ACTUAL New Tech In Pickleball Paddles

Every week it seems like there’s another “revolutionary” pickleball paddle hitting the market, Gen infinity core technology, maximum spin, unmatched power, you name it. But how much of that is actually new tech, and how much is just marketing hype?

In this post, I’m breaking down several paddles that are actually doing something different. Introducing new technology, construction methods, or design innovations that set them apart from the crowded field. Whether you’re a competitive player, a gear junkie, or just curious about what’s next in pickleball paddle design, these are the paddles worth knowing about.

Selkirk Boomstik — MOI Weight System

Let’s start with the Selkirk Boomstik, which is arguably the hardest-hitting legal paddle on the market right now. The Boomstik features Selkirk’s floating foam core and Infinigrit surface, but what really makes it unique is the MOI Weight System. Those red side inserts that concentrate 7.5 grams of weight on each side.

This design helps increase stability, sweet spot size, and overall performance consistency. While it’s “just weight,” the way it’s implemented and made available directly to consumers is genuinely new. It’s not adjustable once removed, but brands like Slycecap are already experimenting with similar adjustable systems — suggesting this could be a lasting innovation in paddle weighting.

F&B Runout — Forged One-Piece Frame and Sustainable Design

Next up, a brand-new company: F&B Sports and their first paddle, the Runout. Not only is this paddle designed and manufactured in the U.S., it features a single-piece forged frame that wraps all the way around the paddle and handle. This creates a uniquely stiff and connected feel.

Even better, the frame is made from upcycled and recyclable materials, introducing sustainability into pickleball paddle design — something rarely seen in the industry. The Runout is available in elongated, hybrid, and standard shapes and delivers a great first impression from a company aiming to innovate both performance and production.

Six Zero Ruby Pro — Diamond Grit Surface

The next two paddles come from Six Zero Pickleball, and they’re doing some exciting things with surface and core tech. Starting with the Ruby Pro, the standout feature is its Diamond Grit surface. Yes, supposedly real diamond dust, designed to dramatically increase texture durability and surface lifespan.

In testing, the Ruby Pro has shown extreme surface grit, possibly the most aggressive texture I’ve ever felt, resulting in excellent spin potential. Whether you believe in the diamond claim or not, this is definitely something we haven’t seen before.

Six Zero Black Opal — Power Gel Core Layer

If the Ruby Pro is about spin and surface texture, the Six Zero Black Opal is about raw power. This paddle might be the only true challenger to the Boomstik in terms of top end power.

The Black Opal introduces a new Power Gel layer, which is a proprietary gel layer (likely between the core and the face) that’s designed to amplify pop and energy transfer. Whatever the exact material, it works. This paddle delivers some of the most explosive shots I’ve felt yet. It also includes the same Diamond Grit surface for spin, rounding out a high-performance, aggressive package.

Honolulu Pickleball J6NF and J2NF — Notched Foam Core

Honolulu Pickleball has been quietly creating some of the most consistent foam-core paddles in the game. Their NF Series, including the J6NF (elongated) and J2NF (hybrid), feature a Notched Foam Core, which uses interlocking “puzzle piece” foam segments rather than a single foam ring.

This design increases structural integrity and sweet spot size while maintaining impressive power. The NF lineup has become a community favorite for its combination of forgiveness, pop, and price point.

CRBN Trufoam Waves — Wavy Full-Foam Core

CRBN started the foam core trend earlier this year with the Trufoam Genesis, and their follow-up, the Trufoam Waves, continues that innovation with a new wave pattern foam core. The wavy cutouts are designed to increase power while improving dwell time and ball-shaping ability, similar to how tennis strings flex on impact.

While reviews are mixed, some players love the new feel, others prefer the Genesis, there’s no doubt this is another legitimate evolution in foam core paddle design.

Holbrook Arma — Dual-Cell Core Design

Finally, we have the Holbrook Arma, a paddle that didn’t get nearly enough attention at launch. The Arma uses two different cell sizes within its core, larger cells through the middle for power and pop, and smaller cells around the perimeter for forgiveness and control.

It’s a smart idea that blends the strengths of multiple core types into one paddle. While there were early reports of some durability issues, the Arma T Metallic version especially delivered impressive results and deserves recognition as an early experiment in hybrid core design.

Final Thoughts — Real Innovation in Pickleball Paddles

Not every “new tech” paddle is truly new, but these paddles all represent real steps forward — whether that’s through material innovation, sustainability, or thoughtful re-engineering of core design.

If you’re tired of buzzwords and just want to know which paddles are actually pushing the sport forward, these are the ones to keep an eye on.