Best Pickleball Paddles 2025: Top Picks for Every Skill Level

Pickleball is booming – over 19 million Americans played in 2024 – making pickleball paddles essential gear for all players. With the right paddle, you can improve your power, control, and spin. In this guide we review the best pickleball paddles of 2025 for every budget and ability. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use stick, an intermediate player wanting to step up your game, or an advanced competitor seeking the ultimate performance, we’ve got you covered. We’ll break down how paddle features affect play, compare top models (with a handy table), and highlight standout paddles for beginners, intermediates, advanced players, and anyone on a budget. Read on to find out what is the best pickleball paddle for your game, supported by expert reviews and real test data.

Why Paddle Choice Matters

Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport, and the paddle you use has a big impact on your game. A paddle’s weight, shape, core material, and surface texture all change how the ball comes off the paddle. For example, Pickleheads notes that to start playing “all you need is a quality pickleball paddle” – but choosing a cheap, off-brand paddle can hold you back. The best pickleball paddles blend the right mix of power, control, and spin for your style. An advanced player who likes to slam winners will prefer a power paddle, while a novice may do better with a forgiving control paddle. Even two identical-looking paddles can feel very different depending on their construction. That’s why finding a top-rated paddle (or even multiple paddles for different purposes) is key to elevating your pickleball game.

• Skill Level: Beginners often need lighter, more forgiving paddles with larger sweet spots. Intermediates may look for more pop and spin. Advanced players can handle head-heavy, stiff paddles that maximize power.

• Weight & Balance: A heavier paddle (8.3 oz+) gives more drive on serves and volleys, while a lighter paddle (7.7 oz or less) swings faster and is easier on the arm. Many players favor a mid-weight (~8.0 oz) for all-around play.

• Core Material: Most modern paddles use a honeycomb polymer core (quiet, consistent feel) or Nomex/honeycomb (loud and stiff). Polymer cores are popular for control and touch, while Nomex cores tend to be firmer for more pop.

• Face Material: Carbon fiber faces deliver maximum power and spin potential but cost more. Fiberglass faces are softer and more forgiving, often found on beginner paddles. Composite (layered) faces lie in between. Textured or rough surfaces (like 18K carbon or nanotechnology coatings) can dramatically increase spin.

• Paddle Shape: Elongated paddles (longer handles) give extra reach and power on the edges at the cost of a smaller sweet spot. Wide-body paddles (slightly wider face) provide a bigger sweet spot and control. Standard shapes are a balance of both.

• Grip Size & Comfort: A grip that fits your hand ensures better control and reduces arm fatigue. Cushioned grips can feel more comfortable but check that they don’t degrade quickly. Verywell Fit testers note that a “comfortable grip [that] never lost its stickiness even after hours of use” was a big plus.

• Budget: High-end paddles cost $150–$250, but budget models under $100 have improved dramatically. For example, Pickleheads found the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash at $100 “plays like an over $200 paddle” – a phenomenal value.

Innovations & New Paddle Trends

The pickleball paddle market is rapidly innovating. New brands and models push the envelope with graphics, materials, and tech. For example, Kure.fit’s Levitating Series (shown below) uses ultra-lightweight construction and vibrant designs to improve maneuverability and style. Meanwhile, technology-driven brands like CRBN, Noble, and Niupipo (Diadem) are experimenting with advanced face textures and core composites. Some paddles now incorporate textured or roughened carbon surfaces to dramatically boost spin (allowing players to put more topspin or backspin on shots).

Others tweak thickness (thin 13mm for quick reaction or thick 16mm for a soft feel). As equipment evolves, top paddles combine the best of old and new: carbon fiber’s power with polymer core’s touch, and innovative surface coatings for added spin.

How We Picked These Paddles

We curated this list from hundreds of paddles tested by experts. Our selections consider performance metrics (power, control, spin, forgiveness), player feedback, build quality, and value. We also included paddles across price points and brands. The recommendations below are drawn from independent testing by Pickleheads, Verywell Fit, and WearTesters – industry leaders with 200+ paddle tests between them. Wherever possible, we cite these experts to show why a paddle made the cut. Rest assured, each paddle here is battle-tested to help you find the best pickleball paddle 2025.

Best Pickleball Paddles by Category

Best Pickleball Paddle Overall

For the paddle that does it all, experts overwhelmingly praise models that balance power, spin, and control. Pickleheads picked the Six Zero Double Black Diamond (DBD) as “the best overall paddle in 2025” because of its perfect blend of abilities. It scored near-perfect marks for power, control, and spin on tests. Another top contender is the Selkirk SLK Evo Power 2.0 – Verywell Fit’s Best Overall pick – which “is ideal for beginners to advanced players because it’s the ideal weight for precise control and speedy power”. Both paddles offer a comfortable grip, large sweet spots, and stiff carbon faces for a pop.

• Six Zero Double Black Diamond (Control) – A hybrid paddle that excels at everything. Pickleheads notes it “delivers on everything across power, control, and spin”. It’s slightly head-heavy (for power) but still extremely maneuverable. The carbon face lets you attack aggressively, while the paddle’s mix of power and forgiveness makes it versatile for all levels.

• Selkirk SLK Evo Power 2.0 – An all-around workhorse. Testers loved its premium grip and balance. Verywell Fit points out it has a “fine, grainy texture” that helps spin and a sweet spot that aids beginners. It’s light enough for control yet generates enough pop for drives.

• Engage Encore Pro V2.0 – Verywell Fit’s Best for Beginners paddle (see below) also makes a solid all-rounder for intermediate players. Its fiberglass face is forgiving, and it still packs surprising spin for its category.

• Bread & Butter Filth – A best-selling paddle for intermediate/advanced. It’s a forgiving all-court shape (slightly elongated) with a consistent polymer core. The Filth offers a smooth blend of control and power, making it a favorite at clubs.

Each of these paddles represents a balance of attributes and has been vetted by multiple reviews. If you want just one paddle to cover “power, control, and spin,” the Six Zero DBD or Selkirk SLK Evo are excellent choices.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

New players should look for forgiveness and ease. Beginner-friendly paddles often use fiberglass faces or softer cores to reduce mishits, have larger sweet spots, and comfortable grips. According to Pickleheads, the best beginner paddle in 2025 is the Friday Original, a bargain 2-for-$99 carbon paddle set. It “offers you enough power and spin to start winning more pickleball games” while still being very affordable. Other top beginner picks include the Onix Z5 Graphite (a classic control-oriented paddle) and the Engage Encore Pro V2.0.

• Friday Original – Pickleheads’ favorite budget beginner paddle. It’s a carbon fiber paddle that comes 2-for-$99, so each is effectively under $50. For that price, you get a paddle with 16mm thickness (for touch) and an elongated shape (extra reach). Pickleheads notes it “generates great spin and power for the price,” giving new players a head start. It’s on the heavier side (~8.3 oz), which helps with momentum and stability.

• Engage Encore Pro V2.0 – Verywell Fit’s Best Beginner Paddle. It has a forgiving fiberglass/polymer build and a grippy handle. Testers loved that it “generated a powerful strike” on serves while feeling forgiving on off-center hits. It also has a durable textured face for spin and a comfortable grip that “never lost its stickiness” after hours. This paddle helps beginners build confidence by minimizing mishits.

• Onix Z5 Graphite – The iconic orange Z5 is still one of the most recommended control paddles for newcomers. It has a medium weight and a wide sweet spot, making volleys and dinks more consistent.

• Selkirk Sensei 2 – For kids or smaller players, Selkirk’s Sensei junior paddles fit smaller hands while maintaining the brand’s quality feel.

• PCKL Launch Series – An ultra-budget set that comes with two paddles and two balls under $50. The Launch paddles are simple fiberglass and great for very casual play or kids. (Pickleheads notes the Friday Original replaced the Launch as the better beginner deal.)

Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate Players

Intermediate players have outgrown basic paddles and need something more performance-oriented. They might focus on adding spin or power while still keeping decent control. The Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy S is Pickleheads’ top intermediate choice. It’s a Kevlar/carbon paddle that “introduces power and spin to your game while keeping lots of control and forgiveness”. Its hybrid elongated shape and 16.5mm core make it fast and poppy but still stable.

• Pickleball Apes Energy S – Designed for intermediates, this Kevlar/Raw Carbon paddle (8.0–8.4 oz) shines by adding power and spin without sacrificing control. Pickleheads says if “you’re ready for a step-up paddle,” this one is ideal, as it brings more power and spin but remains forgiving.

• Maverix Havik-15 Pro – A top-rated intermediate/advanced paddle noted by WearTesters. It’s made of carbon and Kevlar, giving a unique feel. Reviewers say it’s powerful yet “possesses the controllability to play assertively”, making it an excellent all-court paddle for mid-level players.

• Diadem Edge 18K Power Max – This is a hybrid between a widebody and power paddle. Its thermoformed build yields big pop and spin, suitable for intermediates who want to attack but still value control.

• Paddletek Bantam Phoenix Rising 7.5 – A lighter Bantam model (7.5 mm core) that’s easier to maneuver than the TKO-C but still powerful and spinny.

• Bread & Butter (B&B) 5X – Another Bread & Butter model, slightly narrower than the Filth, for players who liked Filth but want extra spin.

Intermediates should look for paddles that complement their growing skills. A good test is: if you can control a faster paddle, try one with more pop; if you’re already swinging hard, a slightly softer core like the Phoenix (11.3 mm) can improve touch. As Pickleheads points out, if you need more power and are moving up from beginner paddles, the Apes or similar can bridge that gap, whereas a pure beginner paddle like Friday Original might start to feel underpowered.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players

Advanced players or tournament-level competitors often crave maximum performance. They favor paddles that maximize speed, spin, and power, trusting their skills to handle the pop. Pickleheads recommends the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C as the best advanced paddle for 2025. It’s a raw carbon, non-thermoformed paddle (12.7 or 14.3 mm core) that “hits like a rocket on drives and especially on overhead putaways”. It also allows “huge topspin on serves, drives, and dinks” thanks to its carbon fiber face.

• Paddletek Bantam TKO-C – The go-to choice for advanced power players. It offers a head-heavy swing weight and a super stiff raw carbon surface. According to Pickleheads, it gives “big power” on drives and still “lots of control and forgiveness” for a power paddle. Its textured face design helps impart spin as well. If you play high-level aggressive pickleball, the TKO-C’s blend of power and control makes it a top pickJOOLA Perseus Pro IV – A headstrong paddle built for bangers. It is widely regarded as one of the most powerful paddles; Pickleheads calls it “an explosive paddle with a deadly combination of power, pop, spin, and speed”. It’s well-suited for players who want to hit extremely hard but still need reliable spin.

• Paddletek Bantam 16.0 TKO – Similar design to the TKO-C but thermally molded (for a slightly softer feel). Still very powerful but a bit friendlier on touch.

• CRBN Voltage – A wide paddle with a carbon face, known for an extreme power profile. Great if you want even more slam in your game.

• Diadem Edge 18K Power Max – While also good for intermediates, advanced hitters can appreciate its Elite-level build and extra power over the standard Edge 18K.

• ProKennex Momentum Pro – A stiffer feel with a classic shape. Some advanced players love the consistent bounce and shock-absorbing handle of ProKennex.

• Selkirk Amped S2 Vanguard – Stiffer than the SLK Evo, this Selkirk paddle is built for quick play and spin, favored by more serious players.

In this category, small differences matter. For instance, Pickleheads notes that the Bantam TKO-C is a bit head-heavy; if you prefer faster swing speed instead of raw heft, you might lean toward the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV instead. Ultimately, the best pickleball paddles for advanced players are those that can keep up with high-speed exchanges and aggressive shots while offering enough precision.

Best Budget Pickleball Paddles (Under $100)

You don’t have to spend $200 to get a great paddle. In fact, budget models under $100 have gotten impressively good. Pickleheads’ top budget paddle is the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash, which costs ~$100 and “plays like an over $200 paddle”. With a raw carbon fiber face and foam core walls, it delivers exceptional spin and power for the price. Pair it with the Friday Original (2-for-$99) for an unbeatable beginner set. Other wallet-friendly favorites include the 11SIX24 Monarch Jelly Bean (excellent spin/control on a wide blade) and the Neonic Force (a lightweight all-court paddle often found bundled in two-packs).

• Vatic Pro PRISM Flash – One of the best value paddles ever. For about $100, you get a carbon fiber paddle that excels in spin and surprisingly has enough pop for aggressive shots. Pickleheads says it is “one of the best paddles under $100 and one of the best control paddles I’ve ever played with”. It’s suited to almost any player who wants high performance on a budget.

• Friday Original – A beginner-friendly bargain as mentioned above. Even though it’s only $50/paddle on sale, it outperforms most other cheap paddles because of its carbon build. Great for beginners or as a second paddle.

• PCKL Launch Series – If you find it on sale, this pair is still one of the cheapest ways to start. The fiberglass/polymer paddles are simple but usable.

• 11SIX24 Monarch Jelly Bean – Often sold around $90, this wide-body paddle (Kevlar/carbon face) offers huge forgiveness and spin. Pickleheads gave it high marks on earlier lists.

• Neonic Force – Typically a $50 budget two-pack. One paddle has an elongated shape and polymer core, making it easier to maneuver than many cheap paddles. Surprising quality for the price.

• Selkirk Phoenix Rising 7.5 – The thinner-core (7.5mm) version of Selkirk’s Phoenix series often dips under $100 and still has carbon fiber. Good all-court paddle for the money.

Best paddles under $100: Vatic PRISM Flash (control/spin), Friday Original (beginner set), Monarch Jelly Bean (forgiving wide-body), and select Selkirk/11SIX24 budget models. As Pickleheads notes, budget paddles nowadays often come from smaller brands that focus on value. Don’t hesitate to try these out; you might be amazed at their performance for the cost.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Power

If you love powering the ball down the court, look for paddles explicitly designed for power. These typically have stiff (often thermoformed) carbon faces and somewhat head-heavy balance. In our list, JOOLA Perseus Pro IV and Diadem Edge 18K Power Max top the power category. The JOOLA Perseus IV was described as “an explosive paddle with a deadly combination of power, pop, spin, and speed” – essentially a rocket launcher for your drives. The Edge 18K Power Max (wide-body) has a sculpted edge guard for a clean swing and an 18K carbon face for extra pop. Another heavy-hitter is the Gearbox CX or CRBN Voltage for a wide, stable head.

• JOOLA Perseus Pro IV – As mentioned, this paddle is all about firepower. It’s often a top choice for tournament players who rely on hard hits and spin serves.

• Diadem Edge 18K Power Max – Wide-body, thermoformed, 18K carbon – ideal for players who prefer a bigger sweet spot but don’t want to sacrifice power.

• CRBN Voltage / LB-5 – CRBN’s flagship paddles, built with dynamite cores. The Voltage LB-5 is known for its raw pop and heavier weight.

• Onix Evoke Premier – A high-end Onix model with a thick face for tremendous power. Used by pro Onix-sponsors.

• Gearbox CX – Not as known in amateur circles, but it’s a highly engineered Power paddle; it even uses machine-cut aluminum pieces.

• Selkirk Vanguard – Offers a fast swing and is popular among aggressive players; it’s technically control-oriented but feels quite poppy.

• Paddletek Bantam TKO-C (14.3 mm) – The thicker (14.3mm) version of the TKO-C core is even harder and yields maximum power.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Control

For precision players who value touch, there are paddles tuned for control. These usually have thicker cores (for a softer feel) and sometimes aramid (Kevlar) faces. Pickleheads highlights the PIKKL Hurricane Pro as one of the ultimate control paddles. It’s fast and consistent on drops and volleys, with a forgiving feel. Other notable control paddles include the Selkirk Vanguard Control (larger sweet spot, not thermoformed), the classic Onix Z5 Graphite, and the Bread & Butter Filth (despite its power, Filth is very controllable for its category).

• PIKKL Hurricane Pro – “One of the most naturally controlled paddles I’ve tested,” per Pickleheads. It has a fiberglass face and a dense core, giving it a plush feel. It excels on third-shot drops and baseline rallies, and rarely mishits even when you’re hurrying. Plus it’s a great value for control.

• Onix Evoke Premier (Control) – The Evoke series comes in a Control version with a thinner face. It provides a very stable platform and is built for players who like consistent, soft hits.

• Selkirk Vanguard Control – A paddle specifically designed for control and spin. With a raw carbon face and a slightly shorter handle, it has a big sweet spot and tons of spin potential while remaining predictable.

• Bread & Butter Filth – Although also used for power, the Filth’s forgiving core makes it a control paddle at heart. Many intermediate players use it to sharpen their dinking and placement game.

• Head Radical – A bit older but still notable, it has a textured carbon face for spin but is tuned for control.

• Engage Poach Advantage – High spin, very good forgiveness, and a sticky grip, favored by some advanced dinks specialists.

Control paddles let you finesse shots instead of muscling them. If your game relies on placement, dinks, and soft game, one of these is the “best pickleball paddle for control.” As always, your mileage may vary – what’s most important is how the paddle feels in your hand during practice.

Best Pickleball Paddle for Spin

Top spin paddles are often textured and raw carbon. While related to control paddles, spin paddles might be slightly firmer to allow the ball to bite into the surface. Models that excel here include the Niupipo (Diadem) Proton Series One, the Bread & Butter Filth, and the ProKennex Kinetic Pro. These use 18K carbon or nanotech faces to hold the ball. For example, Pickleheads notes the Proton Series One (Niupipo) has a “nanotech face” that won’t degrade easily, making it great for consistent spin. Spin often goes hand-in-hand with control, so the paddles listed above for control also make spinful shots. Additionally, thicker-core carbon-fiber paddles (like JOOLA or Paddletek with 16mm cores) can enhance spin by allowing more dwell time.

Top Pickleball Paddle Brands

Several brands consistently produce the best pickleball paddles:

• Selkirk: Known for innovation (e.g., Amped, Vanguard). The SLK and AMPED series often feature Carbon FLEX fibers or larger sweet spots. Selkirk’s paddles (e.g. SLK Evo Power 2.0) scored top marks for power and comfort.

• Paddletek: Maker of the popular Bantam series (TKO, Phoenix). Their paddles often balance power and control well. The Bantam TKO-C is a top power pick. Paddletek also offers excellent customer support and warranties.

• Engage: Offers both beginner-friendly (Encore) and advanced (Pro, Pursuit) lines. Engage paddles typically have thicker polymer cores and give great spin. The Encore Pro V2.0 got high praise for boosting beginner confidence.

• JOOLA: A legacy brand (table tennis pedigree) now making high-end pickleball gear. JOOLA’s Perseus and Hyperion paddles deliver world-class power.

• Diadem/Niupipo: A newer brand that burst onto the scene with highly textured carbon faces (e.g. Edge 18K, Proton series). Many of their paddles are award-winners for spin and pop, as cited by various reviewers.

• Bread & Butter: Started on Kickstarter, known for the Filth. Their paddles focus on easy forgiveness and ergonomics (knees).

• Pickleball Apes, Spartus, Friday, Vatic: Emerging brands that focus on value. The Pickleheads reviews show that lesser-known brands are making cutting-edge paddles (e.g. Apes Energy S, Spartus Olympus, Friday Original) that rival big names.

• Onix / Selkirk / Gamma: Big players in entry and intermediate spaces. Onix is known for classic designs (Z5, Evoke) and Gamma for varied cores and easy-handed designs.

Each brand has its own flavor: Selkirk and Diadem push the high-tech end, Paddletek and JOOLA emphasize reliability, and brands like Friday or 11SIX24 maximize value. It’s worth trying paddles across brands since each company’s construction process can make a paddle feel unique.

Paddle Comparison Table

To help compare at a glance, here’s a table of popular paddles with their core/face materials, weight range, and ideal use:

FAQs

Q: What is the best pickleball paddle?
A: There is no one “best” paddle for everyone – it depends on your style. Experts say the Six Zero Double Black Diamond and Selkirk SLK Evo Power 2.0 are top overall picks because they excel in power, control, and spin. These all-around paddles work for many players. However, your ideal paddle should match your game (see categories above). In general, a balanced carbon-fiber paddle is a safe bet for getting started.

Q: What are the best pickleball paddles for beginners?
A: Beginners should look for paddles emphasizing control and forgiveness. Top recommendations are the Friday Original (an inexpensive carbon paddle set) and the Engage Encore Pro V2.0. These paddles have soft cores and comfortable grips, allowing less experienced players to learn without frustrating mishits. Classic beginner choices like the Onix Z5 Graphite or cheaper two-packs (e.g. PCKL Launch) can also be good. In short, choose a standard- or wide-body paddle with a big sweet spot and stable feel.

Q: What are the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players?
A: Intermediate players can handle faster, stiffer paddles and often benefit from extra spin or power. Our pick for intermediates is the Pickleball Apes Energy S, which adds power and spin while remaining controlled. Other intermediate favorites include the Maverix Havik-15 Pro and Diadem Edge 18K Power Max, which are both powerful yet controllable. Look for paddles that suit how you like to hit (spin, power, or control) and step up one level from your beginner paddle.

Q: What are the best pickleball paddles for advanced players?
A: Advanced players often go for maximum performance. The Paddletek Bantam TKO-C is a top choice here for its rocket-like power and spin. The JOOLA Perseus Pro IV is another, famed for its “deadly power”. Other high-end options include the CRBN Voltage, Diadem Edge 18K Power Max, and Bread & Butter Filth. Essentially, any paddle that can keep up with a fast-paced, competitive game could be the best for an advanced player.

Q: What is the best pickleball paddle for spin?
A: Paddles with textured carbon faces generate the most spin. Some favorites are the Niupipo (Diadem) Proton Series One and the Bread & Butter Filth, both of which have tech-heavy faces. The Engage Encore Pro V2.0 and Selkirk SLK Evo also offer fine textures for spin. Remember that spin also comes from technique – even a good control paddle can produce great spin once you master your swing. As one tester noted, paddles with fine-grain surfaces provided “plenty of spin control” as players leveled up.

Q: What are the best budget pickleball paddles under $100?
A: You can get excellent performance under $100. The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is often cited as the best budget paddle – reviewers say it matches many $200 paddles. The Friday Original (2-for-$99) is unbeatable for beginners. Other good budget picks include the 11SIX24 Monarch Jelly Bean (control-oriented, often ~$90) and Selkirk Phoenix Rising 7.5. For under $50 each, these paddles still use carbon surfaces and offer serious playability.

Q: What are the best pickleball paddle brands?
A: The most trusted brands are Selkirk, Paddletek, Engage, JOOLA, and Diadem/Niupipo, known for consistent quality and innovation. Selkirk and JOOLA often lead the charts in reviews. Emerging brands like Pickleball Apes, Vatic, Friday, and Bread & Butter also make top-performing paddles at great prices. We recommend sticking to well-reviewed paddles and brands, and reading user reviews before buying.

Conclusion

Choosing the best pickleball paddles in 2025 means matching a paddle’s strengths to your game. We’ve covered options for every player: from forgiving beginner paddles like the Friday Original and Engage Encore, to high-powered models for advanced players, to top-value budget paddles like the Vatic PRISM Flash. The right paddle will feel comfortable and boost your strengths on the court. Always demo if you can, and consider factors like weight, balance, and grip fit. In the end, the “best pickleball paddle” is one that feels like an extension of your hand. For more insights, pick up paddle reviews and use tools like the Pickleheads paddle quiz to find your perfect match.

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