Ready to level up your
Whether you’re just discovering your love for dinks and drop shots or you practically live at the courts, the right paddle makes all the difference.
With so many new paddles launching in 2025, it can feel overwhelming to choose the one that fits your playing style, skill level, and budget. But don’t worry—we’ve got you.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best new
From high-performance power paddles to beginner-friendly options that won’t break the bank, we’re serving up all the details.
What Makes a Great Pickleball Paddle in 2025?
Technology is moving fast, and today’s paddles are lighter, tougher, and smarter than ever. Here’s what to look for when picking your next paddle:
Weight
- Lightweight (7.3 oz and under): Fast hands, great for control and finesse
- Midweight (7.4–8.3 oz): A balanced choice for most players
- Heavyweight (8.4 oz and up): More power, but can slow you down
Core Material
- Polymer (Honeycomb): Soft feel, quiet, great for dinks and resets
- Composite: Adds pop and power, great for aggressive shots
Face Material
- Carbon Fiber: Excellent spin and control, durable
- Fiberglass: Offers power and a bit more forgiveness
Grip Size
- Small (4.0–4.25”): Easier wrist action, ideal for smaller hands
- Medium (4.5”+): Comfortable and versatile for most adults
Other Tech Perks
- Thermoformed unibody construction = better durability
- Foam-filled edges = larger sweet spot and less vibration
- Raw carbon faces = maximum spin potential
Paddle Comparison Chart
| Paddle Name | Key Features | Price | Best For |
| LUXE Signature Paddle | Carbon fiber face, polymer core, 14mm & 16mm options | ~$200 | All levels |
| Recess Paddle | Fiberglass face, polypropylene core, stunning design | ~$86 | Beginners & Social Play |
| Selkirk Vanguard Control S2 | QuadCarbon+ face, thick X5 core | ~$199 | Intermediate players |
| Friday |
Poly core, raw carbon face, lightweight feel | 2 for $99 | Control-focused players |
| JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S | Hyperfoam edge, carbon abrasion surface | ~$250 | Advanced & aggressive players |
Top 5 Best New Pickleball Paddles for 2025
- Get 10% off your first LUXE paddle
- Different thickness options to match your playing style (14mm and 16mm)
- Face: Carbon Fiber
- Core: Polypropylene (Polymer) Honeycomb
- Skill Level: Beginner - Professional
LUXE Signature Paddle – Best for Power Players
The Luxe Signature is a beast on the court. Its thermoformed build, raw carbon face, and foam-filled edges create a massive sweet spot and serious pop. We tested this one for two weeks and loved the way it helped us drive the ball deep with confidence. It’s solid without feeling too heavy, and the spin potential is no joke.
Read our full detailed review of the LUXE Signature Paddle.
Pros:
- Big sweet spot
- High spin potential
- Comes in 14mm (power) or 16mm (control)
Cons:
- Pricey for newer players
- Shop directly on Recess for 10% off your first paddle
- Women-owned, based in Austin TX.
- USA Pickleball-Approved
- Classic Honeycomb Interior
- Screen-printed Fiberglass Surface
- The Same Sweatproof Condensed Foam Grip Used in the Tennis and Golf Industry
Recess Rec Paddle – Best for Control
We’ve been using Recess
Lightweight with a soft touch, it’s a top pick for casual games and control players. One Reddit user said, “Best $80 I’ve spent on gear.”
We brought this paddle to a local rec game and had three people ask about it—both for how it looked and how easy it was to dink with. It’s not a power paddle, but if you love drop shots and gentle resets, this one’s a gem.
Read our full review on Recess paddles and learn why we think they’re the best choice for beginner
Pros:
- Ultra-light
- Soft feel for dinks
- Stylish designs
Cons:
- Not ideal for power play
- Handcrafted in the USA – Built with premium materials and cutting-edge tech for unmatched performance.
- Elite carbon fiber face – QuadCarbon face boosts power, precision, and consistency with a larger sweet spot.
- Vibration-absorbing core – X5 Honeycomb Core delivers a softer feel and faster response for better control.
- Tournament-ready – USAPA-approved and trusted by top pros for competitive play.
- Optimized for reach and power – Mach6 paddle features an extended handle for strong two-handed backhands, perfect for tennis players.
Selkirk VANGUARD Control S2 – Best for Beginners
This one gives you room to grow. The thick polymer core softens the learning curve while the advanced face keeps you competitive as you improve. We handed this to a beginner friend and we literally saw their control and consistency improve within one game.
Pros:
- Easy on the joints
- Consistent touch
- Built to last
Cons:
- Lacks punch for aggressive shots
- 2 paddles for $99
- USA Pickleball Approved for tournament play
- Huge sweet spot and perfectly weighted for power
- Gritty surface creates tons of spin on forehand and backhand
- Carbon fiber & thermoformed for long-lasting durability
Friday Pickleball Paddles – Best Value
We’re very vocal about our love for Friday
At just $99 for a set of two, they’re hands-down the best value we’ve found for carbon fiber paddles that actually perform. They give us impressive spin, power, and durability without the hefty price tag, and we’ve played over 40 games with ours, and they’ve held up better than most Amazon paddles we’ve tested.
Big news: Friday’s releasing a brand-new paddle this year, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it!
If you’re curious about how their current paddles stack up, check out our in-depth Friday Pickleball Paddle review. Spoiler: we’re big fans.
Pros:
- Balanced weight
- Great feel at the kitchen line
- Ideal for all-around players
Cons:
- A bit of a learning curve for beginners
- Designed in collaboration with Ben Johns, the world’s #1 pickleball player
- Features JOOLA’s patent-pending Propulsion Core for explosive drives and precise spin control
- UPA-A certified for competitive play
- Includes built-in NFC chip for easy registration
JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus 3S – Best for Advanced Players
This is the paddle pros trust.
Built for power and speed, it has a carbon abrasion surface and hyperfoam edges that cut down on mishits. A friend who competes regionally let us borrow theirs, and we were surprised how much spin we could generate off the serve. It’s a serious paddle for serious players.
Pros:
- Great for spin and speed
- Endorsed by top players
- Pro-level features
Cons:
- Expensive
How to Choose the Right Pickleball Paddle for Your Game
Not sure where to start? Here are some quick tips based on your skill level and style:
New to the game
Look for a midweight paddle with a soft core and large sweet spot. These are easier on your joints and help you focus on placement and consistency while you learn the ropes.
Intermediate
Go for carbon face paddles that offer both spin and control. You’ll start noticing the difference in how your paddle feels on drops, serves, and fast exchanges.
Advanced
Choose a thermoformed, raw carbon paddle with edge foam and top spin tech. You want something that matches your speed, precision, and aggressive playing style.
Play mostly doubles
Softer paddles with a wide face help with quick reactions. A big sweet spot gives you more forgiveness in tight net battles and tricky volleys.
Need more power
Try a thinner (14mm) paddle with a stiffer face. These types pack a punch and are great for aggressive baseliners or anyone who loves to drive the ball.
Want more control
Thicker (16mm) cores absorb pace and give you more feel. They’re great for resets, dinks, and slowing things down when the rally gets heated.
New Paddle Releases & Coming Soon in 2025
Pickleball brands are dropping some hot new gear this year. Here’s a quick look at what’s just hit the market—and what’s on the way:
- Engage Pursuit Ultra EX 6.0 – Released Jan 2025: Hybrid core and textured face
- Six Zero Black Diamond Power – Released Feb 2025: Raw carbon + edgefoam tech
- Diadem Edge 18K Paddle – Coming May 2025: Woven carbon fiber for max spin
We’re keeping tabs on everything, so bookmark this page—we’ll update it as more paddles hit the shelves.
Final Takeaways
Your paddle is your
Try before you buy when possible, and don’t be afraid to ask other players what they like—we’ve found some of our favorite paddles just by picking up what a partner had in their bag.
We’ll keep this list fresh throughout the year as more paddles launch. Found your favorite? Let us know—we love hearing what gear helps you play your best.
P.S. Want more paddle reviews and tips? Check out:
