11 Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players (2023)

pickleball on court - 11 Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players

Last updated: October 15, 2022

Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players: It’s official. You love pickleball and are ready to take your game to the next level. In this post, I share the 11 best pickleball paddles for advanced players, with reviews, ratings, and prices.

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Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport for a reason. It’s crazy fun!

After learning the basic rules and strategies, it’s easy to understand its exploding popularity among all age groups.

If you consider all pickleball players to be older players, try again.

The largest group of pickleball players (“casual” (playing less than 8 times per year) players + “core” (playing 8 times or more per year)) is the 18-34 age group!

Everyone loves pickleball!

If you have 6 months to a year of consistent court time under your belt, you more than likely have a firm grasp on the rules of pickleball and are quickly learning advanced strategies to bump up your player rating. Stacking, anyone?

Also at this time, shopping for a pickleball paddle for immediate players should be high on your list.

Let’s start by talking about the differences between the best pickleball paddles for beginners and the best pickleball paddles for advanced players.

Paddles for beginners are perfect for those just starting out. They are lightweight, easy on the forearm and elbow as your arm strengthens, and allows for good paddle control.

The best pickleball paddles for advanced players are normally heavier. This added paddle weight provides more power, which is helpful for driving the ball from deep on the court, as well as improved blocking capabilities.

Buying a pickleball paddle for intermediate player

Intermediate pickleball paddles are fantastic options for players graduating from a beginner paddle, but not quite ready for a professional pickleball paddle.

Similar to buying the best pickleball paddles for beginners, consider these three important aspects when selecting a paddle designed for advanced play.

Right feel
Proper weight
Personal preference

We can all agree there are certain things in life that are hard for someone else to recommend or buy for us. This is especially true when it comes to sportswear and sporting goods equipment.

For instance, if someone were to buy you a pair of pickleball shoes without your input, chances are you couldn’t hit the Amazon refund button fast enough.

I’m the same way!

Footwear and clothing purchases are difficult to get right, not only for sizing considerations but also because there are so many options and choices regarding style and aesthetics.

Buying the perfect pickleball paddle falls in the same category.

Listed below are proven tips I have put together to help you find the right paddle for your game today.

With so many options to choose from, buying your next paddle can seem overwhelming

I have put together some helpful hints and tips that I hope you will use when selecting the best paddle for advanced players.

Let’s get started!

Buying tips

Consider the following before deciding on your next pickleball paddle

1. Weight

Pickleball paddles are available in weights ranging from 6 to 14 ounces, and the weight has an impact on power and control. You have greater control with a lighter paddle, but less drive. A heavier paddle, on the other hand, provides less control but greater power and thrust.

2. Dimensions

Pickleball paddles are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The width and length of a pickleball paddle (with the edge guard and cap on the handle) may not exceed 24 inches, whereas the length of a pickleball paddle may not exceed 17 inches, according to the regulations of pickleball.

3. Construction material

If you are shopping for the best pickleball paddles for advanced players, I can safely assume you are not in the market for a wooden paddle. Wooden paddles are used primarily for beginning players.

>>Read also… Best compression sleeves for pickleball

Graphite vs. Fiberglass

When it comes to selecting high-end pickleball paddles, graphite and fiberglass are the materials used the most.

Both materials offer extra strong, lightweight construction and are excellent choices for advanced paddles.

But there are differences when comparing each.

Graphite

Graphite is a lightweight material with excellent strength, stiffness, and vibration absorption qualities.

The disadvantage of graphite is that it is made up of brittle fibers. Too much wear and tear on the court might result in deterioration, reducing its capacity to be a durable option.

In addition, compared to other materials like fiberglass, it’s a costly material to manufacture. Other materials are added to the mix to complement graphite’s benefits, mitigate its faults, and keep paddle prices low.

Today, graphite composites with additional materials including boron, Kevlar, nylon, fiberglass, copper, titanium, and tungsten are prevalent.

Graphite pickleball paddles have an excellent power to weight ratio. Graphic construction is more rigid than fiberglass, and it is preferred by players choosing power over control.

Fiberglass

When compared to graphite pickleball paddles, fiberglass paddles offer superior control but are also more prone to vibration and flex.

Because fiberglass is relatively stiff, it is effective at transferring the power of your stroke. However, it is not as rigid as carbon fiber. Fiberglass paddles are more expensive than wooden paddles but less expensive than carbon fiber paddles.

4. Price

When you step up in class for pickleball paddles for beginners, to the immediate and advanced level, it should come as no surprise that the price tag increases as well.

The price range for advanced pickleball paddles falls between $70 and $200. Yes, the range is quite wide due to material construction options, styles, and brands.

Top Rated Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players

15 Reviews

Engage Pickleball Pursuit MX Pickleball Paddle - Graphite Pickleball Paddle with Black Core - USAPA Approved Pickleball Paddles - Pickleball Rackets for Adults - Made in USA - Standard (Black)

see review below

192 Reviews

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 Pickleball Paddle - Official Ben Johns Paddle - USAPA Approved Racket for Tournament Play - Edge to Edge Sweet Spot, Durable Max Spin Surface & Elongated Handle

see review below

12 Reviews

Third Shot Drop Custom Pickleball Paddle | Kratos - Elongated Shape (Model E | Face: Core: Aluminum/Carbon Fiber)

see review below

490 Reviews

Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle | Thin Grip | Wildfire (Red)

see review below

275 Reviews

Selkirk Vanguard Hybrid Factory Second Pickleball Paddle | Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with a Polypropylene X5 Core | Pickleball Rackets Made in The USA | S2 Lightweight, Crimson Black |

see review below

Best Pickleball Paddles to Take Your Game to the Next Level!

Whether you’re playing in Minto US Open Pickleball Championships or training matches against your friends, having the right pickleball gear is essential.

Listed above I briefly showcased 11 advanced to professional level pickleball paddles. So many great ones to choose from!

Listed below I break down each of these paddles in detail to help you find the perfect one for your next purchase!

1. Engage Pickleball Pursuit MX Graphite Skin

PROS

Available in Featherweight (7.1 – 7.45 oz), Lite (7.5 – 7.85 oz), and Standard (7.9 – 8.3 oz)
The combination of proprietary graphite skin, Pursuit, and core make this paddle the most responsive paddle on the market
Rough texture skin design to enhance friction to ensure the ball stays longer on the paddle

Shop this paddle

2. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pro Pickleball Paddle

PROS

JOOLA’s CFS technology utilizes an advanced, long-lasting Carbon-Flex5 textured surface to provide maximum spin
Specialized foam is injected into the perimeter of the paddle adding weight and stability, increasing the sweet spot for consistent edge-to-edge performance
Features honeycomb core to increase consistency and reduce vibration

Shop this paddle

3. Third Shot Drop Custom Pickleball Paddle

Third Shot Drop Custom Pickleball Paddle | Kratos - Elongated Shape (Model E | Face: Core: Aluminum/Carbon Fiber)

PROS

Perfect choice for medium hitting players looking for ultimate ball placement and accuracy
Features aluminum core for amazing control across the entire sweet spot coverage
Superior grip – Third Shot Drop flat grips give excellent control even with sweaty hands

Shop this paddle

4. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle

PROS

This professional-grade pickleball paddle delivers power and performance featuring a large sweet spot that adds control to each shot while the balanced weight increases power and spin
The Tempest series prioritizes control and precision, making it the perfect choice for strategic players
Features textured graphite hitting surface for superior spin and control

Shop this paddle

5. Selkirk Vanguard Hybrid Polypropylene X5

PROS

Every Selkirk paddle is made with the finest materials and proprietary, leading-edge technology.
Built for consistent speed, using VANGUARD core along with the revolutionary QuadCarbon Face to absorb the vibration and generate superior speed.
Boasts shorter handles with larger paddle surface area

Shop this paddle

6. adidas Adipower ATTK Pickleball Paddle

adidas Adipower ATTK Pickleball Paddle

PROS

Features carbon aluminized construction that produces lightweight power
Incorporates polypropylene honeycomb core
Utilizes proprietary Spin Blade for superior spin and control

Shop this paddle

7. adidas Adipower CTRL Pickleball Paddle

PROS

Designed specifically for superior control
Polypropylene honeycomb core for vibration reduction
Spin Blade technology will allow you to generate superior spins in all your shot

Shop this paddle

8. Diadem Warrior Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Diadem Warrior Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle, 3X L-Core Nomex Hybrid Honeycomb Core, Extra Thick 19 mm Polymer, Carbon Fiber Face, Grit Paint Surface for Spin

PROS

Features proprietary technologies to enhance ball control, improve comfort and feel, increase the sweet spot size
Construct of highest quality carbon fiber face and Grit Paint surface for superior control and ball spin
Taper Tech grip circumference is just 4-1/8 inches and exceedingly comfortable. 5 inch long handle is wrapped in a soft-smooth tacky grip

Shop this paddle

9. JOOLA Solaire Professional Pickleball Paddle with Carbon Friction Surface

JOOLA Solaire Professional Pickleball Paddle with Carbon Friction Surface - Ideal Combination of Spin, Power, & Control - Pickleball Racket with Reactive Polypropylene Honeycomb Core 14mm

PROS

USAPA-approved paddle offers a unique, strategic Aero-Curve head design to create less drag and increase swing speed
Specifically engineered for high-level players to maximize the consistency of the bounce and feel necessary for every shot, with reduced vibration
Carbon-forged handle provides maximum flex for additional power & comfort

Shop this look

10. Oneshot Pickleball Paddle – Aero Powershot

Oneshot Pickleball Paddle - Aero Powershot - USAPA Approved

PROS

Elongated, graphite paddle has added Airflow Technology allowing air to flow through the 4 vents on the side of the paddle which improves aerodynamics
Textured surface features a state-of-the-art 3D UV print technology that provides a long-lasting face texture resulting in powerful spins
Core- Polypropylene Honeycomb; Surface- Graphite. Height 16.3”, Width 7.4”, Handle length 5.3”, Thickness 14.5mm, and Grip size 4.25”

Shop this paddle

11. PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle

PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle - with Replacement Tip Guard - Blue, 2 Extra tip Guards

PROS

The latest model for Kinetic features excellent control, spin, power, and dwell time for a soft touch feel
Replaceable edge guard
The Pro Speed Flight is a more squared paddle for a bigger head area and superior reach.

Shop this paddle

FAQs About Pickleball

How quickly can you get a 5.0 player rating in pickleball?

A big piece of lightweight cloth, also known as a pareo, may be used as a beach cover-up. It can be worn as a skirt or a dress by wrapping it around the waist and tying it at the waist.

What are the 3 types of serves in pickleball?

There are three types of serves in pickleball:
– High Soft Serve
– Power Serve
– Soft Angle Serve

Can you toss the ball up in pickleball serve?

The ball can be dropped from any height but cannot be thrown, tossed, or otherwise released with any added force to bounce it.

Is there a time limit for pickleball?

Once the score has been announced you must serve the ball within 10 seconds.

What is a poacher in pickleball?

Poaching is when you cross the center line into your partner’s section of the court to strike a ball. This normally happens when you’re on the kitchen line, but it can also happen during a rally or on the serve return. The goal is to catch your opponent off guard while attempting to terminate the point or be offensive.

Can you hit a slice serve in pickleball?

A cut or slice shot is one in which the ball is struck with a high-to-low side swipe on the paddle. Spin serves can be difficult for some to learn, but with practice, they can be mastered.

How many serve attempts are allowed?

Only one serve attempt is allowed, except in the event of a let when the ball touches the net on the serve and lands on the proper service court. In this case, the point is replayed.

Can one team hit the ball twice in pickleball?

Yes. The ball can be hit twice as long as it is an unintentional, continuous, single-direction stroke. If not, the hit is not allowed and a fault will be declared.

Can your paddle go over the net in pickleball?

You may reach over the net (i.e. break the plane of the net) to strike the ball if it bounces onto your side of the court and spins back over the net. As long as you or your paddle do not contact the net, it is deemed a valid return.

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If you enjoyed, “Best Paddles for Advanced Pickleball Players“, be sure to check out more related posts below!

Claudia Faucher

Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.

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Last update on 2022-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

11 Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players (2023)

Buying a pickleball paddle for intermediate player

Buying tips

1. Weight

2. Dimensions

3. Construction material

Graphite vs. Fiberglass

Graphite

Fiberglass

4. Price

Top Rated Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players

Best Pickleball Paddles to Take Your Game to the Next Level!

1. Engage Pickleball Pursuit MX Graphite Skin

2. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pro Pickleball Paddle

3. Third Shot Drop Custom Pickleball Paddle

4. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle

5. Selkirk Vanguard Hybrid Polypropylene X5

6. adidas Adipower ATTK Pickleball Paddle

7. adidas Adipower CTRL Pickleball Paddle

8. Diadem Warrior Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

9. JOOLA Solaire Professional Pickleball Paddle with Carbon Friction Surface

10. Oneshot Pickleball Paddle – Aero Powershot

11. PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle

FAQs About Pickleball

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