The top 10 pickleball paddles on the market today

1. JOOLA Perseus Mod TA-15

The Mod pushed the limits of power and spin in 2024, so much so that USA Pickleball is “sunsetting” this paddle and a few other power paddles on July 1, 2025. It is still legal in USAP-sanctioned play until then, however, and is truly a paddle for players who demand high performing equipment.

2. JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S

The JOOLA 3S series paddles were the first to ever be UPA-A certified in the summer of 2024. They have slightly less power than the Mod TA-15, but more control and still plenty of pop for big serves, powerful third-shot drives and strong counters at the kitchen line. The Perseus 3S is the current paddle choice of Ben Johns, Dekel Bar and several other JOOLA sponsored pros – as well as a few pros who don’t currently have a paddle sponsor, which is how you know it’s good. The 3S series paddles are not USAP certified as of January 2025.

3. Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX

Paddletek made a huge splash with its updated Bantam paddles in 2024 after going over a year without a new release. The TKO-CX stands out in the new line with an extra long handle, which is what a majority of top players want as two-handed backhands become more prevalent. The long handle also lets players whip through the hitting zone faster, generating more power and more spin. This paddle is a natural choice for singles players.

4. Engage Pursuit Pro1

Engage, long a popular choice among pros, stayed competitive among the top brands with the release of the Pro 1 in 2024. Its thin profile, aerodynamic shape and extra long handle make it very whippy through the hitting zone, allowing players to generate tons of power and spin. According to Engage, this paddle tests at the top end of the maximum allowable power limits set by USA Pickleball and the United Pickleball Association of America and plays consistently over extended use, while other paddles can change drastically after a “break-in” period.

5. Proton Series Three

This paddle is all about spin and consistency. The paddle face is constructed from aerospace grade carbon fiber, giving it a naturally gritty texture for impressive dwell time and plenty of spin. The 15mm core will appeal to more control-oriented players.

6. JOOLA Anna Bright Scorpeus 3S

The 3S series from Joola offers slightly less power than the Mod TA-15, and the Anna  Bright signature square version gives it a bit more forgiveness, making this paddle an excellent choice for players who play more of a control game. But make no mistake, this paddle still packs plenty of pop for hands battles and putaways, and the square shape and thin profile make it more maneuverable in the hand.

7. Proton Series Four

Nicknamed Project Roadrunner, Proton incorporated tons of new tech into this paddle. The hybrid core gives it more power and pop than traditional polypropylene core paddles, while the high-quality carbon fiber face and exposed Kevlar fibers mean the grit won’t wear down as fast as traditional carbon fiber paddles. And the edgeless design makes it feel fast in the hand.

8. Six Zero Black Diamond Power

Designed with pro player Jaume Martinez Vich, this version of the Six Zero Black Diamond Power is truly an all-court paddle that will fit a wide-range of players. The proprietary paddle face provides plenty of power for big serves, third-shot drives and putaways, but the hybrid shape and 16mm thickness give it plenty of forgiveness and control as well.

9. Proton Series One Type B Elongated 11mm

Proton’s original Series One line of paddles boast a unique paddle face material that is completely smooth to the touch but grips the ball similar to a ping-pong paddle, providing elite spin. The Type B elongated 11mm model is the most powerful of the Series One paddles, making it the best option for high-level play.

10. Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper

The latest paddle from Gearbox builds on the success of the Pro Ultimate Elongated and the Pro Power Elongated, repurposing the technology from those releases into a square body that trends more toward control. This paddle still rates high in terms of pop, however, and that fact combined with the edgeless design makes it a strong paddle at the kitchen line.

On the outside looking in

CRBN 1X – An oldie but a goodie. Buy it here.

Pro XR Signature Series – An all around good paddle. Buy it here.

Holbrook Aero T Metallic 16mm Carbon Fiber – Very gritty. Buy it here.

Volair Mach 1 Forza – A very solid Gen 2 paddle. Buy it here.