Best Pickleball Paddles for Power in 2025

Brandon Mackie with the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C pickleball paddles

With so many amazing power paddles on the market right now, how do you pick the right one for your game? I'm here to help—as a self-proclaimed banger, I love testing and reviewing powerful paddles. I know there's a ton to choose from, so that's why I've narrowed it down to the top 5 to help you decide.

Each of the paddles below offers something different to suit your playing style or budget. So, after personally testing over 100 paddles, here are the best power paddles in 2025.

Best pickleball paddles at a glance

Note: our discount codes may be subject to change when products are on sale. Check the final price at checkout.

Best overall

The Paddletek Bantam TKO-C pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

1. Paddletek Bantam TKO-C

The Paddletek Bantam TKO-C is the best power paddle for intermediates and advanced players in 2025. You get aggressive power and spin, and an all-court performance too.

10% off code applied at checkout (12.7 mm version)

10% off code applied at checkout (14.3 mm version)

12.7 mm model

14.3 mm model

Read my deep dive

Best all-court

The Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

2. Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0

The Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is a truly unique paddle. It can switch from huge power to excellent control in an instant, with awesome spin and forgiveness too.

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Best for control

A photo of the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

3. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control

The Six Zero DBD Control is a top all-court paddle for intermediates. It has a great combo of speed and control and packs a punch (with amazing spin too).

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Best cheap

Photo of the Friday Original pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

4. Friday Original

The Friday Original is a top beginner or step-up paddle for intermediate players. Grab two paddles for $98 and start learning power and spin right away.

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Read my deep dive

Best for spin

CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

5. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 has an amazing combo of spin and power. It's made from the newest tech, with a pure foam core and a Gen 4 design.

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Which paddle is best for you?

Before buying a paddle, it’s important to make sure it fits your game. That's why I created a 30-second quiz that recommends the best paddles for your play style and budget.

Give it a try and see if any of these power paddles make the list:

Find the perfect paddle

I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.

Take Paddle Fitting Quiz

Read on to find out which is best for your game:

Best overall

1. Paddletek Bantam TKO-C

A power paddle that gives you control and forgiveness too.

10/10

Power

8.5/10

Control

9.5/10

Spin

8/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You like to play an aggressive game:
you'll get all the power and spin you need with this elongated raw carbon fiber paddle.
You don't want to lose control:
the non-thermoformed design keeps this paddle softer and more forgiving than most pure power paddles.
You prefer a thinner core:
you get two core choices here: 12.7 mm (for more pop) and 14.3 mm (for more control).

Pass if:

You want a fast paddle:
like many elongated paddles, this one's a bit slow, so try the hybrid Six Zero DBD instead.
You want the best all-court paddle:
the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is an even better control/all-court paddle.
Your budget is under $100:
the Friday Original is the best bargain power paddle, and you can get two paddles for $98 with our exclusive deal.

Paddletek

10% off code applied at checkout (12.7 mm version)

Paddletek

10% off code applied at checkout (14.3 mm version)

Pickleball Central

12.7 mm model

Pickleball Central

14.3 mm model

Paddle Weight

7.8-8.2 oz

Paddle Length

16.5"

Paddle Width

7.5"

Handle Length

5.25"

Grip Circumference

4.25"

Paddle Face Material

PT-700 raw carbon fiber

Core Material

Polymer honeycomb core

Core Thickness

12.7 mm (0.5") or 14.3 mm (0.56")

Sweet Spot

Medium

If you're looking for the best overall power paddle in 2025, check out the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C. It was a close call between this and the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0, but the Paddletek won the top spot. It just has a little more pop and power.

Since my previous pick (the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated) was delisted by USA Pickleball, I've been playing with the TKO-C and I haven't looked back. It gives me all the power and spin I need and plenty of control. It's a safer bet since it's not banned.

Who it suits

The TKO-C suits rising intermediate players all the way up to pros. It's the paddle of choice for pro-player Christian Alshon. While it's not thermoformed, it's still quite poppy so beginners or early intermediates might prefer the Friday Original instead.

Features

This is a non-thermoformed paddle but it still generates huge power thanks to Paddletek's signature "high-grade polymer" core. Like with the Engage, it makes the TKO-C aggressive yet soft enough for a controlled touch game.

The surface material is PT-700 raw carbon fiber with a unidirectional weave that grips the ball to generate awesome spin.

Design and feel

This is an elongated paddle with a shorter 5.25" handle, so be aware of that if you like two-handed backhands. It has a modern, sleek look and feel compared to older Paddletek paddles that always seemed slightly cheap and clunky.

It does feel head-heavy, though. Elongated paddles usually do but newer models like the Engage Pursuit Pro1 are finding ways to combat that, either with in-built aerodynamic tech or hybrid curved tops.

You can choose between two models: the 12.7 mm and the 14.3 mm. The 12.7 mm feels more hollow than the 14.3 mm. The 14.3 is my choice because it feels a little more plush.

Performance

I really enjoy playing with the TKO-C, despite the head-heaviness. It's the best Paddletek paddle I've tested, with the same high level of spin that the newer Anna Leigh Waters' ALW-C paddle and the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C have. While it's a half-point lower than the spin you get from the Engage and Six Zero paddles, it's more than enough for most players.

It hits like a rocket too, feeling like a classic thermoformed paddle even though it's not. I can be so aggressive on overhead putaways, drives, and volleys. The more I play with it, the more power I feel like I can unlock.

Control is really good too—especially on the 14.3 mm model. I can easily land difficult third-shot drops and rein in the pop. It's what makes this paddle a great fit for intermediates who want a powerful paddle. You'll also appreciate the medium-sized sweet spot, which makes mishits rare.

Value for money

The TKO-C is listed for $249.99, which you'd expect from a premium power paddle. You can get it for $224.99 with our exclusive 10% discount at Paddletek.

If you're a rising intermediate or competitive player who wants a paddle that balances strong power and spin with good control, it's 100% worth it.

To learn more, check out my full Paddletek Bantam TKO-C review.

My verdict

If you want the most powerful paddle right now, try the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C. I recommend it to anyone who's been looking for a new paddle since the JOOLA Gen 3s and the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated were decertified for tournament play.

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10% off code applied at checkout (12.7 mm version)

10% off code applied at checkout (14.3 mm version)

12.7 mm model

14.3 mm model

Best all-court

2. Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0

A rare blend of awesome power, spin, control, and forgiveness.

9.5/10

Power

9/10

Control

10/10

Spin

9/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You need more than just power:
the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is one of the only paddles that balances a really high level of power, spin, control, and forgiveness.
You want to play in tournaments:
this all-court paddle gives me the most complete advanced performance yet, and I got my highest tournament score with it.
You're prone to pickleball injuries:
this is one of the best paddles for tennis elbow—Engage is a really popular brand with injury-prone players.

Pass if:

You're an intermediate:
advanced players will get the most out of this paddle's potential, so try the Six Zero or Paddletek for intermediate-level options.
You want a mid-range paddle:
check out the Six Zero DBD Control ($162 with our discount code).
You want a cheap paddle:
look at our 2-for-$98 offer on the Friday Original.

Engage Pickleball

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Paddle Weight

8.0-8.3 oz (Standard) / 7.6-7.9 oz (LITE weight)

Paddle Length

16.5"

Paddle Width

7.5"

Handle Length

5.85"

Grip Circumference

4.25"

Paddle Face Material

Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber

Core Material

Polymer

Core Thickness

15.875 mm (0.625")

Sweet Spot

Large

If you're after the best all-court paddle for power in 2025, you'll get a lot out of the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0. It narrowly misses out on the top spot on my list because the Paddletek Bantam edges it on power alone.

However, the Engage gives you the best balance of power and spin with high levels of control and forgiveness—especially if you're an advanced player.

Who it suits

While it can suit intermediates because it's so forgiving, you'll unlock this paddle's true all-court potential the more advanced you are. That's why I chose it as the best paddle for advanced players this year.

Pack this for a tournament if you want to play a top all-court game. It helped me to my best competition performance so far, in Phoenix in September 2024. I almost won a 5.0 tournament with it.

It's also one of the best paddles for pickleball elbow and other injuries thanks to Engage's vibration-dampening tech. You can really feel it in this paddle's stability. Many injury-prone players recommend Engage (myself included).

Features

You always find unique tech in Engage paddles. They're highly rated by players who suffer from pickleball injuries because their vibration-dampening tech is built into the whole paddle—not just the handle. As someone who struggles with tennis elbow, I can really feel the stability in this paddle.

It might sound like marketing jargon, but the tech does work. This paddle adapts to your swing speed. The "MachPro Polymer Core" holds the point of contact with the ball, softening the paddle so you can control your touch shots.

If you swing fast, though, you'll unlock the "Variable Release 2.0 Technology", which turns this into a hard-hitting power paddle. That's what makes it such a special all-court power paddle. Luckily, the more advanced you are, the easier you'll find handling this feature.

Design and feel

I like the design here. The elongated shape gives you nice reach while the curved hybrid-style top makes it quicker, reducing much of the lag common with elongated paddles. If you like hitting two-handed backhands, you'll appreciate the extra-long handle (5.87").

Engage paddles have a unique feel—they're non-thermoformed but stiff and poppy. The tech here makes the Pursuit Pro1 feel so much better than the Pursuit EX 6.0 and Pursuit MAXX MX 6.0. It's easily the best Engage paddle I've played with.

I do wish the grip felt less bulky. It's 4.25" like many paddles but it felt thicker. It can get a little uncomfortable with sweaty hands.

Performance

The Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is almost up there with some of the delisted power paddles like the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated and JOOLA Perseus 3 when it comes to ripping power and spin. It's a lethal combination when you swing hard.

What I love is that when you rein in your swing, it becomes a control paddle. Not just any control paddle either, but one that rivals even the Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta.

It also has a large sweet spot, making it the most forgiving paddle on this list, and one of the only paddles with this much power and forgiveness combined. I've hardly had any mishits.

Value for money

At $259.99, the Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is $10 more expensive than the Paddletek TKO-C. It's 100% worth it if you're ready to invest in your game—especially if you're gearing up for a tournament.

I also recommend it to advancing intermediate or advanced-level players who struggle with strains and injuries like pickleball elbow. It'll help you get back on the courts and avoid future injuries.

To learn more, check out my full Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 review.

My verdict

I was really surprised by the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0. It changed my perception of Engage paddles and I can see why so many players love it. It's in my tournament bag from now on, and it's my top recommendation for advanced players in 2025. If you're ready to invest $260 in your game, this is a real all-court paddle with tons of power.

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Best for control

3. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control

A fast all-court paddle with awesome power, control, and spin.

9/10

Power

9/10

Control

10/10

Spin

9/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You want accuracy to complement strong power:
this poppy paddle is so precise on touch shots, and mishits are rare.
You need power and spin too:
I'm scoring this 9/10 for power and 10/10 for spin.
You like aerodynamic paddles:
this was designed for fast players, with a hybrid shape and a low swing weight.

Pass if:

You want the most powerful paddle:
the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C has more putaway power than this.
Your budget is over $260:
many high-level and tournament players will get more out of the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0.
You're on a beginner budget:
the Friday Original is the best bargain power paddle, and you can get 2-for-$98 with our exclusive deal.

Six Zero

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Paddle Weight

8.1 oz

Paddle Length

16.3"

Paddle Width

7.5-7.66"

Handle Length

5.5"

Grip Circumference

4.12"

Paddle Face Material

Toray 700K raw carbon

Core Material

Polymer honeycomb

Core Thickness

14 mm/0.55" or 16 mm/0.63" (I tested the 16 mm version)

Sweet Spot

Large

If you're looking for one of the best control paddles that still offers plenty of power, you'll like the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control. In fact, it's one of the best pickleball paddles of all time.

It suits intermediates up to advanced players who want a paddle that does it all. It's finely balanced across power, control, spin, and forgiveness. Plus, it's incredible value at $162 (with our exclusive Six Zero discount).

Who it suits

The Six Zero DBD suits anyone who likes to play a fast game and wants control to back up power and spin. It's ideal for rising intermediates, and it can help you advance to higher levels. If you want to save up to $100 against the Paddletek, Engage, and CRBN paddles, check out the Six Zero.

While it's soft for a thermoformed paddle, beginners will still find it too poppy and should try the Friday Original instead.

Features

The raw carbon fiber that Six Zero uses is so good at generating spin, making this one of the best spin paddles in pickleball. The walls are foam-injected, which boosts the sweet spot and stability of the paddle. The unibody construction makes this a long-lasting paddle too.

Design and feel

I'm a big fan of the DBD's hybrid shape—it makes this paddle cut through the air, and it's the fastest paddle on this list. It's a nice-looking paddle too, with lots of great color choices (the cherry blossom is my favorite).

The feel is more soft and plush than a really stiff paddle like the Volair Mach 1, so it's very user-friendly. The grip is one of the only downsides here—it gets sweaty easily, though you can always fix that with overgrip.

Performance

As someone who normally struggles with slow hands, I love how quick this paddle makes me in battles at the kitchen. It has a low swing weight (110-114). For such a quick-moving paddle, the pop is great so you can get effortless power without swinging hard.

Surprisingly for a paddle with great pop, you can rein it in easily and place touch shots with lots of accuracy. If you're an intermediate, this will really help you out. You can start playing with a lot more power, speed, and spin without sacrificing control.

Finally, forgiveness is great too because the sweet spot is large and consistent. Even when I mishit (which is rare), the ball almost always stays in to keep the point alive.

Value for money

The DBD is listed for $180, though you can save 10% with our exclusive discount. At $162, it offers a big saving against the $250+ Paddletek TKO-C, Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0, and CRBN TruFoam Genesis paddles.

If you're an intermediate who wants a paddle that balances strong power and amazing spin with great control, this is 100% worth it for you—especially if you value speed in a paddle.

To learn more, check out my full Six Zero DBD Control review.

My verdict

If you want a paddle that's intermediate-friendly and cheaper than the top-tier paddles, check out Six Zero DBD Control. It offers a great mix of control, speed, power, spin, and forgiveness to help you advance to the next level.

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Best cheap

4. Friday Original

Power and spin at a budget price for beginners and intermediates.

8/10

Power

7.5/10

Control

8.5/10

Spin

7/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You're a beginner or early intermediate:
if you're a newer player who wants to start learning power and spin, this is my recommendation.
You want a budget carbon fiber paddle:
this is a thermoformed carbon paddle for under $100.
You want a great deal:
with our exclusive discount, you can get two Friday Original paddles for $98.

Pass if:

You're a rising intermediate or above:
once you hit that higher intermediate 3.5 level, you'll want a higher-performing paddle like the Six Zero DBD.
You want an advanced paddle:
the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 is a top all-court paddle for advanced players.
You're ready to invest in your game:
check out the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1, a super-premium paddle made with cutting-edge tech.

Friday

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Paddle Weight

8.3 oz

Paddle Length

16.5"

Paddle Width

7.5"

Handle Length

5.5"

Grip Circumference

4.25"

Paddle Face Material

Carbon fiber

Core Material

Polypropylene honeycomb

Core Thickness

16 mm (0.63")

Sweet Spot

Small

The Friday Original is the best cheap power paddle in 2025. It's a game changer—a real carbon fiber thermoformed paddle for just $69.99. Even better, you get two of them for $98 with our exclusive deal. There's never been a better, more powerful paddle for under $50.

Who it suits

This is an ideal step-up paddle for anyone upgrading to intermediate level. It's also one of the best beginner paddles because it suits any new players who want a starter paddle with real power and spin to help advance and win more games.

If you get the 2-for-$98 offer, it's also one of the best pickleball sets you can get. Plus, it makes a great pickleball gift for anyone wanting to hit the courts with a partner.

Features

You don't often see a thermoformed carbon fiber paddle for less than $100. While it isn't made from premium raw carbon, it's still a huge upgrade on the fiberglass paddles you often see at this price range.

The carbon fiber gives it great spin, while the heavier weight (8.3 oz) gives it a boost of power. The 16 mm core brings in enough control, making this a decent all-court paddle too.

Design and feel

This is another elongated paddle (they usually generate more power) but like the Engage Pursuit Pro1, it has the curved top of a hybrid paddle. This works well to speed the paddle up, offsetting the heavier feel. I have faster hands than I expected given the paddle's weight.

Just note: if you aren't used to thermoformed paddles, they do have a slightly stiff feel. However, the tradeoff is more power than most beginner and step-up paddles have.

The tennis-style grip is comfortable and the funky paddle designs really make this one stand out on the courts.

Performance

You don't often see budget paddles with lots of spin, but it's the best thing about the Friday Original. Power is right up there too and, when combined, you can hit hard topspin drives—something a new intermediate will love learning. I can almost always put the ball away when I have an opening. That's so satisfying for a paddle at this price.

There's a small sweet spot, so this isn't a paddle for players who need lots of forgiveness. There's some inconsistency too. If you want more control with power, I'd recommend the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 instead.

That said, I was able to adjust to these drawbacks. After some practice, I was playing a better all-court game than any $50 paddle has ever allowed me.

Value for money

This is one of the best values in pickleball ever. At $69.99, it's already a great bargain. If you use our exclusive discount code, you can get yourself two Friday Originals for $98. That's less than $50 for a thermoformed carbon fiber paddle with power and spin.

Learn more in my Friday Original review.

My verdict

The Friday Original generates awesome power and spin for a $50 paddle (with our 2-for-$98 discount). I've even won games against advanced players with this paddle! If you're a beginner or early intermediate and you want to play with power without breaking the bank, this is ideal for you.

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Best for spin

5. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1

Awesome spin makes this a power paddle to contend with.

9/10

Power

8.5/10

Control

9.5/10

Spin

7.5/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You like new tech:
this is the first "Gen 4" paddle series, with cores that are made from 100% foam.
You play with lots of power and spin:
the spin is so good that it boosts your power game big time.
You like elongated handles:
unlike the Paddletek TKO-C (5.25" handle), you get a 5.5" handle here for two-handed backhands.

Pass if:

You need a lot of forgiveness:
the Genesis 1 has a narrower body and a tighter sweet spot than the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 and TKO-C.
You like super-fast paddles:
check out the Six Zero DBD Control for one of the quickest power paddles.
You're on a budget:
the Friday Original is a great option if your budget is under $100, while the Six Zero is the mid-range choice at $162 (with our 10% discount).

CRBN

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Paddle Weight

7.8-8.1 oz

Paddle Length

16.5"

Paddle Width

7.35"

Handle Length

5.5"

Grip Circumference

4.125"

Paddle Face Material

T700 raw carbon fiber/fiberglass layer

Core Material

Foam

Core Thickness

14 mm (0.55")

Sweet Spot

Small-medium

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 may not be quite as powerful as the Paddletek and Engage paddles, but the spin is incredible and it makes for a deadly combo when combined with power. That's why I'm picking it for any bangers who like to play an aggressive game.

Who it suits

This mostly suits advanced players and bangers, and it's priced accordingly at $280. It's a great new "Gen 4" paddle that will appeal to anyone who likes cutting-edge tech. If you're a beginner or intermediate player, I'd recommend something more forgiving like the Six Zero DBD Control.

Features

The TruFoam Genesis paddles are the first I've seen with a 100% foam core, meaning no more honeycomb. The idea here is to stop the core-crushing that Gen 2 paddles can experience while also avoiding the trampoline effect that got many Gen 3 paddles banned.

Unlike the CRBN-1X Power Series, which offers both 14 mm and 16 mm sizes, the Genesis 1 comes in just 14 mm to focus more on power. The foam core helps to bring in a lot of dwell time and softness, though, which boosts control.

There's also a layer of fiberglass on the raw carbon fiber—another way this paddle differs from the CRBN Power Series. This feature surprised me a lot. It adds good pop while keeping the natural feel of the carbon.

Design and feel

This is a cool-looking paddle with a nice design on it. It definitely looks and feels like a super-high-end premium paddle.

I've had a few issues with the grip getting sweaty, something I don't usually have a problem with as I don't have sweaty hands. I'd recommend replacing the base grip or using an overgrip.

Performance

In our review of the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1, Stephen Mijangos found the spin generation so good because the ball really dwells on the paddle face, allowing you to shape your shots. This is especially good on topspin and sliced dinks. The fiberglass kicks in when you need pop so, combined with the spin, you can play a really aggressive game.

To counter that, the foam core brings a nice softness to prevent too many pop-ups. Just be aware that the narrow face means a smaller sweet spot, so don't expect a ton of forgiveness here.

Value for money

At $279.99, this is one of the priciest paddles on the market, and the most expensive on this list. However, if you're a banger who likes elongated paddles with a 5.5" handle and you also like new tech, this is worth it for you.

It was designed to pass the USA Pickleball's new PBCoR regulations, meaning it won't be decertified for 2025 like the Gearbox Pro Power Elongated and other paddles. That helps to increase its value for players who are entering tournaments this year.

To learn more, check out my full CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 review.

My verdict

If you like to shape your game around spin, I recommend the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1. You can utilize the dwell time on this paddle face to shape the type of shots you want, bringing in big pop and power when you need, and a softer touch game when needed. It's expensive but it's worth it—especially for advanced players getting ready for tournaments.

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How to choose the best pickleball paddle for power

I've tested over 100 paddles at this point—some good, some bad. While this list reflects my own honest opinions based on these testing sessions, I also made sure to consult plenty of other sources. I read reviews from both experts and customers to get a full perspective on what's available.

Brandon Mackie with the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C

Here are some of the things I think are important when picking a power paddle:

Paddle size/shape

Elongated paddles (typically 16.5" long and 7.5" wide) are usually the most powerful. As you'll see from my list, all the paddles are in and around this shape, with only slight variations.

Paddle weight

You'd think that the heavier the paddle the more powerful it is, but that's not always true. Let's look at the rough weight categories for pickleball paddles:

Lightweight: 7.2 oz and under
Midweight: 7.3-8.3 oz
Heavyweight: 8.4 oz and over

The paddles on my power list average just over 8 oz in weight. In fact, they all fall in the midweight category. Lots of heavyweight paddles are powerful but tend to have a higher swing weight, meaning it can be harder to swing fast (which generates power).

The paddles I found the most powerful are often ones that have enough heft but still allow you to swing hard to get lots of power.

Surface material

Despite newer materials appearing on the scene (you can now find Kevlar paddles and titanium paddles), carbon fiber still seems to be the most powerful material. All the paddles on this list are carbon paddles, while the CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 adds a layer of fiberglass too for extra pop.

Carbon fiber helps to add spin but is also just a really strong and durable material, leading to reliable power.

Core thickness

This is one of the most important features in any paddle, so you'll often see it appearing prominently. Most paddles have a core thickness somewhere between 10 mm and 20 mm, with 14 mm and 16 mm being the most common.

Usually, a thinner core means more power and pop. So, a 14 mm paddle should have more bang than a 16 mm paddle. That's not always the case, though, and you'll see a mix on this list, from the 14 mm CRBN to the 16 mm Six Zero. That's why it's important to read reviews before you rush into buying a paddle.

Durability

Durability is always important. There's no point in having a powerful paddle that wears down quickly. Some paddles are known to start falling apart within months.

Make sure you're reading reviews and checking if the paddle you're about to buy is made from long-lasting materials. Durability is an important category in all of my reviews and something I factor in when making an overall assessment.

Price

The paddles on this list range from $69.99 all the way up to $279.99. The big surprise this year is the Friday Original, my pick for the best budget power paddle.

It packs a punch and can be bagged for just $50 a paddle with our 2-for-$99 deal. It's great to see a real carbon paddle at such a low price, a big sign of how the pickleball paddle market is changing. Last year, you'd only find a graphite or fiberglass paddle at this price.

The overall winner in 2025, the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C, is only the third most expensive on this list at $250, so it's not always the case that you get what you pay for. Many players will prefer the even cheaper Six Zero Infinity because it gives you more speed.

How to add more power to your shots

Once you've bought the right paddle, consider these tips to help you generate more power:

Posture: most of the power in your swing comes from your legs. For starters, try standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Make sure you're standing tall with your chin up and chest out. As you swing, push your back foot forward, transferring the weight of your body to your front foot. This kind of hip rotation will put more force behind your shots.
Follow-through: make sure you're putting a lot of follow-through on your shots. Don't be afraid to take a big backswing too (but don't do this on your drops).
Spin: learning how to hit with topspin will give your shots more control. This allows you to swing harder and hit with more power.

Bottom line

We're really spoiled for choice with so many new and exciting power paddles right now. Newer brands keep appearing, and established brands are putting out top-quality offerings with crazy power behind them.

My favorite power paddle this year is the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C. It's the best replacement for the disappointing Gen 3s—it hits harder than anything else, it's sanctioned for tournaments, and it gives you a complete all-court game.

Here's a recap of my top 5 paddles for power players:

Paddletek Bantam TKO-C - Best overall
Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 - Best all-court
Six Zero Infinity DBD Control - Best for control
Friday Original - Best cheap
CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1 - Best for spin

Recent updates

February 2025

We've seen so many great power paddles released in the last year. Some paddles, like the JOOLA Gen 3 Perseus and Gearbox Pro Power Elongated, were even banned by USA Pickleball for being too powerful.

After testing it even more, I chose the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C as the new best overall power paddle in 2025. Not only is the power 10/10, but it also passed all USA Pickleball tests, so there's no risk of it being banned.

FAQs

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About the author

Brandon Mackie

Brandon is an avid writer and co-founder of Pickleheads™. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can now be found these days honing his dinks on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.

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Best pickleball paddles for power in 2025 - top 5 picks

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