The top thermoformed pickleball paddles on the market are constantly changing as new paddle companies are popping up each and every single day.
Paddles are coming in better and cheaper than ever as companies try to compete with the current array of options we already love.
That said, there are a handful of paddles that stand out at the top of the competition as some of the very best thermoformed options.
But, before we get ahead of ourselves, I do want to discuss what the thermoforming process is and what it can do to a paddle both positively and negatively.
What Is Thermoformed Of Pickleball Paddles?
The term thermoforming has been popularized by the pickleball paddle industry to generally refer to the manufacturing process of Generation 2 paddles. But in fact, thermoforming technically only includes processes where a plastic is heated up and formed into a desired shape. The foamed edge from Generation 1.5, which Generation 2 paddles also use, is thus thermoformed. More accurately, the manufacturing process that creates a Generation 2 paddle is hot press molding. All Raw Carbon Fiber paddles use hot press molding in their facesheet fabrication, Generation 1.5 paddles use hot press molding a second time for the foamed edge, but only Generation 2 paddles use hot press molding for the entire process. However, hot press molding is not unique to pickleball paddle fabrication; it has been a standard composite material manufacturing process for many decades.
This is a direct quote from Ronbus explaining the thermoforming process in Generation 2 paddles, which are what we're going to be breaking down in this list.
But next up what we want to address are some quick pros and cons that come from the thermoforming process.
Are Thermoformed Pickleball Paddles Good?
Yes, thermoformed pickleball paddles are incredible, but they do come with some pros and cons that all players looking to use them should know before purchasing.
Firstly, the thermoforming process and unibody construction of paddles will result in more powerful paddles, but that can sometimes also lead to a lot of pop off the face which in turn may lack control for some players that aren't used to that amount of power.
Secondly, the thermoforming process can lead to things like core crushing and delamination issues that result in paddles having a trampoline effect off the face and becoming nearly unplayable and damaged.
Many companies have begun changing up their process to fight against the delamination issues to some good success, but it is still important to note that it does happen.
That said, I am going to do my best to give this list of the top thermoformed pickleball paddles on the market by keeping it super diverse with a ton of different shape and handle options to make it more than just a list of all the top companies that have put out competitive products to one another that all follow a very similar spec sheet.
If you want more pickleball paddle reviews you can jump over there and find some of my top paddles choices or even take our Perfect Paddle Quiz to be placed with the best paddle for you!
Top Five Thermoformed Pickleball Paddles
The Top Five Thermoformed Pickleball Paddles
Number One: Volair Mach 1 Forza
The Best Of The Best (Power, Spin, Control, Price)
VOLAIR MACH 1 FORZA Specs:
PRICE: $180 ($160 with code "TheSlice")
GET 10% OFF WITH CODE "THESLICE": Click Here
MATERIALS: T700 Carbon Fiber with Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
SHAPE: Hybrid
THERMOFORMED: Yes
THICKNESS: 16MM or 14MM
WEIGHT: 8.0-8.2 oz
LENGTH: 16.5 in
WIDTH: 7.5 in
GRIP LENGTH: 5.5 in
GRIP CIRCUMFERENCE: 4.125 in
WARRANTY: 90 Days
The Volair Mach 1 Forza is currently my choice of the best thermoformed pickleball paddle on the market right now.
You can read my full Volair Mach 1 Forza Paddle Review if you want the full rundown, but this paddle does everything you could possibly want out of a paddle, without losing anything like other paddles.
For example, other thermoformed paddles can sometimes have control issues because of the power that comes from the thermoforming technology, but the Volair Mach 1 Forza comes in as one of the most powerful paddles while also finding the best range of pop that allows you to have a plush, soft feel for the control off the face of the paddle.
It also is one of the Kings Of Spin, coming in within the top three spin rankings among ALL paddles on the market, as well as being super aesthetically pleasing and coming in at a very competitive price point.
Volair sends you a full goodie box with the paddle that comes with an extra grip, paddle eraser, sticker and more - all for $180 $160 with code "THESLICE" - which makes it one of the most affordable paddles on the market as well.
The Top Five Thermoformed Pickleball Paddles
Number Two: Six Zero Double Black Diamond
A Close Second (And A LOT Of Players #1)
DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND Specs:
PRICE: $180 ($162 with code THESLICE)
GET 10% OFF WITH CODE "THESLICE": Click Here
THERMOFORMED: Yes
SHAPE: Hybrid
MATERIALS: Toray 700K Raw Carbon and Premium Honeycomb Polymer Core
THICKNESS: 14mm or 16mm
WEIGHT: 8.1 oz
LENGTH: 16.3 in
WIDTH: 7.5 - 7.7 in
GRIP LENGTH: 5.5 in
GRIP CIRCUMFERENCE: 4.25 in
WARRANTY: 120 DAYS
Next up on our list, at number two among the best thermoformed pickleball paddles, is the Double Black Diamond from Six Zero.
This paddle was my top choice among paddles for a long time before the Volair Mach 1 Forza came out and I truly think it has the same feel as the Mach 1 Forza in terms of being a thermoformed Gen2 paddle that can also fall into the control category while still putting out plenty of power.
You can read about all of my thoughts in my full Six Zero Double Black Diamond Paddle Review, but I'm echoing what I said about the Volair Mach 1 Forza, while this one comes in just below.
Six Zero has done a lot of work to make sure the delamination issues on these paddles has been improved, and the newer batches come in with a bit less power, in my opinion, while still feeling soft and controllable with super quick hand speed and maneueverability.
So if that all sounds awesome to you, then this one at the same $180 $160 with code "THESLICE" might be the best bet.
I know some people find this one to be softer and quicker - which are the reasons I believe you would choose it - while still knowing it comes in at the top among virtually every other category (power, spin, control and more - compared to other Gen2 thermoformed paddles).
The Top Five Thermoformed Pickleball Paddles
Number Three: Joola Scorpeus
A Best Thermoformed Control Paddle
JOOLA SCORPEUS Specs:
PRICE: $250 (Sometimes goes down to $215-225 on Amazon)
SHAPE: Wide Body
MATERIALS: Carbon Friction Surface with Reactive Honeycomb Core
THERMOFORMED: Yes
LENGTH: 16"
WIDTH: 8"
AVG. WEIGHT: 8.0 oz
GRIP LENGTH: 5.25-5.5"
THICKNESS: 14MM or 16MM
Coming in at number three among our top thermoformed pickleball paddles is the Joola Scorpeus paddle, which is Collin Johns signature paddle.
This one actually comes in at both the 16MM, which is going to be better for control, and also the 14MM, which is Anna Bright's signature variations - making it super versatile for the type of play style you prefer.
I really want to make this list as diversified as possible, which is why this one is coming in above a lot of the other thermoformed paddles on the market that essentially stick to the same exact specs with (almost the same as the first two options) with sightly different feel to them.
For that reason, this one is coming in, after also making it onto my list of the top five control pickleball paddles on the market, as the best wide face thermoformed option.
The Top Five Thermoformed Pickleball Paddles
Number Four: CRBN 2X
A Best Thermoformed Paddle With A Short Handle
CRBN 2X Specs:
PRICE: $229 ($206 with code "THESLICE")
GET 10% OFF WITH CODE "THESLICE": Click Here
SHAPE: Wide Body
MATERIALS: T700 Toray Carbon Fiber Surface with Polymer Core
THERMOFORMED: Yes
LENGTH: 15.75"
WIDTH: 8"
AVG. WEIGHT: 7.4-8.4 oz
GRIP LENGTH: 4.75"
THICKNESS: 16MM or 14MM
Coming in at number four on our list of the top thermoformed pickleball paddles is the CRBN 2X.
This one is similar to the Joola Scorpeus in the sense that it comes in with a Wide Body shape (and was also mentioned on our list of the top control paddles), but it is also one of the few thermoformed paddles that have a short handle length.
Most thermoformed options have anywhere from 5 1/4" handle length to 5 1/2", with a handful even moving up to the 6" length - but very few have a handle under 5" like the CRBN2X.
I also have our full review of the CRBN Power Series Paddles that you can read, but this is definitely a fun option to be able to consider adding to the mix.
The Top Five Thermoformed Pickleball Paddles
Number Five: Vatic Pro Flash or V7
The Best Inexpensive Thermoformed Paddles w/ Variations
VATIC PRO Flash & V7 Specs:
PRICE: $139 ($129 with code "THESLICE")
GET $10 OFF WITH CODE "THESLICE": Click Here
SHAPE: Flash Hybrid - V7 Elongated
MATERIALS: Raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber with Polymer Core
THERMOFORMED: No
LENGTH: Flash 16.3" - V7 16.5"
WIDTH: 7.5"
AVG. WEIGHT: Flash 7.7-8.2 OZ - V7 8.1-8.5 OZ
GRIP LENGTH: 5.3"
THICKNESS: Flash 14/16MM - V7 16MM
Coming in at number five on our list of the best thermoformed pickleball paddle are the Vatic Pro Flash and V7 paddles.
Vatic Pro has also launched their Vatic Pro Alchemy paddle that I reviewed on the site, but the Flash and V7 give you the option of an elongated paddle or a hybrid paddle with 5.3" handle length coming in at an incredibly competitive price of $139 $129 with code "THESLICE".
Vatic Pro is at the top of my list among paddle companies, and one that I continue to recommend players time and time again (and one you'll find at the top of several other lists on the site).
You can read my full Vatic Pro Flash Paddle Review, or if you prefer a heavier elongated paddle, then I'd recommend going with the V7.
That said, I can safely recommend either of the (or even the Alchemy) knowing I've had countless people extremely happy with their purchase of all of the options.
The Top Five Thermoformed Pickleball Paddles
The Top Five Thermoformed Pickleball Paddles - Runner Ups (Other Great Options, In No Specific Order):
- Joola Perseus (Elongated Ben Johns Version of Scorpeus - Available On Amazon)
- 11SIX24 YSF (Great Inexpensive Alternative - $110 with code "THESLICE)
- Ronbus Pulsar Series (One Step Below DBD and Mach 1 Forza - $150 with code "THESLICE")
- Hudef Viva Pro Gen2 (Awesome Inexpensive Elongated Option - $110 with code "THESLICE")
- Ace Club (New Paddle Coming to Compete with Vatic and Other Options - $99 with code "THESLICE")
The best thermoformed pickleball paddles are becoming more and more competitive, which is a great thing for pickleball players as it also means their are more companies popping up with paddle options at competitive price points and different variations that they're testing (like handle lengths, kevlar, and more).
I have my own personal favorites, like the Volair Mach 1 Forza, but I also love hitting with a lot of these other thermoformed options, including some within the runner up section that even make it into my personal competitive rotation.
I'm constantly looking for new paddles to test and add to our reviews, so if you have some favorites I haven't written about, don't hesitate to let me know in the comment section below.
