It’s no secret Pickleball is evolving at lightning speed, not just in the UK and Europe, but massively across Asia as well. And with that, the paddle market is changing rapidly too. We’ve been selling paddles for three years now, which in this landscape feels like a phenomenally long time. When we first started, the Selkirk Amped was one of the most expensive paddles at £150. Now, most paddles we sell sit around that price, and the priciest models are pushing a £300 ceiling.
For a long time, I was a foam pickleball paddle sceptic. I remember seeing the Diadem Vice with its surface holes, almost like a padel racket, and thinking it might be a gimmick, all while trying to remain loyal to my favourite traditional polypropylene core paddle. But 2025 has truly been the year of foam. Once a niche option, foam core paddles are now gaining traction among players of all skill levels, particularly in the U.S., promising a future where control, comfort, and innovation redefine the game. You’ve likely seen them in paddles like the CRBN TruFoam series and Selkirk’s new Boomstik.
Why Foam Cores Are Changing the Game
Traditional paddles rely on cores made from a honeycomb polypropylene structure typically encased in carbon fibre or fibreglass. These designs have been the industry standard for years, offering a respectable balance of power, control, and durability. However overtime experienced problems like core crushing (particularly when heatpressed), delamination and a steep drop in performance. Whereas foam core paddles, utilise a range of high density foam materials for their unique advantages in paddle construction. Here are some things you need to know about Foam pickleball paddles:
1. Tailored and Exceptional Feel and Control
Foam cores, such as those found in the CRBN TruFoam Genesis, dampen vibrations more effectively than traditional honeycomb cores, delivering a plush, responsive impact. This enhanced vibration absorption creates a softer feel and expands the sweet spot, enabling greater control and precision for delicate dinks, accurate drops, and controlled volleys.
2. Comfort on the Court
Probably one of the best features of Foam is the vibration dampening effect. If you’re a player who suffers from elbow pain/tennis elbow, the foam provides more cushion reducing shock transmitted to your arm, which can make a huge difference for playing fatigue and arm/wrist injury prevention. Foam paddles let you play longer, more comfortably, and enjoy the game without discomfort.
3. Innovation in Design
Foam allows manufacturers to experiment with density and layering, tailoring paddles for specific play styles. From slightly firmer paddles for controlled power to ultra soft options for maximum touch, there’s a foam paddle for almost every type of player. Take the Boomstik for example, Selkirk have created a dual core foam paddle with the inner core being a solid foam layer known as the ‘boomcore’ and the outer rim being a low density EVA foam which is what we’ve come to expect from most paddles due to the sweetspot expansion properties.
4. Durability and Consistency
High quality foam paddles resist core crushing and/or delamination better than traditional honeycomb designs. They also have a larger, more consistent sweet spot, meaning off centre hits are more forgiving. I found the widebody Boomstik to have one of the largest Sweetspots I’ve ever felt on a paddle which is crazy considering the amount of firepower the paddle generates.
5. Balanced Power and Playability
Modern foam paddles rival traditional designs in both control and power, giving players the best of both worlds. In previous generations, you had to choose one or the other, but 4th generation foam doesn’t force that trade-off. Now, you can have everything you need in a single paddle. No more swapping between paddles for different play styles, surfaces, or game types.
Things to Keep in Mind
Like any innovation, foam paddles have a few considerations:
Power Variability: Some early foam models didn’t match the raw power of top tier polymer paddles and still not all foam paddles are created equally. Make sure you do your homework before selecting a foam paddle.
Edge Separation: Cheaper models can experience disbonding, quality matters.
Lack of feel/Adjustment Period: Switching from a responsive paddle like the Selkirk ERA (poly core with a foam blend) to my first full foam-core paddle felt unusual. With the 16mm foam core, much of the ball’s impact was absorbed, however the ball would still fire off which made it harder to gauge how much force to use when hitting. My timing and ball-to-paddle connection felt off initially. I experienced this particularly with the Ronbus Ripple V2 R2.
Cost: Premium foam paddles can be more expensive than standard polymer options, often exceeding £200.
Early Adoption: Foam paddles are still relatively new, so long term performance data is limited. Early playtests suggest that performance does not degrade over time, but the available reference points are still limited.
If you’re interested in a foam pickleball paddle have a look at our BoomStik review here.
The Verdict
Foam paddles aren’t just a passing trend, they’re reshaping what players expect from feel, comfort, and design in pickleball. As the sport matures and strategy becomes just as important as power, foam’s unique advantages make it a compelling choice for players at all levels.
If you haven’t tried one yet, now is the perfect time to experience the foam revolution and discover a new era of precision and comfort on the court.
As always, if you have any questions around Pickleball Paddles please let us know.