All guidesFull specs & lead tape optimizerFull specs & lead tape optimizerFull specs & lead tape optimizerFull specs & lead tape optimizer
Best Gen 4 Pickleball Paddles
Gen 4 paddles replace part or all of the honeycomb core with foam. In our lab data, Gen 3 and Gen 4 builds average more measured power and spin than Gen 1 and Gen 2 builds. We filtered to Gen 4 construction and ranked them for an advanced, aggressive player.
1
$249
SW:124
TW:5.63
Weight:8.3 oz
Power:58.2 MPH
Spin:2085 RPM
Elongated16mmGen 4Firepower Elite
+Elite power — 58.2 MPH puts it in the top 10% of all paddles tested (avg 56.4)
+Exceptional pop at 37.6 MPH — top 8% for fast hands battles (avg 36.1)
+Good spin generation at 2085 RPM (66th percentile)
−Low stability — twist weight of 5.63 (11th percentile) means off-center hits will twist more in your hand
−Very high swing weight of 124 (top 7%) can cause fatigue and slow hand transitions
2
Bread & Butter
Loco Elongated$199.99
SW:120
TW:6.18
Weight:7.9 oz
Power:56.9 MPH
Spin:2010 RPM
Elongated16mmGen 4Firepower High
+Above-average power at 56.9 MPH (66th percentile, avg 56.4)
+Solid pop at 36.8 MPH (74th percentile) for net exchanges
+Heavy swing weight of 120 (81th percentile) delivers extra momentum and plow-through on drives
−Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
−Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
3
Selkirk
Boomstick Elongated$333
SW:120
TW:6.92
Weight:8.1 oz
Power:57.1 MPH
Spin:2015 RPM
Elongated16mmGen 4Firepower Elite
+Above-average power at 57.1 MPH (74th percentile, avg 56.4)
+Exceptional pop at 37.3 MPH — top 10% for fast hands battles (avg 36.1)
+Exceptional stability — 6.92 twist weight is 84th percentile (avg 6.3), very forgiving on off-center hits
−Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
−Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
Code: INF-BRAYDONU
4
Enhance
Duo Elongated$174.99
SW:119
TW:6.3
Weight:8.1 oz
Power:56.9 MPH
Spin:2063 RPM
Elongated16mmGen 4Firepower High
+Above-average power at 56.9 MPH (66th percentile, avg 56.4)
+Solid pop at 36.7 MPH (71th percentile) for net exchanges
+Elongated shape gives extra reach on defense, overheads, and two-handed backhands
−Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
−Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
Code: PBEFFECT
5
Proton
Project Peacock$280
SW:116
TW:6.27
Weight:8 oz
Power:56.8 MPH
Spin:2093 RPM
Elongated15mmGen 4Firepower High
+Solid pop at 36.9 MPH (77th percentile) for net exchanges
+Good spin generation at 2093 RPM (67th percentile)
+Elongated shape gives extra reach on defense, overheads, and two-handed backhands
−Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
−Premium price at $280 — more expensive than 92% of paddles (avg $197)
6
Luzz
Pro-4 Inferno$229
SW:119
TW:6.17
Weight:7.9 oz
Power:57.1 MPH
Spin:2027 RPM
Elongated16mmGen 4Firepower High
+Above-average power at 57.1 MPH (74th percentile, avg 56.4)
+Solid pop at 37.1 MPH (84th percentile) for net exchanges
+Elongated shape gives extra reach on defense, overheads, and two-handed backhands
−Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
−Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
7
Six Zero
Black Opal$250
SW:114
TW:6.19
Weight:8 oz
Power:57.6 MPH
Spin:2035 RPM
Hybrid14mmGen 4Firepower Elite
+Above-average power at 57.6 MPH (83th percentile, avg 56.4)
+Solid pop at 37 MPH (80th percentile) for net exchanges
+Thin core (14mm) gives a crisp, responsive feel with fast feedback
Code: PBSTUDIO — 10%
8
Element6
Surtr$199
SW:115
TW:6.54
Weight:8.1 oz
Power:57.2 MPH
Spin:1961 RPM
Hybrid16mmGen 4Firepower High
+Above-average power at 57.2 MPH (76th percentile, avg 56.4)
+Thick core (16mm+) provides a soft, controlled feel with a large sweet spot
+Latest-generation thermoformed construction for premium feel and consistency
−Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
9
Luzz
Tornazo$229
SW:118
TW:6.05
Weight:7.9 oz
Power:56.9 MPH
Spin:2111 RPM
Elongated16mmGen 4Firepower High
+Above-average power at 56.9 MPH (66th percentile, avg 56.4)
+Solid pop at 36.9 MPH (77th percentile) for net exchanges
+Good spin generation at 2111 RPM (72th percentile)
−Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
−Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
10
Body Helix
FLIK F1$190
SW:115
TW:6
Weight:7.9 oz
Power:57.4 MPH
Spin:2306 RPM
Elongated16mmGen 4Firepower Elite
+Above-average power at 57.4 MPH (80th percentile, avg 56.4)
+Exceptional pop at 38 MPH — top 5% for fast hands battles (avg 36.1)
+Outstanding spin at 2306 RPM — top 5% for heavy serves and thirds (avg 1988)
−Narrower face means a smaller horizontal sweet spot
−Thick core trades some pop and hand speed for control
Code: PBSTUDIO — 10% off
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gen 4 paddles legal?
Approval is decided model by model by the governing bodies and can change, so check the current approved list for the model you are considering before buying it for sanctioned play.
Not sure which one is right for you?
Our quiz matches you to the best paddle based on your play style, skill level, and preferences across all 812 paddles.