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Paddles & Product Education | Sep 08, 2025

7 reasons to use a power paddle in pickleball

Power paddles are designed for players who want to maximize pace, court penetration, and offensive opportunities.

Typically featuring carbon fiber, fiberglass, or hybrid composite faces combined with thicker, high-performance cores, power paddles allow players to generate explosive power without sacrificing control entirely.

Below are seven reasons to consider adding a power paddle to your bag, plus a bonus tip to make it even more powerful. And, don't forget to read what people have to say about Selkirk's options.

Who should use a power paddle?

Power paddles are a favorite among intermediate to advanced players who love to dictate points, finish rallies quickly, and play aggressively.

If you’re new to pickleball or play a dink and reset-heavy game, consider a control or hybrid paddle first.

7 reasons you should use a power paddle

1) More pace on drives and returns

A power paddle adds instant force to your groundstrokes. That means deeper returns and blistering drives that pressure opponents right off the serve. With more natural power, you can hit aggressive shots without needing a large wind-up, keeping your game fast and efficient.

Catherine Parenteau playing pickleball with an SLK Era White paddle, mid-swing on a green court.

2) Win more hands battles

When exchanges get quick at the kitchen line, a power paddle’s responsiveness can be the difference between winning and losing. The added speed helps you stay aggressive, countering attacks and finishing points before your opponent can react.

3) Higher-pressure speed-ups at the kitchen

In tight moments, a power paddle allows you to attack confidently. When you speed up the ball from a dink or a reset, the extra pace ensures your opponent has less time to defend, making your attacks more effective.

4) Serves and third shots that don’t float

A common issue for players is hitting serves or third-shot drives that sit up too high after they bounce. A power paddle keeps your shots low and allow them to penetrate deeper on the court. This forces your opponent to hit weaker returns and sets you up to control the point early.

5) Punish short balls and floaters

When an opponent gives you a gift like a short return or a floater, it's time to capitalize. A power paddle allows you to drive these shots aggressively, turning defense into offense instantly.

6) Advantage in singles

Singles requires speed and precision. The added pace from a power paddle helps you keep opponents on the run, hit winners from anywhere on the court, and end points before fatigue sets in.

7) Grows with your game

As your technique improves, a power paddle continues to deliver. Beginners might find power paddles more difficult to control, but as you develop spin, placement, and consistency, the extra power unlocks new offensive options.

Bonus tip: Add more power to your paddle

Want more pop? Add lead or tungsten tape strategically to boost performance. Placing tape on the top of your paddle gives you max power, while placing tape near the handle helps with forgiveness. Place a strip near the middle on either side for maximum stability.

Compare Comparing

Selkirk LABS Project Boomstik

$333

Selkirk SLK ERA Power pickleball paddle in black and volt yellow/green.

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New

SLK ERA Power

$200

Reviews from the court

★★★★★

Best paddle on the market

"It’s the best paddle I’ve tried so far. Super stable with elite power, and most surprisingly, I can control it extremely well. I love the paddle in general."

✔ Vicente L.

★★★★★

This paddle just became my go to now!

"Tremendous power & spin. Right out of the box this paddle needs no added weight."

✔ Marc A.

★★★★★

Up your game with just a paddle!

"I used the paddle for the first time this afternoon and the results were fantastic. The paddle has tremendous power and pop. It definitely will improve my game."

✔ James R.

Reviews from the media

The Dink on the SLK ERA Power

"In a sea of pickleball brands promising the world, the SLK ERA Power is the rare paddle that seems to do everything well. This is a paddle that inspires confidence – power, control and spin are all there when you need them, but nothing feels out of balance."

Pickleheads on Project Boomstik

"With the Boomstik, Selkirk is not chasing trends but is right at the forefront, pushing new technology forward. If you’re after power, pop, and spin in one package, this is about as top-shelf as it gets."

WearTesters on Project Boomstik

"Simply put, this paddle is powerful and lives up to its name."

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SLK ERA Power

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7 reasons to use a power paddle in pickleball

Who should use a power paddle?