The Top 5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding the best pickleball paddle can be extremely difficult. While it might have been as simple as picking up a paddle and playing as a beginner, it takes much more thought to shop for a paddle that will complement your skills and improve your competitive edge on the pickleball court.

Several pickleball paddles are designed for advanced players who stand out. Due to their quality craftsmanship, these paddles can provide genuine value to the players that use them. This article covers five of the best pickleball paddle options out there for any pickleball player.

Why the Right Pickleball Paddle Matters for Advanced Players

Using the right pickleball paddle is very important for players of any skill level. Beginners benefit from how forgiving novice paddles are, while advanced players will benefit from the greater speed and power that can be achieved with professional pickleball paddles.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pickleball Paddle

There are a few important factors to consider when you choose a pickleball paddle if you want to find one that is right for your skill level. You should start by considering the weight and balance of prospective paddles. Some players prefer a heavier paddle for their heightened power, while others go for lightweight paddle and enjoy improvements in maneuverability.

You should also assess the grip size and material of the paddles you’re considering, as this significantly impacts how comfortable games are to play. It’s generally best to use a paddle with your preferred grip size and material whenever possible. It’s also worth considering the core material and surface materials, as these can affect the performance and control that the paddle provides.

The Top 5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players

Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle

The Onix Graphite Z5 was designed for competition. The wide paddle's graphite surface area and quality weight distribution are the key features that allow this great paddle to stand out. The Nomex core of the paddle ensures that an advanced player can use it swiftly and powerfully.

One of the best highlights of using this paddle is its effectiveness at any skill level. It elevates the game of beginners just as much as it complements the skills of experienced or intermediate players. It’s easy to see why it has consistently been one of Onix’s most popular paddles.

Adidas ADIPOWER ATTK Pickleball Paddle

While adidas might be known for its quality tennis gear, the company is equally proficient at producing amazing pickleball gear. This paddle, in particular, stands out for its carbon-aluminized paddle face and comfortable soft grip.

Many people love this paddle because it provides spectacular power and spins with each hit. It offers a clear competitive advantage to players who can use it properly. While this isn’t the most popular paddle on the market, it certainly ranks among the best.

Paddletek Wave Tempest Pro Paddle

You don’t have to compromise speed or power when you use the Paddletek Wave Tempest Pro Paddle in your next game. The distinguishing detail of this paddle is its lightweight graphite surface and elongated handle.

Pickleball players love this paddle because the quality materials and design allow it to improve speed and manoeuvrability considerably. As an added benefit, the “sweet spot” of the paddle is quite large -- so it’s a forgiving option for players who struggle to make accurate shots.

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16

If you’re familiar with JOOLA, you’re probably aware of its reputation as one of the best manufacturers of professional pickleball gear. The Hyperion CFS 16 doesn’t disappoint, using proprietary design technology to provide players with extreme power.

This Ben Johns Hyperion paddle is distinguished by its extremely heavy weight. While it might exhaust players who aren’t used to swinging a heavier paddle, it does offer the added benefits of improved stability and extreme spin than a lighter paddle to those who can use it consistently.

Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta

Nobody knows better than professional players that using the right paddle is important. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why Tyson McGuffin has been such a massive fan of the Selkirk VANGUARD Invikta paddles.

As a result of the quality design of the paddle, achieving extreme swing speed is a simple feat. This paddle is geared specifically for advanced players. While it isn’t as forgiving as many other options on the market, this Selkirk paddle is among the best regarding speed and power.

How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddle for You

There’s not one pickleball paddle that is perfect for every player. You will likely find that some pickleball paddles suit your unique playing style better than others. As a result, the most important thing you can do before purchasing a new paddle is to introspect on your playing style and needs.

If you frequently try to hit the ball with a spinning shot, try out paddles that provide good spin. If you sometimes miss the ball or make weak shots, you should look for a forgiving paddle with plenty of power. In all cases, try out plenty of paddles and consider your budget and preferences before deciding.

Final Thoughts

Finding a good pickleball paddle can be very difficult if you’re unfamiliar with what to look for. Many companies design amazing paddles for an experienced player that allow them to take their game to new heights. You can find a great new paddle if you look for the right characteristics. We also have a wide range of products on sale at any given time. Read our ultimate pickleball paddle buying guide to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Paddle for Beginners and One for Advanced Players?

The most significant difference between pickleball paddles for beginners and advanced players is what characteristics are prioritized. Paddles for beginners usually prioritize ball control, while paddles for advanced players forgo some ball control in favor of improved power, speed, and spin.

Does a More Expensive Paddle Necessarily Mean Better Performance?

A more expensive paddle does not necessarily mean better performance. Your performance always depends, first and foremost, on your skill as a player. While even a perfect paddle can’t help you build the essential skills for pickleball, it will help you strengthen your strengths and may even help with areas of the game you struggle with (such as controlling the ball's trajectory).

Should I Choose a Heavier or Lighter Paddle for Better Control?

You should choose a heavier paddle for better control in most cases. The added weight behind each hit will allow you to fly the pickleball ball with a straighter trajectory. A medium paddle weight may offer better control if you struggle to use heavyweight paddles.

What Is the Ideal Grip Size for a Pickleball Paddle?

The ideal grip size for a pickleball paddle is around 4.5 inches in circumference. Depending on your hand size, you may need to find a pickleball paddle grip that is somewhat larger or smaller. Most paddles include several comfortable grip options you can choose from for the best fit.