Pickleball, as far as footwear is concerned, is similar to tennis, volleyball, and basketball. It has comparable demands to all three sports, but also peculiarities all its own. But in order to play, you need another fundamental piece of gear: the paddle. At WearTesters, we have experts who test all sorts of pickleball-specific gear. Finding and testing the best pickleball paddles is a huge part of that.
The performance features of the best pickleball paddles vary immensely depending on the paddle brand, build, weight, and more. Some are lighter and more maneuverable, others are heavier and produce more power, some are wider, and materials vary greatly from model to model. Picking the perfect paddle for you and your playing style is no easy task. So, with all that in mind, let’s check out the best pickleball paddles currently on the market.
Updated 01.29.2025
Best Pickleball Paddles Show
Best Pickleball Paddles Overall
Maverix Havik-15 Pro
The Maverix Havik-15 Pro is a reliable option for intermediate to advanced pickleball players. It’s powerful enough to defend against the most modern paddles but also possesses the controllability to play assertively and put pressure on opponents. It’s also the best feeling carbon fiber and Kevlar blended paddle available. The Havik-15 Pro still qualifies as an all-court paddle. But if you’re worried it will possess too much pop and power, you may want to consider the Havik-15 All Court or Havik-16 Power as safer bets. Read the full review. Price: $179
Vatic Pro Prism Flash
The Vatic Pro Prism Flash is not only a great pickleball paddle, it’s one of the most affordable options available. This nimble, uber-maneuverable, yet durable paddle is built with super high-quality TORAY T700 raw Carbon Fiber. The Catic Pro Prism Flash offers elite performance that can fit any budget, what more could you ask for? Price: $100
Diadem Edge 18K Power Max
The Edge 18K Power Max is an iteration of Diadem’s Edge 18K paddle series for pickleball, and the Power Max variant comes in a thermoformed wide-body form. Like its fellow Edge 18K paddles, it utilizes a sculpted edge guard to reduce drag and 18K raw carbon fiber on the face in a triaxial pattern that creates a great visual effect and functional intention when it comes to generating ball spin.
While the dimensions make this one of Diadem’s ‘Max’ paddles, the thermoformed build puts this in the ‘Power’ category as well. Even if you prefer using elongated paddles to generate more power and spin, the Diadem Edge 18K Power Max is a suitable option, even as a wide-body paddle. The Diadem Edge 18k Power Max strikes a healthy balance of all the things a paddle can contribute to success, one point at a time. Read the full review. Price: $239
Selkirk Labs Project 007
Selkirk Labs, the brand’s R&D division, introduces new technologies into products and sells them primarily on a membership basis. The Selkirk Labs Project 007 is the first Selkirk Labs paddle to be offered at other retailers besides Selkirk. Standout features include Selkirk’s new InfiniGrit surface and Titanium Mesh Layer System embedded within the paddle. These features work great for developing spin and stabilizing the paddle, respectively. While it’s slightly heavier on the swing compared to the still popular and comparable Selkirk Vanguard Power Air, the Project 007 from Selkirk Labs is an elite performer. Read the full review. Price: $333
Honolulu Pickleball Company J2 Series
This is our favorite hybrid-shaped paddle on the market right now. This model is available in several different variations: J2, J2H, J2K/J2K Pro, J2Ti. While the J2K and the J2K are the brand’s most popular models, our favorite version in terms of performance is the J2H. It’s built with a premium polypropylene core, it features the brand’s Connected Reflex technology and is ideal for players who want a little more hand speed and power. On top of all that, it’s reasonably priced. Price: $145 $99
Selkirk Vanguard Control
The first Selkirk paddle we tested was made for pop and power; and, for a while, it was one of our favorites, however, the Vanguard Control has taken its place. The Selkirk Vanguard Control is built with first-generation raw carbon fiber. Performance-wise, the Selkirk Vanguard Control feels on par with high-quality paddles in a cohesive, reliable package. Though it lacks pop, the plow-through power and soft game abilities make it a very reliable option for the majority of shots you might use in most pickleball games. Read the full review. Price: $200
Thinking of a paddle we should add to the best pickleball paddles list? Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
