Best Pickleball Paddles of 2025: Paddle of the Year Awards
2025 was one of the most exciting years we’ve ever seen in the pickleball paddle space. Innovation was everywhere, competition was fierce, and perhaps for the first time, it felt like almost every paddle released was objectively good. Instead of hunting for a paddle that simply works, players are now in the enviable position of finding the paddle that works best for their game.
Power paddles became more forgiving, foam cores went mainstream, sweet spots got larger, and pricing, while higher at the top end, remained competitive thanks to the sheer number of strong options on the market. There has never been a better time to be shopping for a pickleball paddle.
To wrap up the year, I’m awarding the Best Pickleball Paddles of 2025 across 18 different categories. These awards are based on months of on court testing, switching between paddles constantly, and seeing what truly stands out over time. While personal preference always plays a role, each winner here earned its spot for a clear reason.
Best Power Paddle of 2025: Selkirk Boomstik
Power was the story of 2025. Nearly every major brand chased it, and in the process, the line between power paddles and all court paddles shifted significantly. With so many strong entries, this was one of the most competitive categories of the year.
The Selkirk Boomstik ultimately stood above the rest. It delivers top end power while being far more forgiving than you’d expect, thanks to a large sweet spot and some genuinely interesting tech. It’s available in both elongated and standard shapes, and while it carries a premium price, it backs it up with performance. Unsurprisingly, this paddle shows up on a lot of “best of” lists, and for good reason.
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Most Powerful Paddle of 2025: Six Zero Black Opal
While the Boomstik wins for overall power performance, it’s worth separating out the paddle that delivers the absolute most power possible. If your skill level supports it and your only goal is maximum pace, this is a different search entirely.
The Six Zero Black Opal takes that crown. It edges out the Boomstik in raw power just barely for me, though it does require a short adjustment period to fully dial in. Once you do, the power is undeniable. I’ve personally spent a lot of time playing with this paddle lately, and it continues to impress every time I pick it up.
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Best All Court Paddle of 2025: Honolulu J2 FC+
As power paddles got stronger, the all court category expanded. Many paddles that would have been considered power focused in previous years now comfortably sit in the all court space.
For most players, an all court paddle is still the best choice, and the Honolulu J2 FC+ is my top pick for 2025. Its hybrid shape, large sweet spot, and multi-density foam core provide excellent touch without sacrificing power. If you can generate your own pace, this paddle keeps you safer on resets, counters, and soft game shots while still delivering when you need to finish a point.
Best Control Paddle of 2025: Pickleball Apes Harmony
Control paddles were fewer and farther between in 2025, but they still have an important place in the market. Testing control focused paddles often feels like a reset for my game, forcing cleaner technique and better touch.
The Pickleball Apes Harmony stood out immediately. It felt great right out of the box and offered a refreshing contrast to the constant pursuit of power. Available in all three shapes, it’s a reminder that control oriented paddles still matter, even in a power-driven era.
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Best Hybrid Paddle of 2025: Bread & Butter Loco
Hybrid is usually my go to shape, and I played a lot of them this year. While there were many excellent options, one paddle consistently stayed in my rotation.
The Bread & Butter Loco earns the award for Best Hybrid Paddle of 2025. With its dual density foam core, it delivers a powerful, poppy strike paired with good dwell time and a solid sweet spot. It feels fantastic in hand and has been one of my personal mains since its release.
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Best Elongated Paddle of 2025: Honolulu J6 FC+
Elongated paddles remain the most popular shape at many courts, and 2025 delivered no shortage of excellent options. From Selkirk to Franklin to CRBN and beyond, competition was intense.
The Honolulu J6 FC+ ultimately takes the win. Its dual density core provides strong power, excellent feel, and impressive spin, but what truly sets it apart is the massive sweet spot. Having that level of forgiveness in an elongated shape gives it a clear edge and makes it incredibly consistent in match play. Many will argue the j6nf deserves this and for me, these two paddles are nearly interchangeable, though I slightly prefer the fc+.
Best Standard Paddle of 2025: Vatic Pro V Sol Pro
Standard shaped paddles aren’t typically my personal preference, but when done well, they offer tremendous stability, forgiveness, and hand speed.
The Vatic Pro V Sol Pro delivers all of that at an unbeatable price point. With strong stability, solid power, and excellent maneuverability, it’s hard to argue with a paddle that performs this well for just $99 after discounts.
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Best Gen 3 Paddle of 2025: 11six24 Alpha Pro Power
While foam cores dominated the conversation in 2025, Gen 3 paddles didn’t disappear. Some players still prefer polypropylene cores, and some brands continued to refine them.
The 11six24 Alpha Pro Power wins Best Gen 3 Paddle of 2025. It builds on the success of the original Power Series, offering similar power with improved forgiveness. If foam cores aren’t your thing, this is a paddle you shouldn’t overlook.
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Best Tech Innovation of 2025: CRBN TruFoam Genesis
If there’s one paddle that truly changed the trajectory of the market, it’s the CRBN TruFoam Genesis. As the first foam core paddle to hit the market, it set off a wave of innovation that defined 2025.
Even nearly a year after its release, the Genesis remains a paddle I’m happy to play with. It’s not perfect, but its impact on the industry is undeniable.
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Best New Core Technology of 2025: Honolulu NF Series
Beyond foam cores in general, several unique implementations stood out in 2025. Among them, the Honolulu NF Series was the most impressive.
Using notched foam technology that fits together like puzzle pieces, the NF core simply works, and works well. Available in multiple shapes, these paddles deliver excellent feel, power, and consistency. The J2NF also earns a special mention for the Best Sweet Spot of 2025.
Best Value Paddle of 2025: Luzz Cannon
With prices rising at the top end, value paddles became more important than ever. While several brands delivered strong budget options, the Luzz Cannon stands out.
For around $100, you’re getting a paddle that plays remarkably close to some much more expensive options. It’s an easy recommendation for players looking to maximize performance per dollar.
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Most Improved Brand of 2025: Enhance Pickleball
Several brands took big steps forward in 2025, but Enhance Pickleball showed the most growth. With the Gen 4.5 and Duo paddles, they proved they can deliver thoughtful foam core designs at approachable price points. It’s exciting to see where they go next.
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Best Looking Paddle of 2025: Six Zero Coral
Performance matters most, but design shouldn’t be ignored. The Six Zero Coral strikes a perfect balance between bold and tasteful, with subtle patterns and colorways that feel intentional rather than overdone. It also happens to be a very solid paddle on court.
Most Fun Paddle of 2025: Franklin C45
Some paddles are just fun. The Franklin C45 is lightweight, whippy, poppy, and incredibly rewarding once you dial it in. Even after testing countless paddles this year, this one still brings a smile every time.
Best Pickleball Bag of 2025: ADV Flex Bag
Paddles need a great bag, and the ADV Flex Bag checked every box for me in 2025. Excellent organization, smart external storage, and plenty of room make it a standout option for most players.
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Best Overgrips of 2025: Bodhi Pickleball
Overgrips are a small detail that make a big difference. Bodhi Pickleball earns the award here for excellent feel, great color options, and solid value. They’ve become my go to throughout the year.
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Final Thoughts
2025 raised the bar for pickleball equipment across the board. With innovation happening at every level and more great options than ever, choosing the right paddle is now about fit, feel, and play style, not just finding something that works.
If you agree or disagree with any of these picks, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And as always, links and discount codes for everything mentioned are included to help save you money while supporting the channel.
