Best Pickleball Paddle Reviews and Comprehensive Buying Guides by Matt

The Bantam GTO-C delivers Gen 1 explosiveness in a faster, more balanced hybrid build. In this review, I test all four models—including both Kyle Yates editions—and break down how they perform, who they’re for, and what makes them stand out. Use code MPB to save 10% at checkout.

In this review, I break down the Honolulu Pickleball J2FC+—a full foam core paddle with Gen 3-style perimeter foam and a CFC (carbon–fiberglass–carbon) surface layup. I cover tested performance metrics like swing weight, twist weight, static weight, spin RPM, and subjective ratings for power, control, pop, and sweet spot performance. I also compare it directly to the J2NF, J2K+, and other leading foam core builds. Use code MPB to save 10% on your purchase, or MPBK to save $20 on Kevlar versions.

Creator. Competitor. Culture shaper. In this full-length interview, Pickleball Will gets real about his family’s refugee story, quitting his job at 31, finding pickleball during COVID, and building a voice in the sport through honest gear reviews, podcasting, and building a community of pickleball in Oklahoma. We go deep on burnout, brand deals, identity, and what’s next. If you’ve followed Pickleball Will—or you’re curious about the grind behind content creation, the state of pickleball paddles, or what it means to shape community from the inside—this is the episode. 0:00 Introduction & Setting the Stage

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.