We recently asked members of The Kitchen Facebook Group one simple question: “What’s your favorite pickleball paddle right now?”

The response was massive. Across three community polls and hundreds of comments from rec players, 5.0 tournament grinders, coaches and gear junkies, a clear group of paddles separated themselves from the pack.

And one thing became obvious: What players are looking for in a paddle has changed.

It’s not that players have stopped wanting power, because they haven’t — the Selkirk Boomstik ran away with the No. 1 spot, and several other power-leaning paddles cracked the Top 10.

But the paddles winning the conversation right now are the ones that pair that power with something more. A bigger sweet spot. A more plush feel. Better forgiveness on mishits. Confidence in the soft game.

The phrase we saw over and over: “Power when you want it.”

The era of pure rocket launchers seems to be fading. The new dream paddle does it all. Here are the paddles leading that movement, in order of how loudly the community talked about them.

Read next: Our reviewers’ Top 13 pickleball paddles on the market right now + in-depth reviews for each one

1. Selkirk Boomstik

The Boomstik was the biggest winner across all three polls, and it wasn’t particularly close. Players described it as explosive without feeling uncontrollable, powerful but forgiving, surprisingly stable and easy to generate pace with. The sweet spot drew constant praise, and several players noted how much more balanced it feels compared to older-generation power paddles.

That combination is exactly why it ran away with the poll. It’s a power paddle that doesn’t punish you for trying to play a well-rounded game.

Shop the Selkirk Boomstik here and use code “INF-KITCHEN” for a credit toward a future purchase.

2. JOOLA Pro V Series

The JOOLA Pro V Series earned huge support from players who prefer more of an all-court paddle. The most common feedback: Buttery feel, easy access to power, better forgiveness than previous JOOLA generations, stable resets, and a cleaner feel in hands battles.

A lot of players described it as “power when you want it” rather than overwhelming pop on every shot. That balance is exactly what the market seems to be asking for right now. Shop the JOOLA Pro V here and get a FREE Kitchen hat with your purchase.

3. Honolulu Pickleball J2/J6 paddles

No brand generated more passionate responses than Honolulu Pickleball Company. The J2, J2NF, J2Ti, and J6CR appeared constantly throughout the comments. Players loved the feel of the J6CR, huge sweet spot, plush response, spin generation and kitchen control. Several specifically called out how “connected” these paddles feel on the soft stuff.

Shop all Honolulu paddles here and use code “KITCHEN” for 10% off.

4. Bread & Butter Loco

Players consistently praised the Loco for its firm but controlled feel, good pop without being too hot, performance on resets and low swingweight for fast exchanges at the kitchen line. A few commenters also pointed out the value compared to bigger brands.

Shop all Bread & Butter paddles here and use code “KITCHEN” for 10% off.

5. RPM paddles

RPM was everywhere throughout the polls. The Friction Pro in particular drew strong praise from players who prioritize touch, resets, dinking, spin consistency and control in transition. One player summed it up: “the ultimate control paddle with enough power for drives.” For players whose game is built around consistency and feel, RPM clearly has a loyal following.

Shop all RPM paddles here and use code “KITCHEN” for 15% off.

6. Friday Aura Pro

The Aura Pro continues to dominate the “best value paddle” conversation. Players compared it to paddles costing 2x the price, while highlighting its excellent spin, big sweet spot, and balanced performance.

The most common takeaway: people genuinely feel like the Aura Pro overdelivers for the price.

Shop Friday paddles here and use code “KITCHEN” for $10 off.

7. Franklin C45 Series

The C45 line remained one of the most-trusted recommendations across all three polls. Players highlighted its low swingweight, easy maneuverability, balance between power and control, as well as stability on resets.

A lot of commenters simply described it as “easy to play with,” which is honestly one of the biggest compliments a paddle can get.

Shop all Franklin paddles here and use code “KITCHEN” for 15% off.

8. Six Zero Coral

The Coral keeps building one of the strongest reputations in the all-court category. Players praised its plush feel, consistent performance, forgiving sweet spot, durable grit and smooth transition game. The word “balanced” came up constantly. It remains one of the safer recommendations for anyone wanting a true all-around paddle.

Shop all Six Zero paddles here and use code “KITCHEN” for 10% off.

9. 11six24 Power 2 Series

The Power 2 Series had an extremely loyal following throughout the comments. Players repeatedly mentioned excellent spin, solid foam feel, good control, multiple shape options and helpful customer service. The Vapor Power 2 was the model mentioned most often.

Shop all 11six24 paddles here and use code “KITCHEN” for $10 off.

10. Proton Project Peacock

The Project Peacock kept earning praise from players who prefer widebody paddles and a plush feel. The biggest positives: stability, forgiveness, controlled power and great spin. Proton’s durability and warranty reputation also came up repeatedly.

Shop all Proton paddles here and use code “KITCHEN” for 15% off.

The biggest takeaway

Across hundreds of comments and 599 votes in the final poll, one theme cut through everything: Players want power they can actually control.

The modern dream paddle has it all. Enough pop to finish points, but a big sweet spot, soft game confidence, stability and forgiveness on mishits, high spin and durability.

Players want paddles that help them play confidently across all shots, not just the drives and overheads. According to The Kitchen community, these are the paddles leading that movement.