Pickleball keeps growing fast in 2025, and so does the competition around paddle design. With more players joining the sport, paddle brands are pushing new shapes, surfaces, and materials to meet different styles of play.

From lighter paddles that offer speed to heavier paddles that give you more power, there’s no shortage of options. The challenge is figuring out which one actually fits your game.

In this guide, we’ve picked out the best pickleball paddles for every type of player—whether you need more control, want more spin, or just need a good paddle to get started. Each pick is based on real features, not hype.

 

How to Pick the Right Paddle in 2025

Choosing the right paddle can make a big difference in how you play. With so many new pickleball paddles coming out in 2025, it helps to know what actually matters before you buy.

1. Weight matters

A lighter paddle gives you quicker reactions and better hand speed at the net. A heavier paddle adds more power to your swings but can be harder on the arm if you're not used to it. Some of the best pickleball paddles this year offer a good balance of both.

2. Core thickness

Thinner paddles, like 14mm models, give you more pop and drive. They’re great for players who like to hit hard and fast. Thicker cores (16mm and up) absorb more impact and give you more control. They’re popular for soft game players and those who want a more forgiving paddle.

3. Grip length and handle shape

If you use a two-handed backhand, grip length becomes more important. Look for paddles with extended handles that give enough room for both hands. Handle shape also affects comfort. Some players prefer a rounded grip while others like it flatter. Try different shapes to see what feels best during long matches.

4. Surface texture

If spin is part of your game, go for a raw carbon paddle or one with a gritty surface. These help the ball grip the paddle face longer, which adds more spin to your shots.

5. Shape

Elongated paddles give you more reach and power. Widebody paddles have a bigger sweet spot and are often more forgiving. Beginners tend to prefer widebody options for this reason, while advanced players might lean toward elongated paddles for that extra length and control.

If you're playing in tournaments, make sure your paddle is approved by USA Pickleball. Most of the paddles in this guide are, including popular models from JOOLA, Gearbox, and Paddletek.

 

Best Overall Paddle for Power

Power paddles are made to help you drive the ball deep, speed up exchanges, and put points away quickly. Most use a thinner core, a stiffer paddle face, or a head-heavy shape to generate more power with each swing.

Thrive Smoke Paddle (Power Series) – 14.5mm ($219.99)

The Thrive Smoke stands out for raw speed and stability. With its 10mm macro honeycomb core and carbon/fiberglass blend face, this paddle delivers explosive power without feeling too stiff. In independent tests, it ranked among the top paddles for punch-volley speed.

Despite the power, it still feels connected in your hand—not bouncy. It’s a good paddle if you’re an intermediate or advanced player who wants more power on drives and overheads without losing touch near the kitchen. If you play a fast-paced, aggressive style, this paddle gives you the pop to match.

Gearbox GX2 Elongated Shape – 16mm ($269.99)

The GX2 Elongated is a good choice for players who want power, but with more control baked in. It uses Gearbox’s signature CarbonRibCore build, which keeps the paddle stable while boosting energy return. The elongated shape also gives you extra reach, helping with both groundstrokes and blocking.

This paddle has a raw carbon fiber face for added spin and a firm feel. It plays a bit stiffer at first but becomes easier to handle after a short break-in period. It’s one of the best pickleball paddles for players who need power, spin, and a solid feel in longer rallies.

Check out our Gearbox Pro Series Review where we break down the differences in control, pop, and spin.

Gearbox PRO Ultimate Power Elongated – 14mm ($274.99)

If you like to stay on offense, the PRO Ultimate Power lives up to its name. With a 14mm core and a head-heavy design, it gives you serious power on drives and smashes. It’s not as forgiving as the GX2, but if you’re confident with your shot placement, it’s a strong upgrade.

The paddle face uses raw carbon to generate spin, and the slightly stiffer build helps the ball pop off quickly. It’s best suited for players who prefer to lead with pace and don’t mind a more aggressive, fast-paced feel.

 

Best Paddle for Control Players

The best pickleball paddles for control often feature a thicker core, a soft paddle face, and a balanced feel that helps absorb pace and guide the ball exactly where you want it. These are great for players who value touch over power, especially in the soft game or when battling.

Joola Simone Jardim Hyperion Pro IV Duel 16mm Paddle – $279.95

The Joola Simone Jardim Hyperion Pro Paddle brings a plush, connected feel to every shot. With a 16mm core and Joola’s updated carbon surface, it offers more control without sacrificing spin. The elongated shape adds reach, while its thermoformed build gives added stability during resets and blocks. Simone Jardim's signature paddle is also a top pick among pro-level paddles, making it a smart choice for players who like to steer the game rather than overpower it. It pairs well with what we discussed in the Joola Gen 3 Paddle Line-Up.

Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro Paddle – $149.99

The Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro Paddle is a solid pick for players who want more control and a large sweet spot without breaking the bank. The polymer core helps absorb vibrations, which is great for those with tennis elbow or anyone focused on placement and dinking. It also has a responsive feel that works well for players in transition, from beginner to intermediate, making it a good alternative to higher-priced paddles in this category.

If you're still learning how paddle design impacts performance, this helpful breakdown of paddle technology and types explains why core thickness, paddle face materials, and handle shape can make such a big difference on the court.

 

Best Paddle for Spin

If adding spin is a big part of your game, the paddle’s surface is what matters most. You’ll want something with a raw carbon face or advanced texture that grips the ball, ideal for slicing, topspin serves, and controlled third shots. The best pickleball paddles for spin combine surface grit with good ball dwell time, so you have that extra split-second to shape the shot.

Gearbox PRO Ultimate Elongated 16mm Paddle – $275

The Gearbox PRO Ultimate Elongated is a pro-level paddle with impressive spin potential, even though it doesn’t rely on traditional grit. Gearbox uses its own textured carbon face tech that maintains spin while resisting wear over time. The 16mm core and elongated version also give excellent shot placement and help generate spin from awkward angles or stretched-out positions. For players who want more control with consistent spin, this paddle brings a solid mix of tech and feel.

Apes Pulse X Paddle 16mm – $199.99

The Apes Pulse X stands out with its true raw carbon fiber paddle face, giving it excellent ball bite. The 16mm thick core helps absorb impact, keeping shots controlled while still allowing you to load up on topspin. Its plush feel makes it a good paddle for players who mix power and finesse, especially in the midcourt. Players looking to improve their soft game without losing spin will like this one.

Six Zero Double Black Diamond Elongated (DBDE) Paddle 15mm – $189.99

The Six Zero DBDE is another raw carbon paddle with a slightly thinner core at 15mm, which offers a bit more pop off the face. Its elongated shape gives extra reach, which comes in handy during spin-heavy cross-court dinks and resets. This one’s well-balanced between spin and power and is a solid good alternative for those who like the feel of the Vatic Pro Prism Flash, but want something with a softer touch.

 

Best Paddle for Balanced / All-Court Play

These paddles are for players who want a bit of everything—power, control, and spin—without leaning too hard in one direction. If you like to switch between soft game tactics and power shots, this group offers the best pickleball paddles 2025 has for all-around performance.

Gearbox GX2 Integra XL Shape Paddle - 16mm ($268.99)

This Gearbox GX2 Integra paddle has a 16mm core and a longer XL shape that offers a nice mix of reach and control. The carbon fiber face gives it good touch without giving up pop. It’s a great option for all-court players who want a paddle that can keep up whether you're dinking or ripping a drive. If you're still learning how paddle design impacts your game, our tech guide explains how core and paddle face choices can shape performance.

Gearbox PRO Ultimate Hyper Paddle ($274.99)

Designed for balance, the Gearbox PRO Ultimate Hyper is built with Gearbox’s SST carbon core for stability and feel. It plays soft at the net but gives solid power when needed. The elongated version gives added reach without sacrificing control. It’s one paddle that suits a wide range of play styles.

Thrive Azul 16 Paddle ($199.99)

The Thrive Azul 16 has a plush feel and a generous sweet spot, making it a good paddle for players who want forgiveness and versatility. Its thermoformed edge and foam perimeter give it a bit more power while maintaining control. This paddle fits well for players who want the perfect balance between feel and performance. A good alternative if you’re comparing against more popular paddle models from bigger brands.

 

Best Value Paddle Under $150

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a solid paddle, especially if you’re new or just want a backup. These options all fall under the $150 mark and still offer great performance for the price. From fiberglass builds to gritty paddle faces, they each bring something useful to the court.

GRUVN The Gripper-G16 Paddle - Aqua White ($99)

This GRUVN The Gripper-G16 Paddleuses a raw carbon face and a 16mm core, giving players surprising spin and control for under $100. It’s light, balanced, and easy to handle. For players who want to test out the feel of carbon fiber without going over budget, the Gripper is one paddle worth trying. It’s also part of GRUVN’s entry-level lineup featured in our brand review.

Franklin Signature Series Fiberglass with MaxGrit Paddle ($100)

Built with a fiberglass face and MaxGrit surface coating, Franklin Signature Series Fiberglass paddlepunches above its price. The paddle face is designed to grip the ball longer, which helps generate spin on drops and slices. It has a classic shape with a standard handle, making it a simple pick for all-around play.

Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro Paddle ($149.99)

A popular paddle known for its mix of control and pop, the Bantam EX-L Pro features a polymer core and velvet-textured face. It’s got a large sweet spot and enough grit for reliable spin. While not a raw carbon paddle, it’s still a good alternative for players who prefer a softer feel with more control. This one works well for both casual play and competitive rec matches.

 

Best Paddle for Beginners

New to the game? Choosing the right beginner pickleball paddles can make a big difference in how quickly you improve. These beginner-friendly pickleball paddles offer a large sweet spot, a soft feel, and easy handling without overwhelming your game.

Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Paddle ($99.99)

Designed with beginners in mind, the Paddletek Bantam TS-5 is light, quick, and built for responsive play. The smaller grip size and lower weight make it a good choice for players with smaller hands or those concerned about tennis elbow. It still offers good pop thanks to Paddletek’s Smart Response Technology. If you’re learning the game and experimenting with different grips and strokes, this paddle won’t hold you back.

Engage Encore Pro V2.0 | Hybrid Paddle ($89.99)

The Encore Pro V2.0 features a polymer core and a fiberglass face that offers a soft touch and solid control. It's one of the most forgiving paddles out there, especially for players just starting to work on shot placement. While not the lightest, the build gives you enough feedback to feel connected to the ball without sacrificing comfort. This beginner paddle is a great match for anyone easing into the sport or returning after a break.

GRUVN The Launch-G16 Paddle ($99.99)

The Launch-G16 paddle is part of GRUVN’s entry-level lineup, but it brings the feel of a high-quality paddle with its raw carbon surface and 16mm core. It’s light enough for developing hand speed, yet thick enough to control your shots as you build your soft game.

 

Best Paddle for Intermediate Players

Once you've moved past the beginner stage, it's time for a paddle that keeps up with faster rallies, sharper angles, and a mix of power and control. These pickleball paddles help intermediate players fine-tune their play style and start thinking more strategically about shot placement and hand speed.

Apes Pulse S Pickleball Paddle 16mm ($199.99)

The Apes Pulse S has a raw carbon fiber face and a thick 16mm core that balances control with just enough pop. It’s great for players learning how to mix soft dinks with faster drives. The handle offers a clean feel, and the gritty surface gives you more bite when you add spin to your shots. This is a good alternative if you're not quite ready for a pro level paddle but want to grow into one.

Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX 12.7 Paddle ($249.99)

With its 12.7mm core, this Bantam TKO-CX 12.7 version leans toward the power paddle side, offering quicker response and good pop off the paddle face. It’s ideal for intermediate players starting to add more aggression to their game. While it’s thinner than some other paddles, it doesn’t lose too much forgiveness, making it a smart pick for those looking to experiment with speed.

Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX 14.3 Paddle ($249.99)

If you're not sure whether to go thicker or thinner, this Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX 14.3mm paddleoffers a nice middle ground. It has enough cushion to help with resets and blocks, yet still brings out more power when you drive. The slightly longer handle gives room for two-handed backhands, which more intermediate players are starting to adopt.

 

Best Paddle for Advanced Players

If you're playing at a high level, your paddle needs to match your pace and precision. At this stage, most players know their preferences, whether it's a softer feel at the net or a firmer paddle for more power.

Joola Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV Duel 14mm Paddle ($279.95)

The Joola Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV is built for offense. With its 14mm core and charged carbon surface, it delivers serious pop for fast drives and counters. Its shape feels quick in hand and gives you strong control at the kitchen line. This is a go-to pro level paddle used by Ben Johns, so it’s ideal for players who want to lean into speed and power without giving up precision.

Joola Simone Jardim Hyperion Pro IV Duel 16mm Paddle ($279.95)

Similar to the Ben Johns Hyperion but with a lighter swing weight, the Joola Simone Jardim Hyperion Pro IV Duel version is a good fit for players who prioritize finesse and control. Its big sweet spot and plush feel help with the soft game, while the gritty face supports spin. This paddle is also a strong option for players dealing with tennis elbow, thanks to the controlled response.

Gearbox PRO Ultimate Elongated 16mm Paddle ($275)

For those who prefer a little more control, this Gearbox PRO Ultimate Elongated paddle offers a softer feel without losing the elongated reach. It’s made for players who want to slow the game down when needed but still have a paddle that can strike when the opportunity comes. You’ll feel the benefit in dinks, blocks, and third shots especially.

 

Quick Guide: Matching a Paddle to Your Playing Style

 

Still unsure which paddle suits you best? You can take our quick pickleball paddle quiz—just answer a few simple questions, and we’ll recommend options based on your play style, grip preference, and goals on the court.

 

Final Thoughts

There’s no single best pickleball paddle for everyone. The perfect paddle depends on your play style, skill level, and what feels comfortable in your hand. Power players may need something different than those focused on control or spin. Always consider paddle weight, grip length, and core thickness before deciding.

Get2Eleven offers paddle accessories, apparel, sets and bundles to round out your gear. You can also visit our store at 875 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024 to see the paddles in person and find the perfect fit.