Top Pickleball Paddles for 2025: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Whether you're a beginner, intermediate player, or seasoned pro, choosing pickleball paddles can make a significant difference in your performance.  In this guide, we’ll explore the top pickleball paddles for 2025, highlighting key features, materials, and innovations that make them stand out.

Pickleball continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. and around the world. With new players joining the game every day and experienced competitors seeking the best equipment, the demand for high-performance pickleball paddles has never been higher. In 2025, paddle technology is evolving rapidly, offering better control, power, and durability than ever before.

What to Look for in a Pickleball Paddle

Before diving into our top picks, it's essential to understand what makes a high-quality pickleball paddle. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Weight

• Lightweight (7.0-7.4 oz): Best for control and maneuverability
• Midweight (7.5-8.4 oz): Balanced power and control
• Heavyweight (8.5+ oz): More power but can be harder to maneuver

2. Material

• Graphite: Lightweight and offers excellent control
• Carbon Fiber: Stronger and more durable, with superior touch
• Fiberglass (Composite): Provides more power but slightly less control
• Polymer Core: Known for a soft feel and quieter gameplay

3. Grip Size

• Small (4 - 4 1/8 inches): Better for control and wrist action
• Medium (4 1/4 inches): Suitable for most players
• Large (4 1/2 inches): More stability, less maneuverability

4. Paddle Shape

• Standard: Balanced power and control
• Elongated: More reach and power but requires more precision
• Widebody: Larger sweet spot for beginners and control players

Best Pickleball Paddles for 2025

1. JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16

  Best for Advanced Players

• Weight: 8.0 oz (Midweight)
• Core: Reactive Honeycomb Polymer
• Face Material: Carbon Friction Surface (CFS)
• Grip Size: 4 1/4 inches

Why We Love It:

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The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16 is designed for serious players looking for power, control, and spin. Featuring a carbon friction surface for increased spin and a reactive honeycomb core, this paddle enhances touch and precision, making it a top choice for competitive players.

Pros:

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✅ Excellent spin potential
✅ Durable carbon fiber face
✅ Comfortable ergonomic grip

Cons:

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❌ Higher price point
❌ Slightly heavier than some control paddles

2. Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta

   Best for Power and Spin

• Weight: 7.9-8.4 oz (Midweight)
• Core: X5 Honeycomb Polymer
• Face Material: Hybrid Carbon + Fiberglass
• Grip Size: 4 1/4 inches

Why We Love It:

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Selkirk’s Vanguard Power Air Invikta is built for power hitters who want added spin. The hybrid face combines carbon fiber and fiberglass, delivering explosive power while maintaining enough control for finesse shots.

Pros:

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✅ Powerful shots with added spin
✅ Extended handle for two-handed backhands
✅ Durable and well-balanced

Cons:

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❌ Not ideal for beginners
❌ Can be difficult to control at times

3. Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro

   Best for Balanced Play

• Weight: 7.8-8.4 oz (Midweight)
• Core: Bantam PolyCore
• Face Material: Textured Fiberglass Epoxy
• Grip Size: 4 3/8 inches

Why We Love It:

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If you're looking for a paddle that balances power and control, the Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro is an excellent choice. The PolyCore interior reduces vibration, making it a fantastic paddle for players with elbow issues.

Pros:

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✅ Great blend of power and touch
✅ Comfortable grip
✅ Durable construction

Cons:

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❌ Less spin potential than carbon fiber paddles
❌ Might feel too light for power players

4. CRBN 2X Power Series

 Best for Control and Touch

• Weight: 7.8-8.3 oz (Midweight)
• Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb
• Face Material: Carbon Fiber
• Grip Size: 4 1/8 inches

Why We Love It:

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If you're looking for a paddle that balances power and control, the Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro is an excellent choice. The PolyCore interior reduces vibration, making it a fantastic paddle for players with elbow issues.

Pros:

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✅ Lightweight and maneuverable
✅ Enhanced spin capability
✅ Premium feel and design

Cons:

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❌ Less power than fiberglass paddles
❌ Not ideal for beginners

5. Engage Pursuit MX 6.0

    Best for Durability and Versatility

• Weight: 7.9-8.3 oz (Midweight)
• Core: Control Pro Black Polymer
• Face Material: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber
• Grip Size: 4 1/4 inches

Why We Love It:

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The Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 is known for its durability and all-around performance. With a T700 carbon fiber face, it offers great spin, solid power, and a long-lasting build, making it a solid investment for players looking to level up their game.

Pros:

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✅ Excellent durability
✅ Strong spin potential
✅ Comfortable grip

Cons:

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❌ Higher price point
❌ Slightly longer break-in period

How To Choose The Right Pickleball Paddle For You

Selecting the best paddle depends on your skill level, playing style, and preferences. Here's a quick guide:

For Beginners:

• Best Choice: Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pro
• Why? Large sweet spot, easy control, good balance

For Intermediate Players:

• Best Choice: Engage Pursuit MX 6.0
• Why? Durable, versatile, strong performance across all areas

For Advanced Players:

• Best Choice: JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16
• Why? High-level precision, excellent spin, elite performance

Get Ready To Elevate Your Pickleball Game In 2025

With pickleball’s popularity surging, having the right paddle can enhance your performance, increase comfort, and elevate your game. Whether you prioritize power, spin, control, or durability, there’s a high-performance paddle in 2025 to fit your needs.

Invest in a quality paddle, fine-tune your strategy, and get ready to dominate the court this year! Shop for your perfect paddle!

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