You'll see “Gen 3” and “Gen 4” on almost every paddle page now, ours included. What most listings don't tell you: there's no official standard behind those numbers. They're industry shorthand for how a paddle's core is built. That's still worth knowing, so here's what changed, what it means on court, and where our paddles sit.
The short answer
- Gen 3 paddles are thermoformed with added foam, usually around a honeycomb core. They tend to feel crisper, with more raw pop.
- Gen 4 paddles replace the honeycomb with an engineered foam core. They tend to feel softer and more even, and are built to play the same for longer.
- Neither is better across the board. The labels describe construction, not quality, so judge the paddle in your hand.
Four generations in one minute
Each generation is a change to how the core is built and sealed. You'll mostly see Gen 3 and Gen 4 on the wall today.
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Gen1
Layered
A plastic honeycomb core sandwiched between two face sheets. Light and affordable.
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Gen2
Thermoformed
Heat and pressure mould the paddle into one sealed piece, for more power and durability.
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Gen3
Thermoformed with foamOn the wall today
Foam added around the edge or inside the frame for more pop and a bigger sweet spot. Most still use a honeycomb core.
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Gen4
Foam coreOn the wall today
The honeycomb is gone, replaced by engineered foam, often several densities combined in one core.
“Gen 3” and “Gen 4” are shorthand, not a certification.
USA Pickleball and UPA-A approve paddles for play, but no governing body defines the generations. Brands label their own paddles, so treat the number as a clue to the core, not a ranking. How paddle approval works.
What actually changes on court
| Compare | Gen 3 | Gen 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Crisper, louder, more explosive | Softer, more planted, more even across the face |
| Power | Often the most raw pop | Depends on the foam: some lively, some control-first |
| Over time | Honeycomb can compress and develop dead spots | Built to play the same for longer |
Which one should you pick?
Stick with Gen 3 if you…
- Love a hot, poppy paddle
- Like crisp feedback when you hit the ball
- Already play a Gen 3 you're happy with
Try Gen 4 if you…
- Care most about consistency, shot after shot
- Prefer a softer, more even feel
- Have a paddle that's started to feel dead
Gen 4 · Foam core
Six Gen 4 paddles worth a look
Gen 4 isn't only for the top of the range. These six run from our ROYAL Warrior collab with Diadem up to the Engage X2, across all three shapes.
Gen 3 · Thermoformed
Still the pick for pop
Gen 3 isn't yesterday's tech. Some of the most popular paddles on tour are still built this way, including these three.
Keep reading
Paddle shape
Elongated vs. hybrid vs. widebody
What each shape does well, and how to pick yours.
Read it →Power vs. control
What makes a paddle hit harder
The five design choices that matter most.
Read it →Paddle approval
USAP vs. UPA-A
Which certification your tournament or league needs.
Read it →Frequently asked questions
Is a Gen 4 paddle better than a Gen 3?
Not automatically. Gen 4 foam cores tend to feel softer and stay consistent for longer, while a good Gen 3 often has more raw pop. Which is better depends on how you play.
Who decides whether a paddle is Gen 3 or Gen 4?
The brands do. There's no official standard, and USA Pickleball and UPA-A approve paddles without assigning a generation. Use the label as a clue to how the core is built.
What is a dead spot?
An area of the face that has lost its response, so the ball comes off flat. On honeycomb cores it usually happens when the core compresses over time. Foam cores are built to resist it.
Do Gen 4 paddles have less power?
It depends on the foam. Some Gen 4 cores are tuned to be lively, others play control-first. Shape, swing weight and thickness also play a big part.
Can I try a Gen 3 and a Gen 4 before I buy?
Yes. Find a Royal Ambassador near you to request a demo and hit a Gen 3 and a Gen 4 back to back.
Not sure you'd feel the difference? Ask a Royal Ambassador.
Your local Royal Ambassador is on court with the newest paddles every week. Find yours to hit a Gen 3 and a Gen 4 back to back, talk through what suits your game, request a demo and get a good deal.
Find your ambassador