The evolution of pickleball paddles and their technology
Last Edited
Mar 07 2025
Category
News
Pickleball has exploded in popularity, and paddle technology has evolved just as fast. What started as simple wooden paddles has transformed into high-performance gear designed for power, spin and control. Now, with the arrival of Gen 4 foam core paddles, the game is entering a new era.
Whether you're a recreational player or a tournament competitor, understanding the history of paddle evolution can help you make the best choice for your playing style. Let’s dive into the four generations of pickleball paddles and how each one shaped the game.
TL;DR – The evolution of pickleball paddles
- Gen 0 (Wood Era) – Heavy, stiff, no tech.
- Gen 1 (Basic Honeycomb Paddles) – Polymer honeycomb cores without thermoforming.
- Gen 2 (Thermoformed Honeycomb Paddles) – Added foam edge walls and carbon fiber unibody designs.
- Gen 3 (Floating Core Paddles) – More internal foam layers for a suspended core (Gearbox Pro Power, JOOLA Gen 3/3S).
- Gen 4 (100% Foam Paddles) – No honeycomb core; full-foam construction for maximum durability and control.
Gen 0: Pickleball's wood paddle era (1965–1990s)
When pickleball was invented in 1965, paddle technology was non-existent. Players used thick plywood paddles, resembling oversized table tennis paddles. These paddles were:
- Heavy – Often weighing over 12 ounces, making quick hands battles difficult.
- Basic – No edge guards, grip technology or material innovation.
- Durable – Wood paddles could take a beating but offered zero flexibility in playstyle.
While they served their purpose, wood paddles were quickly outclassed when new materials entered the market.
Related: What Pickleball Looked Like in the 1970s
Gen 1: Honeycomb core pickleball paddles (1990s–2010s)
The introduction of honeycomb cores in the 1990s changed the sport forever. Instead of solid wood, manufacturers began using lightweight polymer honeycomb cores with composite faces. These paddles featured:
- Graphite or fiberglass faces – Improved touch, spin and power.
- Polymer honeycomb cores – Provided a lighter, more responsive feel.
- Expanded sweet spots – Allowed players to hit with more consistency.
By the mid-2000s, honeycomb paddles were the standard at all levels, giving players more finesse and control in their shots.
Gen 2: Thermoformed paddles & foam edge walls (2023–present)
The next major leap in paddle technology came with thermoforming — a heat-pressing process that created a stiffer, unibody design for added power. Key innovations included:
- Raw carbon fiber – Enhanced spin and control.
- Thermoformed construction – Improved structural integrity and power.
- Foam-injected edge walls – Expanded the sweet spot and increased paddle stability.
Shown above: The Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0, still a great option for many play styles. Buy it here on sale.
The core crushing problem
While Gen 2 paddles dominated pro and amateur play, they weren’t perfect. Core crushing became a major issue, occurring when repeated impact weakened the polymer honeycomb core. This led to:
- Illegal power levels – Some paddles became too “hot” for regulation play.
- Reduced durability – Paddle lifespan shortened, frustrating players.
With these concerns, manufacturers looked for the next big advancement — leading to the Gen 3 phase.
Gen 3: Floating core pickleball paddles (2024–present)
To solve durability issues and further refine paddle performance, paddle makers introduced additional foam layers inside the core. Instead of just reinforcing the edges, these paddles featured:
- Floating core designs – More foam inside the paddle, creating a more plush feel but with even more power.
- Better vibration dampening – Reducing harsh feedback on off-center hits.
- More consistent playability – The new cores allowed the paddles to flex more, which increased dwell time and made them more forgiving.
This generation includes paddles like the Gearbox Pro Power and JOOLA Gen 3/3S/Pro IV, which use internal foam to create a unique feel.
However, even with these advancements, the next step in paddle evolution was already underway.
Related: Pickleball paddle shape guide: What shape is best for me?
Gen 4: All-foam (2025–beyond)
Instead of relying on a honeycomb core, Gen 4 paddles are built entirely (or mostly) from foam. This game-changing technology fundamentally alters how paddles perform by improving:
Sweet Spot Size – Foam distributes energy more evenly, eliminating dead spots.
Durability – No honeycomb means no core crushing or structural breakdown.
Control & Spin – Increased dwell time allows players to shape shots more effectively.
Power Customization – Foam density can be adjusted for different play styles.
Shown above: CRBN 1 TruFoam Genesis. Buy it here.
Related: Foam-core paddles are changing pickleball: Overview of Gen 4
What foam core paddles mean for the future
With Gen 4 paddles hitting the market, we’re witnessing a shift in paddle design that could redefine professional and recreational play. Players can expect:
- Longer-lasting paddles – Reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- More consistent performance – No unpredictable power spikes from core degradation.
- Greater customization – Manufacturers will fine-tune foam core paddles to match different player needs.
One thing is certain: pickleball paddle technology isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Stay tuned for more advancements, and if you get the chance, test a Gen 4 paddle to see if it suits your game.
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