I tested 13 paddles across three different construction categories to see how each generation performs in 2025. From traditional Gen 1 builds to cutting-edge foam-core technology, this comparison reveals which approach delivers the best value and performance.
Paddle lineup by construction:Foam-Core: Ronbus Refoam ($179), Selkirk Boomstik ($333),J2NF Long HandleGen 3: Thrive FURY ($180)Pickleball Apes Harmony ($162)Sypik Triton 3 ProGen 1: Revolin Torch

First impressions of Selkirk’s new Boomstik power paddle, plus deep dives on the GX2 Power, CRBN Genesis 4, Enhance Pickleball Gen 4.5, Wild Thang, and two standout pickleball shoes from Solase and PB5Star.

$99 vs $280 – Can the Vatic Pro V-Core really compete with the new TruFoam Genesis 4 Hybrid? In this review, I test six new pickleball paddles that are shaking up the game in 2025. From foam-core tech to thermoformed Gen-3 builds, I share real on-court results and which ones are actually worth your money. This is episode 17 of the Matt's Pickleball Podcast (formerly, "Paddle of the Week!")

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.

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.
💵 Planning to grab one of these? Use code MPB (or INF-MPB at Selkirk) to save at checkout.

2 standout paddles. 1 unforgettable tournament.

Matt breaks down a Gen 3 carbon power build and his favorite foam-core paddle to date from Honolulu Pickleball (the J2NF)—plus gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creator-packed Nerdy Tourney in Vero Beach.

Could the new Bread & Butter prototypes be the next big thing?

In this week’s Paddle of the Week, it’s foam vs. firepower in one of the most loaded episodes yet! I test two game-changing foam-core paddles—MUVN GRUVN Foam and the Honolulu Pickleball NF Series—the J2NFT, J2NFL, and J2NFK—up against powerhouse builds from Franklin C45 Dynasty and Holbrook ARMA Metallic T. If you’ve been wondering how foam stacks up against Gen 3 thermoform beasts, you’re about to get answers 🧠💥

Ronbus just dropped the V2 Ripple series. Holbrook’s new ARMA line is making noise. I tested both—plus the Engage Pro1 Innovation and an unreleased power paddle prototype. Spin, power, stiffness, control—it’s all here.