Pickleball is a relatively new and fast-growing sport. The game was originally developed in Washington, USA and has since spread around the globe.
For seasoned players, the best way to up your game is by upgrading your paddle. Finding the right one, however, can be quite the challenge in itself. That’s where we come in to help.
We’ve compiled a list of the best pickleball paddles geared towards those who already have some experience in the game.
Pickleball paddles are made in a variety of materials, from wood to plastic or even carbon fiber. Wood paddles are typically heavier and stronger than their plastic counterparts. Carbon fiber paddles are much lighter, but provide less power.
The following list includes our top picks for best pickleball paddles for advanced players. We have selected these based on their overall quality, construction, design, durability, price, and other factors that make them stand out from the crowd.
OUR TOP PICK
In the pickleball paddle marketplace, Engage Elite Pro is a leading brand making high-quality paddles targeted towards advanced players.
The core of the Elite Pro Maverick is made from a polymer that is coated with a chemically bonded liquid graphite skin.
We would describe the weight of this pickleball paddle as “medium”, not too light, not too heavy. This gives the player a good balance of control and power.
This paddle has a nicely cushioned handle that provides the player with plenty of grip. It is comfortable to hold, and it doesn’t get slippery even when the handle gets sweaty.
The Elite Pro Maverick has strong edges, which provide great control and an increased ability to spin the ball.
This paddle is relatively expensive, but that is due to the high-quality materials that comprise every part of it. Because of this, it is well-suited for advanced pickleball players.
Pros
- Solid, sturdy construction
- Graphite face
- Available in medium and lightweight
- Great control
Cons
- Expensive
The Engage Elite Pro Maverick Pickleball Paddle can also be purchased from the following webstores:
EDITORS CHOICE
For the price, the Rally Tyro 2 is a fantastic option for a pickleball paddle. The quality is exceptionally high, and it is far more affordable than most of the other paddles on our list.
The Rally Tyro 2 is made from very high-quality materials that are shock-absorbing and durable. The paddle’s core is composed of a lightweight polymer, which gives the player a good amount of control.
Over this polymer core, there are layers of polycarbonate, which gives the paddle a hard, tough exterior. The weight of the paddle as a whole, we would describe as mid-weighted.
The size of this paddle makes it great for defensive playing. It is also great for spin shots, thanks to the medium weight of the paddle.
The Rally Tyro 2 has a very wide sweet spot, which makes this a very forgiving paddle that is adaptable across a range of different styles of shots.
This paddle features a relatively long handle which provides exceptional grip support. The Rally Tyro 2’s toughness and durability make it ideal for advanced players who play with high intensity.
Pros
- Durable build
- Affordable price
- Wide sweet spot
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
The Rally Tyro 2 Pro can also be purchased from the following webstores:
BEST VALUE
The Onix Evoke Series is a professional-grade pickleball paddle that features a tough and sturdy polypropylene honeycomb core, and a composite face that is designed for increased ball control for advanced players.
The composite face is made of lightly-coated fiberglass, which is fantastic for spin shots and powerful strikes.
A unique selling point of the Onix Evoke Series is its Atomic13 edge guard, which provides an increased level of shock absorption, allowing for better control.
Compared to the other paddles on our list, the Onix Evoke Series is marginally heavier. This makes it more suitable for advanced players who want to achieve more power in their shots.
The large face of this paddle makes it great for defensive styles of playing, and it has a large sweet spot which makes it quite forgiving to use.
The long handle of the Onix is covered with Onix’s own proprietary grip material, which is ultra-sticky and sets the Evoke Series apart from other paddles on the market.
In the Evoke Series, you will find a range of color options to choose from.
Pros
- Atomic13 edge guard
- Comfortable grip
- Large sweet spot
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Relatively heavy
- Expensive
The Onix Evoke Series Pickleball Paddle can also be purchased from the following webstores:
RUNNER UP
The Pro-Lite Titan pickleball paddle is favored by advanced players and even those who play at a professional level.
The large surface area of the Pro-Lite paddle and the razor-thin edges make it a favorite of many advanced pickleball players. The core of this paddle consists of carbon fiber, which gives it a strong and durable structure.
Pro-Lite Titan paddles have the perfect blend of accuracy, control, spinning ability, and power. It is comfortable to use, and it has a classic sleek look.
The face of the Pro-Lite Titan paddles are great at absorbing the impact of the ball, which gives the player a large amount of control over their returning shots.
Pros
- Razor-like edges
- Durable carbon fiber construction
- Lightweight
- Available in a range of colors
Cons
- Costly
The Pro-Lite titan Black Diamond Pickleball Paddle can also be purchased from the following webstores:
RUNNER UP
For many years at this point, the Onix Graphite Z5 has been a favorite of many professional pickleball players, and for good reason.
The design and construction of these paddles is essentially unparalleled. Made from a graphite core, this paddle is highly durable and yet lightweight and comfortable to use.
The large surface area of the Z5 makes it a great all-rounder, which is why this paddle is favored by so many professionals. For players who prefer a lighter paddle for the increased control it gives them, the Onix Graphite Z5 is the obvious choice.
The balance of light weight versus large surface area is excellent with the Z5. It gives you the perfect amount of control and still has the ability to hit powerful shots. The wide paddle is also great for playing defensively, along with playing spins.
The comfortable handle of the Z5 makes it easy to use even during long rallies. The long length of the handle gives the player a large amount of control over the ball.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable build
- Large sweet spot
- Graphite face
- Nomex honeycomb core
Cons
- Costly
The Onix Graphite Z5 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle can also be purchased from the following webstores:
Buyer’s Guide
Pickleball paddles come in different shapes and sizes. Some of them are made of wood, while others are made of polymers, graphite, or carbon fiber.
There are also some paddles that are designed specifically for beginners. You should always buy a paddle that is right for your level of play.
If you're a beginner, then you need a paddle that is easy to use. A beginner will be able to learn how to play pickleball using a simple paddle.
On the other hand, if you're an advanced player, then you'll want a paddle that is durable and strong enough to withstand heavy strokes.
There are a few factors that come into play when deciding on the right paddle for you and your style of playing. The main one is the weight of the paddle.
While it is true that you can add weight to your paddle legally, the initial weight of the paddle is important nonetheless.
A heavy paddle is usually more suitable for advanced players as it can be more difficult and unwieldy to use, but what you lack in control with a heavier paddle, you gain in power.
The size of the paddle also determines the amount of control you have over the ball. A paddle with a wider face will therefore have a wider sweet spot, but bigger paddles are normally heavier, depending on the material from which it is made.
Paddle weight plays a significant role in the game of pickleball. A heavy paddle can cause arm fatigue and injury. Lightweight paddles can be more effective than heavier ones due to the increased control it gives the player.
A heavy paddle, however, gives the player more power in their shots. A light paddle, on the other hand, makes it easier to move quickly and make quick decisions.
For players who have trouble hitting the baseline, using a heavier paddle might help them improve their serve. If you get the opportunity, it’s very helpful for layers to try out different paddles before choosing the right ones.
When selecting a paddle, it's essential to consider your strength level. A beginner should start out with a light paddle. As you gain experience, you'll want to increase your paddle weight.
Balance is also key when deciding on a pickleball paddle. Some paddles are more handle-heavy or head-heavy. Head-heavy means that most of the weight is located on the head of the paddle.
However, some players like to add weight to the “neck” of the paddle by using lead tape. This can improve the balance of the paddle, giving you more control over your shots.
Our Top Pick
From our experience, the best pickleball paddle for advanced players is the Onix Graphite Z5.
Although it’s important to note that different players will prefer different paddles depending on their playing style, their level of strength, and their own preferences, the Onix Graphite Z5 is a great all-rounder.
The graphite construction of the Z5 gives it the perfect balance of strength, durability, size, and weight. Because of this, we think that it is the best option for most advanced pickleball players.
The Z5 features a Nomex honeycomb core and a graphite face, which makes it lightweight, durable, and powerful. The Z5 is a real workhorse that is comfortable to use in long training sessions without getting fatiguing on the arms and hands.
For advanced pickleball players, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better all-rounder pickleball paddle than the Onix Graphite Z5, which is why it is our top pick for the best pickleball paddle for advanced players.
Summary
For advanced pickleball players, there is no “one size fits all” option. Every player has his or her own needs and preferences when it comes to the size, weight, feel, and material of their paddle.
This is why so many professional pickleball players use very different paddles, and they all have different ways of preparing their own paddles with grip tape and even weighted tape.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to try out as many different paddles as you can get your hands on, and find out which one is the best one for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Add Weight To A Pickleball Paddle?
Yes, you can add weight to the top of the handle, or the “neck” of a pickleball paddle. The amount of weight depends on your personal preference. If you're looking to hit harder, adding weight will help.
Adding weight also makes the paddle more balanced and stable, which could help you play better. Players will sometimes add weight to the handle of their paddle by removing the grip tape and adding lead tape before reapplying the grips.
What Are Pickleball Paddles Made Of?
Pickleball paddles are typically made from wood or plastic, but there are a wide range of pickleball paddles available that are made of materials such as graphite, carbon fiber, and different polymers.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport that is a blend of tennis, ping pong, and badminton and has similar rules.
What Are The Best Paddles For Advanced Players?
The Onix Graphite Z5 Graphite is considered the best paddle for advanced players, but different players prefer different paddles. There is no “one size fits all” for advanced pickleball players.
What Size Paddle Is Best For You?
Typically, larger paddles are better for beginners, as they have a wider surface area to hit the ball. For advanced players, many prefer a paddle with a shorter handle because it can improve the balance of the paddle and control over the ball.
What Is The Best Age To Start Playing Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fun game that can be played by people of all ages and abilities.
How Do You Know If You Are Holding Your Pickleball Paddle Correctly?
Holding a pickleball paddle correctly is pretty simple. Just grab the paddle using the “handshake” grip and hold it out in the air in front of you.
Then, look at the shape formed by the thumb and the index finger of the hand that holds the paddle. You should notice a “V” shape being formed by your thumb and index finger.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Ben Johns Use?
Ben Johns uses the Franklin Ben Johns Signature Paddle.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Jessie Irvine Use?
Jessie Irvine uses the Engage Elite Pro Maverick.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Riley Newman Use?
Riley Newman uses the Selkirk Amped Epic paddle.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Matt Wright Use?
Matt Wright uses the Onix Evoke Premier paddle.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Lucy Kovalova Use?
Lucy Kovalove also uses the Onix Evoke Premier.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Simone Jardim Use?
Simone Jardim uses the Price Response Pro paddle.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Tyson McGuffin Use?
Tyson McGuffin uses the Selkirk Invicta paddle.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Catherine Parenteau Use?
Catherine Parenteau uses the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro paddle.