After testing dozens of paddles and talking with players at every skill level, I constantly get asked: what is the best pickleball paddle? The honest answer is that there’s no single “best” paddle for everyone, but there absolutely is what is the best pickleball paddle for your specific playing style and skill level. Finding the right paddle can transform your game from frustrating to fantastic.
Understanding what is the best pickleball paddle requires looking at your experience level, playing style, and budget. The paddle market has exploded with innovation in 2025, making it both easier and harder to choose the perfect match.
If you’re new to pickleball and want to learn the fundamentals before investing in equipment, check out our Complete Pickleball Play Guide: Origins and Official Rules for essential background on the sport.
What Makes the Best Pickleball Paddle
When determining what is the best pickleball paddle, several key factors come into play:
Material Quality: The best paddles use premium materials like carbon fiber, graphite, or high-grade composites that affect power, control, and durability.
Weight Distribution: How weight is distributed impacts your ability to generate power and maintain control during extended play.
Sweet Spot Size: Larger sweet spots provide more forgiveness, while smaller sweet spots offer precision for advanced players.
Core Technology: Modern paddle cores use various materials to optimize performance characteristics like power, control, and feel.
What is the Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners
New players need paddles that emphasize forgiveness and control over raw power. The best beginner paddles help develop proper technique while building confidence.
Friday Original – The standout choice for beginners, this paddle costs around $50 but performs like paddles twice its price. Unlike typical starter paddles, the Friday Original can actually generate spin and has enough power to put balls away. I’ve seen beginners beat advanced players using this paddle.
VINSGUIR Viento X2.0 – At under $40, this paddle offers excellent value with a comfortable grip and textured surface for ball control. The honeycomb core provides good feel while reinforced edges ensure durability.
Engage Encore Pro V2.0 – Despite being from a premium brand, this paddle sells for around $60 and delivers surprising pop and power for serious beginners ready to invest in quality equipment.
What is the Best Pickleball Paddle for Intermediate Players
Intermediate players need paddles that balance power and control while offering room for continued skill development.
Vatic Pro PRISM Flash – One of the most popular choices among intermediate players, offering excellent control and spin generation. The standard shape provides a large sweet spot, making it forgiving while still offering good performance.
Selkirk SLK ERA – This paddle represents excellent value for intermediate players looking to upgrade their game. It provides a nice balance of power and control with reliable performance across all shot types.
CRBN Genesis – With proper customization, this paddle transforms into a powerful all-court option. The TruFoam core provides excellent feel and spin generation for developing players.
What is the Best Pickleball Paddle for Advanced Players
Advanced players typically prioritize power, precision, and specialized performance characteristics over forgiveness.
JOOLA Perseus Pro IV – Ben Johns’ signature paddle has dominated the “best paddle” conversation since its release. It delivers explosive power while maintaining enough control for touch shots. This paddle represents the current gold standard for advanced players.
Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated – Offers incredible all-court performance with one of the best blends of power, control, spin, and forgiveness available in an advanced paddle.
Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta – Features proprietary carbon fiber composition and advanced texture technology for precise hits and long-lasting spin surface performance.
Best Pickleball Paddles by Playing Style
Power Players
If you love driving the ball and attacking aggressively, what is the best pickleball paddle for power becomes crucial.
Paddletek Bantam TKO-C – Christian Alshon’s signature paddle delivers raw power for players who can handle its aggressive nature. The stiff construction generates power without relying on trampoline effects.
Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta – Built for power hitters who want added spin, combining explosive power while maintaining control for finesse shots.
Proton Series Three Project Flamingo – Features a powerful core and gritty hitting surface for maximum pop and spin, making it one of the most aggressive paddles available.
Control Players
Control-focused players need paddles that excel at touch shots, resets, and precision placement.
Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper – Designed for kitchen control specialists who prioritize placement and touch over raw power.
Selkirk LABS Project 008 – Combines touch, feel, and spin for players who care more about shot placement and precision than power generation.
All-Court Players
Versatile players need balanced paddles that perform well in all situations.
JOOLA Agassi Pro 16mm – Designed with tennis legend Andre Agassi’s input, featuring large sweet spot, impressive power, and enhanced control for well-rounded performance.
Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 – Known for durability and all-around performance with carbon fiber face offering great spin and solid power.
Paddle Materials: What is the Best Pickleball Paddle Material
Understanding materials helps determine what is the best pickleball paddle for your needs:
Carbon Fiber: Premium material offering superior strength, excellent spin generation, and precise control. Higher price but better performance.
Graphite: Lightweight with quick maneuverability, good touch and control, responsive feedback at moderate pricing.
Composite/Fiberglass: Good power generation, durability, and affordability with textured surfaces for spin and balanced performance.
Weight and Budget Considerations
Lightweight (7.0-7.4 oz): Best for control and quick hands. Ideal for finesse players and those with arm issues.
Midweight (7.5-8.2 oz): Offers the best balance of power and control. Most popular among recreational players.
Heavyweight (8.3+ oz): Maximum power and stability. Preferred by strong players who can handle extra weight.
Budget Breakdown
Under $75: Friday Original ($50), VINSGUIR Viento X2.0 ($40) $75-$150: Vatic Pro PRISM Flash ($99), Selkirk SLK ERA ($99) $150-$250: JOOLA Perseus Pro IV ($200+), Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 ($260) Premium ($250+): Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta ($300+)
How to Choose What is the Best Pickleball Paddle
When determining what is the best pickleball paddle for you:
- Demo Before Buying: Test multiple paddles during actual play through pro shop demo programs.
- Match Your Skill Level: Choose a paddle that fits your current ability and allows room for growth.
- Consider Your Style: Power players need different characteristics than control players or all-court versatile players.
- Prioritize Comfort: The best paddle feels comfortable and doesn’t cause fatigue during extended play sessions.
- Read Player Reviews: Real user experiences provide valuable insights into long-term performance and durability.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Paddles
Choosing Based on Pros: Just because a paddle works for professionals doesn’t mean it’s what is the best pickleball paddle for your skill level.
Ignoring Grip Size: Proper grip size prevents injury and improves control. Test different sizes to find your ideal fit.
Buying Too Advanced: Using an advanced paddle before developing proper technique can actually hinder skill development.
Focusing Only on Price: Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Some budget paddles outperform premium options for certain players.
Making Your Final Decision
What is the best pickleball paddle ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style. The “best” paddle is one that matches your current skill level, complements your playing style, feels comfortable during extended play, and fits within your budget.
Remember that paddle technology evolves quickly, but developing proper technique matters more than having the latest equipment. A skilled player can excel with a basic paddle, while even the most expensive paddle won’t fix fundamental technique issues.
Start with a paddle that matches your current ability and upgrade as your skills develop. Most players find they need different paddles as they progress through skill levels, so view your first purchase as a stepping stone rather than a lifetime commitment.
The best paddle is the one that helps you enjoy pickleball more and play your best game. Take time to research, test when possible, and choose based on your specific needs rather than marketing hype or professional endorsements. With the right paddle in hand, you’ll be amazed at how much more enjoyable your pickleball experience becomes.
