Best pickleball paddles for spin in 2025 - top 5 compared

Buy if:

• You're tired of your paddle face wearing down:

  the smooth "NanoTac" surface won't degrade anytime soon, unlike gritty and textured faces.

• You play with big spin:

  the paddle face really grips the ball and generates enormous topspin, despite being completely smooth.

• You want a high-performance all-court paddle:

  it's not all spin—the Proton has a rare blend of power and forgiveness too, and enough control for my game.

Pass if:

• You want a mid-range paddle:

  the Proton is expensive at $280. Try the B&B Filth instead ($140.25 with our 15% off code).

• You want spin but more control:

  the Proton skews toward power, while the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash offers more control.

• You want a real bargain:

  you can get the Six Zero Quartz for just $81 with our exclusive 10% discount. It offers great spin for the price.

Buy if:

• You're a beginner:

  new players can start hitting topspin with this lightweight starter paddle.

• You want a step-up intermediate paddle:

  it's also a top paddle for intermediate players as it offers really good control for your touch game.

• You want great value:

  at $89.99, this was already a bargain but you can get it for $81 with our exclusive 10% discount.

Pass if:

• You're a rising intermediate:

  you'll want a paddle with a higher all-court performance and more power like the Bread & Butter Filth.

• You're an advanced player:

  the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is the best advanced paddle of 2025 as it gives you the most complete high-level game.

• You have a large budget:

  if you have $280 to spend, check out the Proton Series One for spin that can last years.

Buy if:

• You're a banger:

  if you prioritize power and spin, you'll love this hard-hitting paddle.

• You want control too:

  this is one of the best all-court paddles ever made, nailing the balance of power and control with its awesome tech.

• You struggle with pickleball injuries:

  this is one of the best paddles for tennis elbow thanks to its vibration-dampening tech and aerodynamic design.

Pass if:

• You want the longest-lasting spin paddle:

  the Proton Series One has a paddle face that won't wear down over time.

• You're shopping in the mid range:

  at $140 with our exclusive discount, the B&B Filth is a cheaper option that still generates plenty of power and spin.

• Power is not your priority:

  if you want a pure control paddle with awesome spin, check out the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash for under $100.

Buy if:

• You want a top control paddle:

  despite its low price, this is one of the best control paddles I've ever tested.

• You're in the market for a step-up paddle:

  this is ideal for new intermediates, introducing lots of spin and good power to your game.

• You're on a budget:

  the PRISM Flash is probably the best value in all of pickleball at just $89.99 (with our $10 Vatic Pro discount).

Pass if:

• You want a powerful paddle:

  the PRISM Flash is a soft paddle (though it has decent power), so try the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 or B&B Filth for aggressive paddles.

• You want spin that won't lessen over time:

  the Proton is the only paddle I've seen with a smooth non-degradable face that generates awesome spin.

• You want an even cheaper spin paddle:

  the Six Zero Quartz generates really good spin and costs only $81 (with our 10% Six Zero discount).

Buy if:

• You play with lots of power and spin:

  the Filth is a big hit with aggressive players.

• You want an intermediate-friendly paddle:

  there's plenty of control and forgiveness too, and an intermediate price ($140.25 with our 15% discount).

• You want a cheaper alternative to the Engage:

  get this if you want a power paddle with high-level spin but don't want to spend over $230 on the Pursuit Pro1.

Pass if:

• You have a big budget:

  if you have the money, I recommend the Engage Pursuit Pro1 as it offers power and spin but more control and forgiveness.

• You need maximum control:

  the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash has the best control on this list, with great spin of course.

• You want a cheap spin paddle:

  the Six Zero Quartz is the best paddle for beginners and players on a budget who want to bring spin to their game.