Looking for the best pickleball paddles? We tested over 20 popular paddles to give you reviews by real players.
Pickleball has taken the sports world by storm, and we see no signs of it slowing. We meet new players every week, and paddles are among the most popular topics of conversation you hear on the courts. Many paddle reviews are from pros, but we wanted to get a group of 3.5-4.0 players to see which paddle would be the fan favorite.
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Last Updated: November 26, 2025
How to Pick a Pickleball Paddle – What to Look for
One of the best things about pickleball is that it’s easy to pick up! You can start playing games with friends, or if none of your friends play, by joining pick-up games. Since there are so many public courts, you only need a paddle and a ball.
You can buy cheap paddles online (which we don’t recommend. Here’s why, but you’ll want to upgrade if you play regularly. Paddles have various prices, but with anything I do, I prefer investing in something that I can get long-term use out of. Plus, many people have a few paddles, whether they play competitively or with friends. It’s always nice to have a few so you can introduce the game to your friends.
Here are some key performance features to keep in mind when selecting your ideal pickleball paddle
- Core Material: The core is the paddle’s internal structure and affects feel, control, and power. Common cores include polymer (poly) honeycomb for balanced control and quiet play, aluminum for lightweight touch and precision, and nomex for a harder, louder, and more power-driven response.
- Face Material: The paddle’s face impacts spin, touch, and durability. Fiberglass (composite) faces provide great pop and power, carbon fiber offers a softer, more controlled feel with consistent responsiveness, and graphite blends lightweight handling with precise shot placement.
- Weight: Weight plays a huge role in your swing speed and endurance. Light paddles (7.0–7.5 oz) are quicker for control and finesse, midweight paddles (7.6–8.4 oz) strike a balance for all-around play, and heavy paddles (8.5+ oz) deliver more power but can fatigue the arm faster.
- Grip Size: Grip circumference affects comfort and control. A smaller grip (around 4″–4.125″) allows for more wrist action and spin, while a larger grip (4.5″+) offers stability and is ideal for players with bigger hands or tennis backgrounds.
- Surface Texture: Texture helps generate spin on the ball. Rougher surfaces grip the ball more for topspin and slice, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner contact and more control-oriented play, especially in dinking and soft shots.
- Shape: Shape affects reach, sweet spot, and balance. Elongated paddles offer extra reach and power but have a smaller sweet spot, widebody shapes maximize forgiveness and control, and hybrid shapes aim to balance power, reach, and feel.
How We Reviewed and Selected the Best Pickleball Paddle
Update: Read below to see how we first reviewed the paddles, but new paddles are coming out all the time so to keep this post updated, I will be adding any paddles I find notable onto this list. I still try new paddles often and we all have friends who are super obsessed with trying the newest ones.
There are some great resources for pickleball paddles that test RPMs, speed, swing weight, technical aspects, and more. We’ve read and watched many reviews but saw that it doesn’t always translate for the average player. This could be a difference in play style since pros or higher-level players often review them.
We decided to take a different approach. We had seven players between 3.0 and 4.0 try all the paddles by using a ball machine to feel how the strokes were and dinking with each other to get a feel for the control. After using the paddle, we rated power, spin, control, overall feel, and look. Then we averaged the scores. In addition, each player picked their favorite five paddles.
The goal was to give you paddle reviews from someone who plays at a similar level or has a similar play style. We’ve also profiled each player below so you can look at their specific ratings.
Best Overall Pickleball Paddles – Best Pickleball Paddles 2025
Paddles are such a personal thing based on your play style and preferences. Once you’ve been playing for a bit, you probably have an idea of the play style you prefer. I focus mostly on control, placement, and defense. I like a lighter paddle so I don’t sacrifice hand speed at the net. I typically put away at angles, and don’t focus much on power (although I want a paddle to help me a bit with the power).
The paddles below are in no particular order. If you’re able to try them out before buying, I recommend doing that to see how it feels for you!
1. Paddletek Bantam Series ($250)
I currently play with the Bantam ESQ-C 14.3 paddle. When I was looking for a new paddle, I tried my friends set up and really liked it! Switching to a lighter paddle immediately helped my game at the kitchen – I was much faster. It also took me a bit of adjustment to switch from elongated paddles to a widebody, but it’s been great for doubles and has taught me to to have better footwork.
The downside to this paddle is that there is smaller sweet spot so you need to be accurate with your shots.
Greg (the other half of Pickleball Friends Club) plays with the TKO-C 14.3 and. Ireally want. totry their new hybrid-shaped paddles the GTO-Cs.
2. Selkirk Era Power ($200) →
I’ve played with a lot of Selkirk paddles, and I can easily say that the SLK ERA Power is the best one they currently have. It comes in an elongated or widebody shape and has an extra long handle great for twoies. It gives good power without sacrificing touch, and helps give lots of spin to your shots.
The sweet spot can feel a bit small, but with some adjustments, I really like this paddle.
Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases
3. 11SIX24 Alpha Pro Power ($199) →
It sometimes feels like the market is dominated by the same major paddle companies, so I’m always excited to discover smaller companies to support. I’ve been seeing 11Six24 paddles all over Vegas. I know multiple people who use the Alpha Pro Powers as their main paddle.
They have three main shapes: Pegasus (widebody), Hurache-X (elongated), and Vapor (hybrid). I mostly see people with Vapors or Hurache-Xs. After playing with all three, I prefer the Vapor shape. This is a great all-around paddle.
11Six24 Coupon Code: Use code LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off
4. Six Zero Double Black Diamond ($180) →
When I first played with this Six Zero pickleball paddle, I was surprised at how well I played with it. It took very little adjustment time. I played with it for over a year and still recommend this paddle to people.
It comes in 14mm, 15mm Elongated, or 16mm. I prefered the 16mm when I played with it a lot focusing on control.
Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off
5. F+B RUNOUT Pickleball Paddle ($199) →
F+B is a brand new company of carbon-fiber experts. Their new construction method uses a single-piece edge-guard and handle that gives it cleaner energy transfer and a more connected feel. It comes in three shapes: Standard, Elongated, and Hybrid, so you can pick what suits your play style the best.
I’ve only had one session with it and like the feel and touch so far, but it definitely doesn’t have as much power as some of the newest paddles.
6. Bread & Butter Filth ($165) →
The Filth is a great all-around paddle. I used to play with The Loco, but it’s been retired. In the newest version, it comes in elongated, hybrid, or standard. It has just enough pop and good control.
Bread & Butter Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer for 15% off
7. Titan Pro Titatnium Paddle ($229) →
The Titan Pro Titanium Paddle has a carbon fiber with an electroplated titanium surface giving it more explosive power, better spin, while still maintaining control.
My first impressions was that it was poppier than I’m used to, but still had decent control at the kitchen. It’s also head heavy, so I want to weight the handle to see if that balances it better for my play style.
Bonus: SLK Halo ($150) – A Great First Paddle →
The SLK Halo 16mm was my paddle, and I still love it. It now comes in a few variations: Control, Power, and Pro (and each comes in different handle lengths). Since there are so many versions, you can hone in what works best for your game or have different versions for how you’re playing that day. It’s a solid paddle that even some pros play with and the price is great.
Coupon Codes: ADV-JACOBF to receive a gift card for future purchases
If you’re looking for just a fun paddle that still plays well, check out the Pizza Paddles from Savor Serve. It had great grit so you could get good spin with it. Used code PBFriends for an additional $5 off.
How the Original Paddles Ranked
Here is how our original list of paddles ranked:
- Six Zero Double Black Diamond Infinity – Overall Rating: 4.43/5
Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off - Selkirk Luxx – Overall Rating: 4.07/5
Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases - Six Zero Double Black Diamond 16 – Overall Rating: 4.04/5
Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off - Bread & Butter Filth – Overall Rating: 4.04/5
Bread & Butter Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer for 15% off - Selkirk Project 006 – Overall Rating: 3.92/5
Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases - SLK Halo 16 and Halo 13 – Overall Rating: 3.86/5 3.61/5
Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases - Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy and Pro Line Energy S – Overall Rating: 3.82/5 3.79/5
- Ronbus R1 Nova – Overall Rating: 3.76/5
- Vatic Prism Flash – Overall Rating: 3.7/5
Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off - Vatic V7 – Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off - Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 – Now the Vanguard Control – Overall Rating: 3.36/5
Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases - Selkirk Power Air Invikta & Epic – Overall Rating: 3.04/5 2.89/5
Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases - ProXR Zane Navratil Signature – Overall Rating: 2.82/5
See our details ratings here or in the chart below.
Paddle Coupon Codes: If you want coupon codes, click to skip to them here.
Coupon Codes and Links for Pickleball Paddles and Accessories
If you’re looking for discount codes on Pickleball Paddles, use the ones below:
- 11SIX24 Coupon Code: Use code LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off
- Bread and Butter Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer for 15% off
- Brioti Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer for 10%
- CRBN Coupon Code: Use code LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off
- Dink Net Coupon Code: LOCALADVENTURER for 10% off
- Flickweight Coupon Code: Use code LOCALADVENTURER for 10% off
- Hesacore Grips Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer
- Pickleball Apes [Shop on Amazon]
- ProXR
- Ronbus
- Selkirk Coupon Code: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases
- Six Zero Coupon Code: LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off
- Top Spin Pro Coupon Code: DM on Instagram for a Coupon Code
- Vatic Coupon Code: LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off [Shop on Amazon]
See More: The Best Places to Play Pickleball in Las Vegas
Tips on How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle
Now that we’ve covered the key features, here are some practical tips on selecting your pickleball paddle.
- Demo Paddles: If possible, try out different paddles before buying. Many sporting goods stores and pickleball facilities offer demo programs, giving you a feel for how different paddles perform. You can also ask other players to try their paddles.
- Consider Your Playing Style: Are you a power player who enjoys aggressive shots, or do you prefer finesse and control? Pick a paddle that matches your playing style. Go heavier for power or lighter to prioritize control.
- Budget: Pickleball paddles come in varying price points. While it can be tempting to go for the most expensive option, you can find quality paddles at each price range. Set a budget and find the best value for your money.
- Read Reviews: Take advantage of online resources and read reviews from other pickleball players. Real-world experiences can provide valuable insights into a paddle’s performance, durability, and overall satisfaction. Also, see what people play similarly to you. As much as we trust advice from the pros, they are at a different level.
Must-Have Pickleball Accessories
In addition to your paddle, these accessories can enhance your pickleball experience.
- Pickleball Balls: Invest in a set of high-quality pickleball balls. Different balls vary in bounce and durability, so find the ones that suit your playing conditions.
- Pickleball Bag: A dedicated pickleball bag keeps your equipment organized and protected. Look for a bag with compartments for paddles, balls, and additional gear. I prefer one that has a shoe compartment.
- Court Shoes: Proper footwear is crucial for quick lateral movements. Choose shoes with good traction and ankle support to reduce the risk of injuries. I love the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 11s.
- Sunglasses: I love these Sunglasses from Brioti. They have interchangeable lenses for day vs night play and protect my face and eyes. (I’ve been hit in the face by a pro player with these glasses on and they really saved me!)
- Prescription Glasses: For prescription glasses, I have a pair of Tifosi’s. They have a great try-on program where you can order frames to your house to try them on and get a full refund when you return them with the prepaid label. I ended up deciding on getting the Sector with tinting lenses.
Pickleball Accessories to Improve Your Paddle
- Paddle Weight: Lead weights or tungsten tape add weight to your paddle and can impact your game by providing more power and stability. I also started using a Flickweight to add weight to the bottom of the paddle to balance it out (use code LOCALADVENTURER for 10% off)
- Overgrip: Overgrips are essential for maintaining a good grip on your paddle, especially during longer play sessions. Some of the best ones offer a comfortable feel, moisture absorption, and durability.
- Hesacore: Hesacore is a specialized grip that can enhance your control and comfort while playing. It’s designed to reduce vibrations and improve your overall grip on the paddle. Use code LocalAdventurer when buying your grips!
- Edge Guard or Edge Tape: An edge guard is a protective strip that goes around the edge of your paddle, helping prevent dings, chips, and other damage during play.
Pickleball Training Tools
- Dink Net: Great for practicing and improving your dinking skills, especially in a limited space. It’s also great for warming up if the courts are busy or waits are long. Use code LOCALADVENTURER for 10% off.
- Drill Pickle: Drill Pickle makes decals and targets to help you work on your game. They also have Soft Practice Balls that feel like real pickleballs but are made of foam.
- Top Spin Pro: An excellent tool for honing your topspin and overall shot technique. It provides a consistent and controlled environment for practice. DM me on Instagram if you want a coupon code.
What are the best pickleball paddles you’ve tried? Any others that aren’t on this list that we need to check out?
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Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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