5 Poppy New Paddles That Will Prevail in Any Firefight

Power is great for heavy serves and baseline drives. But for those lightning-fast kitchen firefights, it's pop you seek. These new paddles do it best.

Fun fact: when you think about a power paddle, it's probably pop you're after.

The difference largely boils down to swing path:

• Power = velocity imparted on the ball with full swings like serves, drives, and putaways
• Pop = velocity imparted on the ball with shorter strokes like counters, punch volleys, and flicks

In simpler terms, power is often on display from back near the baseline while pop becomes more important at closer quarters up at the kitchen line.

The way a paddle feels is different for everyone, of course. But the pickleball meta does appear to be shifting away from pure power and more toward all-court paddles that perform well across a wide range of shot types – including enough putaway power (or "pop) for those firefights, punchy counters, or wristy flicks.

If it's pop you seek, the five paddles below are a great place to start.

1. Aireo Cyclone X
2. Honolulu J3CR
3. Luzz Glider
4. Selkirk Omni
5. Spartus P1

Some will feel more power-oriented (like the Aireo Cyclone) while others promise a true all-court feel (enter: the Selkirk Omni).

All of them pack plenty of punch when you need it.

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AIREO CYCLONE X

The Cyclone hits hard, no question, but it's also one of the lightest stock power paddles available. The new X hybrid shape expands the sweet spot and gives it a bit more balance.

$199: LEARN MORE

honolulu j3cr

A new widebody with Honolulu's insanely gritty Crystal Blue Endurance Grit, the J3CR is one of those paddles you'll start comparing every other paddle to.

Currently taking pre-orders; slated to ship mid-June.

$195: LEARN MORE

LUZZ GLIDER

The only Gen-3 paddle on the list, and also the cheapest. The Glider does everything well from baseline to kitchen line. Its new durable surface grit is definitely an upgrade as well.

$119: LEARN MORE

SELKIRK OMNI

The Boomstik's quieter kid brother, the Omni is brand new from Selkirk and already winning converts to toning down the power thanks to moveable MOI weights. But don't worry — it's still plenty lively.

$300: LEARN MORE

SPARTUS P1

A small, lesser-known brand, Spartus is winning fans thanks to its industry leading PermaGrit surface texture. The P1 debuted with a hybrid, but an elongated should be coming mid-June.

$220: LEARN MORE

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