Best Pickleball Paddles For power
Testing & Rating By Product Experts
Written by
Kris Maine
If you’re a power player looking for a paddle with insane power characteristics you’ve come to the right place! In this guide we will be reviewing the best pickleball paddles for power. These types of paddles will have elongated shapes, heavier fiberglass faces, long handles, and thin cores. Perfect for all the power you need.
Our Favorites
- Best Overall: SLK Omega Pickleball Paddle
- Best For Control: Big Dill Flight Pro XL
- Best For Spin: Selkirk SLK Evo Hybrid Max
- Best Lightweight: Onix Composite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
- Best Under $100: On Holiday Pickleball paddle
- Best For Beginners: PCKL Launch Series Premium Pickleball Paddle
- Best For Kids: Head Radical Elite Pickleball paddle
SLK Omega Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $128.00 | Selkirk | Shop |
90
Overall Score
Edgeless paddle with a low profile design. DuraEdge technology designed to extend the life of the paddle. Large sweet spot providing stellar power while maintaining control. Manufactured in the USA.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
High amount of spinWell balanced. Head neutral.Similar to the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air at a much lower price pointUSAPA approvedControlLarge sweet spot
Cons
A tad lightEdgeless design makes the paddle prone to scratchedCan lose power and control if hitting on the edge
Big Dill Flight Pro XL
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $125.00 | Big Dill | Shop |
88
Overall Score
The Big Dill Pickleball Paddle stands out with its distinctive and eye-catching design. The paddle features a proprietary fine grit carbon fiber face that offers excellent durability and ball control. Considering its performance and durability on the court, this paddle is a remarkable choice for the price point.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA ApprovedIdeal for advanced playersGood grip and spinSweat wicking grip
Cons
Only 1 color option
Selkirk SLK Evo Hybrid Max 2.0
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $79.99 | Selkirk | Shop |
87
Overall Score
Designed to deliver both power and control on the court, the SLK Evo Hybrid is a popular paddle choice for beginner and advanced Pickleball players. With its large sweet spot, ultra-comfortable grip, and irresistible price point, the Evo Hybrid offers unmatched performance value.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
Large sweet spotUSAPA ApprovedGood Power and controlAffordable1 year warranty
Cons
No cover
Onix Composite Z5 Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $79.99 | Onix | Shop |
89
Overall Score
The Z5 comes in two different face (or hitting surface) options. The Z5 shines in the spin category for both the graphite and composite paddles because of the extra grit added to the surface. The composite face is heavier, yet offers more stability and power. It’s spin, gives a slight edge to the Z5 composite due to the composite's already gritty nature. The Z5 is wider than most paddles, providing a large sweet spot while focusing on control. Manufactured in Mexico.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
Wide body provides a larger sweet spot Beginner friendlyExtra weight provides more powerPrice is less than the graphite model
Cons
8.2 ounces may be a bit heavy, especially those with tennis elbowBeginners may lack ball controlVibration in the grip
On Holiday Pickleball paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $70.00 | On Holiday | Shop |
83
Overall Score
The On holiday paddle is a great option for beginners looking for a durable paddle with a lot of power.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
Good for power
Cons
Not USAPA approved
PCKL Launch Series Premium Pickleball Paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $64.99 | PCKL | Shop |
83
Overall Score
This wide-body paddle is a real sleeper on the court. The PCKL paddle offers all around consistency from control, spin, and power. Its lightweight design, durable construction, superior performance, attractive design, and affordability make it a smart purchase for players of all skill levels.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA approvedLarge Sweet Spot
Cons
Does not come with paddle cover
Head Radical Elite Pickleball paddle
| Price * | Sold By | |
|---|---|---|
| $63.95 | Head | Shop |
82
Overall Score
Radical Elite features a large sweet spot and a thick OTC honeycomb core. The ergo grip helps dampen the vibration when playing.
Product Details
Specifications
Pros
USAPA approvedLarge sweet spotHandle length works well for larger handsPower
Cons
Reduced spin (no texture)No cover
What are the advantages of a powerful pickleball paddle?
A pickleball paddle that offers a lot of power can be an important feature as it puts your opponent in a reactive defensive position. This pressure can lead to mistakes and your team taking the point. Pickleball in large is a strategy game. It’s important to understand when to take those power shots. Do it right and you can quickly advance to the next level.
What makes a pickleball paddle have more power?
- Thinner Core: A thinner core is considered anything less than 13mm. A thin core reflects the ball off the paddle harder allowing for more power.
- Heavy weight: A heavy weight paddle would be anything more than 8.5oz. Imagine hitting a baseball with a plastic bat vs a traditional wooden or metal bat. The heavier bat is going to create greater force which translates to hitting the ball harder.
- Longer Paddle: A paddle over 16” with a handle length over 5.25” is going to be considered a long paddle. These types of elongated paddles allow for more leverage generating more power.
