Best Pickleball Paddle Reviews and Comprehensive Buying Guides by Matt

Is the SLK ERA Power a power paddle—or is it something else entirely? In this in-depth review, I break down Selkirk’s latest Gen 3 release and put its performance to the test. (Semi-spoiler: it plays very, very well!) I'll share full specs, spin, swing weight, and more data, plus real court impressions and comparisons to the Franklin C45 and Holbrook ARMA. Is it worth $199? Does it live up to the name? Let’s find out!

In this full comparison, I test and break down the Honolulu Pickleball J2FC+, J2NF, J2NFK, and J2NFT—four paddles that look nearly identical on paper but offer very different performance on court. We’ll cover everything from Gen 3 foam-core construction to Kevlar and PET surface feel, performance data (serve speed, punch volleys, spin RPM), and real-world playability. Whether you’re after sharp feedback, a softer reset feel, or balanced all-court control, there’s likely one paddle here that fits your game.

5 new pickleball paddles go head to head in this episode of Paddle of the Week. I played the Gearbox GX2 Power, Selkirk SLK ERA Power, the powerful Element 6 Surtr, and both the Avoura Revaya and Rivelle Gen-1 models.

The Diadem Warrior BluCore is packed with innovation—featuring a new closed-cell EPP foam core and Kevlar-Carbon Matrix surface—but does it actually feel different on court? In this review, I put both the Standard 14mm and Max 16mm models to the test to see if this new build changes the game or just feels... familiar. Use code MPB to save at checkout.

Meet the Franklin C45 Dynasty & Tempo paddles—two new shapes, four builds, and one big twist: they’re not done until you tune them. In this review, I go deep on the C45 series, launching June 10 at $229. Use code MPB to save at checkout.

Meet the Holbrook ARMA Series—a Gen 3 line that combines carbon fiber, Dual Density™ tech, and one of the loudest contact sounds we’ve ever tested. In this full Holbrook ARMA review, I compare all 4 models: 🔹 ARMA T – Power beast with raw carbon face 🔹 Metallic T – Softer, more forgiving version 🔹 ARMA X – Hybrid power with top-weighted mass 🔹 ARMA S – Fastest in hand, best for control ...and a discount code that'll take 15% off at checkout!