Control vs Power Pickleball Paddles, Compared: Which Should You Buy?

Our Top Picks

Makers label paddles “control” or “power” and explain the split their own way: Selkirk’s guide and Wilson’s guide (August 12, 2026) tie it to core thickness, weight, face and shape, while Six Zero sells both names in the same shape and thicknesses. This guide puts three makers’ own Power and Control versions side by side, each claim about feel tied to its source.

For single-side lists, see our best control pickleball paddles and best power pickleball paddles; every paddle guide is on our pickleball paddles page.

Power picks:

• Six Zero Power, 14mm: Six Zero Black Diamond Power, 14mm | Check Price on Amazon
• Wilson Power, Foam 14mm: Wilson Vesper SF Power 14 | Check Price on Amazon
• Selkirk Power, 13mm XL: Selkirk SLK Evo Power XL | Check Price on Amazon

Control picks:

• Six Zero Control, 16mm: Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control, 16mm | Check Price on Amazon
• Wide 17mm Control: Wilson Vesper Control 17 | Check Price on Amazon
• Selkirk Control, 16mm XL: Selkirk SLK Evo Control XL | Check Price on Amazon

Compare the 6 control and power paddles

Each row is the version we link, with the maker’s figures. “USA Pickleball” is the approved-list entry we found on 2026-11-10, with its date.

Side by Side: What Changes Inside Each Pair

The makers’ own figures for each pair.

Maker pair	Same in both	Power version	Control version
Six Zero Black Diamond	16.3 in flared shape, grip, about 8.1 oz	Raw composite face; swing weight 112, twist weight 6.5 (14mm)	T700 raw carbon face; swing weight 114, twist weight 6.8 (16mm)
Wilson Vesper	4-1/8 in grip, Carbon OptiMax frame	14 mm solid foam, elongated, carbon-over-fiberglass face	17 mm core, wide shape, raw carbon face
Selkirk SLK Evo XL	16.4 x 7.4 in, handle, grip, T700 face	13 mm core, 7.8-8.2 oz	16 mm core, 7.6-8.1 oz

At 14mm, Six Zero’s table gives the Double Black Diamond a 113 swing weight and 6.8 twist weight, against 112 and 6.5 for the Black Diamond Power, so at equal thickness the published differences are the face and those weights. Wilson’s pair also spans two generations; its StrikeFoam partner, the Vesper SF Control 17, is a pick in our control roundup.

What Makers and Reviewers Say Changes Control and Power

Each line is the named source’s view, not a rule of ours.

• Core thickness. Selkirk: “Control paddles feature a thicker core, around 16 mm or more, which absorbs more of the ball’s energy, facilitating precise shots.” Wilson: “13mm paddles: Thinner core, more power and responsiveness”. Reviewers push back. Pickleball Effect (a retailer; October 27, 2026): “A 16mm core no longer guarantees a soft, control-oriented paddle.” Pickleheads, on Six Zero’s 16mm Black Diamond Power: “So beware if you see the 16 mm thickness and think you’re buying a control paddle.”
• Weight. Selkirk: “Lighter paddles, approximately 7.3 oz or less, offer greater maneuverability, making them perfect for players focusing on control.” Wilson: “Heavier paddles generate more power and stability”. Six Zero’s and Selkirk’s pairs weigh about the same on both sides.
• Face. Wilson: “Carbon fiber (graphite): Enhances control, feel, and consistency” and “Fiberglass/composite: Adds power and pop”. Selkirk’s guide names fiberglass and carbon fiber for power, carbon fiber and graphite for control. Six Zero’s pair splits the way both guides describe; Selkirk’s uses one carbon face.
• Shape. Selkirk: “Shorter and wider paddles provide a larger sweet spot, enhancing the ability to control the ball.” Wilson’s pair follows that; Selkirk’s Evo pair is elongated on both sides.
• Overall build. Pickleball Effect: “Ultimately, control is more about the paddle’s overall construction and response than whether it’s 14mm or 16mm.”

Our 14mm vs 16mm comparison covers thickness alone, and our explainer on what makes a control paddle covers the control side in depth.

How We Chose the Pairs

What a pick had to show

• Its side in its maker’s words, and a partner from the same maker on the other side.
• A New offer in Amazon’s buy box on 2026-11-10, at or below the maker’s regular price (none published for the Evo Power XL, review 5).
• A dated USA Pickleball approval entry.
• Disclosures: Pickleball Studio, Pickleheads and Matt’s Pickleball earn affiliate commissions. Pickleball Effect offers Six Zero discount codes and wrote that it sells Six Zero paddles, so we treat it as a retailer.

Detailed Reviews

Six Zero Black Diamond Power 14mm, Six Zero Power, 14mm

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Pickleheads: Black Diamond Power 16mm.

Six Zero heads its page “Black Diamond – Designed for Power with Spin”. Pickleheads (January 29, 2024), which tested the 16mm, writes: “Compared to the Double Black Diamond (DBD), you get more power but you lose some control and forgiveness. Since the DBD already hits so hard, I still recommend that over the Black Diamond every time.” On spin it is split: “I was surprised that this has the same awesome spin as the DBD.”, but later “The DBD’s raw carbon face gives it slightly better spin.” Pickleball Effect (a retailer) agrees on power: “The Six Zero Black Diamond Power hits the hardest, then the CRBN X 16 mm paddles, and then the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control.”

Pickleheads, Pickleball Studio and Pickleball Effect (a retailer) called the face fiberglass; Six Zero’s page now says “Proprietary Japanese Raw Composite Material”. Sold by Six Zero US, shipped by Amazon (2026-11-10).

Specs (Six Zero Black Diamond Power, 14mm, Grey/Red)

• Core: 14 mm (0.55 in) honeycomb polymer (Six Zero)
• Weight: 8.1 oz average, +/- 0.2 oz; swing weight 112, twist weight 6.5 (Six Zero’s estimates)
• Approval: “Black Diamond RF14mm”, added 2024-06-09

Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control 16mm, Six Zero Control, 16mm

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Pickleball Studio: Double Black Diamond 16mm.

Six Zero’s page opens: “Go Next Level with the Double Black Diamond paddle, engineered for players who demand precision and control with every stroke.” The same page heads it “Award-Winning All-Court Paddle”. Pickleball Studio tested this 16mm: “However, compared to their raw fiberglass Black Diamond paddle, the Double Black Diamond certainly has much more control, which is why it has control in the name.” Its summary: “Overall, I would call the Double Black Diamond a power paddle that leans slightly toward control.”

Six Zero’s Amazon listing: “Choose the 14mm honeycomb core for fast hand speed at the net, or the 16mm core for a plush, controlled feel.” Amazon’s grip field reads 4.5 in; Six Zero lists 4.125 in. Sold by Six Zero US, shipped by Amazon (2026-11-10).

Specs (Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control, 16mm, Black, Standard)

• Core: 16 mm (0.63 in) honeycomb polymer (Six Zero)
• Weight: 8.0-8.2 oz; swing weight 114, twist weight 6.8 (Six Zero’s estimates)
• Face: T700 raw carbon
• Approval: “Double Black Diamond RC 16mm”, added 2022-11-22

Wilson Vesper SF Power 14, Wilson Power, Foam 14mm

Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Wilson (maker).

Wilson’s page: “The ultimate power paddle for competitive players, Wilson’s Vesper SF Power 14 adds pop to drives and serves without sacrificing precision.” Wilson’s Indonesian store lists 16.5 x 7.5 in, 14 mm, 230 g / 8.1 oz and a 5.25 in handle. Amazon’s material field says polypropylene honeycomb; we follow Wilson’s StrikeFoam.

We found no independent written test. More Vesper models are in our Wilson paddle guide. Sold and shipped by Midwest Racquet Sports, a racquet-sports retailer (2026-11-10).

Specs (Wilson Vesper SF Power 14, Black/White, size 1)

• Core: 14 mm StrikeFoam, Wilson’s solid foam core
• Weight: 230 g / 8.1 oz (Wilson)
• Face: “Raw Carbon Fiber hitting surface with a fiberglass base layer” (Wilson’s Amazon listing)
• Approval: “Vesper SF Power 14”, added 2025-12-05

Wilson Vesper Control 17, Wide 17mm Control

Evidence: Independently reviewed, exact model. Matt’s Pickleball (measured specs): Vesper Control 17.

Wilson’s page: “Wilson’s Vesper Control 17 Pickleball Paddle elevates control and precision for competitive players.” Its core wording differs: the text says “high-density foam core”, the technology list and Amazon say IsoChamber. Wilson gives the 17 mm thickness (Australian page) and a 66 sq in head, but no weight, length or handle length. Amazon’s material field says fiberglass; we follow Wilson’s raw carbon.

Matt’s Pickleball measured its serve speed at 54.4 mph, in the “0.0%” percentile, ranks its punch volley 521st of 525 measured paddles, gives it a “Pop rating” of 1/5 and rates it 2 of 5 stars. Sold by Fast Lane Athletics, shipped by Amazon (2026-11-10).

Specs (Wilson Vesper Control 17, Black/White, size 1)

• Core: 17 mm (Wilson); foam or IsoChamber, as above
• Weight: not published by Wilson; Matt’s Pickleball measured 8.14 oz
• Face: raw carbon (Wilson; Amazon’s field says fiberglass)
• Approval: “Vesper Control 17”, added 2025-01-22

Selkirk SLK Evo Power XL, Selkirk Power, 13mm XL

Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Selkirk (maker).

Selkirk’s Amazon listing: “THERMOFORMED 13mm REV-POWER CORE: Engineered for elite pop, our 13mm core and UniBody design deliver explosive power.” Selkirk’s store now sells it only in a two-paddle limited-edition bundle, whose page gives the figures and the skill level “Beginner – Intermediate”. Selkirk’s only price for it covers the two-paddle bundle, so it publishes no single-paddle list price.

Sold by SSV, LLC, shipped by Amazon (2026-11-10).

Specs (Selkirk SLK Evo Power XL, Oasis)

• Core: 13 mm Rev-Power polymer honeycomb (Selkirk)
• Weight: 7.8-8.2 oz (Selkirk)
• Face: T700 CarbonFusion carbon fiber
• Approval: “Evo Power 13mm XL”, added 2024-03-28

Selkirk SLK Evo Control XL, Selkirk Control, 16mm XL

Evidence: No independent test; maker specs. Source: Selkirk (maker).

Selkirk’s page: “Boasting a thicker, 16mm Rev-Control Core and a T700 CarbonFusion Carbon Fiber surface, this thermoformed paddle absorbs impact, improves playability, and delivers excellent control.” The same page describes the XL shape: “Designed for aggressive players seeking extended length and increased power, the XL paddle shape offers unparalleled performance on the court.” Skill level “Beginner – Intermediate”, per Selkirk.

Its 7.6-8.1 oz range sits slightly below the Power XL’s and above the 7.3 oz Selkirk’s guide gives for control paddles. Sold by Selkirk Sport, shipped by Amazon (2026-11-10). It also appears in our thermoformed paddle guide.

Specs (Selkirk SLK Evo Control XL, Oasis)

• Core: 16 mm Rev-Control polymer honeycomb (Selkirk)
• Weight: 7.6-8.1 oz (Selkirk)
• Face: T700 CarbonFusion carbon fiber
• Approval: “Evo Control XL”, added 2024-03-24

Choose Power If…, Choose Control If…

• Power, if you want help creating pace now. Pickleball Effect (a retailer), on players around 4.0 and below: “For many recreational players, that’s a completely valid reason to choose power.” Its caveat: “The downside is that power paddles can sometimes mask weaknesses and slow development.” Picks: Black Diamond Power 14mm, Vesper SF Power 14, Evo Power XL.
• Control, if you are building a complete game. Pickleball Effect frames this as all-court against power: “If your goal is long-term improvement and becoming a more complete player, I think all-court paddles are often the better option.” Picks: Double Black Diamond Control 16mm, Evo Control XL.
• Control, if you are still finding your style. Selkirk: “For players who don’t yet know their play style, control paddles are the safer bet because they are more suitable to all play styles.” Picks: Evo Control XL, Vesper Control 17.
• In between. Pickleball Studio calls the Double Black Diamond a power paddle that leans slightly toward control; Pickleball Effect (a retailer) calls it an all-court paddle that leans to the control side. Pick: Double Black Diamond Control 16mm.
• On a budget. The Selkirk pair and the Vesper Control 17 sit in the lower tier; see also our budget paddles and paddles under $150. Picks: Evo Power XL, Evo Control XL.

Coming from tennis? See our paddles for tennis players.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your goals; the sources split, as the Choose section above shows.

Its maker’s label and design; the makers’ section above lists what Selkirk and Wilson tie it to.

Pickleball Effect (a retailer): “A power paddle is designed to create easier offense through more pop, faster ball speed, and easier put-away power.”

Pickleball Effect: “Power is how much ball speed a paddle generates on a full swing, like a drive, serve, or overhead. Pop is how much ball speed it produces on shorter swings, like punch volleys, counters, and flicks at the kitchen.”

Sources disagree. Selkirk recommends control paddles to players still finding their style. Pickleball Effect: “At lower levels, power paddles can create major advantages because many players still struggle handling pace consistently.” See our beginner paddles.

Our sources do not survey pro players. Pickleball Effect, on advanced (4.5+) players: “At higher levels, the decision between an all-court or power paddle becomes much more nuanced.” It adds: “Many advanced players can already generate some power naturally and manage incoming pace effectively.”

Final Verdict

Treat “control” and “power” as each maker’s label and check the specs behind it. For power: the Six Zero Black Diamond Power 14mm (Pickleheads, testing the 16mm, found it more powerful than its Control sibling), the Wilson Vesper SF Power 14 or the Selkirk SLK Evo Power XL. For control: the Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control 16mm, which Pickleball Studio and Pickleball Effect (a retailer) place between the camps, the Wilson Vesper Control 17 or the Selkirk SLK Evo Control XL.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.