best pickleball paddles for power 2025

Best Pickleball Paddles for Power (2025) — Add More Pop to Your Game

Updated August 2025

If your game is built on big serves, baseline drives, and finishing volleys, you need a paddle that can keep up. In 2025, several paddles are specifically engineered to maximize power without completely sacrificing control. They’re great for aggressive players looking to add spin, speed, and stability to their shots.

This guide walks you through who should consider a pickleball paddles for power, breaks down the top models for power hitters this year, and helps you choose the one that suits your style, without guessing.

Who Needs a Power Paddle?

Do You Have a Power First Playstyle?

Whether it’s aggressive serves or speedy rallies at the kitchen line, power first players need paddles that deliver explosive response. If you naturally swing hard or come from a background in tennis or racquet sports, a paddle optimized for power can give you the leverage you’re already comfortable with.

Top Benefits of a Power Focused Paddle

Power paddles give you velocity and put-away potential with less physical effort. That means less swing fatigue and more punch behind every shot. They also help you generate spin more easily, which can enhance accuracy and control in fast exchanges.

Power vs. Control Paddles — What’s the Difference?

Control paddles typically have thinner cores, softer surfaces, and favor touch over speed. Power paddles are built with thick cores (16mm+), raw carbon or carbon fiber blends, and heavier weights. This usually leads to more drive and more response, though often at the cost of a softer feel.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Power in 2025

CRBN 1X PaddleRanked.com

CRBN-1X Power Series (16mm)

  • Why It’s Here: Designed for aggressive players demanding maximum performance, the CRBN-1X has a high mass 16mm polypropylene core with foam injection walls, a raw T700 carbon face, and a thermoformed edge. The result is dazzling pop, a consistent sweet spot, and supreme stability.
  • Specs:
    • Surface: T700 raw carbon fiber
    • Core: 16 mm polypropylene + foam injection walls
    • Weight: 8.1–8.4 oz
    • Shape: Elongated
Ben Johns Hyperion PaddleRanked.com

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16

  • Why It’s Here: This paddle is built for spin first aggressors. The Carbon Friction Surface grips the ball and hooks spins immediately. The reactive honeycomb core amplifies pop and provides consistent drive across the face.
  • Ideal for: Intermediate to pro players wanting a blend of spin and speed.
  • Specs:
    • Surface: Carbon Friction Surface (CFS)
    • Core: Reactive polymer honeycomb
    • Weight: ~8.2 oz average
    • Shape: Elongate
Selkirk Sport Vanguard PaddleRanked.com

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta

  • Why It’s Here: Selkirk’s most powerful paddle yet. Featuring a hybrid quad carbon + fiberglass surface and Air Dynamic Throat polymer, this paddle delivers effortless acceleration. Despite aerodynamic cutouts, it remains frame stable and powerful.
  • Specs:
    • Surface: QuadFlex hybrid (carbon + fiberglass)
    • Core: Air Dynamic Throat polymer
    • Weight: 7.9–8.3 oz
    • Shape: Invikta elongated
Electrum PaddleRanked.com

Electrum Model E Elite

  • Why It’s Here: With a gritty, textured carbon face and thermoformed structure, the Electrum Elite delivers power and spin with surgical precision. A perfect pick for players who like to hit deep and place shots aggressively.
  • Specs:
    • Surface: Raw carbon fiber
    • Core: 16 mm polypropylene + foam walls
    • Weight: 8.0–8.3 oz
    • Shape: Elongated
Gearbox Pro Power E PaddleRanked.com

Gearbox Pro Power E (14mm)

  • Why It’s Here: Built for speed and durability, the Gearbox Pro Power E uses SST solid core tech and a sleek, edgeless design. It’s lighter than some power paddles but still delivers explosive response and pop.
  • Specs:
    • Surface: 3K woven carbon fiber
    • Core: Solid Span Tech (SST)
    • Weight: ~8.0 oz average
    • Shape: Elongated (E)

How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle for Power

Weight and Swing Momentum

Most power paddles weigh 8.0 oz or more. That weight helps drive the ball deeper and faster, but balance matters too. Head heavy paddles feel more powerful, but they may tire your shoulder faster. Look for elongated shapes with even weight distribution.

Surface Material (Carbon vs Fiberglass)

Raw carbon fiber surfaces are ideal. They grip the ball and allow spin, adding explosiveness to drives. Some hybrids that add fiberglass for pop can also work. Avoid plain fiberglass alone if you want more controlled power.

Core Thickness and Paddle Shape

Thicker cores (16 mm+) add dwell time and stability—and elongated shapes maximize leverage. But they can be less forgiving near the handle. Choosing a core thickness and shape that matches your comfort zone is key.

Grip Size and Handle Length

A firm but comfortable grip is important. Too small and you lose control on power swings. Too large and you add tension. For power paddles, a 4.25″ grip is the most common. Some players prefer 4.5″ if they need more control or comfort.

Final Thoughts — Is Power Worth the Tradeoff?

For Singles? Almost Always.

Power paddles shine in singles where angled drives and deep baseline strikes decide points. Pairing speed with control lets you dominate the baseline.

For Doubles? Pair Power With Control

In doubles, mix a power paddle with a balanced or control paddle among your partners. One player handles put-aways and serve returns; the other sets up from the kitchen line.

Consider Hybrid Options If You Want Both

If you’re not sure whether you’ll commit to power or touch, paddles like Electrum Model E or Hyperion CFS offer a middle path: strong motor with just enough softness to stay consistent at the net.


FAQs — Pickleball Paddles for Power

What makes a pickleball paddle powerful?

Larger paddle weight (8.0 oz+), raw carbon surfaces, elongated shape, and thick cores all contribute to increased drive and put-away force.

Are heavier paddles better for power?

Yes, heavier paddles increase swing momentum, resulting in more power, particularly when combined with a carbon fiber surface.

Can you still get control with a power paddle?

Absolutely. Paddles like CRBN-1X and Electrum Elite are engineered to balance power with ball placement thanks to thick cores and textured faces.

What is the best paddle for power and spin?

The JOOLA Hyperion CFS and CRBN-1X both deliver exceptional spin and pace, making them top picks among competitive players.

Is fiberglass or carbon fiber better for power?

Fiberglass paddles have extra pop, but raw carbon fiber gives you durability, spin, and refined feel, making it the preferred choice in modern power paddles.

Which pickleball paddles hit the hardest?

The Selkirk Power Air Invikta and Gearbox Pro Power E are two of the hardest hitting paddles available in 2025.

Should beginners use power paddles?

Possibly. Soft players might benefit from added pop, but those still developing control may struggle with consistency until they develop better touch.

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