Our TOP 5 BEST Paddles of 2023 (If you're looking, buy one of these)

[@markcurry3624]

I’ve been playing with the DBD Infinity for a few weeks. With a little tungsten tape and some edge tape, it’s totally dialed in. I’m 68 years old and this paddle makes the game easier on my body. Thanks for all your great videos, they make my game easier too!

[@BrionesPickleball]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gzhen123]

I just got the DBD, coming from Perseus it's a good control paddle. Slightly better than Vatic Pro, great forgiveness. Only negative is the touch and power, but it's reasonable given how well the paddle can be controlled. It's one of those paddles that you will need to constantly generate a lot of your own raw strength, thus lead tape is needed especially if you play singles often.

[@BrionesPickleball]

👍🏻

[@naionesix]

I used your code for the prism flash! It’s my first paddle and so far it’s been amazing. I’ve played w my friends cbrn and perseus but I wanted to start under $100 first. Most likely will upgrade to the DBD as my next. Keep up the great work 👍

[@BrionesPickleball]

Thanks!

[@Cacheola]

​ @JordanYeagerPB Howdy Yeager, I bought a DBD after watching your review and used briones' code. I man sized the handle with balsa wood, testing out tomorrow, cheers

[@BrionesPickleball]

🍻

[@mappyLS]

Thoughts on Infinity Edgeless Double Black Diamond Control paddle?

[@BrionesPickleball]

Great paddle as well, more control and softer touch, but less spin, pop, and power. The swing weight is a bit higher as well and the sweet spot is a bit smaller.

[@deanp.1814]

So happy to see the Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 on this list and competing for the top spot. Braydon @ Pickleball Effect stated recently that it's the most underrated paddle of 2023. I love it for all the reasons you mention. It feels like an all-court paddle that checks all the boxes with incredible power and pop while being easy to control. It takes some time to get dialed into the paddle (took me a month) but it's so worth it. My previous paddle was the Ronbus Nova R1, which I had loved, but I wanted a paddle that could give me more offense without sacrificing the soft game, and the Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 does just that.

[@BrionesPickleball]

Awesome!!

[@natehendricksen3338]

Great review and I appreciate you putting your opinion clearly out there. Too many product reviewers are reluctant to just tell us what they really think.

[@BrionesPickleball]

Thanks!!!

[@MetalEsquire]

The Ronbus sounds so fun because it sounds like its plays like my taped electrum E (solid feeling, good drives yet feels soft for 3rds and dinks.) I have the DbD and it is an amazing all court paddle. light weight, effortless 3rds and dinks, solid drives. I feel its not as poppy as i anticipated, which the Ruby seems to solve. I want to try the gearbox but man that price is absurd! I just bought the Engage Pro MX 6.0 off a BF sale at $176. If you can get the paddle for under $200 its a no-brainer. The pop on this paddle is amazing especially on punch volleys. Drives are satisfying and dinks are good, 3rds take a bit of practice but are doable. After playing it in stock form, i felt it suffered from feeling not as solid as i would like, albeit stock does feel quite solid even without being thermo. I put 3 inches of 2 oz lead tape starting by the lower "engage". The tape totally gives it the 'thermo' feeling, similar to how my E felt after I taped it albeit, for the E I used twice as much tape.

[@BrionesPickleball]

Nice!!

[@jakeb7244]

I have the Ronbus R1.16- still LOVE it. They make a solid product

[@MetalEsquire]

​@@jakeb7244when my E eventually goes ill probably replace it with the 1.6. I don't play so much that I'm replacing paddles every few months.

[@KevinDongPickleball]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the CRUSH freestyle paddles. I was using CRBN Power 1x before and the CRUSH has been an upgrade in every way possible

[@BrionesPickleball]

Interesting

[@ryanng2388]

are you using the double black diamond 14mm or 16mm? Do you have both and what is your preference?

[@BrionesPickleball]

16! More control and better feel

[@mneufer1]

Any thoughts on if the Engage or Diamond is better for recovering from tennis elbow? and ideally preventing future cases? I know the Pro Kennex Black Ace is good for this but they appartly have bad customer service and they disnt seem so durable.

[@BrionesPickleball]

The pro Kennex is not great for tennis elbow, probably one of the worst in my opinion. It’s such a stiff paddle. I Would say the DBD, as it’s a softer paddle.

[@mneufer1]

@@BrionesPickleball great, thank you!!

[@kimleith1378]

Stoked to hear your opinion of the GB Pro Power. Will receive mine tommorow hopefully. Need to gain a power advantage w/o over swinging (shoulder issue). The unique tech Raphael and Team Gearbox put into this release warrants the price in my book. I see most players are not putting in the time to learn the differences that this paddle brings to the sport.

[@BrionesPickleball]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH-viINvmrqhhposi=dlugsZy1yT_3usBg

[@barrybalmer6341]

For a 30 year old, these power paddles end the rally in short order. I think the power paddles are ruining the game, especially for 60 plus age people. Our reflexes are not nearly good enough to reset missiles. Goodbye long rallies. Your thoughts?

[@kimleith1378]

@@barrybalmer6341 I'm 68 with really fast hands. "so I'm told" Just got my Pro Pwr. A bit disapointed with the "feel" Sweet spot seemed very small. Several different feels on ball impact. Great when I find the perfect center. Mis hits feel much more of a pop than the center. I'm not giving up just yet on breaking it in and learning how to use it in a real game.

[@danbeloiu7775]

​@@barrybalmer6341 It's about skills and strategy. Doesn't matter how powerful the paddle is in front of you as long as you can take the pace out of the ball and land it in the kitchen. Nobody can do wonders with a ball that bounces just under the net, you have to dink it, right?

[@carlschnurr8483]

Six zero double black Diamond 16mm and 14 m have a “Pro weight limited edition” is this just color? or something more and would you recommend this option?

[@BrionesPickleball]

The 14mm is great!

[@RickJacked]

when speaking of the double black diamond what thickness were yyou using?

[@BrionesPickleball]

16

[@Meandmymirror]

Can you review some beginner, low priced paddles? Thanks

[@BrionesPickleball]

Noted!

[@ericg7155]

Is the #1 spot the double black diamond power or double black diamond control model?

[@BrionesPickleball]

Control

[@robedwards6926]

Have you tried the new Ronbus Fx series? Thoughts?

[@BrionesPickleball]

We will soon!!

[@robedwards6926]

@@BrionesPickleball I have the fx r2 and love it.

[@dudecool36]

What brand of shirt are you wearing? need a nice one like that for when im playing

[@BrionesPickleball]

Nike

[@alecmarshall3345]

Have you played with the Edge 18k Power paddle yet? How do you think it matches up

[@BrionesPickleball]

It’s an ok paddle, when comparing that to these

[@vitaleonis1196]

I just started pickleball 2 weeks ago and have only played a few games. The person who introduced me to the game only had straight wood paddles. Then, a local Pro Shop allows for loaning paddles for testing. I told the guy at the pro shop that at 60 years old, it's a bit hard for me to do fast deep bending. He suggested trying the Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro v3. Coming from a straight wooden paddle, I absolutely fell in love with this. However, I'm hearing everybody think that Paddletek makes crappy paddles. And I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't have purchased it. I'm definitely not a banger, and I play fairly strong game at the kitchen line, with decent reflexes and accuracy. For just starting out, people say I'm doing fairly well and would rate me a 2.5 or 3.0 player. I'm extremely confused on if I made a bad purchase or not. I would like to know what you think.

[@BrionesPickleball]

Not a bad paddle for sure, but there are better ones out there

[@vitaleonis1196]

@@BrionesPickleball - thank you for your reply. I noticed right away that the extended paddle helps me with reaching high low and to the sides. However, I have had several balls fly right past my paddle, when I thought my paddle was right in front of it. Which makes me wonder if I should go back to a more standard boxy style, instead of the elongated Style. Could you suggest two or three paddles that may be good suggestions that are under $160?

[@iKumala]

going to get a second DBD and support the channel (and myself). I play with a pretty large club and am amazed no one uses it.

[@BrionesPickleball]

Thanks so much!!!

[@markdoehrman5134]

Which paddle is best for longevity i wonder?

[@BrionesPickleball]

That’s a good test to be done, we need several months to compare

[@Rjaypb]

What are your thoughts on the Ruby, if you’ve gotten your hands on it.

[@BrionesPickleball]

Coming soon…..

[@braves2510]

Thanks for sharing! What’s your lead tape set up for the DBD?

[@BrionesPickleball]

Just like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/ammyo2mXhrZgpqMsi=gtGfO7ObxnG38zPP

[@chrisf234]

Have you tried the JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus? Sounds a lot like your #1 paddle.

[@BrionesPickleball]

Lol yes. Scorpeus is a fairly good paddle but is inferior when it comes to spin, power, pop and sweet spot.

[@brianbanks3044]

i have used 3 of the 5 and the Pursuit I used wasn't the PRO version so really I have used 4 of the 5 on the list in some form or another...My go to gamer is the 14mm DBD (with the Ruby 6.0 on the way) because I have the most control and feel with it...the Gear Box just had too much power and i was hitting a lot of balls wide and long because of the extra pop.....when I did punch the ball it was great and the drives were powerful but it just hit too many balls out for me...I am sure a month or so playing with it and I would have adjusted but my play was suffering and I didn't want to keep playing poorly...the DBD is my number one choice with my CRBN1X second choice, both in the 14mm but he SixZero has been my gamer since February , 10 months now

[@hballer3367]

Have you played with both the 14MM and the 16MM DBD 6.0, its the paddle I am thinking of buying, but I am worried about the control if I go to the 14MM. I have tennis elbow often and like the look/ feel/ and smaller size of the 14MM paddles. I have a Vatic Prims Flash 14MM but want a thermo formed one as well. Any input you have would be great, thank you.

[@BrionesPickleball]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ClayD192]

Have you gotten to play with the gruvn muvn 13s?

[@BrionesPickleball]

Reviewing those soon!

[@NPA272727]

Have you tried Hyperion c2 yet?

[@BrionesPickleball]

Yes, it’s not better than any of these paddles on the list.

[@jatseng0000]

Hi Jordan, did you play wih the Pursuit Pro MX? If you did, what do you think of it compared to the MX 6.0?

[@BrionesPickleball]

It’s just a better version. Feels a lot more solid with better feel and power.

[@jatseng0000]

@BrionesPickleball thanks for the response! Your thoughts are similar to Chris and Wills' opinions on the MX vs MX 6.0. There aren't many review on the Pursuit Pro in general. I wonder why most of their pros pick the MX over the 6.0?

[@BrionesPickleball]

I think it slightly has more power than the 6.0

[@peteherrera1502]

use lead tape to increase the sweep spot.

[@BrionesPickleball]

👍🏻

[@djMixedFeelings]

Curious where the CRBN2X ranks on this list?

[@BrionesPickleball]

If you like the shape. It ranks along with the CRBN here

[@tbakertcu]

Do you prefer 14mm or 16mm paddles?

[@BrionesPickleball]

16 typically

[@pjmeyer514]

How does the DBD compare with say a Luxx or BJ top of the line expensive paddles? Worth it or just stick with DBD?

[@BrionesPickleball]

Luxx is not comparable, as it’s a complete control paddle. The DBD is just a great all around paddle. I’d honestly wait for the next Joola paddle if you can.

[@nu_jax]

Great video! what do you mean by gen 1 feeling?

[@PaddleAuthority]

Talking about paddles before thermoforming took over.

[@BrionesPickleball]

☝🏻

[@bryanyee7]

How does the DBD compare to the Ronbus R1.16?

[@BrionesPickleball]

DBD has more pop and power. Ronbus is closer to a softer/control paddle

[@vitoberlingeri1879]

Nice reviews but I have to say it is a personal choice on what feels comfortable in your hands in in your head.

[@BrionesPickleball]

👍🏻😊

[@Reck1025]

Nice list! Which would you choose at these price points: pursuit pro at $110 or DBD at $160?

[@BrionesPickleball]

Can’t go wrong with either! With engage, they have a limited lifetime warranty.

[@douglasmurdoch7247]

Pursuit Pro is a lot, lot more expensive than 110

[@jimh.4027]

The Engage paddle is $260 before any discounts.

[@Reck1025]

@@jimh.4027 Yes I know lol. I ask because I can get it for $110. Cosmetic blemish brings the price down to $200 and then govt discount(45%) gets it to $110.

[@blairgoodridge5122]

Really enjoy your reviews and advice! Wondering if you’ve played with the R1 Nova and if so thoughts on it? Currently debating between that and DBD 16. Looking to hybrid shape to improve hand speed (currently play elongated).

[@BrionesPickleball]

That is comparable to the R3. DBD will have more power and spin, and the R1 will have slightly more control with a softer feel

[@frankgiurleo]

When you mention the Six zero double black diamond are you talking about the 16 mm or the 14 mm. I am assuming the 16 mm. Thanks

[@BrionesPickleball]

16mm

[@btreese7]

Have you tried the DBD Ruby yet? I'm curious how it feels compared to the DBD.

[@MP-tf7cc]

Others have reviewed it.

[@BrionesPickleball]

Coming soon….

[@christophepaquot3562]

What about the Ruby? Have you hit it yet?

[@BrionesPickleball]

Oh it’s coming….. 😎

[@christophepaquot3562]

@@BrionesPickleball Can't wait!

[@trosencrantz]

How about the RUBY now?

[@BrionesPickleball]

It’s a great one kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIqspIBraKitl6csi=c12Rd8HuO833GOSR

[@tenayaasan1345]

Link for DDBD has no info on weight or grip size. Can you provide?

[@BrionesPickleball]

Check under specifications: www.sixzeropickleball.com/products/double-black-diamond

[@Andrewbingham22]

If you are one of the many who paid a premium for this paddle and got a dud. And Gearbox won't stand behind the warranty. Simply file a claim in your community small claims court to hold them accountable. Not sure what is worse their quality control or their customer service.

[@BrionesPickleball]

Wow. What happened ?

[@yeed9635]

Agreed.

[@barbaraburica765]

What happened to your rave review of the Ruby 6.0? I'm not sure where it falls in with the info that you're sharing of your top 5. Maybe I'll pull all your video up & do a spreadsheet...next year,eh?

[@BrionesPickleball]

Sure, the Ruby review we made right AFTER this top 5 video

[@BrionesPickleball]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIqspIBraKitl6csi=SeyVxF-LZxwZiHL0

[@alexcreech7219]

I was leaning toward the Engage Pro MX (non 6.0) for a little more power. I'm curious if you tried both and what you liked more about the 6.0. Loved the vid

[@BrionesPickleball]

It will have a bit more power and a little bit less control. Both are great.

[@pickleballnic]

How come the Selkirk Labs 002 gets no love?? I have pretty much owned all these paddles and more... and I would probably put the Selkirk Labs 002 as the #1 for spin, feel, power, and quickness at the kitchen. The spin on the Labs 002 is visually uncomparable. I have literally seen the ball dip down. The only problem is that it needs a little more vibration dampening. I would rank the Engage as #2 and BD Power as #3 and lastly, the CRBN 1x tied with the new Joola C2 BJ 14mm and any of the Gearbox Pro Fusions. Just my thoughts after going back and forth with so many paddles. Keep up the good work!

[@BrionesPickleball]

002 is powerful, but very hard to control and has a small sweet spot. The new C2 is mediocre at best when comparing to these other paddles.

[@peteherrera1502]

It might be because the paddle is made and sold in Australia as far as I know and not in the US. which is probably why people don't by it. They do not want to pay delivery fee's and taxes and hassle with oversea's shipments. I wanted the six zero ruby and tried to see if it was sold here in America and got no response back from six zero so I assume it is not and bought the gearbox pro power elongated paddle instead. I would still like the six zero ruby based on what I read about it. But no response from six zero via email is not good.

[@BrionesPickleball]

Unfortunately, they are still a fairly small company and are struggling with getting inventory. I’m sure that they will work on that this year.

[@peteherrera1502]

I wish them well and I hope they can get all of that taken care of since I believe that they are a great company with great products based on my research.@@BrionesPickleball

[@Mosaic_Mind]

No love for the 6.0 Ruby? 🤔

[@BrionesPickleball]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIqspIBraKitl6csi=MgNhgiEkocGViYOv

[@LakeForestGroup]

I thought you had really enjoyed the LUXX, surprised not to see it here.

[@BrionesPickleball]

I LOVE the Luxx, although for most players, they may want more pop than what it has to offer. The Luxx is the ultimate control paddle, but many players may think it’s too soft for their game.

[@orijinolz]

Wished you put chapters into your videos :)

[@BrionesPickleball]

😊

[@thehiddenfamily]

Pickleball Apes Energy original 6.0. DBD 16MM Prism flash 16MM BNB Filth Ronbus’s R1 Pulsar

[@BrionesPickleball]

Nice!

[@scottfrancis13]

Wow original DBD over GBX

[@BrionesPickleball]

Close but yes

[@bencruzsf]

OMG soooo expensive!

[@BrionesPickleball]

You pay for quality and performance

[@cindywong7589]

Engage is $260. I just checked again before commenting.

[@Bigred12312]

I think there code for 30 to 20%

[@BrionesPickleball]

Thanks, we have a discount code which brings the price down to $208 Discount code: BRIONESPB

[@philamguambomb]

When you try the new Ruby paddle you might swap #1 with it lol.

[@BrionesPickleball]

😎

[@tysonduquette1414]

I bet one could cut a piece of wood in these shapes, line it with that ping pong paddle rubber for spin and play along side anyone. Lets be real here. Its all clever marketing for those pricey racquets!

[@BrionesPickleball]

Ummm…. No

[@zachcarmichael699]

These are all elongated paddles. Unless you're an advanced player, I'd avoid this shape and opt for a hybrid for the lower swing weigh, aka easier to maneuver and faster at the net. And honestly, even as a 4.5+ player, I would avoid the elongated shape. Just my opinion though.

[@BrionesPickleball]

The #1 paddle suggestion here is a hybrid paddle. Lol. For anyone who is looking to improve their game, a two-handed shot is something that may be considered in the future. So an elongated paddle is a great option, even for players under 4.0