Some people will call power players who only like to smash the ball "bangers", but I know tons of players who play an extremely effective aggressive game by using a power paddle.
So for this list I'm going to be breaking down the top five pickleball paddles for power - combing through all different categories and reasons why these specific paddles are my favorite options.
You can also take my Pickleball Paddle Quiz if you want to find the best paddle for you, or even go through some of the other pickleball paddle reviews and lists on the site, but this should give you the best breakdown if you're specifically looking for power paddles.
Be sure to read through each section to know exactly why the specific paddle is coming in the slot I'm putting in - for example categories like pure paddle, best all around power paddle that can also control the game, and best aggression - among others.
Without further ado, here are the best power paddles currently available for pickleball players.
Top Five Pickleball Paddles for Power
The Top Ten Pickleball Paddles For Power
Number One: Volair Mach 1 Forza
The Best Of The Best
PRICE: $180 ($161 with code "THESLICE")
SHAPE: Hybrid
MATERIALS: Raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber with Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
THERMOFORMED: Yes
LENGTH: 16.5"
WIDTH: 7.5"
AVG. WEIGHT: 8-8.2 oz
GRIP LENGTH: 5.5"
THICKNESS: 14MM & 16MM
The Volair Mach 1 Forza is one of, if not THE, best paddle on the market.
This paddle is The King Of Spin, while also being the best mix of power paddle and control from the Gen2 thermoformed paddles.
I'm placing this one at number one because you can still generate as much power as you'd ever need with this one, while still having less of a stiff and hard feeling when you get to your dink game.
You can read my full breakdown on our Volair Mach 1 Forza review.
The elongated 16.5 inches with hybrid shape and 5.5" handle allow for a combination of massive drives from the baseline with a less poppy face than you may be used to from "stiffer" Gen2 paddles - all with enough put away power whenever you need it.
There's a reason why this is my go-to paddle after hitting with TONS of different paddles.
While other paddles that might be geared towards more "pure" power on this list have the firmer feel and pop off the face of this paddle, this one feels the most plush without sacrificing the power - all while coming in nearly $100 cheaper at $180 $161 with code "THESLICE".
There are some other great brands that are trying to compete around this price range that offer codes of 10-15% off, but none that I can recommend as highly as the Mach 1 Forza.
The Top Ten Pickleball Paddles For Power
Number Two: Selkirk Power Air
The Best For All Around Aggressive Play
PRICE: $250 with This Link
MATERIALS: Hybrid Blend of Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber and Polymer Honeycomb Core
THICKNESS: 0.5 in
WEIGHT: 7.7-8.1 oz
THERMOFORMED: No
LENGTH:
S2 / Epic: 15.75 in
Invikta: 16.5 in
WIDTH:
S2 / Epic: 8 in
Invikta: 7.375 in
GRIP LENGTH:
Invikta/ Epic: 5.125 in
S2: 4.375 in
Coming in at number two on our list of the best pickleball power paddles is a paddle you probably knew you would be seeing when you came to this list: the Selkirk Power Air.
I spoke highly of the Power Air paddle(s) on my Selkirk Power Air review, but I did make specific mention to the fact that it is definitely an advanced level paddle that isn't generous in it's control.
If you're a beginner player that needs a forgiving paddle, than this likely isn't the one for you, but if you want a paddle that is great at being aggressive, than you've come to the right spot on this list.
This paddle excels at power, spin, and mobility - allowing you to create openings and take advantage of them after you've done-so, making sure you have the putaway power at the tip of your fingers.
This paddle is both poppy and powerful, so you do need to recognize that you'll need to dial it in a bit and get used to it, but if you're open to that, then this one is definitely at the top of the list in terms of power generators.
The Top Ten Pickleball Paddles For Power
Number Three: Prokennex Black Ace
The Best For Pure Power
PRICE: $250 ($225 with This Link)
DIFFERENT VARIATIONS: Pro, Ovation, XF and LG (Long Grip, White)
MATERIALS: T700 Carbon Fiber Face with Prokennex's Patented Kinetic System and Air-O-Guard System
SHAPE: Elongated
THERMOFORMED: No
THICKNESS: 10mm
WEIGHT: 7.95
LENGTH: LG & XF: 16.4" - Ovation: 16.1" and Pro: 15.8"
WIDTH: 7.5 in
GRIP LENGTH: LG: 5.6" - XF: 5.1" - Ovation: 5.4" - Pro: 5.3"
Coming in at number three among the most powerful pickleball paddles is our Prokennex Black Ace paddle.
The Prokennex Black Ace is similar to the Power Air in the way that it has a ton of different variations that mix up the sizes, handle length, and more - which should make it easy for you to choose the best style for you if you're looking for the best paddle for pure power.
When I say pure power, I mean it is similar to the Power Air in the aggressive play, but it's actually even harder hitting and poppier than the Power Air and the ball flys off the face of it.
That said, it could also take a bit more time to dial in the control aspect of this one, unless you're a player that is literally trying to speed up essentially every single ball that comes your way.
But if you're looking for power, this could be your answer.
The Top Ten Pickleball Paddles For Power
Number Four: CRBN 2X
The Best Short Handle Option
PRICE: $229 ($206 with code "THESLICE")
SHAPE: Wide Body
MATERIALS: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Face with Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
THERMOFORMED: Yes
LENGTH: 15.75"
WIDTH: 8"
AVG. WEIGHT: 7.8-8.1 oz
GRIP LENGTH: 4.75"
THICKNESS: 16MM or 14MM
At number four among our top power pickleball paddles we have the best short handle option among the power paddles, and that's the CRBN 2X Power Series paddle.
I loved both the CRBN 1X and the CRBN 2X Power Series and you can read my full thoughts on my CRBN Power Series Review, but I personally don't have them in my main lineup because they're a bit harder and poppier than I generally prefer.
But, in a category where you're specifically looking for pop and power, they shine.
The 2X variation is the one that makes our list being that it's one of the few Gen2 thermoformed paddles on the market with a handle length less than 5" and a wide body face.
You have the new Joola Scorpeus that is thermoformed and wide boy, but that one comes in over 5" (5 1'4 or 5 1/2" depending on how you measure), so for our power players that prefer a short handle, the CRBN 2X is going to be your best bet.
The Top Ten Pickleball Paddles For Power
Number Five: Six Zero Double Black Diamond
The Best For Power Mixed With Plush Soft Control
PRICE: $180 ($161 with Code "THESLICE")
SHAPE: Hybrid
MATERIALS: Japanese Toray 700K Raw Carbon Face with Honeycomb Polymer Core
THERMOFORMED: Yes
LENGTH: 16.3"
WIDTH: 7.5-7.7"
AVG. WEIGHT: 7.8-8.1 oz
GRIP LENGTH: 5.5"
THICKNESS: 14MM or 16MM
Last but certainly not least on our list of the top five power paddles in pickleball is our Six Zero Double Black Diamond.
The only reason this paddle doesn't take the number one slot and the Volair Mach 1 Forza gets it is because Six Zero made some changes compared to their original batch to protect us from delamination issues (which have been amazing, by the way), but that also led to the paddles being a bit softer.
BUT, if you're looking for a paddle that can generate ample power (much more than most, considering it's still Gen2), while still be soft and plush, than this one is at the top of the list.
Six Zero also has their Black Diamond paddle, which is technically their "power" paddle, and I have that one in our runner up category, but I personally prefer the Double Black Diamond for the best mix of power and control - and that's what causes it to make this list.
The other positive is the fact that you also can choose to grab the 14MM over the 16MM if you do want to go with a bit of a poppier option of the Double Black Diamond while still leaning a bit further into the control area.
The Top Five Pickleball Paddles for Power
The Top Five Pickleball Paddles For Power - Runner Ups (Other Great Options, In No Specific Order):
- Six Zero Black Diamond (Their Power Paddle)
- CRBN 1X or CRBN 3X (Their longer handle options)
- Vatic Pro Flash or V7 (Amazing price and quality power paddles)
- Ronbus R1 and R3 Pulsar (Use Code "RCSLICE" for $20 Off)
- ACE Diamond (Awesome Non-Thermoformed Option)
The best pickleball paddles for power come from a bunch of different brands, but many of which you're likely familiar with if you've read the site and know which ones stand out as some of the best on the entire paddle market.
There are certain brands that are really leading the way with their paddle technology, and their are plenty of options for the best power and aggressive play style - but it's important to know what type of paddle you are getting. Some paddles can still lean towards "All Around" paddles, while still generating plenty of power.
I'd love to hear from you if you've used some of the paddles on this list.
Which are your favorites? Are there any other you personally recommend?
