Best Pickleball Paddles of 2025: Pickleball continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, attracting players of all skill levels. With its rising popularity, selecting the right paddle has become crucial for improving performance on the court. Whether a beginner or a competitive player, having the right paddle can enhance power, control, and spin.
Expert Insights on Choosing the Best Paddle
Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) star Ben Johns highlights three key factors when selecting a paddle: weight, dimensions, and materials.
“The right time to buy a paddle is usually when you find yourself wanting to improve your skills as a player, as opposed to just playing for fun every now and then.” – (Johns)
Carl Schmits, Managing Director of Equipment Standards and Facilities Development for USA Pickleball, explains that paddle shape and size play an important role in gameplay.
“This configuration is easiest to maneuver and is also good for a controlled, more defensive style of play. Paddles that are close to 8 inches wide by 16 inches long are within the wide body category.” – (Carl Schmits)
After consulting experts and conducting extensive product testing, here are the top seven pickleball paddles of 2025.
Best Overall Pickleball Paddle: Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air – Epic
The Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air – Epic stands out as the top-performing paddle, combining power, control, and speed. Its air hole design enhances swing speed, making it a favorite among professionals. The hybrid fiberglass and carbon fiber face ensures consistent ball response, while the polymer honeycomb core offers stability.
- Weight: 7.7 oz
- Length: 15.75 in.
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in.
- Pros: Fast swing speed, excellent power and control, sleek design
- Cons: Expensive, designed for advanced players
Best Budget Pickleball Paddle: Head Radical Elite
For beginners looking for affordability and quality, the Head Radical Elite is a solid choice. It features a fiberglass surface and polypropylene honeycomb core, providing good control with moderate power.
- Weight: 8.1 oz
- Length: 16 in.
- Grip Circumference: 4.125 in.
- Pros: Comfortable handle, excellent value, long lifespan
- Cons: Lacks power, may need an upgrade for competitive play
Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners: Onix Graphite Z5
The Onix Graphite Z5 is widely recognized as the best beginner-friendly paddle. It combines a lightweight graphite face with a Nomex honeycomb core, ensuring great ball control and accuracy.
- Weight: 8.2 oz
- Length: 15.5 in.
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in.
- Pros: USA Pickleball approved, large sweet spot, excellent grip
- Cons: Compact design takes time to adjust to
Best Pickleball Paddle for Competitive Play: JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S
Designed in collaboration with Ben Johns, the JOOLA Perseus 3S is a pro-level paddle built for precision and power. The charged carbon face enhances ball speed, while the proprietary core ensures strong energy return.
- Weight: 8 oz
- Length: 16.5 in.
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in.
- Pros: USAP-approved, exceptional power and spin, pro-level stability
- Cons: Expensive, not ideal for beginners
Best-Looking Pickleball Paddle: Tangerine Santorini
For those who want a visually striking paddle without compromising performance, the Tangerine Santorini is a stylish option. Inspired by the Greek island, it features a brown leather grip and a fiberglass face for responsive play.
- Weight: 7.6 oz
- Length: 15.65 in.
- Grip Circumference: 4 in.
- Pros: USAP-approved, 21 unique designs, great for all skill levels
- Cons: Not ideal for competitive play, durability concerns
Best Pickleball Paddle for Spin: Six Zero Quartz
For players looking to maximize spin, the Six Zero Quartz offers a raw textured T300 carbon face that grips the ball for maximum revolutions per minute (RPM).
- Weight: 7.9 oz
- Length: 16 in.
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in.
- Pros: Lightweight, excellent spin control, sleek design
- Cons: Durability concerns, suited for advanced players
Best Pickleball Paddle for Power: Bread & Butter The Filth
The Bread & Butter Filth paddle is built for power hitters. Featuring T700 carbon fiber construction and a thermoformed design, it generates impressive torque and speed.
- Weight: 7.6 oz
- Length: 16.5 in.
- Grip Circumference: 4.25 in.
- Pros: Pro-level power, minimal shot vibrations, high durability
- Cons: Expensive, not ideal for control-based players
What to Consider When Buying a Pickleball Paddle
Weight
A paddle’s weight influences control and power. “For weight, somewhere between 7.5 to 8.3 ounces is a good range,” said Johns.
Dimensions
Beginners often benefit from wide body paddles, while experienced players may prefer longer paddles for more reach.
Material
The most common materials are carbon fiber and fiberglass composites, both enhancing power and spin.
Power vs. Control
- Power paddles: Thin cores (13mm-14mm) and fiberglass faces generate faster shots.
- Control paddles: Thicker cores (16mm or more) with carbon fiber faces provide stability and precision.
Grip Circumference
Grip size plays a major role in comfort. Most pickleball paddles use a 4.25-inch grip circumference, but some brands allow customization with overgrip wraps.
Core Design
A high-quality paddle uses polypropylene honeycomb cores, ensuring consistent energy return and limiting dead spots.
How These Paddles Were Selected
The Men’s Health team, along with industry experts, rigorously tested dozens of paddles. Selection criteria included:
- Performance: Speed, spin, and power
- Durability: Longevity of materials
- Value: Price relative to performance
- Player Compatibility: Suitability for different skill levels
The final seven paddles were chosen based on extensive hands-on testing and expert recommendations.
News in Brief: Best Pickleball Paddles of 2025
The seven best pickleball paddles of 2025 have been tested and ranked based on expert insights and real-world performance. From power-packed models like the Selkirk Power Air Epic to budget-friendly picks like the Head Radical Elite, these paddles cater to all skill levels.
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