The state of power in pickleball

It’s becoming a tradition here at Rackets & Runners to sit down every spring and assess the state of power in pickleball. As the game has evolved, power has become an integral part of the sport, so naturally, many players look for the most powerful paddles.

This time last year, Gen 3s dominated, but things have changed since then. Brands started releasing Gen 4 paddles and they have become the dominant force for power. Even more interesting is that, after almost half a decade of rapid technological developments, pickleball seems to have finally reached a point of stability; a sort of “status quo”. Gen 4s are the future, and the next developments will be less “revolutionary” and more about ironing out certain issues.

I believe this stability is actually a massive win for us players. When development happens too quickly, attention to detail is overlooked, and now that the industry has settled, brands can focus on perfecting what is clearly a winning formula.

What makes a good power paddle?

While I still maintain that honeycomb paddles work better for certain playstyles, it is hard to argue against the fact that full foam is an overall improvement, especially in terms of power.

Foam paddles have much bigger sweet spots than honeycomb paddles. While a big sweet spot isn't always better (I’ll explain this further in a future video), bigger sweet spots do provide a competitive advantage in the power game. A larger sweet spot minimizes the drop-off in energy when you make contact off-centre, so in fast-paced hands battles, when you don't necessarily have time to make perfect contact, they produce a more powerful ball on average.

Durability is also much better on Gen 4s. They last significantly longer than Gen 3s, and when players are spending over $300 on a paddle, they want something that lasts.

Durability and sweet spot size are the two main reasons for why Gen 4s have taken over Gen 3s in the power game. Now I’d like to explain some of the details behind the choices I made for this year’s list.

Technically, elongated paddles are more powerful than hybrid or wide-body paddles. They provide more leverage over the ball, and therefore, higher top-end power, but that shouldn’t factor into your decision when choosing a paddle. You should always pick the shape that complements your game style best. If you prefer the manoeuvrability or sweet spot of a hybrid/wide-body paddle, don’t force yourself into an elongated paddle just for a marginal increase in power.

Because of that, I’ve decided to evaluate paddle "lines" rather than specific shapes. For example, if I mention the Boomstik today, I’m talking about both the wide-body and the elongated Boomstik. Again, the elongated Boomstik is technically more powerful than the wide-body, but I don’t want anyone thinking they should go for the elongated for that reason alone.

Finally, we have reached a point in pickleball where raw power is no longer enough to make a competitive paddle. There are dozens of paddles on the market that push high ball speeds, but to make this top five, a paddle has to be well-rounded. Pickleball is an incredibly nuanced game; if you step onto the court with a paddle that sacrifices control for all-out power, a skilled opponent will eventually figure you out. The best power paddles in 2026 are the ones that provide big power while still allowing you to dink, drop, and reset with confidence.

5. Joola Pro V

Coming in at number five is a paddle that recently came into the store, the Joola Pro V. I know I just spent a long time talking about how foam is the future, yet here I am starting the list with a paddle that uses a honeycomb core.

I want to make it clear; Gen 3s are not obsolete. They still work better for some players because of the unique dwell time and feel that comes from a honeycomb core and an EVA foam ring. The Pro V is now the gold standard for Gen 3s and that’s why I had to include it in this list.

After break-in, the Pro V’s power is fantastic. Of course, having to break in a paddle is frustrating and that’s another reason for why foam paddles are inherently better, but that’s a reality with Gen 3s, and once they’re broken in, you begin to understand why so many advanced players refuse to switch. The power on a Pro V feels fundamentally different than the power of a full foam core. It comes from a much longer dwell time and hollow feel where the ball sinks into the face, loads up on a trampoline effect, and then fires out with a lot of velocity.

This sensation is incredibly satisfying for players who like to "modulate" their power. Because the ball spends longer in the paddle, you have more time to feel your shot and adjust your swing accordingly. This enhances your sensation of control over the ball, and while it may not generate as much raw power as a Gen 4, that feel is invaluable for many players.

Joola has also made subtle improvements to the throat on the Pro V, allowing for a bit more flex. This flex doesn't add power, but it improves the touch game making this a more well-rounded paddle than the Pro IV. I feel more confident hitting dinks, drops, and resets, so this is a more refined powerful paddle.

The reason it “only” comes in at number five is because, again, Gen 3s do have those inherent flaws compared to Gen 4s that I mentioned earlier. This is the only Gen 3 on this list; now let’s move on to number four.

4. Honolulu Pickleball NF

At number four, we have the Honolulu Pickleball NF paddles. Choosing between this and the Pro V was difficult, as they represent two very different philosophies, but ultimately, I placed the NF higher because of the benefits of a Gen 4 construction. Durability and user-friendliness are more relevant to a broader range of players; that’s why they’re coming in higher.

The NF has a much firmer and denser feel compared to almost every other paddle on this list. It doesn't have that "grabby" or "hollow" dwell time of the Pro V; instead, it produces power through an instantaneous, crisp pop. Because of that, it does have a slightly lower ceiling for top-end power, but it still hits hard enough to be considered an elite power paddle. Especially up at the net, that pop makes it perform exceptionally well, it’s just on groundstrokes that you may feel a slight limitation in power if you’re coming from some of the most powerful paddles in the game.

What really sets the NF apart from other paddles is how incredibly well-rounded it is and how accessible its playability is for the average player. Because the core is so dense, it provides a very consistent response off the paddle face. Unlike longer dwelling, hollower paddles, it will never surprise you with an accidental pop-up when you’re trying to hit a soft reset. The NF represents the industry standard for balance. You get high-end power without the complexity of slightly more powerful paddles and that’s what makes it easy to use.

Of course, its sweet spot is also remarkably forgiving, which adds to that user-friendly playability. Like I mentioned earlier, a big sweet spot like this helps with both power and control so the NF is a perfect example of a Gen 4 paddle with a solid amount of power but a strong emphasis on all-court performance.

 

3. Bread & Butter Loco

Coming in at number three, the B&B Loco represents what I believe is the peak of "classic" Gen 4 construction. It utilizes an EPP foam core surrounded by an EVA foam ring, but it sets itself apart from its competitors with its nuanced playability.

The main differentiator here is the dwell time. The Loco feels a bit more hollow than the NF, which allows you to "grab" and hold onto the ball for longer. This extra millisecond of contact is a game-changer, starting with how it impacts spin. It allows you to shape the ball with more precision, giving you access to both high topspin on drives and more finesse-based spin on drops and low-dipping passing shots.

In terms of raw power, the Loco is also elite. That slightly hollower feel creates more trampoline effect, making it noticeably more powerful than the NF and equal to a broken-in Pro V. Of course, the fact that it doesn’t need a break-in period gives it a leg up on the Pro V.

I often recommend the Loco as the best Gen 4 for anyone looking to make the switch from an older paddle because they want more power. It nails the balance between power and control almost perfectly and doesn’t have the steep learning curve that some more “wild” paddles have. Those paddles may have a higher ceiling, but for many players, consistency and predictability are more important.

If I were entering a tournament tomorrow, the Loco would be at the very top of my list because it’s so reliable, but it’s also a massive weapon.

 

2. Honolulu Pickleball CR

As we move into the final two, we are entering the territory of paddles that have genuinely blown me away.

In second place, we have the Honolulu Pickleball CR series. If you haven't seen our deep-dive review on this paddle, I highly recommend you check it out, because what Honolulu has achieved here is nothing short of extraordinary.

The CR is essentially the first Gen 4 that successfully mimics the deeper, hollower feel of a Gen 3 honeycomb core while retaining all the benefits of a foam core.

The CR gives you that incredible sensation of being in total command of the ball, allowing you to "load" your shots with spin and power in a way that feels more intuitive. Of course, because it’s a Gen 4, you get this sensation right out of the box.

Most importantly, though, it has the sweet spot of a Gen 4. The number of times I have been able to stick this paddle out during a hands battle, make contact near the edge, and still produce a powerful, offensive ball, is ridiculous. This really is the perfect paddle if you want the "best of both worlds”: the forgiveness of foam with the feedback of honeycomb.

Another reason for why I’m so happy with the CR is that Honolulu intentionally lowered the swing weight on the J6 model compared to their J6NF and FC+. This makes it more manoeuvrable, allowing you to stay fast in the kitchen, while still having the mass required to plough through the ball. Of course, if you prefer a higher swing weight, you can always add weight.

Now, I do have to say, the CR will not be for everyone. In the NF and Loco sections I talked about some paddles that have a higher ceiling but also feel more complex; this is one of those. Mastering the feel and longer dwell time takes a while and you have to be a very intuitive player to understand the feedback it provides. Once you do, though, it’s an absolute weapon that stands out amongst the sea of Gen 4s, except for one other paddle…

1. Selkirk Boomstik

Finally, we arrive at number one, and there was only ever going to be one winner: the Selkirk Boomstik. I know this paddle is controversial because of its price tag, but from a pure performance standpoint, it stands alone. If you are looking for the absolute maximum amount of power and pop currently possible in pickleball, this is it.

The way the Boomstik produces power is fundamentally different from the other paddles on this list. While the CR and the Pro V feel like soft trampolines that you sink into, the Boomstik feels more like a gymnastics springboard. It’s firm, it has a short dwell time, but it is incredibly explosive. You don't need a lot of swing speed to generate pace with this paddle; the slightest flick of the wrist is enough to produce a massive shot. This instantaneous energy return makes it the poppiest paddle on the market, full stop.

Of course, some players may worry that this much power makes a paddle impossible to control, but the Boomstik is so consistent that this isn’t the case. Because the dwell time is short, the ball's exit is extremely predictable. It doesn't have the "random" feel that causes problems for some players on softer paddles. So, yes, it’s powerful, but once you understand the power of the Boomstik, it’s actually very reliable. It’s almost like a Gen 2, but with significantly more power.

And then, of course, there is the sweet spot, which is arguably the most impressive characteristic here. It’s the biggest sweet spot I’ve ever felt on any paddle and is part of why the Boomstik actually performs very well in the control game. Because the response is so uniform across the entire face, your ball comes off accurately, even when you don’t make good contact.

The Boomstik is still the gold standard for paddles in 2026, and sits firmly at the top of this power paddle’s list. You may not want something this powerful, but you should at least try it because it’s the type of paddle that makes shots you didn’t think were possible, possible.

If you do want to demo any of these paddles you can come visit us in-store, or you can check them out online at racketsandrunners.ca.