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Best Pickleball Paddles for Power (2026)
- Our top pick: JOOLA Perseus Pro V (14mm) 路 Check price on Amazon
- Runner-up: Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik (Elongated) 路 Check price on Amazon
- Also great: Six Zero Double Black Diamond 路 Check price on Amazon
Power comes from a few design choices: an elongated shape (about 16.5 in long) for leverage, a higher swing weight, a stiff carbon face, and a thermoformed or foam-walled frame. The trade-off is nearly always a smaller sweet spot and less touch at the kitchen. If you value soft game first, see our control paddles guide; if you want spin, see paddles for spin.
1. JOOLA Perseus Pro V (14mm)
Pros- Elongated 16.5 x 7.5 in thermoformed honeycomb build
- 14mm core gives quick, lively response
- 5.5 in handle leaves room for two-handed backhands
- Premium price
- Demands clean contact; less forgiving on mis-hits
2. Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik (Elongated)
Pros- 16mm foam core with T700 carbon face
- Long 5.8 in handle
- Selkirk limited lifetime warranty on the line
- Usually one of the priciest paddles you can buy
- Foam core feel is different from traditional honeycomb
3. Six Zero Double Black Diamond
Pros- Thermoformed build known for heavy pace
- Tuned to be more stable than many pure-power paddles
- Premium price
- Still a demanding paddle for newer players
4. Holbrook Fuze Elongated 14mm
Pros- 14mm dual-density foam core
- Textured carbon face
- Aims for power with more control than most power paddles
- Fewer places to demo one in person
5. Ronbus R3.16 Nova
Pros- Elongated 16mm thermoformed paddle at a lower price than flagships
- Raw carbon face
- Elongated balance is less forgiving off-center
Buying tips
- Beginners and players with arm pain should usually avoid hot power paddles; see our tennis elbow paddles guide.
- A 14mm core is livelier; 16mm adds stability and control.
- Lead tape at the top of the head adds power without buying a new paddle.
- Check that tournament paddles are on the current approved list.
Frequently asked questions
What is a power paddle in pickleball?
A paddle built to return more energy to the ball, usually through an elongated shape, a higher swing weight, a stiff carbon face and a thermoformed or foam-walled frame.
Are power paddles good for beginners?
Usually not. Power paddles tend to have smaller sweet spots and less touch at the kitchen. Beginners and players with arm pain are usually better served by a control paddle.
Is a 14mm or 16mm paddle better for power?
A 14mm core generally feels livelier and adds pop; a 16mm core adds stability and control.