The 11 Best Pickleball Paddles for 2025

Pickleball’s still sizzling, and the right paddle can make your game feel sunny-side up. Below are our top picks for power, control, and all-around value - plus a buying guide to keep your choice from getting scrambled.

Pro Smash 900

• The Yolk: Great blend of power and control - Pro Smash 900
• Features: carbon face, polymer core, midweight, cushioned grip.
• Pros: lively sweet spot, solid spin.
• Cons: edge guard scuffs on rough courts.
• EggBoo Verdict: A reliable daily driver for intermediates.

Control Craft 500

• The Yolk: Consistent touch with low vibration - Control Craft 500
• Features: fiberglass face, soft core, lightweight.
• Pros: excellent dinks, soft blocks.
• Cons: less put-away power.
• EggBoo Verdict: A confidence booster near the kitchen.

Spin Ace 700

• The Yolk: Carbon face with gritty texture for spin-heavy play
• Features: thermoformed edge, elongated shape, midweight
• Pros: excellent topspin and serves; solid blocks
• Cons: smaller sweet spot; harsher on mishits
• EggBoo Verdict: A weapon for players who win with spin.

Power Drive X

• The Yolk: Stiffer layup and head-biased balance for put-away power
• Features: polymer core, carbon face, slightly heavier swing
• Pros: punishes floaters; drives feel laser-straight
• Cons: control takes practice near the kitchen
• EggBoo Verdict: For bangers learning to shape the ball.

Touch Pro Lite

• The Yolk: Lightweight build and softer core for touch and resets
• Features: fiberglass face, thick polymer core, cushioned grip
• Pros: great dinks and drops; low arm fatigue
• Cons: less raw power from the baseline
• EggBoo Verdict: A confidence builder at the NVZ.

Rally Carbon S

• The Yolk: Stable midweight carbon paddle with arm-friendly feel
• Features: unibody handle, foam perimeter, standard shape
• Pros: big sweet spot; forgiving on off-center hits
• Cons: price creeps up vs fiberglass options
• EggBoo Verdict: A safe upgrade when you want fewer mishits.

AllCourt Balance

• The Yolk: Even balance that adapts to drives, dinks, and defense
• Features: hybrid face, midweight, tapered throat
• Pros: versatile; easy to recommend to improving players
• Cons: master of none vs specialized paddles
• EggBoo Verdict: The trusty all-rounder for mixed play.

Beginner Friendly Set

• The Yolk: Two paddles and balls to start rallies day one
• Features: lightweight fiberglass, cushioned grips, carry bag
• Pros: easy entry price; less worry about court scuffs
• Cons: you’ll outgrow it quickly
• EggBoo Verdict: Perfect for testing the waters without overthinking specs.

Midweight Comfort Max

• The Yolk: Midweight control with plush grip for longer sessions
• Features: polymer core, vibration-damp handle, standard face
• Pros: kinder on elbows; predictable blocks
• Cons: less put-away pop than power sticks
• EggBoo Verdict: Comfort-forward pick for frequent play.

FeatherLite Control

• The Yolk: Quick at the net for fast hands battles
• Features: lightweight build, low swing weight, textured face
• Pros: easy resets; sharp angles on volleys
• Cons: give up pace on drives
• EggBoo Verdict: For doubles players who live at the kitchen.

Buying Guide

Understand paddle weight (control vs. drive), face materials (graphite/carbon vs. fiberglass), core types, and grip sizing. For most players, midweight paddles balance control and pop; prioritize comfort and arm-friendliness over raw power.

Weight and Balance

• Lightweight (7.x oz): easier hands, faster volleys, less strain; less drive power.
• Midweight (8.x oz): balanced power/control for most players.
• Head-heavy vs head-light: head-heavy hits harder but can feel sluggish; head-light is quick but softer.

Face and Core

• Carbon/Graphite faces: durability, spin potential, crisper feel.
• Fiberglass faces: lively pop, budget-friendly, a bit less spin.
• Polymer cores: common and arm-friendly; thicker cores (16mm) tend to be softer/more controlled.

Shape and Handle

• Elongated: more reach and serve power; narrower sweet spot.
• Standard: bigger sweet spot; friendlier for learning.
• Handle length: longer helps two-handed backhands.

Grip Fit

• Measure hand: most adults land around 4 1/4–4 3/8". Overgrips add thickness and sweat control.

Arm Health

• Prioritize comfort. A plush grip, thicker core, and midweight build reduce shock.

Budget vs Premium

• Budget paddles (often fiberglass) deliver lively pop and are great for learning form. Premium paddles (often carbon) add spin, stability, and longevity.
• If you play weekly, premium pays off over time—fewer mishits and better control mean faster progress.

Demo Tips

• If your courts have demo days, try standard vs elongated shapes back-to-back. Note mishits, comfort on resets, and elbow feel after 30 minutes.

When to Upgrade

• Your control has outpaced your paddle’s forgiveness, or you’re missing put-aways you could place with more spin or a firmer face. Midweight carbon with a 16 mm core is a dependable all-rounder for a first upgrade.

FAQ

• What weight should I choose? Aim midweight unless you specifically need more power or less strain.
• Do carbon faces last longer? Typically more durable and spin-friendly vs. fiberglass.
• Are elongated shapes better? They trade forgiveness for reach; try both if possible.

- How do I size the grip? Start around 4 1/4" and add an overgrip if needed—too big strains the forearm. - Will a heavier paddle hurt my elbow? It depends—swing weight and vibration matter more than static weight alone. - What if I’m brand new? A forgiving midweight fiberglass or carbon paddle with a standard shape is a safe start.

Care and Maintenance

• Wipe the face to keep texture biting; replace overgrips regularly.
• Avoid leaving paddles in hot cars; heat can soften adhesives.
• Inspect edge guards for lifting and re-glue to keep debris out.

Ready to rally? Hatch the right paddle and get cracking. See also: How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle.