Reviews from the people's lefty.

Every paddle tested for real hours on court, specs translated into plain English, and verdicts brands can't buy. One code, NICOTHELEFTY, saves you money at 45+ of them.

Nico · PicklePod co-host · DUPR Master Instructor

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Nico's Pick · Grit That Lasts

RPM Jade

“Could the most hyped paddle of all time also be Paddle of the Year?”

Spin 2,423 RPM (Pickleball Studio)Swing weight 112Twist weight 6.2

$229.50 at RPM ↗Read the full review

Regular price ~~$269.99~~$229.50 with codetap to copy

And yes, I earn a commission on that link. You pay less either way.

RPM Jade 16mm elongated paddle, black face with jade green edge and accent lines

9.4of 10

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Paddle

Bread & Butter Loco 2

8.9

Same paddle, more spin, somehow better. The 22 Jump Street of paddles.

11+ hrs tested · $198 w/ code · Oct 25

ShoeNico's Favorite

Stria G1 Pro

9.1

The pickleball shoe that makes you want to move.

40+ hrs tested · $117 w/ code · Oct 2

Stria G1 Pro low mid-top pickleball shoe, Glacier light-blue colorway

Bag

Selkirk Pro Line 2.0 Bags

9.3

Your bag is going to outlast your paddle. This one will outlast a few.

2 months tested · $298 · Oct 19

Selkirk Pro Line 2.0 Tour 35L pickleball backpack in Navy, front view

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Best paddles of 2026

All 14 ranked

Grit That LastsRPM Jade

9.4

2,423 RPM (Pickleball Studio) spin · swing 112 · $229.50 w/ code

Grit That LastsHonolulu J6CR Crystal Blue

9.2

2,348 RPM spin · swing 113.5* · $175.50 w/ code

Best All-CourtSix Zero Coral Pro

9.2

2,399 RPM spin · swing 114 · $187 w/ code

Best ValueSpartus Spitfire

9.1

2,390 RPM spin · swing 116 · $99 w/ code

Best pickleball paddles of 2026 with scores, measured specs, and prices
Paddle	Score	Spin (reviewer avg)	Swing wt	Price	Review link
RPM JadeGrit That Lasts	9.4	2,423 RPM (Pickleball Studio)	112	$229.50 w/ code	Read review
Honolulu J6CR Crystal BlueGrit That Lasts	9.2	2,348 RPM	113.5*	$175.50 w/ code	Read review
Six Zero Coral ProBest All-Court	9.2	2,399 RPM	114	$187 w/ code	Read review
Spartus SpitfireBest Value	9.1	2,390 RPM	116	$99 w/ code	Read review

Swing weight is the brand's published number. * Brand doesn't publish one, so it's the reviewer average.

Why trust a guy called the people's lefty?

Tested, not unboxed

Real hours on court per full review: drills, rec play, and matches that matter.

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Specs in plain English

Every measurement translated: what a 114 swing weight actually feels like at your level.

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