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. This is the paddle of choice for adidas pro Mari Humberg.

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

3. 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.

4. Proton Series Three - Project Flamingo

The updated Series Three model from Proton features a more powerful core and a very gritty hitting surface for maximum pop and spin. The Flamingo, released in January 2025, has already been adopted by several pros on the PPA Tour and the 15mm “Velocity Core” is quickly earning this paddle a reputation as one of the most aggressive on the market.

Check out our in-depth review here.

5. Paddletek Bantam TKO-C 12.7mm

Designed in conjunction with top men’s pro Christian Alshon, the Bantam TKO-C 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.