paddles made from sustainable materials that perform as well as current options.