Pickleball hasn’t experienced innovation like this in years. For a long time, paddle technology has been evolving, but this year’s lineup feels like a turning point. Foam cores replaced honeycomb. Carbon faces got sharper and grippier. Thermoforming went from rare to required. These designs are changing how paddles feel in your hand and how points play out on the court.

Here are the paddles defining 2025—and what makes them so special.

JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm

Wielded by world #1 Ben Johns, the Perseus Pro IV has dominated both sales charts and the pro tour.

What makes it different: Thermoformed with JOOLA’s “Propulsion Core” and perimeter foam, it delivers explosive power while expanding the sweet spot. A textured carbon face keeps spin sharp and reliable.
Price: $279.95

Empower Pickleball’s Take: The gold standard of 2025. Pro-level trust with all-court versatility—it’s the paddle serious players measure everything else against.

CRBN TruFoam Genesis Series

This paddle series sparked the foam-core revolution. The Genesis line eliminated honeycomb in favor of a full foam interior—resulting in unmatched consistency and control.

What makes it different: CRBN’s TruFoam replaces polymer with ultra-dense foam, erasing dead zones and enlarging the sweet spot. The raw carbon face gives excellent spin and touch.
Price: $279.99

Empower Pickleball’s Take: A true disruptor. The Genesis line set new expectations for feel and durability—proof that foam is here to stay.

Paddletek Bantam ALW-C

Anna Leigh Waters’ first carbon-faced signature paddle quickly became a favorite for players who want spin without losing control.

What makes it different: Combines Paddletek’s trusted Bantam core with a raw carbon face. Available in two thicknesses (12.7mm for power, 14.3mm for control), giving players dialed-in options.
Price: $249.99

Empower Pickleball’s Take: Classic control meets modern spin. With ALW’s Triple Crown wins stamped on it, the performance speaks louder than any spec sheet.

Franklin Parris Todd C45º

The signature model of Parris Todd sold out almost instantly, giving Franklin major credibility in the high-end market.

What makes it different: A raw T700 carbon fiber face layered at a 45º angle adds a unique bite. Foam-injected edges and thermoforming boost stability.
Price: $229.99

Empower Pickleball’s take: This is the breakout model Franklin needed—and it delivered. It was built for aggressive players who want big spin and big swagger.

Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik

Built for raw power with futuristic construction, this Labs-only release built a cult following among competitive players chasing speed, spin, and durability.

What makes it different: With EVA-infused BoomCore, PureFoam perimeter injection, and Selkirk’s InfiGrit face, the Boomstik is engineered for long-lasting power. Built-in edge-guard weights add extra stability and drive through contact, while the lifetime warranty shows Selkirk’s confidence in the build.
Price: $333

Empower Pickleball’s Take: Pricey? Yes. But if you want experimental power tech that lasts, Boomstik delivers the wow factor.

Ronbus Ripple V2

Known for its massive power and one-of-a-kind feel, the Ripple V2 gained serious momentum in 2025 among players looking to dominate with pace and spin.

What makes it different: Ronbus’s FIRE core—a foam-based structure reinforced with carbon lattice—gives long dwell time and rebound. Multiple models (R1, R2, R4) cater to different shapes and swing weights.
Price: $280

Empower Pickleball’s Take: Ripple V2 pushes power to the legal edge. It’s for players who want to overpower, outspin, and outclass their opponents with a paddle that feels like nothing else.

RAM Sports Typhoon Gen 3

RAM Sports shook up the market with a boutique paddle by offering high-end performance without the premium price.

What makes it different: The Gen 3 design includes injected foam zones and a precision-engineered peel-ply carbon face.
Price: $185

Empower Pickleball’s Take: For a brand that came out of nowhere, RAM hit hard. The Typhoon Gen 3 holds its own against the big names and delivers serious tech-to-dollar value. It’s our pick for the smartest sleeper in the 2025 lineup.

RPM Friction Pro

Designed by pro James Ignatowich, the Friction Pro took off fast thanks to its obsessive focus on spin, power, and control feel. Several top-50 players now trust it on tour.

What makes it different: With a CarbonBite textured face, Tri-Density foam core, and DwellZone tech, the Friction Pro loads the ball with massive spin while maintaining stability and precision. Available in both 14mm and 16mm cores with elongated and wide body shapes.
Price: $249.99

Empower Pickleball’s Take: This is what happens when a pro designs a paddle from scratch—with no compromises. RPM rewrote the playbook for spin-first players who also want the ability to rip the ball down the line.

Evolution in Your Hand

Hold any of these paddles and you’ll feel the difference. Bigger sweet spots, cleaner contact, more spin—things older gear just couldn’t deliver. The technology is here—and it’s raising the bar for everyone who picks up a paddle.

Forged in Foam & Carbon: The Pickleball Paddles Defining 2025