Pickleball is a competitive, fun-first sport that combines elements from tennis, badminton, ping pong, and squash. The aim of the game involves two players hitting a shuttlecock back and forth over a net using a paddle – and as we're sure you're already well aware, it's become super popular over the last few years.
Even though pickleball is a game that was specifically intended to be for fun, that doesn't mean that its competitive nature should be overlooked!
In recent times, pickleball leagues have begun emerging throughout the country, and more and more players are beginning to see this fun pastime as a real, competitive sport. Just because it's fun, doesn’t mean that it can’t be competitive too.
So, it only makes sense that you should want to make sure that you are able to be the best pickleball player possible!
Alongside talent and an understanding of the game, another great way that you can boost your overall performance and consistency is by using an elongated pickleball paddle, and this is where we come in to lend you a helping hand.
Designed to offer the user more consistency, speed, and overall power, elongated paddle ball paddles are becoming more and more popular, especially with those who prefer to play singles rather than in teams.
Still, separating the best-elongated pickleball paddles from the rest can be difficult, to say the least, which is why we've done the hard work for you.
Below, not only will you find a roundup of the top elongated pickleball paddles currently available to buy, but you will also find a handy buying guide and F.A.Q that will ensure that you're able to make the most well-informed decision possible.
So, whenever you're ready, let's dive right in!
OUR TOP PICK
Kicking our list off, we have selected the HUDEF Pickleball Lightweight Graphite Paddle. Read on to discover why it's our best overall pick of this article!
For starters, besides boasting an elongated design, the HUDEF Pickleball Lightweight Graphite Paddle also comes complete with an ergonomic design that will make it easy to both hold and use.
It also comes with a grip tape on the handle so that you will be able to grip the handle optimally.
Plus, made with Double Buffering Technology, the HUDEF Pickleball Lightweight Graphite Paddle also ensures a super comfortable grip that will not only be able to help you maximize each shot, but will also be able to absorb the bulk of each impact that you make with the ball.
Thanks to this, it means that you will be able to play for longer without having to worry about experiencing any aches, strains, or fatigue.
Not just that, but the HUDEF Pickleball Paddle also comes complete with a honeycomb core that will not only be able to provide an anti-slip performance for each shot that you make, but will also be able to offer you more control over the ball…so you can kiss goodbye any fear you might have of making mishits.
If all that wasn't impressive enough, the elongated design combined with the added edge guard will be able to ensure that you can enjoy making consistently powerful and fast shots without causing any damage to your paddle – time and time again.
All in all, if you're looking for a reliable elongated paddle, you won't be disappointed with this one from HUDEF.
Pros
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Elongated design
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey
EDITORS CHOICE
If you're currently in the market for an elongated pickleball paddle that will be able to ensure you make powerful shots time and time again without breaking the bank – then we think that you'll love the OPA Pickleball Renegade Paddle.
Read on to see why it's such a great model:
Besides boasting an elongated design, the OPA Pickleball Renegade Paddle has been designed to help improve your overall performance.
Featuring an incredibly strong fiberglass face, this paddle ball comes complete with a honeycomb core that will not only ensure plenty of durability, but it will also be able to ensure a hot face to deliver plenty of speed.
In addition to that, the elongated design of the OPA Pickleball Renegade Paddle will also be able to ensure that you are able to make consistently more powerful shots.
This makes it ideal for both solo and team games, as the elongated design paired with the fiberglass surface will be able to reduce vibrations caused by impact to increase the overall quality and reduce the chances of mishits. Impressive or what?
Not only that, but to ensure that you are able to play for hours without experiencing any strain or pain, the OPA Pickleball Renegade Paddle contains an optimal weight distribution system that will be able to help reduce the chances of you experiencing any fatigue.
Thanks to this, it means that regardless of your level of experience or ability, you'll be able to use this elongated paddle ball with ease! It's a great option for anyone in the market for an elongated paddle ball that doesn't want to break the bank.
Pros
- Evenly distributes weight to prevent fatigue
- Ideal for beginners
- Durable design
Cons
- Some users find this paddle to be heavy
BEST VALUE
Looking to make an investment in your pickleball paddle? If you answered yes to that question, then we think that you might love the Gamma Compass NeuCore Pickleball.
Specifically created to offer you complete control while using it, the Gamma Compass NeuCore Pickleball comes complete with Gamma's patented signature honeycomb cushion bring that will not only provide durability – but will also ensure that you are able to enjoy high-intensity shots and unparalleled speeds, time, and time again.
Plus, thanks to the ergonomic design of the handle, it means that you won't have to worry about needing to stop the game or take regular breaks – as the comfortable grip armed with the shock-absorbing face will help to reduce the chances of you experiencing any fatigue while you are playing.
On top of all that, it is also worth noting that the Gamma NeuCore Pickleball Paddle also comes complete with the ability to enjoy a more responsive feel while you are playing.
This is all thanks to the included NeuCore technology, which consists of a 25% thicker cell core that will not only be able to guarantee a better overall feel while you play but will also be able to ensure quieter play, too.
Not just that, but thanks to the included textured graphite across the face of this elongated pickleball paddle, it also means that you will be able to take advantage of an energetic paddle face.
Thanks to this, it means that regardless of your level of ability or experience in the game of pickleball, you will be able to make consistently more powerful shots thanks to the textured graphite that will increase responsiveness.
If all that wasn’t impressive enough, thanks to the elongated design, it means that you will be able to enjoy an increased sweet spot.
All in all? When it comes to overall performance and quality, the Gamma Compass NeuCore Pickleball checks all the boxes.
Pros
- Hot face
- Durable design
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Expensive
RUNNER UP
Last but certainly not least, we have selected the HUDEF Composite Fiber Lightweight Pickleball Paddle. It’s a great option for those who are on a budget but still want a quality pickleball paddle - let’s check out why below:
Boasting a super durable face, this pickleball paddle from HUDEF comes complete with a polypropylene honeycomb core combined with a composite fiber face that will not only be able to ensure an anti-slip performance but will also be able to provide you with twice as much durability as other kinds of pickleball paddles currently available to buy on the market.
Plus, thanks to the Double-Buffering technology, this pickleball paddle boasts a super soft, comfortable grip that will be able to help lower the chances of you experiencing any strain or fatigue while you are using it.
On top of that, the perforations inside the handle will also help to increase your ability to grip the handle, while also helping to wick away moisture as you work up a sweat.
Besides all of those great features, the wide face and elongated design of this paddle ball will also ensure that you are able to enjoy more speed, greater power, and better consistency across all of your shots, regardless of your level of ability!
All in all, this HUDEF pickleball paddle is a fantastic option for anyone in the market for an elongated pickleball paddle that won’t come with too hefty a price tag!
Pros
- Affordable and ideal for those on a budget
- Double-Buffering technology
- Ultra-durable design
Cons
- Some users find the handle to lack comfort
How To Choose The Best Pickleball Paddle: Buyer’s Guide
So, now that you have taken the time to read through our top picks above - we're hoping that you now have your eyes set on the perfect elongated pickleball paddle for you!
However, before you go ahead and make that purchase, we first recommend that you take the time to read through our helpful buying guide.
Not only will it ensure that you are able to pick the perfect elongated paddle for you, but it will also help to make sure that you know exactly what you are looking for - as there are a lot of factors that you will need to take into consideration when choosing one.
So, without further ado, let's check out some of the main factors that you should take into account when choosing a pickleball paddle below:
Size
First things first, one of the most important factors that you will need to take into account when choosing your elongated pickleball paddle is the size of the paddle.
As we're sure you're already well aware, the size of the paddle will depend on how big or small your hand is, and they come in a variety of sizes for you to choose from.
As a general rule of thumb, if you happen to have larger hands then you're going to find that a bigger-sized pickleball paddle is the best option for you.
On the other hand, if you happen to have smaller hands, then you're more than likely going to discover that a smaller pickleball paddle is the right option for you.
Grip Tape
Alongside making sure that you are picking the correct size for you, you should also be sure to take into account the grip tape quality present on the pickleball paddle that you choose.
For the most part, the majority of pickleball paddles on the market will come with some kind of grip tape on their handles that will be able to help you grip the paddle more easily.
However, while all paddles on the market are generally designed to contain a type of grip tape, not all of them are made equal!
With that being said, we recommend that you do your best to choose a pickleball paddle that will be able to offer you the optimum amount of grip while you are using it.
Of course, even though you will have the option to purchase some tape separately, we still recommend making this factor a priority - as it will save you more money in the long run.
Weight
Even though this one should go without saying, believe it or not, the weight of a pickleball paddle can actually be easily overlooked when choosing which paddle ball to go for.
Still, making sure that you are opting for a pickleball paddle that isn't too heavy or too light is very important, otherwise, you might find that you have trouble controlling all the different shots that you make.
So, with that being said, when you are choosing the best pickleball paddle, make sure that you get a paddle that is not going to be too heavy.
If you happen to choose a heavy paddle, you're more than likely going to find that you experience tend fatigue more quickly, especially after playing for long periods of time.
Shape
Next up? The shape! Alongside making sure that you are taking into account all the main factors that we have mentioned above, you should also be sure to take into account what type of shape you want your pickleball paddle to be, too.
The shape of the paddle will determine what kind of stroke you can do. For instance, a paddle with a round shape will allow you to perform a spin shot.
Durability
The durability of the paddle is another important factor. A durable paddle will last longer than a cheap one.
When choosing the perfect elongated pickleball paddle for you, you should be sure to opt for a paddle that has been specifically designed to ensure durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Pickleball Paddle And A Tennis Racket?
A pickleball paddle is similar to a tennis racket because they both help you play pickleball. However, there are differences between these two items. Here are some of them:
- Pickleball paddles are designed differently from tennis rackets. Tennis rackets are made of wood and metal whereas pickleball paddles are made of plastic.
- Pickleball rackets usually have a wider head than pickleball paddles, making it easier to control the shuttlecock.
- Pickleball rackets are generally heavier than pickleball paddlers. This allows you to swing harder with less effort.
- Pickleballs are smaller than tennis balls. Therefore, pickleball paddles should be able to accommodate the pickleball.
Why Are Elongated Pickleball Paddles Better?
The main reason why you need a good pickleball paddle is that it helps you improve your game. If you don’t make sure that you’re armed with a great pickleball paddle, then you’re only going to find that you aren’t able to perform to your greatest ability.
With all that being said, an elongated pickleball paddle is deemed to be far better than a standard one because it gives you more power and accuracy. It also makes it easier for you to move around during the game!
How Often Should You Change Your Pickleball Paddle?
As any sports person will tell you, the equipment that you use will only last for a certain amount of time. So, at some point you will need to change your pickleball paddle (that might be why you’re reading this guide).
Pickleball paddle usually lasts for a fairly long time. Typically, you will be able to get between 2-3 years of use of your pickleball paddle before you have to change it if you do not use it that regularly.
However, if you are a sportsperson who regularly plays pickleball, then you will probably need to replace your pickleball paddle every year. If you don’t do this, then your pickleball skills may suffer.