The Kitchen's top 10 pickleball paddles on the market right now

1. JOOLA Pro IV series

The JOOLA Pro IV series has been at the top of this list since it was released in March, and while there have been many great paddles released since then, this one is standing the test of time (for now).

An added section of high-density foam inside the bottom corners/throat area of the Pro IV models allows the paddle to flex more than prior models, which adds forgiveness and enhances feel, power and dwell time.

Check out our in-depth review of the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV or find a breakdown of the entire Pro IV line here.

2. RPM Friction Pro

This paddle -- designed by pro player James Ignatowich -- has everything a player could want: Top-tier spin, great power and effortless control. There's a real argument to be made for this paddle to be No. 1 on our list, but we gave JOOLA the slight edge because of the various shape and thickness options of the Pro IV series. Right now the RPM comes in 3 options: 16mm elongated, 14mm elongated and 16mm widebody.

Use code "KITCHEN" at checkout for 15% off.

3. Six Zero Black Opal

Six Zero's latest paddle is geared toward advanced players (4.5 or 5.0+), but it has an extremely high ceiling if you're willing to invest the time to get the touch dialed in. It's a true power paddle that also offers great shot-shaping ability -- particularly for players with shorter, whippy strokes. The 14mm foam core feels very satisfying when you connect with the center of the paddle, but if there is a knock on this paddle, it's that the sweet spot isn't as big as the two paddles ahead of it on this list and several others behind it. But because of its top-tier potential when in the hands of a good player, it goes high on our Top 10.

Use code "KITCHEN" at checkout for 10% off.

4. Proton Project Peacock

Proton developed a 100% foam core in its latest paddle, giving it a much softer and more responsive feel without sacrificing top-end power. It also features the same gritty carbon fiber surface that made the Project Flamingo (keep scrolling) a popular choice for many players in 2025, so it's easy to add a lot of shape on all kinds of shots. Proton says third-party testing has also shown that the foam core is more resistant to breakdown over time than traditional honeycomb cores and other similar paddles, so this paddle should play consistently throughout its lifespan (because it was just released, it's still too early to say for sure).

Find our full review of the Proton Project Peacock here.

Use code "KITCHEN" at checkout for 10% off.

5. Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid 16mm

The Gearbox GX2 Power Hybrid 16mm Paddle combines a generous sweet spot with a design focused on consistent, efficient power. Built with Gearbox’s SST 2.0 CarbonRibCore, the paddle’s suspended carbon core increases dwell time, helping the face store and release energy with greater control. Paired with a 3K Raw Carbon Fiber hitting surface and a stable 16mm profile, it’s a solid fit for players who want reliable performance on drives and volleys, but soft touch on dinks and resets.

Use code "KITCHEN" for 10% off any GX2 Power purchase.

6. JOOLA 3S Dual series

One of the most popular paddles among pros and amateurs of the past two years — the JOOLA 3S Series — has now been re-released with new colorways and the stamp of approval from both USA Pickleball and the United Pickleball Association of America. The 3S paddles previously were not USAP certified. The dual-certification means that amateur players can now use the 3S paddles in any tournament setting, whether that's a PPA Tour/MLP event or a USAP sanctioned event. Even though the tech featured in the 3S Series has been around for more than a year, it is still the paddle of choice for several JOOLA signed pros and many unsigned pros -- which is how you know a paddle is very good.

7. Proton Project Flamingo

Proton released its Project Flamingo paddle in early 2025, featuring a more powerful core than previous Proton models and a very gritty hitting surface for maximum spin. The Flamingo was quickly adopted by several pros on the PPA Tour and the 15mm “Velocity Core” -- combined with top-tier spin -- has earned this paddle a reputation as one of the most aggressive on the market.

It also now comes in a widebody version and multiple thicknesses.

Check out our in-depth review of the Series Three - Project Flamingo.

Use code "KITCHEN" at checkout for 10% off.

8. Franklin C45 Dynasty

The 16mm version of the C45 Dynasty is the current paddle of choice for JW Johnson and Hayden Patriquin. The entire C45 series has gotten great reviews and been a popular choice among pros and high-level amateurs all year.

The elongated shape of the Dynasty allows players to generate more power and spin than the Hybrid or Tempo shapes, which also makes this paddle a great option for singles players.

You can find our complete breakdown of the different C45 shapes here.

9. 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 line with an extra long handle, which is what a majority of top players want as two-handed backhands have 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.

Paddletek released a new shape of the Bantam series -- the GTO-C -- in June. While I liked the hybrid shape of the GTO-C, I still think the original TKO-CX is the better of the two paddles.

Use code "KITCHEN" at checkout for 10% off.

10. Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik Elongated

Selkirk, long a popular choice among pros and high-level amateurs, stayed competitive among the top brands with the release of the Boomstik in the summer of 2025. Its foam core makes it one of the most powerful paddles on the market, and the Infinigrit surface also provides good spin.

The only knock is that it feels quite firm and poppy, which takes more time to adjust to than most paddles.

Selkirk also offers a widebody version of the Boomstik.

HONORABLE MENTION

Engage Alpha Pro

Engage's latest model was designed as a power paddle that is still controllable for most players, compared to many other modern paddles that have prioritized power above all else. That means you can end a point when you have a good opportunity to do so, but you're also not going to spray the ball all over the park.

Use code "KITCHEN" at checkout for 10% off.

Holbrook Arma T

The latest release from Holbrook is firmly in the "power paddle" category and produces great serves, third-shot drives and pop at the net. The 14mm Dual Density Polypropylene core creates unique performance by situating high-density cells at the top and around the edges, with low-density cells in the center and near the throat. This increases energy return on off-center strikes, while boosting feel and control when striking in the already-powerful sweet spot. When combined with the foam perimeter, this core provides good dwell time, pop, a smooth feel, and a big sweet spot.

The one knock on it is that the soft game can be tricky to get dialed in.

Use code "KITCHEN" at checkout for 10% off.

On the outside looking in

CRBN TruFoam Waves 4 Hybrid -- A full-foam core that offers a slight power upgrade from the original TruFoam Genesis line. Buy it here and use code "KITCHEN" for 10% off.

Volair V.2.1F -- A very solid Gen 3 hybrid. Buy it here and use code "KITCHEN" for 10% off.

11SIX24 Hurache-X Alpha Pro Power -- A Gen 3 paddle at a relatively low price point. Buy it here and use code "KITCHEN" for 10% off.

Honolulu J2NF -- A good hybrid shape option. Buy it here.