Best Pickleball Paddles For Advanced Players In 2024
Choosing the right pickleball paddle can be challenging for advanced players. As your skills progress to higher levels, you need a paddle that can keep up with your growing game.
You want maximum power and control to defeat tough opponents. However, with so many brands and models, knowing which paddle is best suited to take your abilities to the next level is hard.
Top Pick
Selkirk Amped Epic
Best Budget
ONIX Graphite Z5
After reviewing over a dozen top-rated paddles, 5 stood out as Best Pickleball Paddles For Advanced Players. If you are In a hurry you can choose any paddle from the above two or can take a quick review of all 5 paddles from the table below. Each one brings a unique blend of attributes with them.
Let’s take a detailed look at each one.
Best Pickleball Paddles For Advanced Players – Reviewed And Tested
Image | Product | Details | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Selkirk Amped | Paddle Height: 15.75 Grip Length: 5.25 Average Weight: 7.9 oz Grip Circumference: 4.25 |
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JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion | Average Weight: 8.3 oz Paddle length: 16.5 Paddle Width: 7.5 Grip Circumference: 4.25 |
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HEAD Radical Pro | Paddle Thickness: 13 mm Grip Size: 4 1/4 inches Paddle Length: 16 Inch Weight: 8.1 Ounces Face Material: Fiberglass |
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JOOLA Essentials | Average Weight: 8.2 oz Paddle Length: 15.5 Inch Grip Circumference: 4 Paddle Width: 7.9 Inch Grip length: 4.75 Inch |
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ONIX Graphite Z5 | Paddle Length: 15.5 Handle Length: 5 Weight: 7.5-8.2 oz Face: Graphite Core: Nomex |
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1. Selkirk Amped Epic (All-Around Paddle) – Editors Choice
Selkirk Amped ranks at the top of my list because of the following characteristics:
Power
As an experienced pickleball player, I always look for ways to take my game to the next level. I’ve used several top brands but found the Selkirk Amped to be the most powerful paddle.
With its HONEYCOMB CORE, this paddle allows me to drive the ball with authority.
I can hit my overhead smashes deep into the back corners and strike shots from anywhere on the court.
Yet despite its power, the Amped still maintains excellent control. The textured fiberglass face provides the right grip to put a precise spin on shots.
Whether hitting a drop shot or angled line drive, I am confident the ball will go exactly where I aim it. Out of the 18 different paddles in my bag, this one delivers the most effortless power by far.
Grip
Comfort is key in pickleball. The Amped grips perfectly in the hands with its perfect thickness and length.
Even after long sessions, my hands never feel drained. Its tacky feel provides a superb hold without slippage from sweat. Selkirk took comfort to another level with this design. While giving you comfort, they didn’t compromise on control; that’s why I like this paddle the most.
Sweet Spot
At higher levels, placing the ball precisely is critical. The Amped’s oversized sweet spot allows access to a wide range of spins and shots with accuracy. Even off-centre shots go in the target.
After numerous tournaments, it’s proven to be the highest-performing paddle – a must-have for serious competitors because the paddle excels in control and precision.
2 . JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion – Best Heavy Paddle
The second on our list is the Joola Hyperion. My favourite player, Ben Johns, also uses this paddle. This is also a great paddle for advanced players, but only if you prefer heavy paddles. Otherwise, go with the Amped Epic.
Control
As a pro pickler, having precise control over your shots is a must. After using the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion for several weeks, I can say that the level of control it provides is remarkable.
The Response polymer core gives me an incredible feel for the ball. I can place my spins and dinks exactly where I want them more accurately than with any other paddle I’ve tried.
Whether hitting around the net or placing attacks from the baseline, this paddle allows me to control the direction and speed of the ball superbly.
The balanced weight distribution also makes switching between offensive and defensive shots easy.
Spin
The carbon abrasion surface grips the ball, allowing me to impart sharp topspin, sidespin, or backspin. The carbon fiber face grips the ball, allowing me to impart sharp topspin, sidespin, or backspin. This level of consistency with spin was difficult to achieve with my previous paddles.
I love how I can change the pace and placement of the ball during the rally, keeping my opponents guessing.
The Hyperion executes my spin with near-perfect accuracy, whether I’m fooling them with a slice or going for straightforward power.
I recommend this paddle for advanced players looking to improve their spins in their Gameplay.
Power
While control is king in pickleball, you still need a power paddle to overpower your opponent sometimes. That’s where the Hyperion truly delivers. I’ve found myself able to hit winners from all areas of the court that would have been difficult with other paddles.
Especially on my topspin backhands, I can drive the ball with that extra power.
Combined with its larger sweet spot, even my stronger swings remain accurate. This is a great choice if you need a paddle that gives you control and power.
3. HEAD Fiberglass with Carbon Fiber Face – Best For Spin
The third on our list is the HEAD Fiberglass. This paddle has generated the best performance in the given areas.
Comfort
Comfort is very important to me. After using the HEAD Fiberglass for several months, I can say it delivers exceptional comfort. It has a light and well-balanced feel without sacrificing power.
The thick grip allows for excellent control even during long rallies. With its textured surface, my hand never slips or loses grip, even when sweating. The sharp edges also prevent any uncomfortable discomfort on my hands.
Overall, the HEAD Fiberglass gets a 10/10 for comfort. In terms of comfort, there is nothing better than this one.
Spin
As an advanced player, I rely heavily on spin shots to win points. Its textured composite face, made from high-quality carbon fiber, allows me to generate spin with precision. This paddle is excellent at generating spin and controlling your shots.
Depending on the situation demands, I can feather-touch shots on a dime or hit aggressive angled shots.
If you’re looking for a premium paddle that brings out your best spins, the HEAD Fiberglass is for you.
4. JOOLA Essentials – Advanced Pickleball Paddles
The 4 on our list is the Joola Essentials.
The JOOLA Essentials paddle will surprise you with the power you can produce from it. The JOOLA Essentials paddle features an elongated shape that contributes to its power and speed.
Despite its lightweight feel, it has no issue driving balls hard down the line or powering through balls when needed.
Its grip is also its best feature. No doubt all of JOOLA’s paddles are known for their comfortable, tacky grips, but this model’s grip may be the best in their range. The grip’s ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand without being too soft or slippery when sweating.
With its textured, smooth material, you’ll feel complete control of the paddle during long rallies.
It will give you confidence that a lesser grip couldn’t match your shot-making.
Overall, you’ll be hugely impressed by what JOOLA managed to pack into such an affordable paddle.
Its generously sized sweet spot and phenomenal grip will give you an advantage against less experienced opposition.
If you demand quality without breaking the bank, this JOOLA deserves strong consideration.
5. ONIX Graphite Z5 – Best Lightweight Pro Pickleball Paddles
The last on our List for today is the Onix Graphite Z5
After experiencing this paddle on the court, I was attracted by the following characteristics.
Power
With a large sweet spot and generous paddle head, you can drive the ball hard on power shots. Like other high-end carbon fiber paddles, the Z5 allows you to generate significant power and control.
I can consistently blast winners from the baseline that my opponents can’t get to.
At a certain level, touch and finesse still matter, but a paddle with robust power allows you to score more points at the net. Usually, lightweight paddles lack power, but the Z5 does not.
Grip
The grip on the Z5 feels very secure in your hands, even during long rallies. With a textured grip surface, my hands never slip. While the grip width works well for me, some players may want to wrap it for an even thicker feel.
Most importantly, the grip absorbs vibrations remarkably well, so my hands and arms don’t fatigue as quickly. This is essential when competing in long matches or leagues.
The grip gives me a solid hold and comfort throughout extended play sessions.
Lightweight
Its lighter weight allows for quicker racquet movements to handle faster-paced shots. You can swing hard on drives or change direction quickly for tricky drops.
Final Words
The top paddles evaluated here provide advanced players with powerful, precise, and comfortable paddles to leverage their skills. Choosing the right fit depends on individual needs, preferences, and styles.
Amongst them, my Best Pickleball Paddle For Advanced Players Is the Selkirk Amped Epic (All-Around Paddle).
Good luck with your game!!