Father’s Day pickleball gift guide (2026)

Our Kitchen hats come in several styles, colors and materials. So whether you're looking for a performance hat to wear while you play or a casual hat to wear around town, we guarantee you'll be able to find something you like.

JOOLA has introduced a new “KineticFrame” in its new Pro V models, which was inspired by kick-point engineering in hockey sticks and golf clubs.

The KineticFrame is built to flex and recover during impact, and unlike prior paddles with a “diving board” neck flex, the KineticFrame uses a proprietary flex-point architecture that allows the paddle head to move parallel to its original position.

The dual-pivot design produces a motion that JOOLA engineers say delivers:

– Predictable & repeatable exit trajectory.
– Precise power (ie. the more you put in, the more you get out).
– Reduced launch-angle deviation.
– Faster snapback for rapid exchanges.
– Improved energy transfer efficiency.

JOOLA has also added a new hybrid shape to their paddle lineup called the Kosmos, which is now the signature shape of JOOLA pros Federico Staksrud and Tyson McGuffin.

Find our in-depth review of the Kosmos here.

Learn more about the development of the JOOLA Pro V series here.

The RPM Friction Pro V2 is an updated version that offers more power and pop than the original Friction Pro while maintaining the Gen 3 feel that many high-level players prefer. The Friction Pro V2 currently comes in two models — a 16mm James Ignatowich signature paddle and a 14mm Ryan Fu signature paddle.

In an interview with The Kitchen, Ignatowich said he has moved to China to be at the factory where RPM paddles are made, which has allowed him to be very hands-on and make small tweaks that ultimately impact performance. He compared the RPM Friction Pro V2 to an iPhone update — it’s not a complete overhaul, rather a 5-10% improvement from the original.

“With me in China I was able to really dial in the materials,” he said.

Find our full review of the RPM Friction Pro V2 here.

We think the Honolulu J6CR is the best “full foam” paddle on the market right now. The paddle features an intricate core design with multiple layers and cutouts that allows the paddle to absorb and transfer energy to the ball in a more controlled way.

It has more of a “pocketing” effect on contact compared to many other foam paddles, which makes it a breeze to shape the ball on shots from the baseline and flicks out of the air at the kitchen line. It also maintains the top-end power that full foam paddles have become known for over the past year.

Check out our in-depth review of the Honolulu J6CR here.

With the release of the full-foam Vapor Power 2, 11six24 introduced a new grit technology its calling “HexGrit.” The paddle face is very gritty to the touch, and the brand claims the HexGrit is more durable than raw carbon fiber and other grit technologies on the market.

So if you’re a player who likes the feel of full-foam paddles and want something with longer lasting grit (why wouldn’t you want that?), then this is a great option.

Check out our in-depth review of the Vapor Power 2 here.

The X2 is Engage’s second full-foam offering, following the Engage Profoam that was released in 2025. The new model features a “Quad Density” foam core and a new approach to the carbon fiber face, a combination that delivered great feel and elite-level spin in our testing.

It’s also producing results at the pro level, as pro player Eric Oncins switched to the X2 in early 2026 and has been playing great in both doubles and singles so far this year. He’s moved into the top 10 in men’s doubles and mixed doubles on the PPA Tour.

Find our full review of the Engage X2 here.

Proton developed a 100% foam core in its latest paddle, giving it a softer and more responsive feel without sacrificing top-end power. It also features the same gritty carbon fiber surface that made the Project Flamingo a popular choice for many players in 2025, so it’s easy to add a lot of shape on all kinds of shots.

The Peacock comes in four models: 15mm elongated, 13mm elongated, 15mm widebody, 13mm widebody. The 13mm widebody is our favorite option for doubles, while the 15mm elongated is our favorite option for singles.

Check out our full review of the Proton Project Peacock here.

Paddletek's latest release is an elongated full-foam paddle that has already been adopted by several pro players, including Christian Alshon, Riley Newman and Connor Garnett — and all have had great recent results since making the switch. The 14mm version of this paddle delivers great power and pop, while the 16mm version offers a more consistent and stable feel.

The MPP Turbo uses a full floating foam core with an MPP foam center and an EVA foam ring around the perimeter. MPP is a softer foam, which creates a more springy and smooth feel than the EPP Turbo models and many other full-foam paddles on the market. The MPP/EVA construction is very similar to the Luzz Pro 4 Inferno.

“The Turbo line focuses on one thing: maximum performance at an accessible price,” according to Enhance. “Instead of chasing experimental manufacturing processes, we optimized construction to create a paddle that competes with premium models without the premium cost.”

Check out our in-depth review of the Enhance Turbo MPP here.

The RPM Pickleball Bag Pro is made for pickleball players who prep like pros. With space for several paddles, tons of precision-placed compartments, and thermo-lined protection for your gear, this pack keeps everything in place — from warm-up to cooldown.

The FORWRD Court Caddy is a premier pickleball bag that has seemingly considered everything a player could want. It stands up on its own without flopping over, it has convenient compartments for balls, paddles, an optional exterior shoe compartment, an optional exterior paddle sleeve and several other thoughtful features. It's the perfect bag for the gear heads.

Designed for life in motion, the Essentials Pickleball Backpack 2 blends minimalist style with maximum function. Built from durable recycled materials, it’s made to transition seamlessly from work to the courts — carrying everything you need without compromise or clutter.

This is a great option for those who don't need to haul half their closet to the courts with them and want something a little smaller. It's lightweight, has a super clean look and a simplified design.

The DAPS pickleball shoes were released in 2025, and several pro players have switched to them. The DAPS out-perform the big brands in several key metrics, and you don’t just have to take our word for it — they have the data to back it up. They sent the shoe to the Heeluxe Performance Lab, which compared the DAPS to several other well-known shoes in the pickleball space.

The results favored the DAPS in several areas:

-Faster starts
-Quicker stops
-Better energy return
-More energy efficiency

You can find our in-depth review of the shoes here, and read our breakdown of what the shoe experts at Heeluxe had to say about them here.

DAPS come in men’s and women’s sizes.

JOOLA's FUNKSH1n_PB: R4LLy is a performance shoe designed top-down for pickleball players by pickleball innovators. Weighing just 350g, R4LLy offers an incredibly light yet stable platform. Every feature is designed to help you move faster, cut sharper, and play longer, all while staying supported from the first serve to match point.

This isn’t just a shoe adapted for the game — this is a pickleball shoe built, tested, and trusted by the best.

The UD1 isn’t just a shoe, it’s your foundation for every move that matters. Built for players who cut harder, move quicker and never settle for average, the UD1 blends all-day comfort with unmatched traction and style.

UDrippin overgrips feature quality tack for longer lasting grip in any type of weather.

• .56mm Thickness For increased feel.
• Extra Tackiness
• Sweat Absorbent

UDrippin's Magnetic Microfiber towels are made from premium material and feature a magnet to place on fences or poles near the court. They also come with a carabiner to clip to your bag and fold small to fit in your bag. 45cm tall by 95cm wide.

UDRIPPIN Grip Cases are the ultimate accessory for keeping your gear organized and protected. Available in three stylish colors—Black, Black with Elephant Print, and Bone White—these cases combine functionality and premium design. Crafted from high-quality PU leather with a water-resistant zipper, the case features two large interior pockets for essentials like phones, keys, and small accessories, along with a dedicated grip pocket made from durable double-wall mesh for easy visibility and added strength.

Included with the case are mini UDRIPPIN scissors and a 3-pack of grips. Compact yet spacious, the case also has two small pockets to hold smaller items, making it the perfect companion for any player on the go.