I have an old Desperado that I keep for a backup, but I switched to the Powerhouse. To me the Powerhouse just seems to have better “purchase” on the water than the Desperado, especially when rolling. I assume it’s because the Powerhouse has a stiffer blade. I’ve heard other people say they don’t think there is much difference between the two, but if I had to buy a new paddle, I’d hold out for one with a fiberglass blade (like the Powerhouse.)
I don’t have any experience with the more expensive foam core paddles, but I know a lot of good paddlers like them.