Best Small Pickleball Paddle Brands 2025

In this blog, I’ll be ranking the top five small paddle companies in pickleball. These up-and-coming
Brands have grown in popularity thanks to their impressive balance of affordability and performance. I’ll admit—I have strong opinions when it comes to small paddle companies, so this list might spark some disagreement. But I stand by my picks and won’t shy away from sharing my honest perspective.

#5: Reload 

Kicking off the list at number five is one of the most innovative brands in pickleball—Reload. Unlike traditional paddle companies, Reload markets itself as a paddle system rather than just a paddle. They’re the only brand currently offering replaceable top sheets, allowing players to restore spin performance without buying an entirely new paddle.

While Reload earns points for creativity and value, it lands at number five because of its limited offerings—there's currently only one paddle shape and no Gen 3 core technology. If spin is your top priority, Reload is worth a serious look. But if you're after the latest in paddle tech or more customization, other brands might serve you better.

#4: Bread & Butter

Full transparency—I’m not the biggest fan of Bread & Butter Pickleball. Their brand simply doesn’t resonate with me on a personal level. While I know plenty of players who love what they’re doing, I tend to gravitate toward companies that are clearly focused on pushing the boundaries of gear for high-level performance. I’m not saying Bread & Butter doesn’t do that, but their marketing seems to suggest they have other priorities as well. Again, not trying to badmouth Bread & Butter, they make great paddles, just not for me. 

That said, it’s impossible to ignore the variety and solid performance their paddles offer. For that reason, they earn the number four spot, just ahead of Reload. The Filth, Shogun, Fatboy, and Invader offer impressive variety—especially with the new line of Filth paddles now available in elongated, hybrid, and standard shapes.

#3: Ronbus Pickleball 


Coming in at number three is Ronbus Pickleball, a brand that’s quickly gained traction for offering a wide variety of paddle shapes, thicknesses, and core constructions—all at a very fair price. Whether you’re looking for an elongated, hybrid, or widebody paddle, Ronbus has options across their Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3 lines to suit a range of play styles and preferences.

That said, the brand hasn’t been without controversy. Their Gen 3 “Ronbus Ripple” drew criticism for its inconsistent presence on the USAP-approved paddle list. The paddle developed something of a love-hate relationship with tournament players because of it.

But if you can look past the certification drama, Ronbus stands out as a solid choice for players who want high-performance paddles under the $200 mark. Their paddles offer great value and variety, making Ronbus an easy recommendation for intermediate to advanced players seeking quality without breaking the bank.

#2: Honolulu Pickleball 

When it comes to variety and innovation, Honolulu Pickleball has you covered. The brand offers a range of shapes and thicknesses, but their standout models are undoubtedly the hybrid shapes—combining control and power in one sleek design. Their flagship paddle, the J2K, was even named Paddle of the Year by The Pickleball Studio last year, a testament to the brand’s rising credibility and player appeal.

So why aren't they number one? It really comes down to the next brand on this list, which I believe has more comprehensively embraced Gen 3 technology while also checking all the boxes that today’s players are looking for in performance, feel, and consistency.

Still, there’s something refreshing about a company like Honolulu. One of the big advantages of smaller brands is their willingness to experiment and push boundaries. While major paddle manufacturers tend to play it safe, you’re much more likely to see innovation and unique designs from a company like Honolulu than from brands featured in my “Top 5 Paddles the Pros Play With” list.

If you're a player who values creativity and cutting-edge feel, Honolulu should be on your radar 

1. 11Six24 

Claiming the top spot is none other than 11Six24—and yes, that's actually their name. Despite being a relatively small company, 11Six24 has established itself as a major force in the power paddle category across the entire pickleball industry. Their lineup is diverse and innovative, featuring the Hurache X (an elongated model), the Vapor (a uniquely shaped hybrid paddle), and the Pegasus, a widebody paddle with an unusually long handle. These paddles utilize a Gen 3 core that offers a great balance—plenty of power on full swings without being overly poppy in the soft game. In addition to their Gen 3 lineup, 11Six24 also offers an "All-Court" line with Gen 2 construction in the same shapes, and the budget-friendly Jelly Bean series built with Gen 1 construction, priced at just $100.

Final Thoughts

The pickleball world is evolving fast, and small paddle companies are at the forefront of that change. From Reload’s modular spin system to 11Six24’s elite Gen 3 power paddles, these brands are driving the future of paddle technology and pushing the big names to keep up.

If you're looking for a paddle that’s fresh, bold, and built for performance, consider giving one of these underdog companies a shot. You might just find your new favorite weapon on the court.

✅ Want More Gear Reviews Like This?

Subscribe to the Playmaker Pickleball blog for weekly updates—and don’t forget to check out my favorite paddle gear over on my Linktree. My top pick right now? The CRBN TruFoam Genesis 2 paddle and the CRBN Bucket Hat—especially in this summer heat.

🗓️ Want to level up your game in the Folsom area? Book a private lesson for just $30/hour—whether you're brand new or prepping for your next tournament.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top 5 Paddle's the Pros Play With

Image
The debate over which paddle is best will never end. Some players love experimenting with new gear, while others are fiercely loyal to their chosen brand. In this blog, we're narrowing the paddle space from the hundreds of models on the market to the five most common brands used by professionals. This isn’t a list of the best paddles for recreational players—nor is it necessarily a ranking of which brands offer the best performance for pros. When players decide to pursue a professional career, it's common for them to seek out paddle sponsorships. On the flip side, there are brands that don’t sponsor pros—either due to limited resources or lack of interest—which naturally shrinks the field of options for aspiring professionals. I know not everyone is going pro, but if you’re a pickleball nerd like me and watch a lot of PPA and MLP events, you probably find this stuff just as interesting as I do. This list highlights the five paddle brands you’ll see most often on the PPA and ...
Read more

Why the Fourth Shot Matters More Than You Think

Image
Pickleball players and coaches often put a huge emphasis on the third shot—serve, return, and then the all-important drop or drive. It's a popular topic, and for good reason. But what rarely gets talked about is the fourth shot —the ball played immediately after the third shot. Whether it's a counter to a drive or a response to a drop, the fourth shot can actually be one of the most important weapons in your arsenal. When you are about to hit a fourth shot, you and your partner should be established at the kitchen line. If you aren't, refer to my previous blog .  There are several smart options for how to handle the fourth shot , and your choice depends entirely on the type of third shot you receive: 1. If you receive a third shot drop into the kitchen: Dink it cross-court. This is often the safest and smartest response, especially if your opponent hits a solid drop and you’re unsure of a better option. It keeps you on point and resets the rally. Or Attack a hig...
Read more