I tested 17 pickleball paddles from $99 to $250. Here's what's actually worth your money and what disappointed.MY TOP PICK:RPM Friction Pro - My current main paddle. Best playing Gen 3 I've tested despite the $249 price tag.BEST VALUE:Vatic V-Sol Pro - $99 with code MPB. Add 9 grams of weight and it competes with paddles twice the price.BIGGEST SURPRISE:Element 6 Zephyr - $125 with code MPB. Solid stability right out of the box.DISAPPOINTMENTS:Diadem Edge BluCore - Can't justify $250 when better options exist for less.Flik Falcon 13mm - Too head-heavy and unforgiving for my game.ADIDAS IS BACK:ADIPOWER PRO Edition - Three models at $189. ATTK 14mm is my pick but replace the stock grips.All paddles include Pickle Poppers, Gherkin Wraith, Vatic V-Sol Pro & Power, and more. Use code MPB for discounts.Links and full specs at mattspickleball.comSponsored by Bodhi Pickleball - Code MPB saves 15% at bodhipickleball.com
James Ignatowich is one of the most dynamic players in pro pickleball and now one of the boldest entrepreneurs in the game. In this episode, we cover his transition from college tennis to the PPA Tour, his decision to part ways with Selkirk, and the launch of his own brand, RPM Pickleball.We dig into what it takes to engineer a paddle that can compete at the highest level, the trade-offs between foam and honeycomb cores, and how today’s paddle innovation could reshape the sport in the years ahead. James also shares how he balances the demands of being a full-time pro with building a startup from scratch.Also, apologies for the audio quality. We had some technical difficulties.
You don't need to spend $250-300+ to get serious paddle performance. I'm breaking down the best paddles you can get around $150 or less in 2025 - and these aren't budget alternatives, they're premium paddles at honest prices.
Featured Paddles:
Also Covered:
Whether it's Gen 3 foam-enhanced construction or full Gen 4 foam cores, these paddles pack the same materials and engineering you'd find in much pricier options. Turns out you can build premium gear without the premium markup.
I tested 13 paddles across three different construction categories to see how each generation performs in 2025. From traditional Gen 1 builds to cutting-edge foam-core technology, this comparison reveals which approach delivers the best value and performance.
Paddle lineup by construction:Foam-Core: Ronbus Refoam ($179), Selkirk Boomstik ($333),J2NF Long HandleGen 3: Thrive FURY ($180)Pickleball Apes Harmony ($162)Sypik Triton 3 ProGen 1: Revolin Torch
First impressions of Selkirk’s new Boomstik power paddle, plus deep dives on the GX2 Power, CRBN Genesis 4, Enhance Pickleball Gen 4.5, Wild Thang, and two standout pickleball shoes from Solase and PB5Star.
$99 vs $280 – Can the Vatic Pro V-Core really compete with the new TruFoam Genesis 4 Hybrid? In this review, I test six new pickleball paddles that are shaking up the game in 2025. From foam-core tech to thermoformed Gen-3 builds, I share real on-court results and which ones are actually worth your money. This is episode 17 of the Matt's Pickleball Podcast (formerly, "Paddle of the Week!")
Creator. Competitor. Culture shaper. In this full-length interview, Pickleball Will gets real about his family’s refugee story, quitting his job at 31, finding pickleball during COVID, and building a voice in the sport through honest gear reviews, podcasting, and building a community of pickleball in Oklahoma. We go deep on burnout, brand deals, identity, and what’s next.If you’ve followed Pickleball Will—or you’re curious about the grind behind content creation, the state of pickleball paddles, or what it means to shape community from the inside—this is the episode.
5 new pickleball paddles go head to head in this episode of Paddle of the Week. I played the Gearbox GX2 Power, Selkirk SLK ERA Power, the powerful Element 6 Surtr, and both the Avoura Revaya and Rivelle Gen-1 models.
💵 Planning to grab one of these? Use code MPB (or INF-MPB at Selkirk) to save at checkout.
2 standout paddles. 1 unforgettable tournament.
Matt breaks down a Gen 3 carbon power build and his favorite foam-core paddle to date from Honolulu Pickleball (the J2NF)—plus gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creator-packed Nerdy Tourney in Vero Beach.
Could the new Bread & Butter prototypes be the next big thing?
In this week’s Paddle of the Week, it’s foam vs. firepower in one of the most loaded episodes yet! I test two game-changing foam-core paddles—MUVN GRUVN Foam and the Honolulu Pickleball NF Series—the J2NFT, J2NFL, and J2NFK—up against powerhouse builds from Franklin C45 Dynasty and Holbrook ARMA Metallic T. If you’ve been wondering how foam stacks up against Gen 3 thermoform beasts, you’re about to get answers 🧠💥
Ronbus just dropped the V2 Ripple series. Holbrook’s new ARMA line is making noise. I tested both—plus the Engage Pro1 Innovation and an unreleased power paddle prototype. Spin, power, stiffness, control—it’s all here.
In Episode 11, I dig into six new products: the high-spin Volair V.1F Hybrid, Franklin’s reworked C45 Dynasty and Tempo paddles, the surprisingly solid $99 Friday Fever, the ADV Pickleball Pro Bag, and the FOCOS performance glasses from Brioti. One paddle needed tuning. One blew past expectations.
🧠 Paddle Finder: https://www.mattspickleball.com/pickleball-paddle-finder
📊 Paddle data + rankings: https://www.mattspickleball.com
💬 Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/GrWNZY2EN2
💸 Save with code MPB at checkout on featured gear
4o
Four paddles. Three brands. No clear winner—yet.
In Episode 10 of Paddle of the Week, I put the newly updated Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta 2.0, two all-foam Selkirk Labs Project 008 paddles, and Franklin’s new C45 Dynasty Elongated 14mm and 16mm builds through match play, drills, and league nights. You’ll get actual performance numbers—spin RPM, punch volley speed, serve speed—as well as real on-court feedback.
Want help choosing your next paddle? Try the Paddle Finder at https://fit.mattspickleball.com. It gives tailored recommendations based on how you play—not just what’s popular. You can also filter by swing weight, shape, spin, and other specs that matter. Over 225 paddles are already in the system.
All the paddles in this episode are linked below (with savings codes):
– Selkirk LUXX Control Air Invikta 2.0 (use code INF-MPB)
– Selkirk Labs Project 008 Maxima + Invikta (use code INF-MPB)
– Franklin C45 Dynasty 14mm + 16mm (use code MPB)
Want behind-the-scenes looks and early paddle impressions? Follow on Instagram @mattspickleball.
Got questions about weighting, paddle shape, or tuning? Drop them in the comments—I answer every one.
What do a Gen 3 foam prototype, a $149 Franklin paddle, a thermoformed Kevlar build, and one of the most stable standard shapes I’ve tested all have in common? They’re all in this week’s lineup.
Welcome to Episode 9 of Paddle of the Week. Each paddle got full court time—drills, match play, and league nights. I focused on real-world performance: feel, power, pop, spin, balance, and more.
Want help finding your next paddle? Use the Paddle Finder at https://fit.mattspickleball.com. It’s free—no email, no spam. You answer a few quick questions and get paddle recommendations based on actual test data. If you're still stuck, reach out—I'm happy to help.
Paddles featured this week:
– TMPR Nimbus
– Bread & Butter Filth Standard 16mm
– Franklin FS Tour Dynasty 14mm
– Honolulu Pickleball J2FC+ (prototype)
Use code MPB at checkout to save on most paddles featured here.
Want behind-the-scenes updates, early impressions, and quick takes? Follow me on Instagram @mattspickleball.
Thanks for watching.
In Episode 8 of Paddle of the Week, we go deeper—not wider. I tested six paddles and one pair of true pickleball shoes across drills, league play, and high-intensity games to find what actually performs when it counts.
The standout? The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2. Not the flashiest paddle, but maybe the most well-rounded foam-core paddle I’ve tested yet.
🔍 What’s covered:
HEAD Motion Pro BOA Pickleball Shoes — Dual BOA lacing, court-specific traction, high stability.
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL — Dead-quiet, ultra-stable, and unlike anything else on the market.
Gearbox Pro Power Integra 8.1 — A deliberate bruiser that rewards clean swings without chaos.
Chorus Supercourt EX — $119 paddle punching in the elite spin class. Legit value.
JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV 16mm — Dense, stable, widebody control with excellent balance and feel.
Selkirk Labs Project 008 10mm — A full foam paddle that’s fast, firm, and fully modifiable.
CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 — Foam-core done right. Forgiving, spin-friendly, and deceptively powerful.
💬 Use code MPB to save on most gear featured in this episode.
🛠 Paddle Finder: https://fit.mattspickleball.com/
📬 Sign up for the newsletter for early test insights & exclusive drops
📸 Follow behind the scenes: Instagram @mattspickleball
💬 Chat gear with others in the Matt’s Pickleball Discord (link below)
Paddles Featured:
Gearbox GX2 Integra XL
Gearbox Pro Power Integra 8.1
Chorus Supercourt EX
JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV 16mm
Selkirk Labs Project 008 (10mm)
CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 — Paddle of the Week
Bonus Gear:
HEAD Motion Pro BOA Pickleball Shoes
This one’s for the real players—if you care about stability, shape, build quality, and subtle differences in how paddles load and release energy, you’ll find something here.
Which paddle are you testing right now? Drop it in the comments and let me know what should make the cut next week.
Episode 7 is here—and this week, we’ve got a clear Paddle of the Week winner: the Gherkin Nightshade Elongated 14mm. It’s not just about spin or power—it’s about balance, control, and that rare “just right” feel that works at any tempo.
But that’s not all. I tested 8 different paddles across 6 brands—plus a pickleball-specific shoe that surprised me with how well it’s holding up.
🔹 Here’s what we cover:
SQAIRZ Pro XRZ Shoes — Purpose-built design, serious traction, wide toe box, and subtle performance details that actually matter.
Vatic Pro Saga Flash & V7 14mm — Faster, lighter, crisper than the 16mm Saga. These new thermo builds are all about hand speed and pop—without head heaviness.
Avoura Rhapsody 13 — Gen 1 simplicity done right. Ultra-maneuverable, plush, and consistent—like a stock paddle version of my Alpha 1 mod.
JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV (14mm & 16mm) — Gen 3 thermoform in a shorter, wider format. More lateral forgiveness, faster response, and excellent stability.
11SIX24 Hurache-X Lineup (Jelly Bean, All-Court, Power) — Same mold, three feels. Pick your layup, keep your swing. Each one plays completely different.
Gherkin Nightshade Elongated 14mm — Clean, stable, and shockingly composed for a 14mm. At $120, it’s the best value of the week—and the clear winner.
🔧 Use code MPB to save on most gear featured in this episode.
🧠 Need help picking the right paddle?
Try the Paddle Finder at www.mattspickleball.com — No email. No fluff. Just data-backed recommendations.
📩 Want early test insights and paddle drops? Sign up for the newsletter at mattspickleball.com.
📸 For first impressions, B-roll previews, and unreleased thoughts, follow @mattspickleball on Instagram.
💬 Join the Matt’s Pickleball Discord — new, free, and open to anyone who wants to dig deeper into gear.
Paddles Featured:
Vatic Pro Saga Flash 14mm
Vatic Pro Saga V7 14mm
Avoura Rhapsody 13
JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV 14mm
JOOLA Scorpeus Pro IV 16mm
11SIX24 Hurache-X Jelly Bean
11SIX24 Hurache-X All-Court
11SIX24 Hurache-X Power
Gherkin Nightshade Hybrid
Gherkin Nightshade Elongated 14mm — Paddle of the Week
See you in Episode 8.
Episode 6 of Paddle of the Week is here—and this time, I’m not naming a winner. After a full week of paddle testing across 13+ builds, nothing stood out enough to take the crown. But that doesn’t mean it was a wasted week—far from it. This episode is still packed with analysis.
Here’s what I cover:
Diadem Warrior BluCore: First look at the Standard 14mm and Max 16mm. EPP foam core, unique feel, and serious speed—but a frustrating edge guard for modders.
Gearbox GX2 Hyper: The stealth standout. One of the quietest, most composed paddles I’ve tested. Sneaky power, elite build, and incredibly refined.
Bread & Butter Filth Hybrid: Same guts, new shape. More maneuverable and more forgiving than the original. Solid evolution.
Gladiator Advanced II: Lightweight and fast—but unstable and overpriced. Twist weight issues make this one hard to recommend right now.
JOOLA Hyperion IV 16mm: More aggressive than the Perseus IV. Clean feel, solid spin, and a balance that favors quick attacks.
JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm: Still trending upward for me. Predictable, composed, and the one I’d use if I had to compete today.
Honolulu J2K: The paddle I reach for when I need to reset. It centers my game when testing overload kicks in.
Proton Flamingo: Still in the mix. Still earning court time. And yes, still back again.
Revolin Drift Series: Flax and basalt fiber face? Yup. Plush, quiet, arm-friendly—and made in the USA. The Drift Pure and Drift Reach both impressed.
🔥 Why no Paddle of the Week?
Because nothing earned it. The bar is high—and I’m not dropping picks just to keep the streak alive. When the right one shows up, you’ll know.
👉 Need help choosing a paddle?
Try the Paddle Finder at www.mattspickleball.com
It’s free, fast, and based on real testing—not marketing fluff.
📲 For early impressions and behind-the-scenes updates, follow me on Instagram: @mattspickleball
💬 Questions or testing requests? Drop them in the comments.
🛠️ Support the channel: Use code MPB to save on most featured brands.
Paddles featured this episode:
Diadem Warrior BluCore (Standard 14mm, Max 16mm)
Gearbox GX2 Hyper
Bread & Butter Filth Hybrid
Gladiator Advanced II
JOOLA Hyperion IV 16mm
JOOLA Perseus Pro IV 16mm
Honolulu Pickleball J2K
Proton Flamingo
Revolin Drift Pure & Drift Reach
See you in the next one.
This episode of Paddle of the Week goes deep—not wide. I’m talking about fewer products with more substance, including the Gearbox GX2 Hyper (my Paddle of the Week), JOOLA Hyperion IV 16mm, Proton Flamingo, and the new recovery kit from Yobow. I also break down standout paddles like the Gherkin Nightshade Hybrid, Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper, and revisit the Tecnifibre TF Select 15mm after more court time.
If you’re looking for gear that actually performs—not just what’s trending—you’ll get real-world testing insights, performance metrics, and my unfiltered take on what belongs in your bag.
Try the free Paddle Finder tool → www.mattspickleball.com
Follow on Instagram for early impressions → @mattspickleball
Subscribe to the newsletter for behind-the-scenes updates.
Support the channel and get discounts with code MPB at checkout when available.
Covered in this episode:
Gearbox GX2 Hyper (Paddle of the Week)
JOOLA Hyperion IV 16mm
Proton Flamingo
Gearbox Pro Ultimate Hyper
Gherkin Nightshade Hybrid
Tecnifibre TF Select 15mm
Yobow BAK PAK+ recovery kit
Let me know what gear you’re using or want me to test next—DMs and comments are always open.
After a week of sun, sweat, and way too many paddles in Mexico, I’m back with Episode 4 of Paddle of the Week—and this one is stacked. The surprise standout? The Tecnifibre TF Select 15mm. It wasn’t even on my radar to win, but the confidence it gave me at the net and from the baseline sealed the deal. Plus, the Gearbox GX2 paddles nearly took the top spot and are some of the most unique feeling paddles I’ve tested lately.
Also in this episode:
Standout CF4 – consistent all-court performance with punchy control
Rev Zeus – dense, powerful, no-nonsense Gen 3 build at a fair price
Pickleball Apes Pulse X – plush, smooth, with Kevlar/Nylon control feel
Element6 Fuego 14mm – punchy 14mm weapon, but swing weight warning
Mark Pickleball UnMARKeD – mid-plush Gen 2 build with a forgiving face
Gearbox GX2 Elongated & Integra XL – SST Carbon Rib Core = plush and punchy
Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power 14mm – massive swing weight, serious power
11SIX24 Vapor Power – one of the best power paddles at its price point
JOOLA Pro IV 14mm vs 16mm – the 14mm is creeping up my go-to list
🔥 Paddle of the Week: Tecnifibre TF Select 15mm — controlled, confident, and flat-out fun to play with.
I break down swing weights, twist weights, serve speed, punch volleys, and spin performance for each paddle—and where they shine (or fall short) in real play.
🎯 Want paddle help? Use the Paddle Finder: www.mattspickleball.com
📲 Follow daily paddle testing: @mattspickleball
💬 Drop your paddle requests or questions in the comments
🛠️ Support the channel: Use code MPB when buying from most featured brands
Paddles in this episode:
Tecnifibre TF Select 15mm (🏆 Paddle of the Week)
Gearbox GX2 Elongated & Integra XL
Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power 14mm
JOOLA Pro Perseus IV 14mm & 16mm
Standout CF4
Rev Pickleball Zeus
Pickleball Apes Pulse X
Element6 Fuego 14mm
Mark Pickleball UnMARKeD
11SIX24 Vapor Power
Let me know what paddles you want to see next. See you in Episode 5.
Welcome to Episode 3 of Paddle of the Week. This week’s lineup is deep, diverse, and packed with paddles I’ve been playing, tweaking, and retesting—including two JOOLA Perseus Pro IV paddles that couldn’t feel more different. The 16mm version earns Paddle of the Week honors for its balance, spin, and control-focused power, while the 14mm version brings the heat with speed and explosiveness.
Also in this episode:
Honolulu J2K – my go-to paddle for league play this week when I needed control and finesse
Thrive Smoke – powerful, stable, but still a beast to handle in fast hands exchanges
Franklin C45 – three weeks in and still going strong with that tuned-up hybrid power
Standout Pickleball CF4 – balanced, fast, and dangerous once you dial it in
Proton Flamingo – punchy, head-light, and one of the most fun power paddles I’ve played
JOOLA Pro IV 14mm – dense, quick, and built for offensive players
I break down spin, power, sweet spots, swing weights, and how each paddle handled in real games and drilling sessions.
🛠️ Need help finding your next paddle? Use my Paddle Finder → www.mattspickleball.com
🎾 Daily paddle talk → @mattspickleball
📬 Newsletter = behind-the-scenes testing notes, early picks, and more
💸 Most paddles featured here have a discount code — use MPB at checkout whenever it applies to save and support the channel.
Paddles covered this week:
JOOLA Perseus IV 16mm (🏆 Paddle of the Week)
JOOLA Perseus IV 14mm
Proton Flamingo
Franklin C45 14mm
Honolulu J2K
Thrive Smoke
Standout Pickleball CF4
Let me know which ones you want to see more of in a future episode!