Best pickleball paddles (2026)

Buy if:

• You want a paddle with a big sweet spot:

  no need to worry about hitting dead center – this paddle is forgiving right across the face, with a super consistent bounce.

• You like paddles with a lot of pop:

  the ball comes off the fiberglass face with a satisfying pop for players who like to play aggressively.

• You like fast hands battles:

  this one is lively at the kitchen zone, with a low 110 swing weight, allowing you to react with speed.

Pass if:

• You want a softer feel for more control:

  the fiberglass counteracts the foam core so this isn't as soft as a more cushioned paddle like the Pickleball Apes Pulse S.

• You want max power:

  if you're a power purist, try the Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik.

• You want a cheaper alternative:

  the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean is almost as forgiving and costs less than $100.

Buy if:

• You want a poppy, powerful paddle:

  the Black Opal surprised me with how aggressive it was, with a big boost in pop and power over the Six Zero DBD.

• You want the best spin:

  you can feel the premium grittiness on the "Diamond Tough" surface and generate big dipping topspin with this paddle.

• You still need control:

  if you’re a player who can handle pop, you’ll be able to use the spin, sweet spot, and speed of this paddle to hit shots with good accuracy.

Pass if:

• You’re a beginner:

  the pop will be too much for you, so try a beginner paddle like the Vatic Pro, 11SIX24, or Friday.

• You want a cheaper alternative:

  the J2NF from Honolulu is a similar paddle – hybrid shape, awesome spin, good pop – for $50 less.

• You want an elongated paddle:

  I recommend checking out the excellent Bread & Butter Loco Elongated (if it’s in stock).

Buy if:

• You want a fast paddle:

  this is extremely quick in the hand, one of the fastest paddles I've seen.

• You want a great spin paddle:

  spin is almost as impressive as the RPM Friction Pro and J2NF, with insanely good topspin for a bargain paddle.

• You want a foam paddle at a budget price:

  this is the first foam paddle I’ve seen in the $100 range – this durable tech usually costs upwards of $150.

Pass if:

• You want a power paddle:

  you’ll get more natural, effortless power out of the Black Opal, Boomstik, and Perseus paddles.

• You need a bigger sweet spot:

  the 11SIX24 Jelly Bean (budget range) and Honolulu J2NF (mid-range) both have more forgiving sweet spots.

• You want a pair of paddles:

  check out the Friday Original two-paddle deal or the SLK NEO 2.0 pickleball paddle set.

Buy if:

• You want more spin than any paddle:

  the RPM generates more spin than even the best paddles from JOOLA, Selkirk, and Six Zero.

• You like lightweight paddles:

  with its low weight (7.9 ounces), this is a light and fast paddle that gives you quick hands.

• Power is more important than control for you:

  this is a poppy paddle and the ball flies off the face – it doesn't have much softness or dwell time for touch shots.

Pass if:

• You're looking for more of a control paddle:

  the Honolulu J2NF has awesome spin too, with more control and forgiveness than the RPM.

• You want the most powerful paddle right now:

  try the Six Zero Black Opal or Selkirk Boomstik.

• You want a budget paddle:

  the Vatic Pro V-SOL Pro is a gem for $100 (with our discount) – it's not far off the RPM in spin generation.

Buy if:

• You want a durable paddle:

  foam paddles are built to avoid issues like delamination so the TruFoam 4 should stand the test of time.

• You want power and control:

  this model nails the balance of softness from the foam core with a poppy fiberglass face for aggressive play.

• You play a fast game:

  this hybrid model is one of the quickest paddles I tested this year, and the fastest in the TruFoam series.

Pass if:

• You don't need a next-gen paddle:

  the Six Zero DBD is an excellent Gen 2 alternative – it'll cost you around $100 less, too.

• You're new to pickleball:

  the sweet spot isn't huge – you'll have an easier time with mishits with a paddle like the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean.

• You want the biggest sweet spot:

  the Honolulu Sword & Shield J2NF is the most forgiving paddle for intermediate to advanced players.

Buy if:

• You want the best gear to start your pickleball journey:

  newcomers will win more games with the better-performing, more premium Friday over most entry-level paddles.

• You want a great deal:

  two carbon fiber paddles that play this well for $99 is crazy – this is one of the best deals in pickleball.

• You want a beginner paddle with power and spin:

  the stiff thermoformed construction gives you good power, and the gritty surface generates spin.

Pass if:

• You want a softer paddle:

  the Vatic Pro V-SOL has a plush feel that gives you more control on your touch shots.

• You want a large sweet spot:

  this has a smaller sweet spot, and I had a few mishits because of it. If that’s a concern, try the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean.

• You’re ready for an upgrade:

  once you're playing at a competitive level, you'll want to upgrade to the likes of the Pickleball Apes Pulse S (intermediate) or JOOLA Perseus Pro IV (advanced).

Buy if:

• You want great bang for your buck:

  at $162 (with our 10% discount), this is an incredibly reliable, high-performing, long-lasting paddle that has stood the test of time.

• You want the optimal balance of power and control:

  I can switch quickly from aggressive pop to accurate touch shots with this paddle better than the vast majority of its competitors.

• Spin and speed are important for you:

  this is a quick paddle that generates excellent spin from its gritty face.

Pass if:

• You struggle with pop-ups:

  this is on the poppier side so try a softer paddle like the Pickleball Apes Pulse S or Vatic Pro V-SOL.

• You want the most advanced tech:

  if you don't mind paying the premium, check out the newer CRBN TruFoam and JOOLA Pro IV paddles for the highest tech.

• You want to spend closer to $100:

  you can find great quality in the $100 range from brands like Friday, 11SIX24 and Vatic Pro.

Buy if:

• Your touch game matters more than power:

  if control is your priority, you won't find much better than this consistent, plush, and accurate paddle.

• You're upgrading from a beginner paddle:

  with its soft and forgiving feel, this is perfect for new intermediates.

• You're ready to play with more spin:

  you'll be able to hit great topspin with this paddle.

Pass if:

• You want a power paddle for intermediate players:

  try the Six Zero Black Opal. It has all the power you need and enough control and forgiveness too.

• You're still at beginner level:

  save some money and get the Friday Original two-paddle deal.

• You're ready for a pro paddle:

  the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV is my top pick for advanced players.

Buy if:

• Power is your #1 priority:

  if it's max power you're after, nothing goes harder than the Boomstik.

• You want incredible spin:

  this scores full marks on spin too – Selkirk's renowned InfiniGrit face has been updated again and it's better than ever.

• You still want a forgiving paddle:

  this has an unexpectedly large sweet spot for a raw power paddle, giving you increased precision on off-center hits.

Pass if:

• You don't need all that power:

  try a soft paddle like the Pickleball Apes Pulse S if you want a control paddle.

• You want a cheaper power paddle:

  this is one of the most expensive paddles ever launched – the Six Zero Black Opal can save you more than $100 with our discount.

• You want the best budget paddle:

  the Vatic Pro V-SOL is the best $100 paddle right now.

Buy if:

• You want a forgiving paddle with fewer mishits:

  with its large sweet spot, mishits are way less punishing – even when you hit off-center shots, you can stay in the point.

• You prefer a softer paddle:

  while not quite as plush as some paddles, this is still a soft, responsive paddle that helps your accuracy.

• You want to spend under $100:

  the Jelly Bean is one of the top budget paddles, easily rivaling $150 paddles.

Pass if:

• You want a power paddle:

  there's good pop here for beginners and intermediates, but it's not as powerful as the Six Zero Black Opal or Boomstik.

• You want a longer paddle:

  you'll get more reach on overheads and at the kitchen with a hybrid or elongated paddle (the Jelly Bean is a widebody paddle).

• You're willing to spend a little more for higher quality:

  check out the PB Apes Pulse, Honolulu J2NF, and Six Zero Black Opal if you have the money, or you're rising up the ranks.

Buy if:

• You're willing to shell out for the highest quality:

  this is an expensive paddle, but you get what you pay for.

• You play an aggressive game:

  you'll get the most power in the industry and heavy topspin – tennis players will feel right at home.

• You still want a paddle you can control:

  advanced players will easily find control and forgiveness here when they need to pivot to touch shots.

Pass if:

• You struggle with paddles that have a lot of pop:

  try the softer V-SOL Flash or the 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean instead.

• You're not ready to spend $280 just yet:

  the Honolulu J2NF is an amazing mid-range alternative with just slightly less power.

• You don't want an elongated paddle:

  the standard-shaped model in this series, the JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV, is one of our favorite paddles too – it's a fast little weapon.

Buy if:

• You're new to pickleball:

  this set is ideal for beginners, giving you everything you need to start playing with a friend.

• You want a top-quality set:

  Selkirk delivered on their reputation here. The bag is great quality and the balls are much better than the kind you usually get in other budget sets.

• You're on a budget:

  $60-90 is an amazing price for two quality paddles, a pickleball bag, and four balls.

Pass if:

• You're past beginner level:

  these paddles lack the power, spin, and control that intermediate and advanced players need.

• You don't need a full set:

  if you only need one beginner paddle, try the Friday Original, Vatic Pro V-SOL or 11SIX24 Pegasus.

• You want a heavier paddle:

  this is lightweight (7.5 oz), so try the Friday Original for a heavier option that's still affordable and good for beginners.