As a self-proclaimed banger, I love testing and reviewing powerful paddles, and I've played with them all. I know there's a ton to choose from, so that's why I've narrowed it down to help you decide.
The best power paddle on the market right now is the Holbrook Fuze – it hits super hard without sacrificing any control. Read on to find out which paddle is right for your game.
Best power paddles at a glance
Note: our discount codes may be subject to change when products are on sale. Check the final price at checkout.
Best overall
Our Rating:
1. Holbrook Fuze
No other paddle scores a 10 on power and control. The Holbrook Fuze is a foam hitter that drives like a cannon but still lets you place dinks with accuracy.
The Bread & Butter Loco hits hard and still lets you place the ball with the best accuracy. If you love to switch between dinks and putaways, it's incredible.
A plush foam paddle with crazy spin, the CRBN TruFoam Barrage is super-fast and powerful. If you want a premium, advanced all-court paddle, this is my recommendation.
The Friday Aura Pro scores a 9 on every single metric. Built with a foam core and priced at $159 (with our discount), it's a great power paddle for anyone on a budget.
If you want max spin and power above all else, the Boomstik is for you. A thunderous paddle with a surprisingly large sweet spot to make it more controllable.
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Before buying a paddle, it’s important to make sure it fits your game. That's why I created a 30-second quiz that recommends the best paddles for your play style and budget.
Give it a try and see if any of these power paddles make the list:
Find the perfect paddle
I've personally tested over 200 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
the Holbrook Fuze is the first paddle to score a 10 on both power and control.
You like that dwell-based power feel:
the Fuze has the type of power where the ball sits into the face and then trampolines off.
You play a fast game:
this flies through the air – very impressive for a 16 mm elongated paddle.
Pass if:
You want 10 out of 10 for spin:
the Selkirk Boomstik and B&B Loco generate the highest levels of spin with power.
You want pop-based power:
try the Honolulu J6CR for power that launches the ball off the paddle face.
You're on a budget:
you can save $35 with the Friday Aura Pro.
Power paddles usually trade in some control – you hit harder but lose precision on dinks and resets. The Holbrook Fuze is the first paddle I've played with that actually brings raw power with incredible touch to match. We've never scored a paddle 10 on both power and control until now. That's the simple answer for why the Fuze is our favorite power paddle right now.
The Fuze retails at $230, and our 15% discount code brings it down to $195.50. That's $58 less than the CRBN Genesis 4 and $138 less than the Selkirk Boomstik, and it outscores both on control and forgiveness. That's incredible value for an incredible paddle.
Holbrook achieved the power-control balance with their dual-density foam core. It creates a "trampoline" effect that generates serious pace on drives. Mine has real heat – I can push opponents off the baseline consistently. I'm surprised by how comfortable I feel dinking at the kitchen. The dwell time is long enough to shape the ball on touch shots.
It's consistent and very forgiving for a power paddle. If you want to pressure opponents with pace and still win the soft game, you'll like the Fuze. It doesn't make you choose between a power paddle and a control paddle.
Most power paddles make me second-guess my touch on soft shots. With the Fuze, I can roll a cross-court dink, reset from mid-court, then rip a drive on the next ball without changing anything about my approach. At just under $200 (with our discount), it's an excellent alternative to the top-tier JOOLA, Selkirk, and Gearbox paddles. If you want a power paddle you can trust on every shot – not just drives – this is my recommendation to you.
the ball launches off this paddle face with immediate pace.
You want a forgiving power paddle:
this isa rare paddle that doesn't sacrifice forgiveness for power – the large sweet spot means fewer mishits.
You like to play fast:
this is one of the quickest elongated paddles I've used – it flies through the air in hand battles.
Pass if:
You want more control:
the pop takes more work to rein in than a dwell-based paddle like the Holbrook Fuze.
You want maximum spin:
the Selkirk Boomstik and B&B Loco are the best spin paddles for bangers.
You need a paddle now:
the J6CR is currently on pre-order, so check out the other paddles here.
If you prefer pop-based power, the Honolulu J6CR is my recommendation to you. Despite it being on pre-order, I included it here for traditional bangers who want pop and speed. It's a beast of a power paddle at a great price.
Hint: what's the difference between dwell-based and pop-based power? Newer foam pickleball paddles (like the Holbrook Fuze) have a distinct feel called "dwell time", where the ball rests on the paddle face longer, letting you launch the ball off. Alternatively, with pop-based power paddles, the ball rockets off the face.
The J6CR comes in at $195, but our 10% code brings it to $175.50. That's almost half the price of the Selkirk Boomstik for a paddle that matches it on sheer aggression. You can lock in the price and discount now but you'll have to wait for delivery. If you can be patient, the J6CR's pop and forgiveness at this price aren't matched
The pop is immediate. I can end points on overheads and counters that normally take more effort. Drives arrive with pace that opponents don't expect, and speed-ups at the kitchen come off the face so hot that they're very difficult to return.
While the level of pop will make it difficult for some lower-level players to control, the J6CR does pair all that power with a large sweet spot. It's very forgiving for such a powerful paddle. Off-center hits still come off clean enough to keep you in the rally..
The CFC face (layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass) creates the pop-based power where the ball rockets off on contact. The multi-density foam core boosts durability, while the extra-long 6-inch handle makes two-handed backhands a breeze. This paddle is superbly weighted and I haven't needed to add lead tape to mine.
Nothing hits this hard at $175.50. Especially if you're a rising intermediate or advanced player and you want a mid-range weapon, this is my recommendation. The pre-order is the only reason not to buy it today. Lock in the price, wait for delivery, and you'll have a raw power paddle at a price that makes the Boomstik hard to justify.
You want a power paddle you can trust on touch shots:
the Loco plays like an elite control paddle that just happens to have explosive power.
You want awesome spin:
the super-gritty surface gets serious bite for spin generation – it makes my serves, speed-ups, and backhand flicks deadly.
You play with fast hands:
another rapid power paddle here – this light and balanced paddle is so speedy.
Pass if:
You want a more forgiving paddle:
the Holbrook Fuze has the most forgiving sweet spot on this list.
You want a longer handle:
try the super-long 6-inch handle of the Honolulu J6CR (the Loco's is 5.3 inches long).
You want pop above all else:
if you're not too concerned about control, try the poppy Selkirk LABS Boomstik or Honolulu J6CR.
If you don't want to choose between power and control, the Bread & Butter Loco is my recommendation. This is one of the best control paddles, but when you need to step things up, it's a weapon of a power paddle too.
The Loco retails at $200, but our 10% discount brings it down to $179.10. That's in the same range as the Honolulu J6CR. It stands out from that paddle as a more rounded all-court option. If you're an intermediate looking to advance your game, it'll give you all the control you need while introducing lots of aggression.
I went from playing 4.5 games to 5.0 the week I started using the Loco. The power was there whenever I needed to drive or put a ball away, but the control changed my game. I could commit to aggressive drives knowing the ball would land where I aimed, then switch to a soft dink and trust the paddle to absorb the pace.
The grit on the face is exceptional. I can load topspin on every drive and roll dinks with bite that keep opponents stuck. Forgiveness is the one area where you feel the tradeoff. The sweet spot is decent but not massive.
The balance ofcontrol and power comes from a 100% foam core with a powerful and spinny face (T700 raw carbon fiber and fiberglass layer). This is a durable paddle and after 20+ hours, the core shows no breakdown.
It's available in all three shapes too: elongated, hybrid, and standard. All are aerodynamically designed and wonderfully balanced. The short 5.3-inch handle may bother two-handed backhand players.
If you want a power paddle that still lets you play with precision, the Loco is worth checking out. At under $180 (with our discount), it's an excellent choice – especially as a paddle for intermediates players who want to progress fast without spending $250. Players of all skill levels can use it, from beginners (as long as they don't mind adjustment to a tighter sweet spot) to advanced players who want control plus power. This is one of the best pickleball paddles of the last year, hands down.
powerful, spinny, controlled, forgiving, balanced, and fast – the Barrage sweeps the board.
You want a durable paddle:
CRBN is one of pickleball's top brands – they're masters at carbon fiber tech and now foam cores too. This paddle is built to last.
You're a 4.0+ player:
this paddle rewards high-level players who can get the most out of its versatility.
Pass if:
You're a beginner:
if you want to save some money, why not start off with a paddle like the Friday Aura Pro?
You want max power:
the Holbrook, Selkirk, and Honolulu paddles hit a little harder than this.
Your budget is under $200:
the CRBN TruFoam series costs $252 (with our discount), so check out any other paddle (besides the $333 Selkirk).
If you want a premium advanced pickleball paddle with great power, check out the CRBN TruFoam Barrage. This differs from a more explosive raw power paddle like the Selkirk Boomstik – it's more rounded and plush, with a lot more control.
The Barrage is priced in the higher tier at $280. That's still less than the $333 Boomstik, and the good news is you can take the price down to $252 with our exclusive 10% discounts. What that money buys is premium foam, surface longevity, and durability that most cheaper paddles can't match over time.
The power comes from a reactive face. It doesn't have the Holbrook Fuze's dwell time, or the extreme pop of the Honolulu J6CR. It's more in between. The ball flies off it but not in a wild way that you can't control. It's exciting on drives and serves, with amazing spin. Dinks and resets are very reliable too, as it's a very controlled paddle with a nice sweet spot.
The stock weight is light and the paddle can twist on returns. I added lead tape on day one and the paddle locked in, staying stable and lightning-quick through fast exchanges. That's one of the reasons I wouldn't recommend it as a paddle for beginners.
The foam core plushness is balanced out by the thin 14 mm build that brings in more pop. CRBN's T700 raw carbon fiber face is of the highest quality and they're known for creating some of the best spin paddles. There are four shapes here: two elongated models (1 and 3), a square (2), and a hybrid (4).
Spending over $250 is a big decision when paddles like the B&B Loco and Honolulu J6CR are priced below $200. However, what you get with the CRBN TruFoam is a superior build quality with higher-end materials. It will last longer. CRBN also does a ton of R&D to design their paddles for optimal performance. You feel it in this well-rounded all-court paddle that has no real weaknesses. It's a gem for advanced players who want power and everything else too.
at just $159 (with our $10 discount), this is Friday's most powerful paddle.
You're a beginner or intermediate stepping up:
this is forgiving enough to learn with and powerful enough to grow into.
You want an all-court paddle:
you get an equally high level of power, spin, control, and forgiveness here – a real rarity.
Pass if:
You want maximum power:
the other paddles here all hit a little harder than this.
You're an advanced player:
the CRBN Barrage is an all-court paddle built for higher-end players (at a higher-end price).
You have a little more to spend:
the B&B Loco is worth the extra $10 – you get a bump in quality and performance.
The Friday Aura Pro scores 9 out of 10 in every category, which never happens at this price. Most budget power paddles sacrifice control or forgiveness to get their power number up, but not this one. It's a more premium paddle from top budget brand Friday, who made their name with some of the best budget paddles like the Friday Original and Friday Fever.
The cheapest paddle on this list, the Aura Pro retails at $169. Our exclusive $10 discount with Friday brings it to $159. A great price for a foam paddle.
Like the Holbrook Fuze, the power is generated through "dwell time". The ball lingers slightly before releasing, and drives carry pace without feeling wild. Serves land deep with topspin. Attacks out of the air have enough pop to put balls away while the spin makes them dip.
This is Friday's most powerful paddle, and a big step up from their older models that were too springy for higher-level play. The Aura Pro dials that energy back. The feel is more muted and controlled, and the ball goes where you shape it rather than bouncing off unpredictably.
There's a small adjustment on soft dinks – the foam grabs the ball and can pull it down slightly. However, once you calibrate, touch shots feel natural. The large sweet spot lets you swing with intent and trust that off-center hits still land in. That combination of power and forgiveness at this price is what separates it from paddles like the Luzz Pro Cannon.
The 16 mm core is made of dual foam, while the surface is T700 raw carbon fiber. You get three shapes (elongated, hybrid, and widebody) with a 5.5-inch handle. The weighting is balanced enough that my fellow reviewer Taylor Gervais, who is prone to injury, reported zero tennis elbow concerns.
$159 for a foam-core paddle that scores 9 across the board is hard to argue with. The Aura Pro works for beginners who want something they won't outgrow quickly, intermediates who want power and control without a big spend, and even advanced players who want a reliable backup. If budget matters and you don't want to compromise on any single category to save money, this is my recommendation to you.
Selkirk updated their famous InfiniGrit surface once again, and it's never been better – I can generate the best spin of any paddle with the Boomstik.
You want more forgiveness than some traditional power paddles:
the large sweet spot is a great touch, increasing your accuracy and punishing you less on off-center hits.
You want raw power:
the Boomstik blows people away with its pop and power – it's the benchmark for high-end power paddles.
Pass if:
You need more control:
try a paddle with a softer touch like the B&B Loco – it still has plenty of power when you need it.
You want to save $80:
the CRBN Barrage is an all-court power paddle for advanced players at $252 (with our discount).
You want a faster paddle:
the Boomstik isn't the quickest paddle – try the Holbrook Fuze and B&B Loco.
If you're a banger looking for the nastiest spin and the most explosive power on the market, the Selkirk Boomstik is my recommendation. No paddle tops it on pure power and spin generation.
At $333, this is a paddle for advanced players and those who are ready to invest in pickleball. For the money, you’re getting the best power and the latest and longest-lasting paddle tech.
The ball just launches off the paddle face whether you’re blocking, attacking from midcourt, serving, or driving. There’s more to love here. This is a next-gen foam paddle, improving long-term durability over Gen 2 and Gen 3 polypropylene paddles.
The foam core gives it a welcome touch on control shots, and the big sweet spot makes it a lot more forgiving than previous power paddles like the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air. You can lean into heavy, powerful shots without the risk of the ball sailing long.
Selkirk also enhanced their InfiniGrit surface and the Boomstik is one of the best paddles for spin. I can hit slices, dip my drives, and get heavy topspin so effortlessly. The extra-long 5.8-inch handle is awesome for anyone who hits two-handed backhands.
There's a Widebody model if you want a faster, more forgiving paddle. If you want the most power, get the Elongated model.
The Boomstik is a total knockout from Selkirk LABS. Made with the latest Gen 4 foam paddle tech, it brings a softer touch and more forgiveness to the traditional elongated power paddle. It manages to do so without losing even a touch of that raw power that bangers crave. If you want the most premium, hardest-hitting paddle with the best spin, invest in the Boomstik.
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How to choose the best pickleball paddle for power
I've tested over 200 paddles at this point – some good, some bad. While this list reflects my own honest opinions based on these testing sessions, I also made sure to consult plenty of other sources. I read reviews from both experts and customers to get a full perspective on what's available.
Here are some of the things I think are important when picking a power paddle:
Paddle size/shape
Elongated paddles (typically 16.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide) are usually the most powerful. As you'll see from my list, most of the paddles are elongated.
Paddle weight
You'd think that the heavier the paddle the more powerful it is, but that's not always true. Let's look at the rough weight categories for pickleball paddles:
Lightweight: 7.2 oz and under
Midweight: 7.3-8.3 oz
Heavyweight: 8.4 oz and over
The paddles on my power list average just over 8 oz in weight. In fact, they all fall in the midweight category. Lots of heavyweight paddles are powerful but tend to have a higher swing weight, meaning it can be harder to swing fast (which generates power).
The paddles I found the most powerful are often ones that have enough heft but still allow you to swing hard to get lots of power.
Surface material
Despite newer materials appearing on the scene (you can now find Kevlar paddles and titanium paddles), carbon fiber still seems to be the most powerful material. All the paddles on this list are carbon paddles, while some add a layer of fiberglass too for extra pop.
Carbon fiber helps to add spin but is also just a really strong and durable material, leading to reliable power.
Core thickness
This is one of the most important features in any paddle, so you'll often see it appearing prominently. Most paddles have a core thickness somewhere between 10 mm and 20 mm, with 14 mm and 16 mm being the most common.
Usually, a thinner core means more power and pop. So, a 14 mm paddle should have more bang than a 16 mm paddle. That's not always the case, though, and you'll see a mix on this list. That's why it's important to read reviews before you rush into buying a paddle.
Durability
Durability is always important. There's no point in having a powerful paddle that wears down quickly. Some paddles are known to start falling apart within months.
Make sure you're reading reviews and checking if the paddle you're about to buy is made from long-lasting materials. Durability is an important category in all of my reviews and something I factor in when making an overall assessment.
Price
The paddles on this list range from $159 all the way up to $333. The best budget choice this year is the Friday Aura Pro. It packs a punch for such a low price.
The Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik on this list is one of the most expensive paddles ever launched at $333, though it's not always the case that you get what you pay for.
How to add more power to your shots
Once you've bought the right paddle, consider these tips to help you generate more power:
Posture: most of the power in your swing comes from your legs. For starters, try standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Make sure you're standing tall with your chin up and chest out. As you swing, push your back foot forward, transferring the weight of your body to your front foot. This kind of hip rotation will put more force behind your shots.
Follow-through: make sure you're putting a lot of follow-through on your shots. Don't be afraid to take a big backswing too (but don't do this on your drops).
Spin: learning how to hit with topspin will give your shots more control. This allows you to swing harder and hit with more power.
Bottom line
We're really spoiled for choice with so many new and exciting power paddles right now. Newer brands keep appearing, and established brands are putting out top-quality offerings with crazy power behind them.
My favorite power paddle this year is the Holbrook Fuze. It's the only paddle that scores 10 on both power and control, so you can hit hard without sacrificing accuracy.
Here's a recap of my top six paddles for power players:
I've chosen the Holbrook Fuze as the new best overall paddle for power players, taking the top spot from the Selkirk Boomstik. The Boomstik is still a great pick if you want maximum power, but the Holbrook Fuze offers the balance of power and control that most players are looking for.
I've included some more picks in this update, including the Honolulu J6CR, CRBN TruFoam Barrage, and Friday Aura Pro. Read on for my deep dives.
FAQs
Position your feet shoulder-width apart and rotate your hips so that you're transferring power from your backfoot to your front foot. Then follow through on the ball.
Different paddles prioritize different things. Some try to be all-court paddles with a blend of everything. Some are more concerned with your touch game. Some are made for power. I classify a power paddle as any paddle that rates highly for drive and pop, and more than it does for control.
There really is. I've played with over 30 paddles this year and very few play similarly to each other. Some have great spin, some have high power, and some have excellent accuracy and control. Some paddles find the right blend of all three, some don't worry about that too much and focus on their main strengths.
Brandon is an avid writer and co-founder of Pickleheads™. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can now be found these days honing his dinks on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.
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