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We’re closing in on a new year, and you know what that means: paddle reviewers everywhere are assembling their lists of the Best Pickleball Paddles of 2024—the ones with the most spin, the best control, the best power. And that’s all great. But let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to pick the paddle that looks the coolest.
Look good feel good type of vibe.
So, I’m throwing substance out the window for a moment and doing something different. I’m ranking paddles purely on their looks. This isn’t about performance or specs—it’s about which paddle you’d want if your pickleball game turned into a runway show.
This is the beauty pageant of paddles. The brightest, the sleekest, the boldest designs—the ones that make you think, “Wow, this guy has dope taste.” May the best-looking paddle win.
The Judging Criteria
To narrow it down, I came up with a few criteria:
- Released in 2024 – New year, new paddles. Only the freshest designs are eligible.
- Unique – If your paddle looks like every other paddle out there, sorry, it’s not making the cut.
- Thoughtful – Designs that feel like someone actually cared about making it look cool.
Now, let’s be clear—these are my opinions, which means they are obviously correct. But hey, if you think I missed something, tag me on social media @SpeakPickleball, and let’s argue about it like civilized paddle nerds.
Now onto the rankings.
10. Holbrook Aero X 16mm
Holbrook has this reputation for keeping things simple. In a world of pickleball paddles where “simple” usually means yet another carbon fiber face with zero personality, Holbrook’s four-circle design manages to stand out. It’s simple, yes, but it’s recognizable—the kind of design that makes you go, “Oh, those four circles – that’s a Holbrook,” from across the court.
What I love is that it doesn’t feel dated. Out of their paddles, I’m a fan of the Aero X. The gradients on those little arrow designs? Subtle, but just enough to make you feel like someone really cared about getting it right.
And then there’s the grip. Yes, I know most people slap an overgrip on their paddle immediately, but Holbrook’s stock grip ties the whole thing together. I feel like this year, they’ve really locked in their visual identity, so kudos to Holbrook for knowing who they are and leaning into it.
9. Mark OneX
The Mark OneX doesn’t just look good—it looks distinct. The neon green colorway with white highlights somehow manages to be bold without veering into tacky territory. It feels modern, sleek, and just techy enough to remind me of something straight out of Razer’s design playbook.
Calling these paddles a facelift from their Kinetic series is putting it lightly—this is a full-blown glow-up. The sharp, clean lines that run across the paddle’s surface aren’t just decorative; they’re a statement. There’s nothing else on the market that’s gone in this design direction, and it’s refreshing to see something that feels this unique.
8. Pickleball Apes Pulse S
The Apes Pulse S by Pickleball Apes is making the list, and let me tell you why: purple.
Not just any purple—this is the kind of purple that makes you stop mid-game and say, “Damn, that’s a good purple.” It’s deep, moody, and perfectly balanced by the lighter purple edgeguard. It’s giving Prince.
Here’s the thing, though: it’s on the list entirely because of the color.
And honestly, I’m fine with that. It’s clean, minimal, and simple—like it’s not even trying, but somehow still flexing. Just like Pickleball Apes made the red Pro-Line Energy S an icon, they’ve managed to outdo themselves this year with the Pulse S.
7. Neonic Flow Prime X
The Neonic Flow Prime X doesn’t just splash—it makes waves, and it does it with style. The edgeguard shifts from white to light blue in a subtle gradient that feels effortless and clean, like it was designed by someone who spends their weekends rearranging minimalist coffee table books. It’s finessed. It’s cute. It’s going on my pastel-inspired Pinterest board.
The downside is that the design is nice to almost a fault. It looks so delicate that I’m almost afraid to actually play with it. Like, is this a paddle or a collector’s item? Still, there’s no denying the hype. These things are sold out for a reason. Sometimes, you don’t need to ask “why” when something just works.
6. Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta – Frazier
The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta Frazier has quietly flown under the radar, all while making a bold statement with its striking color choice. Inspired by PPA standout Dylan Frazier, it’s a nod to his Missouri roots and his current school. Selkirk’s designs are already iconic—clean, bold, and instantly recognizable—but this variation breathes new life into a familiar look. The yellow and black color scheme is something Wiz Khalifa would be proud of. It owns the court like it knows it’s the star of the show.
5. Joola Mod TA-15
Controversy aside, the Perseus Mod TA-15 is a stunning paddle. Forget for a second the traumatic experience of facing off against someone swinging this thing like Thor’s hammer—the paddle itself is very well designed. Monochromatic designs can easily fall into “meh” territory, but when they’re done right, they feel timeless. And this? This is done right.
The black-on-black carbon fiber face is sleek without trying too hard, and the typeface gives it this cold, robotic vibe—like it’s from the Terminator. Then there’s the minimalist white Joola triangle logo in the center, anchoring the whole thing perfectly. Oh, and let’s not forget Pickleball Central’s exclusive Chroma colorway. It’s a good one.
4. Reload RLD 1
This pick is a little untraditional. The RLD 1 by Reload isn’t just a paddle—it’s a paddle system. And honestly, they’ve cracked the code on creating a cohesive design system too. Pastel blue and orange? That’s their color palette now. At this point, you see those colors and think yup, that’s a Reload.
Reload is already known for their replaceable grit tech, which is objectively cool, but what really stands out is how they’ve managed to make the paddle both functional and beautiful. Good ergonomics is good design.
The little details, like the thoughtfully designed tabs that make peeling the grips ridiculously easy, show they’ve considered every angle. It’s ergonomic, clever, and just pretty. Form and function, all wrapped up in one clean package.
3. Vatic Pro Saga
Vatic Pro isn’t exactly a brand you associate with flashy designs—their whole philosophy is function over aesthetics, performance over fluff, and delivering it all at a lower cost. BUT, the Saga changed all of that. This looks like one hell of a weapon. Grab the long-handled version, and you’ll immediately feel like a samurai stepping onto the court—not to play pickleball, but to defend your honor.
The Samurai outlined design brushed with a subtle orange gradient is something no other paddle company is even attempting, and it works. Sure, I still miss the dragon from the Oni—because dragons—but the Samurai strikes the perfect balance between intricate and understated. It’s detailed enough to be cool but not so over-the-top that it feels like you’re cosplaying Samurai Jack.
2. Bread&Butter Invader
Bread&Butter doesn’t do boring. Their Shogun and Fatboy paddles were massive hits for a reason—they lean into bold, borderline ridiculous designs and somehow make it work. The Invader follows that same playbook: it’s weird, flashy, maybe a little tacky, but undeniably fun.
Let’s start with the titanium weave, which makes the paddle sparkle. And then there’s the ridiculous alien—a silly, over-the-top touch that somehow manages to be both goofy and really well-executed.
Also, let’s talk packaging. Bread&Butter’s unboxing experience is next level. From the moment you crack it open, you feel like you’re holding something special. The copy, the hot sauce it comes with, and the ridiculously flashy colors —honestly, that’s worth a few bonus points on its own.
1. SixZero Ruby Infinity
And here it is—my #1 pick. I’m ready for the angry tweets. The Ruby Infinity.
This paddle bends my “2024 only” rule, but the new edgeless design earns it a spot. The original Ruby, released in late December 2023, was an instant classic with its ruby-red base and crisp white outlines—a design that truly delivered on its name. Now, the Infinity takes that iconic look and elevates it by ditching the edgeguard entirely.
Visually, edgeless paddles are hard to beat. I’ll admit, they’re unforgiving—my 3.5 DUPR on a good day would plummet to a 2.0—but the Infinity makes a strong case for style over substance. Sleek, modern, and just downright clean, the Infinity is no exception. If the original Ruby was a gem, the Infinity is the polished diamond, leaning fully into aesthetics and pulling it off beautifully.
What did I miss?
At the end of the day, pickleball paddles are tools. But tools don’t have to be boring—just ask anyone who’s bought a power drill in their favorite color. Well-designed paddles are part of the fun. They’re thoughtful, weird, bold, and sometimes a little over the top, but they make playing pickleball feel more personal and gives you the opportunity to make a statement.
And sure, maybe ranking paddles by their looks is the pickleball equivalent of judging books by their covers. So here’s to the paddles that turned heads this year. The ones that dared to be more than just “good paddles” and instead became cool paddles. May 2025 bring even more beautiful nonsense to the courts.
