Ah, the age-old question: Which came first; an amazing pickleball paddle or the expert pickleball play? Some mysteries we just can’t solve. But in our opinion, expert play and a top pickleball paddle go hand-in-hand for the fastest-growing sport in America.

Here’s a look at the best pickleball paddles for advanced players for 2023.

#1 - Gearbox CX11E

Gearbox CX11E Heavyweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Price: $199.99

Advanced players in 2023 expect a lot from their paddles - and the new Gearbox CX11E delivers with incredible precision, flexibility, and a bold design featuring a textured surface that is perfect for spin players. This heavyweight paddle offers softer sounds and has a large sweet spot for better control. The grippy surface is responsive and allows players to manipulate the angle of the ball to confuse and frustrate tough opponents.

You can find this paddle on JustPaddles.com, Amazon.com, and at sporting goods retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Features

Colorway: Orange
Core Thickness: 11mm
Grip Size: Standard - 3 15/16"
Grip Size: Thin - 3 5/8"
Handle Length: 5-5/8’"
Hyper Bite Spin Technology
Manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty
Paddle Core Material: T-700 Carbon Fiber
Paddle Face Material: 3K Woven Carbon Fiber
Paddle Length: 16 5/8"
Paddle Shape: Elongated
Paddle Weight: 8.5 oz
Paddle Width: 7 3/8"
USA Pickleball approved

#2 - PCKL PRO SERIES 13 & 16

PCKL Pro Series 13 & 16 Raw Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Price: $199.99

If you’re an advanced player looking for the latest and greatest technology but don’t want to spend the money on a more expensive paddle, the PCKL Pro Series is for you. Featuring an ergonomic comfort grip and extra reach due to the longer handle, this elongated paddle is made for those who dominate the net.

Pull off power shots and dinks with ease with the lightweight, reactive honeycomb core, and choose between two core thicknesses depending on your style of gameplay. Finesse players will appreciate the thicker 16mm core with a softer feel. This paddle is stable and well-balanced with a central sweet spot due to the injected thermoformed unibody and offered consistent performance with rigorous playtesting. Get 15% off your purchase with code PBU15 today!

Features

Core Thickness: 13mm or 16 mm
Grip Size: 4.2”
Grip Type: Corded
Handle Length: 5 1/2”
Limited lifetime warranty
Paddle Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb
Paddle Face Material: Toray T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
Paddle Length: 16.25”
Paddle Weight: 13mm is 7.8 oz / 16mm is 8.1 oz
Paddle Width: 7.5”
USAPA Approved

#3 - ProKennex Black Ace Pro

ProKennex Black Ace Pro Middleweight Hybrid Pickleball Paddle

Price: $250

This aerodynamic mid-weight paddle feels incredible and is the first of its kind to use one-piece Toray carbon fiber. It has a thin grip and is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

The Black Ace was designed without an edge guard to offer maximum surface area and a larger sweet spot. It features a design with a shock absorption system and kinetic technology throughout the paddle and handle. This power paddle offers incredible speed on drives and overhead smashes and is perfect for bangers on the pickleball court.

Features:

30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Choose between standard and ovation paddle shapes
Colorway: Black Ace
Core Thickness: 10 mm
Grip Size: Thin - 4"
Handle Length: Long - 5.3''
Manufacturer's 1 year limited warranty
Paddle Core Material: First One-Piece Toray Carbon Paddle
Paddle Face Material: TORAY Faced Carbon Paddle
Paddle Length: 15 4/5"
Paddle Weight: 7.95 oz
Paddle Width: 7 3/5"
USAPA Approved

#4 -Electrum Model E 16mm

Electrum Model E 16mm Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Price: $199.99

You know a paddle is amazing when one of the best players in the world uses it. The Electrum Model E is favored by Collin Johns and is one of the best paddles for control we’ve ever playtested. If you’re a defensive player, this is the type of paddle that will allow you to dominate in the kitchen and remain consistent.

The raw carbon fiber face offers plenty of grit for those who appreciate spin, and the solid feel of the paddle from the head through the handle showcases the high attention to detail and quality craftsmanship that Electrum is known for. This paddle is slightly heavier at the head, so for players who require balance, a bit of lead tape may be required.

Features

Colorway: Blue
Core Thickness: 16 mm
Designed in California
Electrum FoamFit with peripheral foam injection technology
Grip Size: Thick - 4 1/2"
Handle Length: Standard - 5 1/4"
Paddle core: whole cell honeycomb polypropylene core
Paddle edge: Edgeguard
Paddle Face Material: Raw Carbon Fiber
Paddle Length: 16 1/2"
Paddle shape: Elongated
Paddle Shape: Elongated
Paddle Weight: 8.1 - 8.3 oz
Paddle Width: 7.37"
Thermoformed modeling
USAPA Approved

#5 - SLK Halo Power XL

Selkirk SLK Halo Power XL Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Price: $139.99

This paddle from Selkirk is so amazing that it sells out quickly whenever it restocks. What’s the hype behind it? Well, for starters, this paddle is suitable for a wide range of players of different skill levels. It can be downright deadly on the court in the hands of elite players but has the features needed for beginners to perform well.

This paddle has power to spare, and the ball pops off the carbon fiber paddle surface with gusto. In the hands of advanced players, the paddle offers pinpoint accuracy and ball control, and is well-balanced with a low profile edge-guard. The surface offers decent grit and the elongated shape and longer handle provide the extra reach required for two-handed backhands.

Features:

Core Thickness: 16 mm
Grip Size: Standard - 4.35''
Handle Length: Standard - 4.85''
Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty
Paddle Core Material: Rev-Core Control Polymer Core
Paddle Face Material: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber
Paddle Length: 16''
Paddle Shape: Standard
Paddle Weight: 7.6 - 8.2 oz
Paddle Width: 7.85''
USAPA Approved

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a New Paddle

There are many things you should consider when buying a new paddle, and it is more than just choosing between graphite, carbon fiber, or a fiberglass surface or focusing solely on the price point. Some of the most important considerations include:

Paddle shape: A standard shape is the most common, but many advanced and singles players appreciate elongated paddles for the extra reach they provide.
Paddle balance: Including how the weight is distributed and where the sweet spot is.
Paddle weight: Lightweight paddles and heavier paddles have different maneuverability. Consider how often you play along with your physical limitations when choosing a paddle weight.
Edge type: Edgeless paddles have more surface area, while paddles with edge-guards have more protection from chipping and extra durability.
Type of grip: It’s important that you choose a grip circumference or grip size that is the right size for you and comfortable.

Conclusion

No matter the type of pickleball player you are, there’s a great paddle that’s right for you. The best way to find a quality paddle is to understand your playing style and choose one with the characteristics that will enhance your game. Playtest the latest paddles and find one that feels right; whether it’s the newest Ben John’s Perseus paddle from JOOLA, the classic Onix Graphite Z5, or one of our top 5 favorite paddles for advanced players. Have fun out there!