Buyers Guide: Best Pickleball Paddles
You’ve probably heard that CRBN Pickleball Power Series Paddles are the most powerful and durable paddles.
But the best pickleball paddles are not just powerful and durable. They are comfortable and bear just the right amount of control, the perfect grip size, handle length, etc.
So, which is the best pickleball paddle for your gameplay?
#1 Choice: CBRN 1 X-12mm Thomas Wilson’s Signature Power Series Paddle
Best for Advanced Players Whose #1 Priority Is Immersive Power
- Why #1 - The 12mm thick Thomas Wilson’s Signature Power Series Paddle is the thinnest of all the four CRBN Power Series Paddles. The thinner the core, the more powerful and poppy the paddle is. Therefore, Thomas Wilson’s Paddle is the most powerful and has the most pop. However, since it’s the thinnest, it produces a bit more noise than the other CRBN Power Series paddles.
- Why #2 - It has a long handle length (5.5 inches) as the elongated paddle, making it the top choice of all the best pickleball rackets for players who love two-handed shots.
What Others Said About Thomas Wilson’s Signature Power Series Paddle
The CRBN Thomas Wilson’s Signature Power Series Paddle is among the newest CRBN paddles. It’s also a limited option, so hurry and get yours while quantities are still available.
With just 41 reviews, 37 are five stars, meaning this paddle, specifically designed for advanced players, has lived the talk. It’s by far the best pickleball racket for advanced players.
And as you might have guessed, most customers praise it for its immersive power. But that's not all they like about it.
Other reviews highlight its:
- Superb touch and feel, which means excellent control
- Excellent pop (more springy rebound), so you don’t need to use much power to push the ball over the net
- Insane spin which means more power
Below is what customers have to say about the CRBN 1X-12mm Thomas Wilson’s Signature Power Series Paddle.
This paddle Rocks! Thomas Wilson 1x 12mm
“I was a little hesitant to try the 12mm Thomas Wilson 1x. Figured it may be too much of a power paddle for me and I wouldn't be comfortable hitting with it. I could not have been more wrong in my concern. Right out of box and from the first time I hit with it, this paddle is a beast! So much power, but not to the point where I can't control placement and/or spin. I did not notice any loss of control at the NVZ, for dinking or for speed ups. I play pretty regularly with the same group of folks and they noticed right away the increased power on my shots. I absolutely recommend this paddle for any player looking to up their power game without sacrificing the soft game.” Scott S, United States.*LIMITED EDITION* Thomas Wilson's Signature Power Series Paddle - CRBN 1X12mm 12MM
Limited Thomas Wilson
“Been using a CRB 1X 14mm for a while now. Saw the 12mm version and wanted to try it. Suprised of how easy it was to adjust to game play considering it was a 12mm paddle. The feel is superb and the power….it has always been there!” Kirby L, United States. *LIMITED EDITION* Thomas Wilson's Signature Power Series Paddle - CRBN 1X12mm 12MM
The power paddle!
“I have tried a few CRBN paddles and was going to purchase the 14 or 16mm 1X but saw this one and decided to give it a try. What I noticed immediately was the power I got from my backhand shots and how little effort it was to make shots where I used to have to put more body into the shots. There has been some adjusting to it and it's stiffer than my 16mm I was currently using causing a little stress on my elbow but I changed my grip and it's turning into my secret weapon. I was looking to purchase a paddle with a smaller sweet spot and this paddle hits all the sweet spots for me and I would recommend it to all that want that extra power.“ Julie, United States.*LIMITED EDITION* Thomas Wilson's Signature Power Series Paddle - CRBN 1X12mm 12MM
Sweet Paddle
“I've been playing for a little over a year now and Paddle Tech has increased very quickly. I like to try different paddles and see what the "fuss" is about. The TW model caught my eye because it was marketed as a 12mm paddle with elite Power. I don't notice an immediate difference is the thickness of the paddle from some 13-14 mm paddles I've used in the past. However I prefer a thiner paddle because the feel is what I'm looking for. This has been the best paddle I've tired. I've played with it while using indoor balls and it's a joy; also played with it outdoors and it has all the pop you could want. I definitely recommend this paddle to anyone who loves to feel the ball jump off the face of the paddle. 5/5 for me; also Thomas Wilson is just a gem of a human you should support him and his family!” Jeff M, United States.*LIMITED EDITION* Thomas Wilson's Signature Power Series Paddle - CRBN 1X12mm 12MM
#2 Choice: CRBN 1X Power Series Elongated Paddle
Best for Experienced Players Who Need More Power but Also More Control and Spin
- Why #1 - The 16mm CRBN 1X Power Series Elongated Paddle is the best pickleball paddle for advanced players who want to execute two-handed shots. Since it’s thicker, it’s more forgiving than the 14mm elongated paddle. The thicker core also means it’s the quietest and has the most control of the two elongated paddles.
- Why #2 - The 14mm CRBN 1X Power Series Elongated Paddle gives out the most noise of the two elongated Power Series paddles because its core is 2 inches thinner. However, the thinness means it is more powerful than the 16mm thick elongated paddle. It’s also less forgiving than the 16mm paddles.
What Others Said About the CRBN 1X Power Series Elongated Paddle
The CBRN 1 X Power Series Elongated Paddle has over 615 customer reviews, out of which 596 are five stars.
Here are five key features that customers love about this powerful and best pickleball racket.
- Longer and ergonomic handle, which is ideal for a two-handed shot and makes it easier to hit volley rolls.
- Amazing spin and power without much loss of control, which helps you place the ball exactly where you need it to go.
- Perfect weight distribution, which offers players a balanced blend of power and maneuverability. Therefore, you can make quick and accurate shots, whether standing near the net or the baseline.
- Superior construction. The durable carbon fiber material ensures the paddle is durable, responsive, stable, and wears well. It also ensures minimal vibrations when a ball touches its surface, which gives you better control and precision.
Below are some of the customer reviews about the CRBN 1X Power Series Elongated Paddle.
Solid paddle
“This paddle is a significant improvement upon the original CRBN series. Greater stability/added stiffness/more pop, while maintaining high levels of spin and control. New ergonomic handle makes it much easier to hit volley rolls. Solid paddle overall. Only feedback I would offer is that not every customer uses a two-handed backhand - CRBN should offer the option to have a shorter handle.” FJ A, United States. CRBN 1X Power Series (Elongated Paddle) 16MM
CRBN 1X Rocks.
“I come from a tennis background and find the longer handle a very natural feel. The power is there and without loss of control. I like it so much I have two.” Jay C, United States. CRBN 1X Power Series (Elongated Paddle) 16MM
CRBN 1x 14mm
“ Love my new paddle. Lots of power and spin. Previously used the cRBN1 13mm. Customer service is great. Play several days a week.” Mary J, United States. CRBN 1X Power Series (Elongated Paddle) 14MM
Love this paddle.
“I love the weight, power, and balance of the CRBN 1X. I’ve had 5 or 6 paddles, including some popular brands, but this one is hands down my favorite. Wears well, but playing every day takes its toll. After 6 months I bought my second. It was super fun to play with all over again. Keep up the good work.” Chris R, United States. CRBN 1X Power Series (Elongated Paddle) 14MM
#3 Choice: CRBN 2X Power Series Square Paddle
Best for Beginners—Most Forgiving and Has the Shortest Handle
- Why #1 - The 16mm CRBN 2X Power Series Square Paddle is a perfect choice for pickleball players who need a quieter beginner paddle for smaller hands. It has more control over power and is the most forgiving and quiet of the two square paddles.
- Why #2 - The 14mm CRBN 2X Power Series Square Paddle is thinner, which means it gives out a little more noise than the 16mm one. However, it has more power than control and is a little less forgiving. Like the 16mm paddle, the 14mm square paddle is also an ideal choice for players with smaller hands because of the shorter handle length.
What Others Said About CRBN 2X Power Series Square Paddle
The CRBN Power Series Square Paddle has over 344 customer reviews, out of which 336 are five stars.
The most talked about feature of the paddle is the great pop (how aggressively the ball bounces off the paddle) with just the right control, thanks to the slightly longer handle and slimmer grip. This is a crucial feature if you aren’t a power player.
Below are a few more interesting points customers have made about choosing CRBN 2X Power Series Square Paddle over other best pickleball paddles.
- Enough pop, which makes it easy for you to execute accurate shots with excellent speed.
- Excellent feel on hands, which ensures you’re comfortable when hitting the ball. Also, it has great hand speed and excellent reset.
- Enough power to push the ball high and over the net.
A Fine Paddle
“I found the pop in this paddle to be great while keeping the control I like. After a month with it I decided to customise it. I widened the handle with 2 "popcycle sticks" underneath a tacky Overgrip kit. I then added 6g of lead to each side South of the 9 and 6 o'clock positions. That made me love it even more. It gave me a lower, wider, sweet spot with more stability and reduced the swing weight as well. I could not be happier.” Greg C, United States. CRBN 2X Power Series (Square Paddle) 16MM
Pop with control
“Really like the 2X (16mm). I think the slightly longer handle and slimmer grip give me a bit more pop on drives while still allowing for good control, which is important to me since I am not a power player.” James S, United States. CRBN 2X Power Series (Square Paddle) 16MM
CRBN 2X Paddle
“I purchased the CRBN 2X paddle to improve my control. I tried other manufacturers paddles and found the 2X provided the best combination of control and power. The CRBN 2X has elevated my game and more importantly helped me develop shots which have WON games. I would recommend you try a CRBN 2X and determine if it will help your game.” James K, United States. CRBN 2X Power Series (Square Paddle) 16MM
If your wife plays get buy two CRBN 2 x 14mm
“I've been playing with the Engage EX and EX 6.0 for 2 years or more. They are good paddles, with a little more pop, then the CRBN 2 X 14mm "BUT" they never felt right in my hand. I tried modifying the grip a number of ways, but it never could get it right. I love the feel of the CBRN 2X 14mm in my hand. You get great hand speed, reset is excellent, even with the 14mm. And there's plenty of power to drive the ball or putting the high ball away. Side note: Should have bought two to start, my wife loves it. Ordering two more.” Steve H, United States. CRBN 2X Power Series (Square Paddle) 14MM
#4 Choice: CRBN 3X Hybrid Power Series Paddle
Best for Pickleball Players Who Want It All—Power, Control, and Forgiveness
- Why #1 - The 16mm CRBN Hybrid Power Series Paddle is more forgiving and quieter than the 14mm thick option because it has a thicker core. It also has more control over power than the 14mm hybrid paddle.
- Why #2 - The 14mm CRBN Hybrid Power Series Paddle gives out more power than control compared to the thicker hybrid paddle. However, it’s less forgiving and less quieter because it’s thinner.
What Others Said About the CRBN 3X Power Series Hybrid Paddle
The CRBN Power Series Hybrid Paddle is rated 5-star based on over 367 customer reviews. More than three-quarters of the reviews are five-star rated. But there is a solid reason for the positive high rating.
The CRBN 3X Power Series Hybrid Paddle page is a must-visit if you want to know more about how this paddle performs. Customers not only share what they love about this paddle but also what made them choose it over the other CRBN Power Series options, which is quite helpful to potential buyers.
Some of the reasons previous customers chose the paddle over the others include:
- Softer feel, which provides you with better control
- Amazing power and control to make those powerful and accurate shots
- Larger sweet spot, hence fewer mishits
- Awesome grip, which helps you execute shots accurately
3x 14 and 16
“I've always liked 16mm i love my crbn1x16mm i tried the 3x16mm wow control was amazing but the 1x had a little more power so i tried the 3x14mm the power was close to the 1x16mm just a touch more 3x14mm is a little less forgiving than 16mm but with some fine tuning im using the 3x14mm now and love it. I am still working on my resets because the 14 is a little poppy but the ball goes exactly were you aim you will just need to get use to the faster reaction time that the ball comes off the paddle i was really torn between the 3x16mm and 14mm i wish they made a 15mm also the 14mm is noticeably louder and you can feel the ball impact in the handle and not at all in the 16mm. Just my two cents.” James R, United States. CRBN 3X Power Series 14MM
CRBN 3x
“Started out with the 1X, but had friends who really enjoyed playing with the 3X so I decided to buy one. . This paddle is the best of the 1X & 2X. It has more than enough power, but it also has tremendous control and finesse . . Amazing feel! Love this paddle!!” Chris V, United States. CRBN 3X Power Series 16MM
Best paddle I’ve used!
“I’ve been through 4 other paddles in the last 6 months searching for one to wow me. The crbn 3x did just that! Very responsive, large sweet spot, and the perfect weight distribution for my play style. Highly recommend.” Rees M, United States. CRBN 3X Power Series 14MM
CRBN 3X
“This paddle is amazing! I have purchased many CRBN paddles and this is my favorite by far! It has amazing power and control with the soft touch CRBN is known for. If you want a paddle similar to the CRBN 1 or 1X with a little more power, than this is it! In addition, CRBN has the best customer service on the planet! I highly recommend buying a CRBN paddle!” Matt B, United States. CRBN 3X Power Series 16MM
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Read CRBN Power Series Paddle Review?
The top and best place to read authentic and unbiased CRBN Power Series paddle reviews is on the CRBN Power Series paddle’s page. Select the CRBN Power Series paddle if you want to read customer reviews and scroll to the bottom. You can use the filter button to filter the reviews to the most recent, with photos, most helpful, recent ratings, etc.
What Is the Best CRBN Power Series Pickleball Paddle?
The best CRBN Power Series Pickleball paddle depends on what you value most about a paddle.
The best CRBN Power Series pickleball paddle for power is Thomas Wilson’s Signature Paddle.
No CRBN Power Series paddle is more beginner-friendly than the CRBN 2X Power Series Square Paddle.
The CRBN 3X Power Series Hybrid Paddle is the most balanced paddle, whereas the CBRN 1 X Power Series Elongated Paddle has more power, control, and less noise, making it the second most powerful after Thomas Wilson’s Signature Paddle.
What Is the Difference Between the CRBN 1X, 2X, and 3X?
1X in CRBN Power Series paddles refers to the elongated paddle, 2x is used to identify the square paddle, whereas 3x represents the hybrid paddle.