Best Pickleball Paddle Reviews and Comprehensive Buying Guides by Matt

The Ronbus Quanta line promises premium foam-core performance at a budget price. In this review, I test all five shapes (R1–R5), break down the tech, specs, and playtest results, and explain how they compare to paddles like the Selkirk Boomstik, Bread & Butter Loco, and others. Stock, they’re light and quick through the air, and playable as-is. But with a little tungsten tape, they take on another gear—more stable, more powerful, and suddenly competing with paddles in the $200–$300 range. If you’re curious whether a $99 paddle can really deliver high-end performance, this review has the numbers, comparisons, and my honest take. Use code MPB for $20 off at ronbus.com. Buying Quanta? → Ronbus $20 Code: MPB

You don't need to spend $250-300 to get serious paddle performance. I'm breaking down the best paddles you can get for around $150 or less that were released in 2025 - and these aren't budget alternatives, they're premium paddles at honest prices. Featured Paddles: → Vatic Pro Saga Bloom 16mm - $119.99 with code MPB → 11SIX24 Power Series (3 shapes) - $159 with code MPB → Friday Fever Series - $99 with code MPB → Enhance Gen 4.5 - $154.99 with code MPB → Ronbus Quanta Series (5 shapes) - $99 with code MPB Also Covered: FORWRD Court Ranger Backpack - $149 with code MPB Whether it's Gen 3 foam-enhanced construction or full Gen 4 foam cores, these paddles pack the same materials and engineering you'd find in much pricier options. Turns out you can build premium gear without the premium markup.

I put the new Selkirk Boomstik Widebody ($333) up against the new Ronbus Quanta R2 ($99 with code MPB) in a live radar-gun test and play session. The Boomstik edged out the top speeds, but the Quanta got surprisingly close for a third of the price. From serve (I wouldn’t call them “Serves”) power to drives, drops, and overall feel, here’s how they compare. If you’re debating between a high-end paddle and a budget option, this should help you make the decision.

The Bread & Butter Loco is back with a Gen 4 dual-foam floating core—and it’s hitting 90th percentile serve speeds across all three shapes. In this review, I break down the tech, measured performance data, and how the elongated, hybrid, and standard models actually play on court. Is this the most balanced foam power paddle yet, or just another hot release? Watch to find out. Use code MPB to save if you’re picking one up.

The Phoenix HX 14mm is built for raw speed and excellent power in a lightweight frame. In this review, I break down its Gen 3 “Singularity Core” design, foam suspension system, and stiff face feel. This paddle explodes on contact, delivering top-end drive and counterpunch potential. If you're going to pick one up, use code MPB to save at checkout.

The Thrive FURY promises lightweight speed with real power, but does this $199 hybrid actually deliver on its "Gen 3.5" claims? I put it through extensive testing against top competitors like the Perseus IV and GX2 Power to see if the embedded throat weighting and carbon-fiberglass-carbon layup live up to the hype. Use code MPB for 10% off and see if this paddle belongs in your bag.