The Best Pickleball Paddles in 2025

The best pickleball paddles in 2025 (by skill level)

Avoid the duds and go straight for the winners 

Source: Pexels

Pickleball’s booming, and no matter if you’re a first-time player or halfway to pro status, the paddle you choose can make or break your game. But with so many brands, specs, and buzzwords flying around, figuring out where to start isn’t always easy. As self-confessed pickleball nerds, we can help.

We’ve rounded up the best pickleball paddles of 2025—broken down by skill level and trusted brands—so you can focus less on gear stress and more on your backhand. Whether you’re into power, spin, control (or just a paddle that doesn’t rattle), this guide’s got you covered.


Best pickleball paddles 2025 > 


What are the best pickleball paddles? 

Let’s get one thing out of the way: there’s no single “best” paddle for everyone. What matters is how it fits your game.

Before you buy, consider:

  • Skill level – Beginners need lightweight, forgiving paddles with larger sweet spots to help with timing and consistency, while more advanced players often choose paddles that emphasize power, spin, or precision to suit their playing style.

  • Core thickness – A 16mm paddle offers more control and absorbs shock for smoother resets and dinks, while a 14mm core delivers faster ball rebound and extra pop—ideal for quicker exchanges and more aggressive shots.

  • Paddle shape – Elongated paddles give you extra reach for baseline drives and overheads; standard shapes support fast hand movements at the net; widebody designs offer maximum forgiveness with a larger sweet spot.

  • Surface material – Carbon fiber surfaces enhance spin and control by holding the ball a fraction longer, whereas fibreglass faces are more responsive and powerful, helping generate pace with less effort.

  • Grip size + handle length – A smaller grip allows for better wrist action and spin, while a larger grip adds stability; longer handles are ideal for two-handed backhands, while shorter ones keep things compact and fast at the kitchen.


In short? The best pickleball paddle is one that feels like an extension of your game, not something you're fighting with every rally.

Who makes the best pickleball paddles?

These days, there’s no shortage of pickleball paddle brands promising performance, power, and pro-level specs. But some names really do rise above the rest. Here are six we rate highly—each with their own style, tech, and standout paddles in 2025.


  • Diadem – Florida-based and player-focused, Diadem designs paddles with serious engineering and attention to core feel. Great for control, power, and edge-to-edge performance.

  • Paddletek – One of the OGs in the game. Known for reliability and innovation, Paddletek’s range balances precision with playability. A favorite among intermediate and pro players.

  • JOOLA – They brought their Olympic table tennis tech into pickleball—and it shows. JOOLA paddles feel fast, responsive, and spin-ready.


  • Franklin – Affordable, approachable, and surprisingly performance-driven. Franklin is a smart choice for players on a budget or those just getting started.


  • Selkirk – A household name for a reason. Selkirk leads with design, materials, and that unmistakable feel. Plenty of options across skill levels.


  • CRBN – Newer on the scene but making waves with carbon fiber powerhouses. If spin and tech matter to you, they’re one to watch.

Best pickleball paddles for beginners 

Just getting started? These paddles help you learn faster, play longer, and actually enjoy the feel of the game. Each one suits a slightly different kind of beginner—be it you're looking for pro-level precision or something light and affordable that won’t hold you back.

CRBN 1 Pickleball Paddle

Price: $179.99

If you’re serious about starting strong, the CRBN 1 gives you elite-level features with a beginner-friendly feel. The 16mm core keeps shots stable even when your form isn’t perfect, and the raw carbon surface helps you grip the ball better—so you can start shaping spin early in your game.

  • T700 raw carbon face for extra spin and directional control

  • 16mm thick polypropylene core for stability on off-center hits

  • Elongated shape improves reach and rewards clean footwork

JOOLA Essentials Paddle

Price: $59.95

Built for first-timers and casual players, this paddle is light in the hand but still packs plenty of control. The fiberglass surface adds a touch of pop for drives, while the wide face gives you more margin for error as you figure out timing and technique.

  • Fiberglass face offers easy power with low swing effort

  • Polypropylene honeycomb core for a stable, dampened feel

  • Comfort grip keeps things cushioned during long sessions

Franklin Signature Series Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle with MaxGrit

Price: $99.99

A great fit for beginners who’ve played other racket sports. The MaxGrit texture gives you more control over ball spin, and the midweight frame adds punch to your shots without being unwieldy. It’s forgiving, durable, and tournament-approved for when you’re ready.

  • Textured MaxGrit face improves ball contact and spin control

  • Slightly heavier build (~8.1 oz) gives more drive off the baseline

  • Durable edge guard protects against chips and scrapes

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion 3S 14mm Paddle

Price: $219.95

A premium paddle that gives beginners a taste of what the pros play with—without overwhelming you. The thinner 14mm core rebounds quickly for fast volleys, while the carbon surface softens the feel on touch shots. Slightly more advanced, but perfect for fast learners.

  • 14mm Reactive Polymer Core for quicker response time

  • Charged Carbon Surface blends pop with ball control

  • Aero-curve head design helps you swing faster with less drag

Best pickleball paddles for intermediate players

You’ve nailed the basics. Now you want gear that’ll help you shape the game, not just react to it. These paddles are built for players getting serious about spin, shot selection, and staying one step ahead of their opponent.

Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C 12.7 Pickleball Paddle

Price: $249.99

Quick, clean, and built for control. The ESQ-C packs a 12.7mm polymer core that gives instant feedback—so you always know how your shot landed. Its raw carbon face bites into the ball for spin, while the squared-off head adds reach without weighing you down.

  • Thin core = faster pop and tighter resets

  • Carbon surface helps you carve the ball on serves and slices

  • Wide, square shape adds margin for error on tricky shots

Diadem Warrior Edge Paddle

Price: $124.95

A step up in softness, this paddle feels forgiving without falling flat. The etched carbon fiber face grips the ball just long enough to shape spin, while the 16mm core takes the sting out of hard shots. Great for players mastering patience at the kitchen line.

  • Etched carbon lets you guide dinks, drops, and roll volleys

  • Thicker core = more dwell time and better reset control

  • Molded edge guard boosts durability and structure

CRBN 3 Tru Foam Genesis Hybrid 14mm Paddle

Price: $279.99

Foam-injected walls. Hybrid face. Elongated sweet spot. This paddle doesn’t just meet you in the middle—it gives you options. With a crisp, carbon-fiberglass surface and balanced 14mm core, the CRBN 3 helps you turn defense into attack without losing control of the rally.

  • Tru Foam edges reduce vibration and boost forgiveness

  • Genesis face gives a sharp, lively feel—great for fast play

  • Extended handle ideal for two-hand backhands or extra leverage

Paddletek Bantam ALW-C Pickleball Paddle

Price: $249.99

Designed with pro-level pace in mind, this one’s fast off the mark. It uses the same 12.7mm core as the ESQ-C but trades shape for speed—cutting through the air quicker and rewarding early preparation. The textured carbon face gives plenty of grab on topspin shots.

  • Fast-reacting core gives your counters some bite

  • Carbon surface helps topspin drives dip right on the line

  • Sleek silhouette lets you move quicker at the net

Best pickleball paddles for pros

For players chasing performance under pressure, these paddles are built for the eleventh point moment. If you’ve got fast hands, court vision, and tactical intent, this is the gear that can keep up.

Diadem Edge 18K Power Paddle

Price: $239.95

Big power, no compromise. The Edge 18K uses an 18K carbon weave face (yes, like in racing bikes) to stiffen the surface and amplify pop. It plays hot off the face but holds its shape beautifully through high-speed impact—ideal for driving winners down the line.

  • 18K carbon face = explosive power with tight feedback

  • Foam-injected perimeter boosts stability and sweet spot

  • Elongated shape adds reach without sacrificing balance

CRBN-2X Power Series Carbon Fiber Paddle

Price: $229.99

If your game is built on precision and pressure, this paddle delivers. The unibody carbon construction adds stiffness and control, while the gritty surface maximizes spin. It’s got a clean feel and strong structure, perfect for pros who like to dictate play.

  • Raw carbon face for maximum spin generation

  • One-piece unibody design for seamless energy transfer

  • Reactive 14mm core for a punchy, controlled rebound

JOOLA Agassi Pro 16mm Paddle

Price: $279.95

Designed with Andre Agassi, this paddle isn’t for the faint of heart. The thick 16mm core is dialed in for control, while the carbon-framed edges and charged surface create a precise, consistent feel. Built for elite-level patience and pressure, even more so in singles.

  • 16mm core enhances dwell time for pinpoint touch shots

  • Aero-curve shape reduces drag for quicker resets

  • Carbon-forged edge offers pro-level paddle stability

Franklin Signature Pro Pickleball Paddle

Price: $49.99

Wait, a pro paddle for under $50? Believe it. The Signature Pro offers surprising balance, comfort, and spin for the price—great as a backup paddle or for pros who like a softer touch without a stiff price tag.

  • MaxGrit surface helps keep your spin sharp and consistent

  • Elongated body gives more reach for volleys and drives

  • Cushion grip keeps your hand relaxed through long matches

That’s a wrap on the best pickleball paddles 2025

Whether you’re just learning to hold your paddle the right way up or you’re three tournaments deep this season, the right paddle makes a difference—and not just in your scoreline. It’s about confidence, comfort, and finding the gear that lets you play your way.

At PickleballNVZ.com, we’re proudly pickleball-obsessed, which is why you’ll find deep-dive blogs, honest reviews, and all the gear you need to back up that cross-court winner. Go explore the shop, read a few posts, and don’t worry, we’ll never judge your grip technique (unless you ask us to).

 

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