Best Material For Pickleball Paddle

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely typed “best material for pickleball paddle” into a search engine, hoping for a clear, concise answer. I’ve been there myself. You’re probably bombarded with a dizzying array of materials, each promising to be the ultimate game-changer. Carbon fiber, fiberglass, graphite, polymer honeycomb cores, and now the newer foam cores – it’s enough to make your head spin.

The real pain point for players isn’t a lack of information, but a lack of clarity. You want to know what truly works, what’s hype, and what will give you the best bang for your buck. You want to understand not just the “what,” but the “why” and “how” these materials will impact your game on the court.

That’s exactly what I’m going to break down for you in this article. I’ll cut through the marketing jargon and give you my honest take on the best pickleball paddle materials in 2025, based on my own experiences and extensive research.

When people search best material for pickleball paddles, they’re usually looking to solve one of these pain points:

• “I want more control” (dinks and soft game).

• “I want more power” (serves, third-shot drives).

• “I want more feel/dwell” — the ball stays on the face longer.

• “I want a paddle that lasts and doesn’t flake or show damage after a few months.”

• “I need a paddle that gives consistent performance across weight and balance.”

• “I don’t know what material is best for a pickleball paddle for my style — power vs. control vs. all-around.”

I had those same questions. Over time I learned to read materials as a toolkit: core + face + internal layup = performance. Below I’ll translate materials into the on-court language you use: feel, pop, dampening, sweet spot, spin, and consistency.

Before we talk materials, here’s how I mentally slice a paddle:

1. Core — the foam or honeycomb that determines dwell, feel, and how energy returns.

2. Face (surface) — carbon, Kevlar, fiberglass — this controls stiffness, spin, and initial ball bite.

3. Layup & weave — how the fibers are arranged (twill/plain/satin) and any extra reinforcements (metal wire, etc).

4. Edge, handle, balance — less about material but part of the whole performance.

Now let’s talk materials I see winning on courts in 2025.

The core is the engine of your paddle. It dictates the feel, the power, and even the sound of your shots. For years, the polymer honeycomb core has been the industry standard, and for good reason. It offers a great balance of power and control. But as the game has evolved, so have the materials.

In 2025, the conversation around the best pickleball paddle material for the core is dominated by two major innovations: the JOOLA Gen4 PP honeycomb core and the CRBN 100% foam core (expanded polypropylene EPP Core). 

These have set a new benchmark, and many brands, including ours at Paddlesshop, have been inspired to create what I like to call “Gen4.5 Cores.” These are iterative upgrades and optimizations that push the boundaries of performance even further.

Let’s break down the JOOLA Gen4 PP honeycomb core first. At its heart, it’s still a polypropylene (PP) honeycomb core, but with a clever twist. An EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam core is added to the outer circle of the paddle, and the inner part of the honeycomb is filled with EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) material. This combination is designed to provide a larger sweet spot, more power, and a more dampened feel, which is great for players who want to reduce vibrations and have a more comfortable playing experience.

Some manufacturers/brands have optimized on this basis, as shown in this picture.

Now, let’s talk about the CRBN 100% foam core. This was a game-changer when it first came out. Instead of a honeycomb structure, it uses a solid block of expanded polypropylene foam. This results in a paddle with a very different feel – it’s much quieter, has a plusher feel, and offers incredible control. However, some players found the original 100% foam cores to be a bit lacking in power.

This is where the Gen4.5 cores come into play. At Paddlesshop, we’ve been working tirelessly to perfect this technology. Our Planker4S Paddle, for example, features a Gen4.5 core that’s a testament to this innovation. We’ve optimized the internal structure by using a blend of materials. Our core is composed of 90% expanded polypropylene (EPP) for that plush, controlled feel, but we’ve integrated 5% expanded elastic material to give it a bit more pop and responsiveness. The remaining 5% is a strategically placed carbon fiber in the middle of the foam core. This adds a layer of stiffness that enhances the feel and feedback of the paddle, so you always feel connected to the ball.

Other brands are also innovating in this space. Spartus, for instance, has introduced a proprietary heat-activated polymer foam(A.K.A Fusion Foam) that feels closer to EVA. This is a fascinating development, and it will be interesting to see how it performs in the long run.

So, what is the best material for a pickleball paddle core? It really depends on your playing style and preferences.
If you’re a power player who loves the traditional feel of a honeycomb paddle but wants a bit more forgiveness, a JOOLA Gen4 style core might be the best pickleball paddle material for you.
If you’re a control-oriented player who values touch and feel above all else, a foam core or a Gen4.5 core like the one in our Planker4s will be a revelation. The enhanced control and soft feel will allow you to place your dinks and drops with surgical precision.

Now that we’ve covered the core, let’s talk about the surface, or “face,” of the paddle. This is what comes into direct contact with the ball, and it’s responsible for generating spin and providing that crisp feel we all love.

In 2025, T700 carbon fiber is the undisputed king of paddle surface materials. It’s lightweight, incredibly strong, and offers a fantastic combination of power and control. You’ll see it used in the vast majority of high-performance paddles on the market.

However, not all carbon fiber is created equal. Some brands, and you can see this in the tech specs on their product pages, use Toray T700 carbon fiber from Japan. Toray is a world-renowned manufacturer of carbon fiber, and their T700 is known for its exceptional quality and consistency. It’s a premium material, and it comes with a higher price tag, but for serious players, the investment is often worth it.

There are also T700 carbon fiber paddles that use an extra layer of 12K or 18K carbon fiber cloth on the surface.

The Weave Matters: Plain, Twill, and Satin

The way the carbon fiber is woven also has a significant impact on the paddle’s performance. There are three main types of weaves:

• Plain Weave: This is the simplest and most common weave. It has a checkerboard pattern and offers the highest strength.
• Twill Weave: This weave has a diagonal pattern and is more flexible than a plain weave. It offers a good balance of strength and flexibility.
• Satin Weave: This weave has a smooth, satin-like finish and is the most flexible of the three.

In terms of strength, the hierarchy is: plain weave > twill weave > satin weave. However, when it comes to tear strength, the order is reversed: satin weave > twill weave > plain weave. This is a crucial detail that many players overlook. A paddle with a satin weave might not be as stiff as one with a plain weave, but it will be more durable and less prone to cracking.

While T700 carbon fiber is the dominant material, there are a few other materials that are starting to make a name for themselves.

One of the most exciting developments is the use of 100% Dupont Kevlar fiber. Kevlar is a material that’s famous for its use in bulletproof vests, so you know it’s incredibly strong and durable. In terms of strength and production cost, Kevlar is definitely superior to carbon fiber. It has a unique feel – it’s a bit softer than carbon fiber, which gives it a more dampened and controlled feel. It’s a premium material, and it’s still relatively rare in the pickleball world, but I expect to see more of it in the coming years.

Another material that some brands are experimenting with is carbon fiber metal wire, which is also known as titanium. This is a hybrid material that combines carbon fiber with a metal wire mesh. It’s designed to provide a bit more power and a more metallic feel. However, it’s important to note that, in terms of production cost, Toray T700 carbon fiber from Japan is more expensive than carbon fiber T700 metal wire.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the production costs of these fiber materials:

100% Dupont Kevlar fiber > Toray T700 carbon fiber from Japan > carbon fiber T700 metal wire

I mention this because which material is best for pickleball paddles for you might depend on budget. More expensive materials justify their price with either improved durability, feel, or a more refined manufacturing tolerance.

So, which pickleball paddle material is best for the surface?

• For a stronger and longer-lasting gritty surface, you can go with a T700 carbon fiber blend reinforced with metal wire and Kevlar, or a Kevlar + 3K carbon fiber I-weave.

• If you want both power and spin, a Kevlar surface is a solid option.

• For a well-rounded paddle that balances power, control, and spin, T700 carbon fiber is an excellent choice.

• If you’re a competitive player who wants top performance and doesn’t mind paying more, a Toray T700 carbon fiber surface is the best option.

Now that you have a better understanding of the different materials that go into a pickleball paddle, you’re probably wondering, “What is the best material for a pickleball paddle for me?” The answer, as you might have guessed, is that it depends.

The best pickleball paddle material for you will depend on your playing style, your budget, and your personal preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Here are a few things to consider when you’re choosing a paddle:

• Your Playing Style: Are you a power player or a control player? Do you like to dink at the net or drive the ball from the baseline?
• Your Budget: Pickleball paddles can range in price from under $50 to over $250. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.
• Your Personal Preferences: Do you prefer a light paddle or a heavy paddle? Do you like a paddle with a lot of pop or a paddle with a soft feel?

The best way to find the perfect paddle is to demo a few different models. Many local pro shops and online retailers offer demo programs. This will allow you to try out a variety of paddles and see which one feels best in your hand.

While I’ve been impressed by many of them, I have to say that my personal favorite is our very own Paddlesshop Planker4S. I might be a bit biased, but I truly believe that the Planker4s offers the best combination of performance, quality, and value on the market. It features our innovative Gen4.5 core, which gives it an incredible feel and a massive sweet spot. The surface is made from premium Toray T700 carbon fiber, which provides a perfect blend of power, control, and spin.

But what I love most about the Planker4S is its versatility. It’s a paddle that can do it all. It’s powerful enough to hit driving passing shots from the baseline, but it’s also soft and controlled enough to dink with the best of them. It’s a paddle that’s suitable for players of all skill levels, from beginners to pros.

If you’re looking for the best material pickleball paddle, I encourage you to give the Paddlesshop Planker4S a try. I’m confident that you’ll be as impressed as I am.

The world of pickleball paddle materials is constantly evolving. What is considered the best pickleball paddle material today might be old news tomorrow. That’s what makes this sport so exciting.

I hope this article has given you a better understanding of the different materials that go into a pickleball paddle and has helped you on your quest to find the perfect paddle for your game. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. I’m always happy to help.

And if you’re ready to take your game to the next level, I encourage you to check out our full line of Paddlesshop paddles. We’re confident that we have a paddle that’s perfect for you.