The top paddles on the market right now

Our reviewers have tested them all. These are the ones that stand out.

May 29, 2026

 

Welcome to your one-stop shop for comparing options and deciding on your next pickleball paddle.

Our reviewers have tested the best paddles from the top brands in the game for hours on the court, sought feedback from pros and put together a comprehensive list to help you find the perfect paddle for your game. Below you’ll find what we believe to be the best paddles available right now.

In many cases, using code “KITCHEN” at checkout will get you the biggest discount. 👊🏻

1. JOOLA PRO V SERIES

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JOOLA has introduced a new “KineticFrame” in its new Pro V models, which was inspired by kick-point engineering in hockey sticks and golf clubs.

The design produces a motion that JOOLA engineers say delivers:

– Predictable & repeatable exit trajectory.
– Precise power (ie. the more you put in, the more you get out).
– Reduced launch-angle deviation.
– Faster snapback for rapid exchanges.
– Improved energy transfer efficiency.

2. RPM FRICTION PRO V2

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The RPM Friction Pro V2 is an updated version that offers more power and pop than the original Friction Pro while maintaining the Gen 3 feel that many high-level players prefer. The Friction Pro V2 currently comes in two models — a 16mm James Ignatowich signature paddle and a 14mm Ryan Fu signature paddle.

In an interview with The Kitchen, Ignatowich said he has moved to China to be at the factory where RPM paddles are made, which has allowed him to be very hands-on and make small tweaks that ultimately impact performance.

3. HONOLULU J6CR

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We think the Honolulu J6CR is the best “full foam” paddle on the market right now. The paddle features an intricate core design with multiple layers and cutouts that allows the paddle to absorb and transfer energy to the ball in a more controlled way.

It has more of a “pocketing” effect on contact compared to many other foam paddles, which makes it a breeze to shape the ball on shots from the baseline and flicks out of the air at the kitchen line. It also maintains the top-end power that full foam paddles have become known for over the past year AND it now comes with a longer-lasting grit on the paddle surface.

4. 11SIX24 POWER 2 SERIES

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With the release of the full-foam Power 2 Series, 11six24 introduced a new grit technology its calling “HexGrit.” The paddle face is very gritty to the touch, and the brand claims the HexGrit is more durable than raw carbon fiber and other grit technologies on the market.

So if you’re a player who likes the feel of full-foam paddles and want something with longer lasting grit (why wouldn’t you want that?), then this is a great option.

5. FRIDAY AURA PRO

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Over the past two years Friday Pickleball has transformed from a company known for its viral videos to a legitimate player in the performance paddle market.

The brand took the next step on that journey in early 2026 with the launch of their Aura and Aura Pro paddles.

The Aura Pro is a full-foam paddle that delivers great pop in hands battles and big power on full swings like drives and overheads. It features a rubber ring around the core that gives the paddle a slightly more plush/less harsh feel than a lot of other full-foam paddles, which helped us get a good feel for the ball on shots that require more touch. In that sense it is an upgrade from a lot of the foam options we saw in 2025.