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The best power pickleball paddles

The best power pickleball paddle is the Pickleball Apes Zen S+ 16.5mm, because its power score of 100 out of 100 is the most of any paddle I've tested, and it's $169.99 with code STSPICKLEBALL.

These are the paddles that put the most pace on the ball, ranked by my power score. Most of them give up a lot of control for that pace, so each card tells you who can handle it and who should skip it.

By Steven Shipler · Updated October 16, 2026 · Stock and prices checked October 14, 2026Most of these paddles were sent to me free by the brands. I earn a commission when you buy through my links or codes. It never changes a rank. How I test

See all 10 at a glanceCompare No. 1 and No. 2

No. 1 · The most power of allPickleball Apes Zen S+$169.99 with my code

The top five

Updated October 16, 2026
  1. Pickleball Apes Zen S+ 16.5mm1The most power of allZen S+100power$169.99with my code
  2. Luzz Inferno2 M1 16mm2Most power in an elongatedInferno2 M199power$215.10with my code
  3. RPM Q2 Elongated 16mm3Boomstik pace for lessQ2 Elongated98power$224.99with my code
  4. Selkirk Boomstik Elongated 16mm4The most complete power elongatedBoomstik Elongated97power$333+ $40 gift card
  5. Friday Aura Pro Elongated 16mm5Big power for lessAura Pro Elongated95power$152.10with my code
  1. 4Boomstik ElongatedThe most complete power elongated$333
  2. 5Aura Pro ElongatedBig power for less$152.10

All 10 at a glance

Ranked by power score, straight from my database. Pop breaks ties. Tap a pick to jump to it.

Budget pick Under $100 with my code, and it earned its spot on the list.

UPA-A only Approved for UPA-A events such as the PPA Tour, but not on USA Pickleball's list, so not for USA Pickleball tournaments. Fine for rec play.

Compare No. 1 and No. 2 side by sideSearch every paddle I've tested

Prices are after my code.

  1. 1
    Pickleball Apes Zen S+ 16.5mm

    The most power of all

    Pickleball Apes Zen S+

    Hybrid16.5mmUSA Pickleballreleased July 2026

    100power out of 100

    $169.99with my code$188.88

    Get it at Pickleball Apes

    Code STSPICKLEBALL takes 10% off, and my link applies it.

    • S100Power
    • S92Pop
    • A87Spin
    • A85Sweet spot
    • B71Control

    Score out of 100Rank among hybrids you can buy

    1. PowerS100best
    2. PopS92best
    3. SpinA8710th
    4. Sweet spotA85best
    5. ControlB71tied 28th

    Why it's here and who it's for

    If you want the most pace you can get, this is the paddle I'd get. The Zen S+ scored 100 out of 100 for power, more than any other paddle I've tested, and it doesn't make you give up forgiveness for it, since its sweet spot of 85 out of 100 is the biggest of any hybrid I've tested. It also swings lighter than almost every hybrid, so it's fast at the kitchen. It leans soft for a hollow power paddle, and the ball sits on the face a beat before it leaves. Resets stay low for this much power, but you push them rather than just block. Owners have reported power when they need it, with a soft game that stays controllable.

    Skip it if you want a quiet, muted paddle, because it has a deep, loud, hollow sound.

    Pickleball Apes sells it in pre-order batches, and on October 14, 2026, Batch 5 was taking orders with no ship date shown.

    Why No. 1

    It's only 1 point ahead of the Inferno2 M1 on power, which is about the same. After that, the Zen pulls away, with clearly more pop, a far bigger sweet spot, far more control and USA Pickleball approval, for $45.11 less. It's $169.99 with code STSPICKLEBALL.

    Full reviewCompare with No. 2Does it beat your paddle?

  2. 2
    Luzz Inferno2 M1 16mm

    Most power in an elongated

    Luzz Inferno2 M1

    Elongated16mmreleased August 2026UPA-A only

    99power out of 100

    $215.10with my code$239

    Get it at Luzz

    Code STSPICKLEBALL takes 10% off. Enter it at checkout. How the Luzz code works

    • S99Power
    • B79Pop
    • S90Spin
    • C52Sweet spot
    • F25Control

    Score out of 100Rank among elongateds you can buy

    1. PowerS99best
    2. PopB79tied 27th
    3. SpinS905th
    4. Sweet spotC5240th
    5. ControlF25tied 62nd

    Why it's here and who it's for

    This is the hardest-hitting elongated I've tested, built for clean strikers who want pace from the baseline. The Inferno2 M1 scored 99 out of 100 for power, and its gritty face measured 2,355 RPM, so it's one of only four paddles I've tested with 90 or more for both power and spin. It's Luzz's newer version of the Pro 4 Inferno, with a little more power and about the same spin. It's a little firmer than the original Inferno, and for this much power, the ball comes off the face without any sudden jump. It swings heavy, with the weight in the head, so drives carry through, but it's slower in quick exchanges.

    Skip it if you win with dinks and resets, because its control scored 25 out of 100 and nearly all the paddles I've tested are more controllable.

    Why No. 2

    It's 1 point behind the Zen and 1 ahead of the Q2 Elongated, about the same power both ways. Next to the Q2, it has clearly less pop, but a clearly bigger sweet spot and about the same spin, for $9.89 less. It's $215.10 with code STSPICKLEBALL.

    Full reviewCompare with No. 3Does it beat your paddle?

  3. 3
    RPM Q2 Elongated 16mm

    Boomstik pace for less

    RPM Q2 Elongated

    Elongated16mmUSA Pickleballreleased February 2026

    98power out of 100

    $224.99with my code$249.99

    Get it at RPM

    Code STSPICKLEBALL takes 10% off. Enter it at checkout.

    • S98Power
    • A89Pop
    • S92Spin
    • D38Sweet spot
    • F20Control

    Score out of 100Rank among elongateds you can buy

    1. PowerS982nd
    2. PopA89tied 8th
    3. SpinS924th
    4. Sweet spotD38tied 68th
    5. ControlF20tied 68th

    Why it's here and who it's for

    The Q2 Elongated is the cheaper way to get Boomstik pace. It scored 98 for power, and it's loud, boomy and hollow, close to a sound-alike for the Selkirk Boomstik. It also measured 2,374 RPM, the most of any raw carbon face I've tested. It's really poppy off short strokes, so resets take care, because the pop can float a soft block. It swings lighter than the typical elongated, so your hands stay quick. Off-center hits cost more, though, so it rewards clean contact.

    Skip it if you miss the center a lot, because its sweet spot of 38 is the smallest on this list.

    Why No. 3

    It's 1 point behind the Inferno2 on power, about the same, with clearly more pop and USA Pickleball approval. Next to the Boomstik below, it has about the same power and more spin for $108.01 less, but the Boomstik has a far bigger sweet spot and far more control. The Q2 is $224.99 with code STSPICKLEBALL.

    Full reviewCompare with No. 4Does it beat your paddle?

  4. 4
    Selkirk Boomstik Elongated 16mm

    The most complete power elongated

    Selkirk Boomstik Elongated

    Elongated16mmUSA Pickleballreleased August 2025

    97power out of 100

    $333plus a $40 gift card with my code

    Get it at Selkirk

    Code INF-STSPICKLEBALL adds a $40 gift card, the most Selkirk gives on an order this size, and my link applies it. How the Selkirk code works

    • S97Power
    • S99Pop
    • B78Spin
    • B74Sweet spot
    • C56Control

    Score out of 100Rank among elongateds you can buy

    1. PowerS973rd
    2. PopS992nd
    3. SpinB78tied 19th
    4. Sweet spotB74best
    5. ControlC56tied 26th

    Why it's here and who it's for

    If you can stomach $333, this is the most complete power elongated here. It scored 97 for power, and its pop of 99 is the most on this list. What sets it apart from the other elongated picks is forgiveness, since its sweet spot of 74 out of 100 is the biggest of any elongated I've tested. Selkirk clamps weights to the edge guard at the factory to raise the twist weight, and that keeps it stable for an elongated. It's firm and stiff for a foam paddle, with a very loud, hollow crack, and the instant pop makes counters and speed-ups dangerous. Owners have reported easy power and pop.

    Skip it if you're on a budget, because it's the most expensive paddle on this list.

    Canyon Clay and Calypso were in stock at Selkirk on October 14, 2026.

    Why No. 4

    It's 1 point behind the Q2 on power, about the same, with clearly more pop, a far bigger sweet spot and far more control. The Aura Pro below has about the same power for $180.90 less, but the Boomstik has clearly more pop and far more control. Selkirk's code INF-STSPICKLEBALL adds a Selkirk gift card instead of lowering the price.

    Full reviewCompare with No. 5Does it beat your paddle?

  5. 5
    Friday Aura Pro Elongated 16mm

    Big power for less

    Friday Aura Pro Elongated

    Elongated16mmUSA Pickleballreleased March 2026

    95power out of 100

    $152.10with my code$169

    Get it at Friday

    Code STSPICKLEBALL takes 10% off. Enter it at checkout. How the Friday code works

    • S95Power
    • A82Pop
    • B74Spin
    • D45Sweet spot
    • F18Control

    Score out of 100Rank among elongateds you can buy

    1. PowerS954th
    2. PopA82tied 19th
    3. SpinB74tied 26th
    4. Sweet spotD45tied 55th
    5. ControlF1870th

    Why it's here and who it's for

    This gets you top 5 power on this list for the least money. The Aura Pro Elongated scored 95 out of 100 for power, and of the paddles you can still buy that score 95 or more for power, it's the cheapest by $17.89. The response is close to one-to-one for a power foam, so the ball comes off in step with your swing, and the pop stays controlled at the kitchen. It's firm and crisp, but not as stiff as the hardest power foams, and it's light and quick for an elongated. Owners have reported big, easy power that stays controllable.

    Skip it if your soft shots still need help, because its control score of 18 is the lowest on this list.

    Why No. 5

    It's 2 points behind the Boomstik on power, about the same, for $180.90 less, though the Boomstik has a far bigger sweet spot and far more control. The Ultré Power 2 below has about the same power, but it spins more and has far more control for $47.89 more. The Aura Pro is $152.10 with code STSPICKLEBALL.

    Full reviewCompare with No. 6Does it beat your paddle?

  6. 6
    11SIX24 Ultré Power 2 16mm

    Power with the most spin

    11SIX24 Ultré Power 2

    Hybrid16mmreleased June 2026UPA-A only

    94power out of 100

    $199.99with my code$209.99

    Get it at 11SIX24

    Code STSPICKLEBALL takes $10 off, and my link applies it. How the 11SIX24 code works

    • S94Power
    • A89Pop
    • S95Spin
    • B76Sweet spot
    • C58Control

    Score out of 100Rank among hybrids you can buy

    1. PowerS942nd
    2. PopA89tied 4th
    3. SpinS955th
    4. Sweet spotB76tied 16th
    5. ControlC58tied 44th

    Why it's here and who it's for

    This is the power paddle I'd pick if you want spin too. The Ultré Power 2 scored 94 out of 100 for power, and only three hybrids I've tested hit harder. It also measured 2,387 RPM, the most spin on this list. It's moderately firm with a deep, hollow-leaning sound, and it's stable and forgiving for a hybrid, with easy pace on full swings. Just know it's poppy off short strokes, so soft shots need a light touch while it's new. Owners have reported plenty of pop and drive power that still feels controllable.

    Skip it if you play USA Pickleball sanctioned events, because it's approved by UPA-A only.

    Why No. 6

    It's 1 point behind the Aura Pro on power, about the same, but it spins more and has far more control for $47.89 more. Next to the Hurache-X Power 2 below, it has the same pop, a clearly bigger sweet spot and far more control at the same $199.99 with code STSPICKLEBALL.

    Full reviewCompare with No. 7Does it beat your paddle?

  7. 7
    11SIX24 Hurache-X Power 2 16mm

    Power 2 with reach

    11SIX24 Hurache-X Power 2

    Elongated16mmreleased March 2026UPA-A only

    92power out of 100

    $199.99with my code$209.99

    Get it at 11SIX24

    Code STSPICKLEBALL takes $10 off, and my link applies it. How the 11SIX24 code works

    • S92Power
    • A89Pop
    • A89Spin
    • C64Sweet spot
    • F32Control

    Score out of 100Rank among elongateds you can buy

    1. PowerS92tied 6th
    2. PopA89tied 8th
    3. SpinA896th
    4. Sweet spotC64tied 15th
    5. ControlF32tied 52nd

    Why it's here and who it's for

    This is the Power 2 with reach, and its 6 inch handle is the longest on this list. The Hurache-X Power 2 scored 92 for power, and its sweet spot of 64 is clearly bigger than the typical elongated's 52. It's firm and crisp, in the stiff and hollow family, and it gets leverage and plow-through on drives from the baseline. Off-center contact costs more than on the Ultré, though, since it's the least forgiving of the four Power 2 shapes. Owners have reported power with control at the kitchen, and they like the long handle for two-handed backhands.

    Skip it if your soft game is still shaky, because its control scored 32 out of 100 and most of the paddles I've tested are more controllable.

    Why No. 7

    It's 2 points behind the Ultré on power, about the same, but the Ultré has a clearly bigger sweet spot and far more control at the same price. It ties the Loco Elongated at 92 for power and wins the pop tiebreak, and it spins more too, though it costs $65.66 more. It's $199.99 with code STSPICKLEBALL.

    Full reviewCompare with No. 8Does it beat your paddle?

  8. 8
    Bread & Butter Loco Elongated 16mm

    Mass behind the ball

    Bread & Butter Loco Elongated

    Elongated16mmUSA Pickleballreleased August 2025

    92power out of 100

    $134.33with my code$149.25

    Get it at Bread & Butter

    Code STSPICKLEBALL takes 10% off, and my link applies it. How the Bread & Butter code works

    • S92Power
    • A85Pop
    • B75Spin
    • D45Sweet spot
    • F21Control

    Score out of 100Rank among elongateds you can buy

    1. PowerS92tied 6th
    2. PopA85tied 15th
    3. SpinB75tied 24th
    4. Sweet spotD45tied 55th
    5. ControlF2167th

    Why it's here and who it's for

    This one is all about mass behind the ball. The Loco Elongated scored 92 out of 100 for power, and its swing weight of 121.2 is heavier than nearly all the paddles I've tested, so it carries through drives and finishes points with reach. It's firm and dense for a foam paddle, and the output tracks your swing more steadily than a Boomstik. The trade is speed in quick exchanges, and it's the least forgiving Loco shape. It's also USA Pickleball approved. Owners have reported power with control, and they made it their main paddle.

    Skip it if you're still learning resets, because its control scored 21 out of 100 and nearly all the paddles I've tested are more controllable.

    Bread & Butter had it at $149.25 before my code on October 14, 2026, down from $199, and the Loco 2 Elongated was on pre-order at $220, shipping November 4, 2026.

    Why No. 8

    It ties the Hurache-X Power 2 at 92 for power and loses the pop tiebreak, but it costs $65.66 less. The EPP Turbo Widebody below has about the same power, with a far bigger sweet spot and far more control for $34.34 less, so the Loco's case is reach and weight. It's $134.33 with code STSPICKLEBALL.

    Full reviewCompare with No. 9Does it beat your paddle?

  9. 9
    Enhance EPP Turbo Widebody 16mm

    Most power for the moneyBudget pick

    Enhance EPP Turbo Widebody

    Widebody16mmUSA Pickleballreleased March 2026

    91power out of 100

    $99.99with my code$119.99

    Get it at Enhance

    Code STSPICKLEBALL takes $20 off, and my link applies it. How the Enhance code works

    • S91Power
    • S90Pop
    • B73Spin
    • A88Sweet spot
    • B70Control

    Score out of 100Rank among widebodies you can buy

    1. PowerS91best
    2. PopS90tied 8th
    3. SpinB73tied 19th
    4. Sweet spotA88tied 15th
    5. ControlB70tied 35th

    Why it's here and who it's for

    This is the best value on the list. The EPP Turbo Widebody scored 91 out of 100 for power, and no widebody you can buy right now hits harder. It's also one of only three paddles I've tested with 85 or more for power, pop and sweet spot. At $99.99, it's the cheapest of those three by $70. It's stiff for a foam paddle, in the same family as the Bread & Butter Loco, with a low, hollow tone that Enhance says it designed in. The output is even, with no hot spots, and it's the most stable shape in the Turbo line.

    Skip it if spin matters most to you, because its 2,284 RPM is about the same as the typical paddle's 2,275 RPM.

    Why No. 9

    It's 1 point behind the Loco Elongated on power, about the same, with far more control and a far bigger sweet spot for $34.34 less. It ties the EPP Turbo Hybrid at 91 for power and wins the pop tiebreak, and it has clearly more control. It's $99.99 with code STSPICKLEBALL.

    Full reviewCompare with No. 10Does it beat your paddle?

  10. 10
    Enhance EPP Turbo Hybrid 16mm

    Budget power, long handleBudget pick

    Enhance EPP Turbo Hybrid

    Hybrid16mmUSA Pickleballreleased March 2026

    91power out of 100

    $99.99with my code$119.99

    Get it at Enhance

    Code STSPICKLEBALL takes $20 off, and my link applies it. How the Enhance code works

    • S91Power
    • A89Pop
    • B71Spin
    • B71Sweet spot
    • C57Control

    Score out of 100Rank among hybrids you can buy

    1. PowerS91tied 3rd
    2. PopA89tied 4th
    3. SpinB7132nd
    4. Sweet spotB71tied 31st
    5. ControlC57tied 48th

    Why it's here and who it's for

    Enhance built this one with a 5.9 inch handle for two-handed backhands, and it gives you the same 91 for power as the widebody Turbo. Its pop of 89 out of 100 is high for a hybrid, too, since only four hybrids I've tested have more. The long handle gives it a whippy feel, so flicks are a strength. It's firm for a foam paddle, in the same family as the Loco, and the pop runs level with the drive power, so there's no trampoline feel at the kitchen. That also means it won't soak up pace on resets for you.

    Skip it if you're still working on resets, because the EPP Turbo Widebody has clearly more control.

    On Enhance's store, it's listed as the EPP Turbo Hybrid LH.

    Why No. 10

    It ties the EPP Turbo Widebody at 91 for power and loses the pop tiebreak by a point, with a clearly smaller sweet spot and clearly less control. It beats the 11SIX24 Vapor Power 2 on that same tiebreak, though the Vapor spins far more for $100 more. The EPP Turbo Hybrid is $99.99 with code STSPICKLEBALL.

    Full reviewDoes it beat your paddle?

How I picked them

Five rules decide which paddles make the list and in what order.

  1. 1

    This list is ranked by my power score, and when two paddles tie, the one with more pop goes higher. Power comes from 20 serves on my radar, and pop comes from 20 punch volleys.

  2. 2

    On numbers, the Luzz Pro 4 Inferno would make the ten, but Luzz replaced it with the Inferno2 M1, which is second here. The Pro 4 Inferno is still 7th in the full ranking under the picks, so the last four picks sit one spot lower there.

  3. 3

    Three picks are approved by UPA-A only. Those are the Inferno2 M1, the Ultré Power 2 and the Hurache-X Power 2, and the other seven are USA Pickleball approved.

  4. 4

    "Budget pick" means an Enhance Turbo under $100 with my code. Prices are what each brand's own store charged on October 16, 2026, with my code.

  5. 5

    Under the picks, you'll find all 170 paddles I'd recommend today, ranked by power.

How I test every paddle

Every paddle I'd recommend today, by power

170 paddles. The ones on this list are marked. Sort every paddle in my database

#PaddlePowerPopPrice, with code
1Pickleball Apes Zen S+Hybrid · 16.5mm · No. 1 on this list10092$169.99
2Luzz Inferno2 M1Elongated · 16mm · No. 2 on this list9979$215.10
3RPM Q2 ElongatedElongated · 16mm · No. 3 on this list9889$224.99
4Selkirk Boomstik ElongatedElongated · 16mm · No. 4 on this list9799$333
5Friday Aura Pro ElongatedElongated · 16mm · No. 5 on this list9582$152.10
611SIX24 Ultré Power 2Hybrid · 16mm · No. 6 on this list9489$199.99
7Luzz Pro 4 InfernoElongated · 16mm9474$188.10
811SIX24 Hurache-X Power 2Elongated · 16mm · No. 7 on this list9289$199.99
9Bread & Butter Loco ElongatedElongated · 16mm · No. 8 on this list9285$134.33
10Enhance EPP Turbo WidebodyWidebody · 16mm · No. 9 on this list9190$99.99
11Enhance EPP Turbo HybridHybrid · 16mm · No. 10 on this list9189$99.99
1211SIX24 Vapor Power 2Hybrid · 16mm9187$199.99
13Enhance EPP Turbo ElongatedElongated · 16mm9186$99.99
14Enhance MPP Turbo ElongatedElongated · 16mm9182$99.99
15Friday Aura Pro HybridHybrid · 16mm9181$152.10
16RPM Q2 Widebody 16mmWidebody9098$224.99
17Aireo Cyclone ElongatedElongated · 16mm9090$179.10
18Friday Aura Pro WidebodyWidebody · 16mm9089$152.10
19Enhance MPP Turbo ArmorGrit ElongatedElongated · 16mm9082$99.99
2011SIX24 Pegasus Power 2Widebody · 16mm8995$199.99
Show all 170
#PaddlePowerPopPrice, with code
21Luzz Pro 4 TornazoElongated · 16mm8971$206.10
22Ronbus Quanta Pro R3.16Elongated · 16mm8882$107.99
23Vulcan Dark MatterHybrid · 16mm8877$179.10
24Luzz Inferno FrozenElongated · 16mm8870$224.10
25CRBN TruFoam Barrage 4Hybrid · 14mm8786$206.99
26Honolulu J6CR Crystal BlueElongated · 16mm8785$175.50
27Pickleball Apes Charm XElongated · 16.5mm8777$116.99
28Honolulu J2CR Long Handle Crystal BlueHybrid · 16mm8690$175.50
29Ronbus Tenon R3.16Elongated · 16mm8664$152.99
30Thrive Fury HybridHybrid · 15.5mm8587$179.99
31Thrive Fury ElongatedElongated · 15.5mm8584$161.99
32Friday Aura HybridHybrid · 16mm8581$116.10
32Ronbus Tenon R4.16Hybrid · 16mm8581$152.99
34Luzz CannonElongated · 16mm8567$98.10
35JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mmElongated8564$149.95
36JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IVWidebody · 16mm8555$149.95
37Selkirk Boomstik WidebodyWidebody · 16mm8491$333
38Ronbus Quanta R3.16Elongated · 16mm8489$107.99
39Enhance MPP Turbo ArmorGrit HybridHybrid · 16mm8486$99.99
40Enhance DUO ElongatedElongated · 16mm8479$154.99
41Gearbox GX2 Power ElongatedElongated · 16mm8467$251.99
42Enhance MPP Turbo ArmorGrit WidebodyWidebody · 16mm8390$99.99
43CRBN TruFoam Barrage 2Widebody · 14mm8388$206.99
44Thrive SmokeElongated · 14.5mm8386$107.99
45Ronbus Tenon R1.16Elongated · 16mm8381$152.99
45Ronbus Tenon R2.16Widebody · 16mm8381$152.99
47Speedup Tide 14LElongated · 14mm8378$152.99
48Ronbus Quanta R1.16Elongated · 16mm8377$107.99
49Gearbox GBX Power ElongatedElongated · 16mm8369$116.99
50Gearbox Pro Ultimate ElongatedElongated · 16mm8338$134.99
51Enhance MPP Turbo HybridHybrid · 16mm8284$99.99
52Honolulu J6NFElongated · 16mm8276$175.50
53Honolulu J7NFElongated · 16mm8271$175.50
54Ronbus Quanta R4.16Hybrid · 16mm8269$107.99
55Honolulu J2CR Crystal BlueHybrid · 16mm8191$175.50
56Honolulu J3CR Crystal BlueWidebody · 16mm8186$175.50
57CRBN TruFoam Waves 3Elongated · 14mm8184$179.99
58Luzz ProBladz 2Elongated · 14mm8179$152.10
58Vulcan KyrgiosElongated · 16mm8179$179.10
60Franklin C45 Dynasty 14mmElongated8174$206.99
61Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0Elongated · 16mm8148$116.99
62Engage Axiom ElongatedElongated · 16mm8091$179.99
63GRUVN LAZR-16HD Solid FoamHybrid · 16mm8088$89.10
64Enhance MPP Turbo WidebodyWidebody · 16mm8085$99.99
65Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power ElongatedElongated · 14mm8040$134.99
66Ronbus Quanta Pro R4.16Hybrid · 16mm7985$107.99
67Volair CMD HybridHybrid · 16mm7982$161.99
68Selkirk OMNI ElongatedElongated · 16mm7979$300
69Diadem Edge BluCore ProElongated · 16mm7972$224.95
70Honolulu J2K+Hybrid · 16mm7970$150
71Holbrook Arma T MetallicElongated · 14mm7936$179.99
72Gearbox GX2 Power HybridHybrid · 16mm7882$251.99
73Speedup Tide 14HHybrid · 14mm7880$152.99
74Gearbox GBX Power HybridHybrid · 16mm7869$116.99
75Element 6 SurtrHybrid · 16mm7789$161.10
76Bread & Butter Loco StandardWidebody · 16mm7782$134.33
77Enhance DUO HybridHybrid · 16mm7774$154.99
77Honolulu J2NFHybrid · 16mm7774$175.50
79Honolulu J2NF Long HandleHybrid · 16mm7773$175.50
80Luzz Glider 2026Hybrid · 16mm7770$107.10
81Honolulu J2NFKHybrid · 16mm7768$175
82Pickleball Apes Charm SHybrid · 16.5mm7676$116.99
83Enhance DUO WidebodyWidebody · 16mm7488$154.99
84JOOLA Perseus 3S 16mmElongated7487$199.95
85Honolulu J2FC+Hybrid · 16mm7476$175.50
86JOOLA Perseus 3S 14mmElongated7396$199.95
87Selkirk OMNI WidebodyWidebody · 16mm7380$300
8811SIX24 Hurache-X Jelly Bean 2Elongated · 16mm7373$159.99
89Engage Pursuit Pro MXElongated · 12.7mm7367$116.99
90Engage ProFoamElongated · 14mm7350$122.39
91JOOLA Hyperion 3SElongated · 16mm7348$199.95
92JOOLA Kosmos Pro VHybrid · 16mm7287$299.95
93Ronbus Quanta R2.16Widebody · 16mm7277$107.99
94Volair SHIFT ElongatedElongated · 14mm7270$89.99
95Ronbus Quanta Pro R2.16Widebody · 16mm7197$107.99
96Maverix Havik 2Elongated · 15mm7181$157.49
97Honolulu J6FC+Elongated · 16mm7164$175.50
98PaddleTek Bantam TKO-CElongated · 12.7mm7089$179.99
99Aireo Cyclone X HybridHybrid · 16mm7087$179.10
100Honolulu J3NFWidebody · 16mm7080$175.50
101Pickleball Apes Pulse XElongated · 16.5mm7052$89.99
102Holbrook Arma TElongated · 14mm7046$179.99
103Vatic Pro V-Sol Pro V7Elongated · 16mm6994$99.99
104Ronbus Refoam R1.14Elongated · 14mm6963$89.99
105PaddleTek Bantam GTO-C 12.7mmHybrid6954$179.99
106JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 14mmElongated6893$149.95
107CRBN TruFoam Waves 4Hybrid · 14mm6884$179.99
108FLIK F3 ElongatedElongated · 16mm6879$89.10
109Chorus Phoenix HXHybrid · 14mm6870$44.99
11011SIX24 Ultré Jelly Bean 2Hybrid · 16mm6869$159.99
111Engage X2 ElongatedElongated · 16mm6866$179.99
112CRBN TruFoam Waves 1Elongated · 14mm6865$179.99
113Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0Widebody · 16mm6857$116.99
114CRBN TruFoam Waves 2Widebody · 14mm6784$179.99
115CRBN TruFoam Genesis 3Elongated · 14mm6759$179.99
116CRBN TruFoam Genesis 1Elongated · 14mm6720$179.99
117CRBN TruFoam Genesis 4Hybrid · 14mm6681$206.99
118Franklin C45 Dynasty 16mmElongated6674$206.99
119Vulcan White NoiseWidebody · 16mm6585$179.10
120PaddleTek Bantam GTO-C 14.3mmHybrid6562$179.99
121PaddleTek Tempest TKO-CElongated · 14.3mm6555$134.99
122RPM Q2 Widebody 14mmWidebody6492$224.99
123Maverix Havik 15 ProElongated · 15mm6481$107.99
124Volair SHIFT HybridHybrid · 14mm6468$62.99
125Honolulu J2KHybrid · 16mm6460$135
12611SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean 2Widebody · 16mm6372$159.99
127Honolulu J2Ti+Hybrid · 16mm6370$153
12811SIX24 Vapor Jelly Bean 2Hybrid · 16mm6366$159.99
129PaddleTek Bantam ESQ-C 12.7mmWidebody6365$179.99
13011SIX24 Vapor Alpha Pro PowerHybrid · 16mm6274$149.99
131Engage Pursuit Pro EXWidebody · 12.7mm6267$116.99
132Gearbox Pro Ultimate HyperWidebody · 16mm6147$134.99
133Maverix Havik 15 All CourtElongated · 15mm6137$98.99
134PaddleTek Bantam ESQ-C 14.3mmWidebody6031$179.99
135Gearbox GX2 Integra XLHybrid · 16mm5767$152.99
136Gearbox GX2 HyperWidebody · 16mm5642$152.99
137Bread & Butter Filth ElongatedElongated · 16mm5638$148.50
138Bread & Butter Filth HybridHybrid · 16mm5560$148.50
139Thrive AzulHybrid · 16mm5434$161.99
140Pickleball Apes Harmony VWidebody · 16.5mm5244$71.99
141Pickleball Apes Harmony XElongated · 16.5mm5243$71.99
142Selkirk SLK ERA Power WidebodyWidebody · 16mm5171$200
143Honolulu J2TiHybrid · 16mm5162$139.50
144Selkirk SLK Dauntless WidebodyWidebody · 16mm5070$150
145Selkirk SLK Dauntless ElongatedElongated · 16mm5058$150
146PaddleTek Bantam TKO-CX 12.7mmElongated49100$179.99
147Selkirk AMPED Pro Air InviktaElongated · 16mm4978$100
148Franklin C45 Tempo 16mmWidebody4930$206.99
149Franklin Parris Todd C45Hybrid · 13.25mm4874$206.99
150Chorus Shapeshifter EXElongated · 16mm4759$134.99
151PaddleTek Bantam TKO-CX 14.3mmElongated4566$179.99
152Franklin C45 HybridHybrid · 14mm4427$206.99
153Franklin C45 Tempo 14mmWidebody4332$206.99
154PaddleTek Tempest Wave Pro-CWidebody · 14.3mm4329$134.99
155Selkirk AMPED Pro Air EpicWidebody · 16mm4271$100
156GRUVN MUVN-16XElongated · 16mm4173$89.10
157Franklin FS Tour DynastyElongated · 14mm4115$134.99
158GRUVN MUVN-16HD Full FoamHybrid · 16mm4073$116.10
159CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2Widebody · 14mm3985$179.99
160Volair SHIFT WidebodyWidebody · 14mm3880$89.99
161Selkirk LUXX Control Air InfiniGrit InviktaElongated · 19mm3822$200
162Volair Mach 1 Forza 16mmHybrid3667$107.99
163Volair Mach 2 Forza 16mmWidebody3464$107.99
164Diadem Edge BluCore HybridHybrid · 16mm3372$179.95
165Volair Mach 1 Forza 14mmHybrid3067$107.99
166Holbrook Aero Metallic TElongated · 16mm1524$152.99
167Volair Mach 2 Forza 14mmWidebody868$107.99
168Volair Mach 2Widebody · 14mm563$62.99
169Vatic Pro PRISM FlashHybrid · 16mm559$89.99
170Franklin FS Tour Featherweight TempoWidebody · 12mm318$134.99

What makes a paddle powerful, and who should skip one

The core matters most. All but seven of the paddles I've tested with a power score of 85 or more have full foam cores, and so does every pick here. In widebodies, the typical full foam paddle scores far more for power than the typical honeycomb paddle, 77 against 49. In hybrids, full foam is clearly ahead for power, 79.5 against 63, and in elongateds it's 83 against 70 for power.

Shape matters less than you'd think. Six of my 10 picks are elongated, but the top pick is a hybrid, and the strongest widebody you can still buy, the EPP Turbo Widebody, is 9th. What the long shape really costs you is forgiveness. The six elongated picks have sweet spots from 38 to 74, and the three hybrids have sweet spots from 71 to 85. If you want the reach anyway, the Boomstik Elongated is the most forgiving of the elongated picks.

The trade for all this pace is control. The middle pick here scores 44 for control, far below the middle paddle I've tested, at 68 for control, and only the Zen S+ and the EPP Turbo Widebody are above that. Across every paddle I've tested with power 85 or more, the middle control score is 43. So if your points come from dinks, drops and resets, or you're still learning to keep the ball low, start with my control list or my beginners list.

Questions people ask

What is the best pickleball paddle for power?

The Pickleball Apes Zen S+ 16.5mm. Its power score of 100 out of 100 is the most of any paddle I've tested, and it's $169.99 with code STSPICKLEBALL. What makes it special is that it keeps a sweet spot of 85 out of 100, the biggest of any hybrid I've tested. If you want an elongated, the Luzz Inferno2 M1 hits about the same, at 99 for power.

Is a power paddle good for beginners?

Not usually. Four of the 10 picks here score under 30 for control, and a power paddle sends soft shots long until your touch catches up. A big sweet spot and a lot of control help a new player more. The 11SIX24 Pegasus Jelly Bean is first on my beginners list, with a control score of 95 and a power score of 36.

Can you get power and spin in one paddle?

Yes. The Ultré Power 2 measured 2,387 RPM, the most spin on this list, with a power score of 94. The Inferno2 M1 hits a little harder with about the same spin, but its control score of 25 is far below the Ultré's 58. Both are UPA-A only. With USA Pickleball approval, the Q2 Elongated gives you 98 for power and 2,374 RPM.

What's the most powerful paddle under $100?

Four Enhance Turbos tie at 91 for power, all at $99.99 with code STSPICKLEBALL, and pop breaks the tie. The EPP Turbo Widebody wins it with a pop score of 90, and the EPP Turbo Hybrid is right behind at 89 for pop, which is why they're ninth and tenth here. The widebody also has a clearly bigger sweet spot than the hybrid, so it's the one I'd get.

What's the difference between power and pop?

Power is the pace you get on a full swing, from my 20 serves. Pop is the pace off a short punch, from 20 punch volleys. A paddle can have one without the other. The Inferno2 M1 scored 99 for power and only 79 for pop, while the Boomstik Elongated scored 97 for power and 99 for pop. Pop wins counters and speed-ups, and power wins drives, serves and put-aways.

Close, but not on the list

Five paddles people ask about, and where they are instead.

  • Luzz Pro 4 Inferno 16mmLuzz Pro 4 InfernoIts power score of 94 puts it 7th in the full ranking, but Luzz replaced it with the Inferno2 M1, which is second here with a little more power.
  • 11SIX24 Vapor Power 2 16mm11SIX24 Vapor Power 2It ties the EPP Turbo Hybrid at 91 for power, and the Turbo wins the pop tiebreak. It's sixth on my Best of 2026 list and fourth on my hybrid list.
  • Enhance EPP Turbo Elongated 16mmEnhance EPP Turbo ElongatedIt also scores 91 for power, with a pop of 86, so it lands 13th in the full ranking. It's sixth on my advanced list and fourth on my under $100 list.
  • RPM Q2 Widebody 16mmRPM Q2 WidebodyIts power score of 90 is 1 point short of my tenth pick, and only three paddles I've tested have more pop than its 98 out of 100. It's fifth on my widebody list and tenth on my Best of 2026 list.
  • Honolulu J6CR Crystal Blue 16mmHonolulu J6CR Crystal BlueIts power score of 87 is 4 short of my tenth pick. It's first on my Best of 2026 list and first on my elongated list.

What changed

  • Rebuilt from my October 14, 2026 database after a live store check of every paddle. Paddles you can't buy anymore are gone.
  • The Zen S+ moves up from second to first. The Pickleball Apes Joy S+, which was fourth here on October 4, 2026, is gone, because Pickleball Apes no longer lists it.
  • The Luzz Pro 4 Inferno came off the picks, because the newer Inferno2 M1 is already second. It stays in the full ranking.
  • The Bread & Butter Loco Elongated comes in eighth, and the Enhance EPP Turbo Widebody and EPP Turbo Hybrid come in ninth and tenth.
  • I re-measured the Inferno2 M1's twist weight, which moved its sweet spot from 14 to 52 and its control from 8 to 25.

The close calls at the top

Each pick against the one ranked just below it. Tap one to compare every number.

Compare any paddles

My other best lists

Each one built for what you want more of.

Every paddle

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11SIX24 · Hybrid

Ultré Jelly Bean 2 review

My pick for spin players who play the soft game.

  • PowerB68
  • PopB69
  • SpinS99
  • Sweet spotB70
  • ControlB78

11SIX24 · Hybrid

Ultré Power 2 review

The pick for players whose drives and serves win them points.

  • PowerS94
  • PopA89
  • SpinS95
  • Sweet spotB76
  • ControlC58