The best pickleball paddles for power players

1. Adidas Metalbone LP S

This is truly a paddle made for players who want maximum power on serves and third-shot drives as well as great pop in hands battles and elite putaway power. We didn't ask adidas what the S in the name stands for, but it should stand for speed.

This paddle is geared toward high-level players who can adjust to those top-tier power levels and harness this paddle's potential in a controlled way. The weighting system offers customizable options at the bottom corners of the paddle face and along the top edge. More weight = more power.

Check out our in-depth review of all of the adidas Metalbone paddles.

2. Adidas Metalbone LP Team

Featuring the same 100% EVA foam core as the Metalbone LP S, this paddle also gets great power on serves, third-shot drives and putaways. But it offers more maneuverability for reflex volleys and flicks out of the air because it comes in lighter at 8.0 ounces.

For that reason it feels more whippy in the hand than any of the other Metalbone paddles.

Check out our in-depth review of all of the adidas Metalbone paddles.

3. 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.

Selkirk also offers a widebody version of the Boomstik.

4. JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm

JOOLA's newest offering has already produced great results for those who have switched at the pro level and in high-level amateur play. An added section of high-density foam inside the bottom corners/throat area of the Pro IV models -- which JOOLA is calling Tech Flex Power, or "TFP" technology -- allows the paddle to flex more, which adds forgiveness and enhances feel, power and dwell time.

Check out our in-depth review of the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV.

5. Paddletek Bantam TKO-CX 12.7mm

Designed in conjunction with top men’s pro Christian Alshon, the Bantam TKO-CX 12.7mm gives players max power from the baseline and great pop in hands battles at the kitchen line. It also gets great spin, so those powerful third-shot drives will have enough dip to stay in the court.