10 Most Expensive Pickleball Paddles in the World

I’ve tested well over 100 pickleball paddles at this point, and I still get surprised by how expensive some of these paddles can get. I’m not just talking about $200 or even $300 paddles. I’m talking about paddles that range from $300 all the way up to $8,000 on the resale market. Yes, really.

I haved 3 of the paddles on this list, including the Selkirk Boomstick, and I’ve spent a lot of time wondering if these high price tags are actually worth it.

Some are. Some definitely are not.

And the #1 paddle on this list might be the most insane one of all.

Let’s break down the 10 most expensive pickleball paddles in the world right now with an interactive chart, and then I’ll break down many of these paddles for you.

Top 10 Most Expensive Pickleball Paddles

Now let’s start with an older pickleball paddle that is the #1 most expensive paddle in the world as it’s limited to just 100 copies.

#1. Ben Johns Gold Perseus (Limited to 100)

This is easily the most expensive pickleball paddle ever made. In 2026, you can find this paddle for $8,000 on Ebay.

The Ben Johns Gold Perseus was originally released after Ben Johns won his 100th gold medal on the PPA Tour. That alone is wild considering he accomplished that at such a young age. Here’s the full Joola story if you’re interested in reading more.

The paddle itself was originally priced around $999 at retail, but here’s where it gets crazy.

I’ve personally seen listings for this paddle go up to $10,000 on the secondary market.

Why?

Because only 100 were ever made.

Each paddle is autographed by Ben Johns himself, and you’re essentially owning a piece of pickleball history. It’s more of a collector’s item than something you’d actually play with.

Is it worth it?

If you’re a collector, maybe.

If you’re trying to improve your game, absolutely not.

What’s funny as we continue down this list is that many of these paddles are very expensive, but aren’t on the best pickleball paddles list.

#2. KOBO Thunder AXE Infinity 18mm ($399.99)

This is one of the newest entries on the list, and honestly, it looks pretty intriguing.

KOBO is pushing some unique tech here, especially with the thicker 18mm core, which typically leans more toward control and feel.

This paddle is still pretty new to the market, so there isn’t a ton of real-world feedback yet. But based on specs alone, it’s clearly aiming to compete with the high-end control paddles.

My take

At $400, this is pushing into premium territory.

I’d want to see long-term durability and performance before fully buying into the hype.

#3. Third Drop Shop Kevlar Weave Paddle ($370)

This is one of the more unique paddles on the list.

It features a Kevlar weave surface, which is not something you see often in pickleball. Kevlar is typically associated with strength and durability, so the idea here is better responsiveness and control.

From what I found, this paddle is:

• Handmade in the USA
• Built with aerospace-grade materials
• Designed for spin and precision

That said, there are barely any reviews out there. One Amazon review mentioned great control, but with only a couple reviews total, it’s hard to fully trust the data.

My take

Super interesting concept. But at this price, I’d want more proven feedback before pulling the trigger.

#4. Selkirk Labs Project 003 (~$333+)

Selkirk Labs is basically Selkirk’s experimental division.

The Project 003 is one of those paddles where you’re essentially buying into a prototype or testing phase product before it fully hits the mainstream.

The standout feature here is the 20mm thickness.

That’s very thick for a pickleball paddle, which leads to:

• Extremely soft feel
• Great control for dinking and resets
• Reduced power

Some players add lead tape to balance it out, which helps bring back some power without losing that soft feel.

My take

This is a very niche paddle.

If you love control and soft hands at the net, you might love it. If you’re a power player, you probably won’t.

#5. Selkirk Boomstick ($333)

I actually own this paddle, and I was really curious to see if it lived up to the price.

The Boomstick is designed for power, and you can feel it right away. It has that explosive pop that makes drives and putaways feel effortless.

That said, with great power comes less control.

My experience

• Power: Excellent
• Control: Decent, but not elite
• Feel: Solid, but not soft

It’s a fun paddle to play with, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most well-rounded paddle at this price point.

#6. JOOLA Pro V Series ($299.95)

This includes the Perseus, Hyperion, and Kosmos models.

I’ve spent a lot of time with these paddles, and I’ll say this:

They are really, really good.

The Pro V lineup feels like JOOLA took the wild power of the Pro IV and toned it down just enough to make it more playable.

What stands out

• Huge sweet spot
• Great balance of power and control
• Strong spin potential

The Kosmos, in particular, surprised me. It had less pop than the Perseus, but way more control, especially on serves and returns.

My take

These are legit high-end paddles.

Expensive, yes. But you can actually feel the performance difference.

#7. Proton Series One Type B ($280)

This paddle kind of came out of nowhere for me.

I saw it mentioned in a Facebook group, and the feedback was intense. People were calling it a “cannon” on the court.

And honestly, that description fits.

What people are saying

• Massive power
• Extremely high spin
• Higher swing weight

It’s not the easiest paddle to adjust to, but once you do, it can be a weapon.

My take

This is a power player’s dream paddle.

But beginners or control-focused players might struggle with it.

#8. CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 ($279.99)

This is one I recently tested, and I’ll be honest…

I was underwhelmed.

The paddle looks great. The branding is clean. But in terms of actual performance, I didn’t feel like it stood out in any major way.

My experience

• Control: Average
• Power: Average
• Feel: Nothing special

I plan to give it another shot, but first impressions matter, and this one didn’t wow me.

#9. JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV 16mm ($279.95)

This paddle is one of my favorites in 2025. That said, the power and spin on this pickleball paddle is insane, but it’s really hard to control.

I almost didn’t buy it because of the price, but after playing with it, I get the hype.

What makes it special

• Tech Flex Power design for better weight distribution
• Hyperfoam edge for a larger sweet spot
• Elongated shape for reach and power

My experience

This paddle immediately improved my dinking game.

I felt more consistent, more confident, and more in control, even on off-center hits.

One of my friends who uses the Perseus 3S even mentioned he might switch after seeing how much it helped my game.

#10. Gearbox Pro Power Elongated ($274.99)

Gearbox always brings something different to the table, and this paddle is no exception.

The Pro Power Elongated is exactly what it sounds like.

Power.

Key features

• Elongated shape for reach
• Strong energy transfer
• Unique “quiet” feel

I’ve played with a few Gearbox paddles, and while they’re not always my personal favorite, they’re undeniably well-built.

My take

Solid paddle for competitive players who want power and reach.

Why Are Pickleball Paddles So Expensive?

This is the question I get all the time.

And honestly, there are a few reasons:

1. Materials and Technology

Carbon fiber, Kevlar, foam injection, and proprietary cores all add cost.

2. Branding and Marketing

Let’s be real. Having Ben Johns’ name on a paddle increases the price.

3. Limited Editions

Paddles like the Gold Perseus are expensive because they’re rare, not because they play better.

Are Expensive Paddles Actually Worth It?

Here’s my honest take after playing with a lot of these.

Some are absolutely worth it.

Others are not.

I’ve played with $90 paddles that feel surprisingly close to $300 paddles.

That’s the truth.

What matters more than price

• Your play style
• Control vs power preference
• Comfort and feel

Which Should You Choose?

If you’re trying to decide, here’s how I’d think about it:

• If you want the best performance: Go with something like the JOOLA Pro V or Pro IV
• If you want power: Selkirk Boomstick or Proton Type B
• If you want control: Look at thicker paddles like the Project 003
• If you want value: Don’t overlook budget paddles

At the end of the day, the most expensive paddle is not always the best paddle.

I’ve learned that firsthand.

Final Thoughts

This list shows just how far pickleball has come.

From casual backyard sport to high-performance gear with serious price tags.

Some of these paddles are incredible.

Some are more hype than substance.

But that’s part of the fun of testing them.

If you find a paddle even more expensive than these, let me know. I’m always curious to see what’s out there.