Ready to take your pickleball game to the next level? Finding a quality paddle has never been easier! This guide will show some of our top picks to help you find the best pickleball paddles for advanced players and understand how different materials affect paddle performance on the pickleball court.

What Makes Paddles Different?

The days of finding a wooden ping pong paddle to play pickleball are entirely gone. Today's pickleball paddles come in many shapes, sizes, materials, and weights, which complement different players and playing styles.

For advanced players, even nuances between different paddles can have more of an impact, and it is recommended to playtest paddles before purchasing to ensure they have a good feel.

Paddle Shapes

The most common pickleball paddle shape is still the standard rounded rectangle. The standard paddle length is approximately 14 to 16 inches, and the width is about 8 inches.

Elongated pickleball paddles are becoming more popular now, especially with singles players. These paddles maintain a rounded rectangular shape, but they typically start around 17 inches long and 7 inches wide. The different shapes create bigger or tighter sweet spots and can help add more finesse or power to a player's game while extending the reach.

Paddle Handle and Grip

The paddle grip size and shape can have a strong effect on gameplay. For example, players who deploy a two-handed backhand will likely want a long handle instead of a standard one so they can grip it with both hands and better control the shot.

When choosing a comfortable grip, it is important to measure your grip circumference so you know what sizes will be suitable. Also, some grips are made of wood, but most will offer a cushion grip for added comfort and moisture-wicking ability.

Paddle Face and Core Materials

Older models of pickleball paddles were made out of wood. While wood is still used today, it usually has some type of coating to help provide more control and impact on the ball.

More advanced players use paddles made from materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, and graphite. Advanced paddles also use better materials for the core of the paddles, like polypropylene honeycomb cores, Nomex, and aluminum.

Different materials are designed to aid in hitting and controlling different types of shots, and some materials offer better results depending on your individual playing style. For example, carbon fiber paddles typically offer more power and are heavier than composite paddles made for spin and speed.

Paddle Weight & Balance

The weight of a pickleball paddle ranges from about 6 ounces to 14 ounces. Advanced paddles typically weigh between 7 to 12 ounces. You may not think a few ounces makes a huge difference, but when you swing the paddle hundreds of times during a match, you'll recognize a heavier paddle over a lighter paddle.

Many beginners opt for lightweight paddles, while intermediate and advanced players tend to gravitate towards midweight options for the extra power behind their shots.

Balance is also essential for pickleball paddles. Some pickleball paddles are heavier towards the top of the paddle, while others are heavier towards the grip. Balanced paddles offer equal weight distribution down the middle.

Balance is important because as you swing, the heavier side tends to lead the shot. The easy way to check your balance point is to lay the paddle horizontally over a few fingers. Wherever the paddle doesn't tip one way or the other will show where the center of the paddle is. If your fingers are up toward the top, then it's top-heavy. If your fingers are more toward the bottom, then it's bottom-heavy.

Price Point

High-quality paddles cost more than paddles made from lower-quality materials. Craftsmanship, technology, and brand play a large role in the final price. Of course, some paddles have pro-player endorsement, and that can also add to the price.

Inexpensive starter paddles for beginners can cost as little as $30 - $50. Paddles for intermediate players cost between $80 - $200. The best paddles for advanced players typically cost between $150-$250.

It’s important to note that price shouldn’t be the main indicator of how well a paddle will perform or how useful it will be. However, for advanced players, it is important that the paddle has the features and feel that you need at a price you can afford.

Choosing the Right Paddle for Yourself

Unfortunately, there is no way to tell what paddle works best for you without trying them out. A coach may be able to guide you down a specific path, but your best bet is to either borrow one from a fellow pickleball player or purchase a paddle and play with it for a while before committing long-term.

Our Favorite Elongated Paddle

JOOLA Ben John’s Perseus CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle

Price: $249.99

This paddle was made for advanced players who play with power shots and precision. Wielded by the #1 player in the world, Ben Johns, this paddle has impressive technical specs and a phenomenal feel. The highest carbon grade was used in the construction of this paddle which features a grippy textured surface for maximum spin. It has an extra long handle, and the elongated shape makes it easy to get to those high lobs.

Features:

Edge guard
Grip length: 5.5”
Grip size: 4.25” (16mm) 4.125″ (14mm)
Hyperfoam edge wall for added stability
Paddle Average weight: 8.0 oz (mid-weight)
Paddle Core: “Reactive” polypropylene honeycomb
Paddle Core thickness: 16mm & 14mm versions
Paddle Face: Raw Toray T700 raw carbon fiber and a textured finish
Paddle length: 16.5”
Paddle Shape: Standard/elongated
Paddle Swing Weight: 116 (16mm) 112 (14mm)
Paddle Type: Power/All-court
Paddle Width: 7.5”
USAPA approved
Warranty: 6 months for manufacturer defects

Our Favorite Widebody Pickleball Paddle

ONIX Graphite Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Price: $89.99

This is a solid paddle all the way around and one of the most popular for intermediate and advanced players due to the large surface area and massive sweet spot. This middleweight paddle feels like a lightweight paddle, and is perfect for those who prefer a longer handle with a tapered base, similar to a tennis racquet. It also comes in at an impressive and affordable price point.

Features:

Grip size: 4-1/4"
Handle length: 5”
Handle shape: Tapered - similar to a tennis racquet
Most popular pickleball paddle in the Onix line
Paddle core: Nomex, honeycomb core
Paddle face: Graphite face
Paddle Length: 15 1/2"
Paddle shape: Widebody shape

Paddle weight: 7.5-8.2 oz

Paddle Width: 8 3/10"

USAPA approved
Warranty: 1-year warranty for manufacturer’s defects

Best Paddle for Accuracy and Control

Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro

Price: $179.99

The Tempest Wave Pro offers unrivaled pinpoint accuracy, and unparalleled forgiveness, letting you take your game to the next level. This balanced-weight paddle offers speed and maneuverability at the net and is perfect for players with a finesse style who prefer a lighter touch on the ball. Trade dinks with confidence with this tournament-approved, standard shape paddle.

Features:

Colorway: Aurora, Barium, Horizon, Riptide, Wildfire
Core thickness: 14.2877mm
Grip sizes: thin (4 1/8”) or standard (4 3/8”)
Handle length: 5 1/4”
Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty for manufacturer defects
Paddle core material: High-grade graphite polymer composite honeycomb
Paddle face material: Unidirectional carbon fiber
Paddle length: 15 7/8"
Paddle shape: Standard
Paddle weight: 7.6 to 8oz
Paddle width: 8”
Smart response technology for finesse players
USA Pickleball approved

Best Paddle For Spin

CRBN³ X 16MM Power Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Price: $229.99

CRBN paddles are widely known for spin, and the CRBN³ 16MM lives up to the brand, offering superior spin and control due to the super gritty surface. Perfect for bangers and third-shot drives, this paddle has injected foam walls and a reinforced unibody design adding power behind spin shots. The thick core dampens vibration, and the comfortable grip will help you with precision and control.

Features:

Colorway: Black
Core Thickness: 16 mm
Ergonomic grip geometry reinforced with carbon fiber
Foam Injected Edge Walls
Grip Thickness: Standard - 4.1/4''
Limited 120-day warranty against manufacturer defects
Paddle Core Material: Honeycomb Polypropylene Core
Paddle Face Material: T700 Torray Carbon Fiber
Paddle Handle Length: Standard - 5 1/4''
Paddle Length: 16 1/2"
Paddle Shape: Elongated
Paddle Weight: 7.8 - 8.1 oz
Paddle Width: 7 1/4''
Reinforced unibody construction
USAPA approved

Top Choice for More Advanced Players

Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta Pickleball Paddle

Price: $249.99

Designed for and with pickleball pro Tyson McGuffin, this power paddle from Selkirk has been making waves since its debut. This is a perfect paddle for those who want maximum power and spin, with a raw T700 carbon fiber facing and a large sweet spot.

This paddle is particularly adept for players who enjoy adding topspin and sidespin to their shots and is used regularly by 4.5+ advanced players. The air-dynamic throat reduces air resistance keeping you fast at the net, while the elongated shape and handle give you superior reach.

Features:

Colorway: Black, Prestige, or Red
Edging: Edgeless
Grip Size: Standard 4 1/8” - 4 3/8”
Handle Length: Standard - 4.85''
Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty
Made in the USA
Paddle Core Material: Polymer honeycomb
Paddle Face Material: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber mixed with fiberglass
Paddle Length: 16 1/2''
Paddle Shape: Elongated
Paddle Weight: 7.8 - 8.2 oz
Paddle Width: 7 3/8''
USAPA Approved

Final Thoughts

There are so many types of paddles made just for advanced players that finding paddles with the right blend of features shouldn’t be difficult. The best way to narrow down the style you should be looking for is to determine what type of player you are. If you like to smash the ball, you’ll want a power paddle. If you prefer to slice the ball and enjoy long, technical rallies at the net, you may want to find a paddle made for spin and precision. As ever, the most important thing to look for when shopping for a new paddle is that it feels right and gives you confidence on the court.