Which Power Paddle Fits YOU? (Summer 2025)

I’ve tested a lot of paddles this year, and power is still the hot topic.

So in this article, I want to break down which paddles I think are the best on the market for Summer 2025.

Instead of ranking them from best to worst or 1 out of 10, I’m breaking things into two groups and sharing real pros and cons so you can pick what fits your game and budget.

  • High-tier power: the hardest-hitting, poppiest options

  • Lower-tier power: a touch less pop, often easier to control and live with

There isn’t one “best” paddle. Everyone’s hands, timing, and goals are different. Use this as a guide, then try what matches your style.

Most paddles mentioned have full reviews linked. You can also use code: PBSTUDIO at checkout to save some money.

Table of Contents

  • High-Tier Power Performance

  • Low-Tier Power Performance

  • Honorable Mentions

  • My Tournament Picks First to Last

  • How to Choose Your Power Paddle


High-Tier Power

JOOLA Pro IV

Pros

  • This paddle is, if not one of the most popular paddles amongst high-level players

  • Big pop and power with better control than you’d expect

  • Strong sweet spot across the shapes

  • Multiple shapes and thicknesses to match your preferences

Cons

  • Core-crush reports still happen. I see it locally and hear it from viewers. If you’re a heavy hitter, expect faster wear.

  • No hybrid shapes available

  • Price is on the higher end, though the 1-year / 3-replacement policy helps.

Bottom line: Unreal performance while it lasts. If durability isn’t a deal-breaker, it’s a tournament-ready paddle.


Thrive Project Fury

Pros

  • Very similar DNA to the JOOLA Pro IV, but stiffer feel for counters at the net

  • Lower price (~$200 vs. ~$280 for many top tiers)

  • In a hybrid shape that JOOLA doesn’t offer

Cons

  • Shorter 6-month warranty with two replacements

  • Gen-3 style build means likely core-crush over time

  • Stiffer face can make the soft game a bit tougher than Pro IV

Bottom line: A Pro IV-style experience for less money, in a hybrid shape. Great if you want extra counter-bite and can live with the shorter warranty.


Selkirk Labs Project Boomstik

Pros

  • One of my personal favorites in this entire list

  • Among the most powerful and poppy paddles I’ve hit

  • I think it has the best sweet spot out there, boosted by the built-in MOI side weights

  • Infinigrit claims longer-lasting spin (still testing longevity)

  • Lifetime warranty and some of the best customer service

Cons

  • $333 is steep

  • Stock weight can feel heavy. If you want ultralight setups or like to tinker from a blank slate, this can limit you.

Bottom line: Premium price for premium thump and stability. If the warranty and projected grit life matter to you, it’s an elite pick.


Gearbox GX2 Power

Pros

  • Softer, dwell-heavy feel that still hits hard

  • Easier to swing than older Gearbox models

  • Plays well out of the box; little to no customizing needed

  • Offers a hybrid shape

  • After the break-in period, the paddle increases in dwell time and pop

Cons

  • After the break-in, the paddle shifts in feel and mutes ball feedback

  • Some players will love the increased dwell time and pop, but it does sacrifice control

  • Muted feedback won’t fit everyone

Bottom line: If you want a muted, dwell-heavy feel rather than crisp stiffness, GX2 Power stands out.


Paddletek Bantam Series

PaddleTek Bantam GTO-C Review | PaddleTek Bantam ESQ-C Review

Pros

  • Consistency and durability from day one through many sessions, tournaments, etc.

  • Multiple shapes and handle lengths

  • Choice of 12.7mm & 14.3 mm thickness

  • Very light swing weights are available on wide-body models

  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Smaller sweet spot, especially high on the face

  • Raw performance lags behind the newest “max pop” paddles

  • Like any paddle, after long periods of time and usage, the paddle can develop dead spots and be less poppy

Bottom line: If you value predictable feel and durability over the “newest on the market” pop, Bantam still makes sense.


Lower-Tier Power (Easier Day-to-Day)

These won’t hit quite as hard as the group above, but they bridge all-court and power nicely, and for many players that balance is a win.

Honolulu J2NF

Pros

  • Full-foam paddle with great stability and a large sweet spot at a friendly price

  • Balanced power that’s easy to live with

Cons

  • Less crisp, immediate rebound than Boomstik / Pro IV / Fury

  • Customer service and pre-order delays have frustrated some buyers

Bottom line: A stable, forgiving full-foam option that’s easier to control than the top-tier cannons.


11six24 Power Series & Alpha Pro Power

Pros

  • Reliable, consistent performers with three shapes (widebody, hybrid, elongated)

  • Alpha Pro Power is a touch less stiff than Power Series

  • Great prices compared to high-tier paddles

  • Minimal fuss. They play well stock.

Cons

  • Warranty: Power Series ~6 months; Alpha Pro Power ~1 year

  • Not the absolute top of the pop chart

Bottom line: Rock-solid choices. Pick the feel you like (stiffer Power Series vs. slightly less stiff Alpha Pro) and the warranty that fits your risk tolerance.


SLK Era Power

Pros

  • Similar build goal to 11six24 Power Series with a denser feel

  • 1-year warranty and strong Selkirk support

  • Two shapes (widebody and elongated), both with long handles

Cons

  • Fewer shape options than some competitors

  • Price sits above discount-driven models

Bottom line: A dependable “lower-tier power” paddle with a reassuring warranty and a slightly denser hit than 11six24.


Franklin C45

Pros

  • Very low swing weights:

    • Widebody 14 mm measured in at 98 for me, which is ridiculously light / 16mm at 100

    • Elongated 16mm at 115 | 14mm at 112

    • Hybrid 14mm at 104

  • A tinkerer’s dream. You can add weight exactly where you want.

  • 3 shapes available and 2 thicknesses

Cons

  • The least powerful stock in this roundup. Needs lead or tungsten to wake up.

  • Gen-3 style means core crush is possible over time, though I’ve seen fewer failures than I initially expected.

  • Hybrid is currently in one thickness 14mm

Bottom line: Starts light, build the paddle you want. If you don’t like customizing, look elsewhere.


Honorable Mentions (Why They Missed)

  • Proton Flamingo
    Extremely gritty and powerful, but core-crush reports are common, and it’s locked to one elongated short-handle shape.

  • Ronbus Ripple V2
    Still powerful, but high swing weights out of the box and a smaller sweet spot make it less approachable than newer options.

  • Body Helix FLIK F1
    The most pop and power here, with great grit, but a small sweet spot and lower stability made control tough for me.


My Tournament Picks (Right Now)

Remember, this is my list based on my feel and recent results. Use it as a data point.

  1. Selkirk Boomstik – Took gold in a local 4.5-5.0 mixed event with it. Huge fun, huge pop. Price stings.

  2. Honolulu J2NF – Snagged silver in a 5.0+ moneyball with it. Very consistent for my game.

  3. 11six24 Alpha Pro Power / Power Series / SLK Era – All live in the same sweet category for me. I could take any of them and feel comfortable.

  4. JOOLA Pro IV / Thrive Project Fury – Basically, clone paddles. Pick based on shape, feel, and warranty.

  5. Gearbox GX2 Power – Excellent for players who like softer, dwell-heavy impact. For me, the break-in changed the feel enough that control dipped.

  6. Franklin C45 – Good platform, but I’d want to add weight.

  7. Paddletek Bantam – I respect the consistency and durability, but the sweet spot holds it back for me.


How to Choose Your Power Paddle

  • Do you crave instant rebound and pop? Start with Pro IV, Boomstik, or Fury.

  • Prefer a softer, longer dwell hit? Try GX2 Power or J2NF.

  • Hate tinkering? Boomstik, Pro IV, GX2, and the 11six24/SLK lines play well stock.

  • Love to customize? Franklin C45 gives you room to build your perfect spec.

  • Durability and warranty matter most? Selkirk and Paddletek have strong support; Alpha Pro Power offers a solid 1-year middle ground.

If you want deep dives, check the full reviews linked on each product page. And if you pick one up, use code PBSTUDIO where it applies to save a bit at checkout. See you on court.

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