Whilst this is a good thing for the highly-addictive, entertaining sport, it has also made it quite difficult to find the best equipment.
Due to the success of the sport, more brands have released new paddles to the market.
It might be nice to have a wide range of options available to us, but the sheer volume of paddles on the market makes the task of finding the right paddle more challenging.
Things are even harder for advanced players that need to find paddles that offer the highest performance levels.
The whole process might not be easy but we’re here to help.
We’ve done the hard part for you and compiled a list of the best pickleball paddles on the market for advanced players.
Today, we’ll take you through each option, looking at all the pros and cons of the best paddles.
Product Reviews
In the next part of this article, we’ll be reviewing the best pickleball paddles for advanced players.
We’ll show you the best paddles the market currently has to offer, taking a look at their features, design, and any pros and cons you should be aware of.
After that, we’ll show you our helpful buyer’s guide and answer some frequently asked questions. We’ve got a lot to get through so let’s get started.
Franklin Sports is one of the biggest and best brands in the world of pickleball so we already know you can’t go wrong with this paddle.
Best suited to players that like to focus their game on power and spin, this 16mm fiberglass paddle is sleek, durable, and reliable.
This paddle was actually designed and used by world No.1 pickleball player Ben Johns. If it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for anyone.
Johns actually used this paddle when he won his first triple crown.
In terms of features, this stylish paddle comes with MaxGrit technology, an elongated handle, and USAPA approval.
When we tried this paddle out, we found that the long handle made it easier to hit backhand shots with two hands, whilst the MaxGrit technology offered more control and spin.
Overall, this is an excellent paddle that will help you easily cover the court with more efficiency.
Pros
Affordable - For an advanced paddle, the Franklin Ben Johns paddle is surprisingly affordable.
Used by the best - This paddle was used by world No.1 Ben Johns.
Perfect for control and spin - This paddle gives you more control over the spin and power of the ball.
Cons
Heavier than other paddles - Some players might prefer a slightly lighter paddle.
Another signature Ben Johns pickleball paddle is the JOOLA Hyperion CAS 16mm paddle.
This paddle is the latest Ben Johns paddle and the one he currently uses in competition.
Compared to the Franklin paddle, this Ben Johns paddle is equipped with more technology and features.
Perfect for players that like to play aggressively, this paddle was built with control and power in mind.
Thanks to the paddles Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS) you’ll be able to control ball spin effortlessly.
CAS technology also provides a textured surface that offers better traction.
When it comes to power, this paddle’s long handle and large sweet spot make it much easier for you to reach shots you normally wouldn’t and hit them with power.
We have the JOOLA Response Honeycomb Polymer Core to thank for that.
When we reviewed this large pickleball paddle, we loved everything it had to offer.
However, we were most impressed with its aero-curve which offers increased swing speed, more comfortability, and less vibration.
Pros
Feature-rich - This paddle is packed with technology.
Built for power - Hit powerful shots with less effort.
Extra reach - The extra length will help you reach shots easier.
If you came here looking for a budget-friendly advanced player pickleball paddle, look no further than the Head Extreme Elite Fiberglass paddle.
Easily the best thing about this paddle is its price. It is the most affordable paddle on this list by far.
Despite being a budget-friendly pickleball paddle, this Head paddle features a fantastic design, stunning fiberglass finish, and the high-level performance we come to expect from Head products.
This paddle is primarily designed for elite players but there’s no reason intermediate pickleball (see also: HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle Review)players can’t use it too.
As a result, this is a solid option if you only want to use one paddle during your pickleball journey.
In terms of features, this paddle's lightweight design is arguably the most important.
Not only does the fiberglass design offer a sleek appearance, but it also makes the paddle much lighter and more comfortable to hold.
We also found that the fiberglass offered more power and control.
Another good feature is the polypropylene honeycomb core which offers increased comfort and grip.
Pros
No vibration - This paddle's core virtually eliminates any vibration.
Ergo grip - Head has fitted the paddle with a comfortable ergo grip.
Budget-friendly - This paddle is very affordable.
Cons
Lack of features - This paddle has fewer features than others on the market.
Offering players unmatched power, accuracy, and control, this paddle comes with a huge sweet spot and a perfectly balanced weight.
Within 10 minutes of playing with the paddle, you’ll quickly come to realize that these two features help increase your speed, moveability, and finesse.
To make things even better, this paddle also features a textured surface and tacky performance grip.
Both of these features enhanced the accuracy and control players experience with every shot.
You’ll be able to effortlessly control your shots, sending them back over the net to your opponent with speed and accuracy.
When we took a closer look at the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro paddle, we loved how well it absorbed shock.
This reduces the fatigue the player feels and ensures a firmer grip. We also appreciated the variety of colors available.
Pros
Multiple colors available - Choose the paddle in your favorite color.
High-quality - This paddle is made to an unbelievably good standard.
Improved accuracy - The Tempest Wave Pro will help you improve your accuracy.
Cons
Slightly smaller - This paddle is slightly smaller than other paddles on our list.
This is one of the best paddles on the market when it comes to speed so if you focus your game on power and aggression it’s perfect.
Aside from offering great power, this paddle also improves player control and spin.
Therefore, you can use this paddle to hit the ball with more power and accuracy. One of the most notable things about the Onix Z5 is its larger face.
This is what makes it easier for players to hit the ball with more power.
Another fantastic budget-friendly option, this paddle features a durable and stylish graphite carbon fiber design.
Aside from looking great, this gives the paddle more durability and increased control.
When trying the Onix Z5 out, we found it incredibly easy to control the spin of the ball, whilst still using plenty of power to strike the ball cleanly.
We were also impressed with the overall usability of the paddle.
The paddle’s lightweight design and soft grip reduce hand fatigue and ensure ultimate comfort as we play.
Pros
Perfect for power - This paddle is perfect for power.
Stylish - This paddle looks great.
Affordable - The Z5 is budget-friendly.
Cons
No grip technology - An ergo grip feature would be appreciated.
Now you know what the market has to offer, it’s time to start thinking about which pickleball paddle you want to buy.
Unfortunately, this isn’t as simple as picking the first paddle you see. Instead, you have to take a number of key factors into consideration in order to pick the right paddle.
To help, we’ve put together a buyer’s guide that points out the most important things you have to take into account.
If you want to make the best decision possible, we recommend taking each point we make on board.
Materials
One of the most important things you have to think about when buying an advanced-player pickleball paddle is the materials used to make it.
More often than not, the more advanced paddles are made out of higher-quality materials, hence the higher prices.
With that being said, we recommend steering clear of any paddles made from weaker materials.
Examples of materials you might want to avoid are wood and plastic.
These materials are good, but they don’t usually create the more premium paddles. Maybe look for a paddle made from graphite or carbon fiber instead.
Your Playing Style
At some point, you’re also going to have to think about your playing style. Pickleball paddles are designed differently depending on how the player plays.
For example, a player that focuses their game on power might choose a paddle with a longer grip.
This is because they can get two hands on the paddle and put more power into each shot.
On the other hand, a player that likes to control the ball with spin might go with a paddle that features a larger sweet spot, as this will make it easier for them to control the ball.
There is no right or wrong answer to this, you simply have to think about how you play before making a purchase.
Grip Size
An important factor often overlooked by pickleball players is grip size.
Not thinking about the size of the grip on a paddle can be crucial because if it isn’t the right size your performance will suffer.
Finding a paddle with a reliable, large grip will provide you with more comfort, control, and grip as you play. In turn, this can increase your accuracy and power.
Generally speaking, advanced players should look for a smaller grip as these offer more balance and control.
Larger grips can slip, causing players to lose control.
Weight
You need to choose a paddle that’s the right weight too. Again, this can impact your ability to strike the ball cleanly and with power.
Lightweight paddles are your best option because they are more comfortable to hold, easier to control, and consume less energy.
On the other hand, heavier paddles can cause more fatigue, reduce a player's accuracy, and make it harder for the player to keep going.
Having said that, heavier paddles do produce more power. Therefore, you might choose paddle weight based on how you play.
Durable Edge Guard
Another thing to look out for is a durable edge guard. This isn’t the most important thing to remember but it’s definitely something to look out for.
A reliable edge guard provides a paddle with more durability and protection.
As you can imagine, this is very important when it comes to competing with your paddle. During competition, you need a paddle that’s going to last.
We recommend reading paddle product descriptions first to look for edge guard features. Ideally, the paddle you choose will have a razor-like edge guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does A Pickleball Paddle Last?
How long your pickleball paddle lasts ultimately depends on how well you look after it.
Generally speaking, a pickleball paddle will last between 1 and 5 years, with that number changing depending on the care you give it.
If you look after your paddle well and keep it safe, you can expect it to last a number of years.
Of course, how often you play with the paddle impacts things too. The more you play with a paddle, the quicker it will wear out.
What Type Of Paddle Do Professional Pickleball Players Use?
Pickleball players use a wide range of different paddles inside and outside of competition.
However, elongated pickleball paddles (see also: Best Elongated Pickleball Paddles)are seemingly growing in popularity, with more and more players trying them out.
For most professional pickleball players, this is now the go-to paddle.
Who Makes The Best Pickleball Paddles?
Until recently, it could have been argued that Franklin Sports made the best paddles.
However, in recent years, JOOLA paddles have grown drastically in popularity, with most professionals now using their paddles instead.
Final Thoughts
Finding an advanced player pickleball paddle isn’t always easy. The market is oversaturated with both good and bad options.
Having said that, once you know what to look for, choosing the right paddle for your style of play becomes a lot easier.
In this article, we showed you 6 of the very best pickleball paddles the market currently has to offer advanced players.
Whether you’re looking to step into the pro game, upgrade your current paddle, or simply want to try something different, there’s a paddle on our list that suits what you’re looking for.
We’ve looked at paddles used by the pros, paddles that feature the latest technology, and budget-friendly paddles that won’t break your bank account.
Now you have our list and buyer’s guide at your disposal, you should take some time to narrow the list down so that you can pick out the pickleball that suits your needs and requirements best.
Hi, I’m Michael Walter, and I am a Pickleball enthusiast. I work as a High School Physical Education Teacher, so I have an expansive knowledge of sports and its impact on physical health.
When I first took a position at my current school, one of the many things I wanted to implement in the curriculum was Pickleball.
Pickleball is a fantastic sport to keep yourself active, healthy, keep your blood pumping, and to start a good sense of competitiveness and team work.
