The 10 Best Pickleball Paddles For Advanced Players in 2023

Are you an advanced player looking for a better paddle option to buy? Or have you just upgraded your game and want to upgrade the paddle too, but have no idea what to look for? In either case, we’re here to help.

We have curated this list of the best pickleball paddles for advanced players after extensive research, so you can have the best options to choose from. If you are a pro, you already know what you want, and this list will help you make the final decision.

In case this is your first time buying an advanced paddle, we provide enough information and a list of the ten best advanced paddles for you to consider. This will save you a lot of time and effort.

Keep reading, and you might find a paddle that proves to be a game-changer for you

Table of Contents

• What to Look For in A Pickleball Paddle
  • Weight
  • Grip size
  • Material
  • USAPA Approval
  • Price
• Best Pickleball Paddle For Advanced Players: Our Picks
  • 1. Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle
  • 2. Pro-Lite Supernova Black Diamond Pickleball Paddle
  • 3. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 mm Pickleball Paddle
  • 4. Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro Paddle
  • 5. Selkirk Amped Epic Pickleball Paddle
  • 6. Gamma Compass NeuCore Pickleball Paddle
  • 7. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle
  • 8. Rogue2 Second Generation
  • 9. Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro Pickleball Paddle
  • 10. Gearbox GX5 Pickleball Paddle
• The Bottom Line
• FAQs

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What to Look For in A Pickleball Paddle

Though advanced player already knows what they want in their paddle, it’s a good idea to quickly recap all the factors to consider. These are some basic points everyone must consider before buying a pickleball paddle.

Weight

Most pro players know what paddle weight is comfortable for them. You can choose a paddle’s weight according to your playing style or comfort level.

Lightweight paddles are great if you are a quick-handed player and like to control your game. They allow you to be more accurate and swing the paddle fast. Heavier paddles are best suited for players who focus more on power hits and like to play hard.

Another thing to remember is comfort. If your current paddle is tiring you or slowing you down, you should consider buying a lighter paddle. Similarly, if your paddle is not hitting hard enough and feels too light, a little heavier paddle can improve your game.

Players coming from other sports need to understand their comfortable weight. If you have any chronic issues like shoulder, wrist pain, or tennis elbow, a mid-weight paddle is a good way to avoid it from worsening.

Grip size

For any level player, grip size is a must consideration. Grip size solely depends on the size of your hands and your preference.

If you try to play with a larger grip than your hand size, it can cause strain on your wrist or elbow and provide less control. Any grip size 4.25 inches and above can be a good choice for people with large hands.

If you decide to go with a smaller grip than your hand, you have to put more weight on your wrist to swing the paddle, and it will be uncomfortable in long matches. Grip with 4 inches circumference is a good option for small hands

You might prefer a bigger handle if you come from a tennis background. That solely depends on every individual. Whatever size you choose, it must be comfortable.

Material

There are three types of paddle materials.

• Wooden paddles are the heaviest and cheapest but not an option for professional players.
• Composite pickleball paddles are a bit heavier, so they generate good power. Many experienced players and players with excellent physical conditions like to use them. If you prefer to spin the ball, its textured surface is ideal.
• Graphite Pickleball paddles provide more control and feel and are very lightweight. They allow a lot of wrist movement and are very durable paddles.

USAPA Approval

If you are an advanced player, you might be participating in tournaments. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that your paddle is USAPA approved. The last thing you want is to switch your paddle at the eleventh hour. So it’s better to check before buying, rather than ending up with an illegal paddle. You can visit the USAPA website to check the list of paddles before buying.

Price

When you decide to buy a paddle, price is undeniably an important factor. There is no doubt that the more price you pay, the better paddle you get.

Pro pickleball players are familiar with their game and requirements. If they can afford it, they should opt for a durable, strong, and comfortable paddle, even if it is a bit costly. Remember, your paddle affects your game, and, as an advanced player, the last thing you want is to skimp on paddles.

However, beginner or intermediate players trying to establish their game style and experimenting with different paddles should consider the price. It is better for them to avoid very expensive paddles until they are sure about their preferences.

Still, you can find paddles that cost $20 to $250, though you won’t find a pickleball paddle for advanced players under $100.

However, if you’re not willing to spend much, you can check out the best paddles for intermediate players. They are of course not as good, but decent and affordable.

Best Pickleball Paddle For Advanced Players: Our Picks

After researching dozens of advanced pickleball paddles, we selected these top-quality ones for you. Many pro players are using them in tournaments and winning the games.

1. Head Gravity Pickleball Paddle

Head Gravity is one of our recommended paddles and is popular among the pros. It is available in 2 vibrant colors and weight choices. Gravity with standard weight is 8.1 oz, and Gravity Lite is 7.6 oz.

Head Gravity is famous among advanced players due to its unique shape with a narrow bottom and wider head that provides a bigger sweet spot and its hybrid hitting surface. The surface is a combination of graphite and composite allows a great balance of power and control.

The Head Gravity paddle uses 3/5 inches polypropylene core that dampens the sound.
Almost all Head grips have a 4 ¼ inches circumference and 4 ½ inches length. Its unique EVA material for Ergo grip keeps the grip soft and comfortable for long matches.

Head Gravity has a 3D spin using a tri-axial surface that allows the experienced players to spin the ball and hit with great control.

It is an excellent paddle for players who are now ready to move from intermediate to advanced level.

Pros

• This paddle provides a great blend of power and control
• Bigger sweet spot
• USAPA approved
• Non-slippery comfortable grip

Cons

• Some players find it heavyweight.

2. Pro-Lite Supernova Black Diamond Pickleball Paddle

Pro-lite Supernova has helped pros win 3 U.S. Open gold medals. It is one of the best pickleball paddles for pro players, especially those who are coming from a tennis background.

Supernova paddle core is made of a polymer honeycomb that provides power and absorbs sound. It has a big sweet spot and forgiving surroundings that reduce mishits.

Supernova Black Diamond uses a 100% woven fiberglass surface that provides great control and spin when connected with the ball. It is also shock and vibration absorbent and a great comfort if you suffer from tennis elbow or any other medical issue.

Pro-Lite Supernova paddles weigh between 7.9-8.3 oz. It is 15 9/16 inches long and 8 1/8 inches wide. Its handle is 5 ¼ inches long, a good size for most players.

The Prolite’s SofTac 32 Cushion grip is wrapped around the handle and makes it comfortable and sweat absorbent while providing a firm hold.

In short, the Pro-Lite Supernova pickleball paddle is an impressive option if you are looking to upgrade your game with an advanced paddle. It is made in the United States and approved by USAPA.

Pros

• Pro-lite Supernova has one-year warranty.
• It is a durable paddle.
• It offers a big sweet spot and forgiving surroundings.

Cons

• Some players believe that it doesn’t provide much power.

3. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 mm Pickleball Paddle

This paddle is named after the gold medalist pickleball player Ben Johns. It is his signature paddle and a reason many advanced players like it. If the top-ranked player uses this paddle, then there’s definitely something great about it.

Its 16 mm polypropylene core is designed to provide force to hit the ball and stability. But most importantly, it is a durable, soft yet strong paddle that is a great option for players who can handle power and control in perfect balance.

What we found particularly great about this paddle is the Carbon Friction Surface (CFS). This surface provides a bit of extra spin. Also, the textured surface doesn’t wear away so easily, so you can expect this paddle to last long.

The paddles weight 8.4 oz, which is on the heavier side. However, you can go for its Swift version, which offers the same features except being a little lighter (7.9 oz).

Its 5.5 inches long handle and 4.25″ circumference ridge grip provides comfort to your hands and allow you to use both hands for hard hits and better maneuverability.

Perhaps, the only downside of this paddle is the cost, as it’s expensive compared to other paddles mentioned here.

Pros

• Textured surface offers extra spin
• It is USAPA approved paddle
• Balanced distribution of weight

Cons

• Expensive option

4. Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro Paddle

Paddletek Tempest Reign Pro is a paddle used by professional players and anyone above 4.0 level.

It offers a beautiful blend of power, control, and accuracy. With its extended length of 16 ½ inches and 7 ½ inches width, you get an extra reach to hit the shots you usually missed. It’s best for groundstrokes and overhead hits.

Tempest Reign paddles are available in various colors, and their weight ranges from 7.6 to 8.0 oz. It features a high-grade graphite polymer composite honeycomb core with a textured graphite surface. They enhance the power and spin of the paddle. And you get to hit more precisely at your desired target.

The smart response technology is the base behind this power and control that professional players demand consistently. The edge guard not only increases durability, but also makes the paddle more stable.

These paddles are furnished with ultra-cushioned grip and high-tech performance grip. There are two grip sizes available 4 ¾” and 4 ¼”, allowing you to choose as per your preference.

It is undoubtedly one of the best pickleball paddles for advanced players, with an elongated face and a big sweet spot that provides a perfect blend of control and touch.

Pros

• USAPA approved.
  It has a larger sweet spot that allows maximum hits.
• It provides a good spin.

Cons

• It is an expensive paddle.

5. Selkirk Amped Epic Pickleball Paddle

Selkirk Amped Epic is a really popular paddle among 5.0+ players due to its reach, weight, and balance of power and control that a player needs to win the game. This series has paddles of different weights with multiple colors and grip sizes.

The core is made of with Selkirk X5 Core, which is essentially polypropylene honeycomb core. This thicker core enhances the power, and players don’t need to use body mass to hit hard.

You will get a mid-weight paddle that ranges from 7.9 to 8.4 oz, great for power games. Players who prefer speed and fast swings can get lightweight paddle ranges from 7.3 to 7.8 oz.

With its long handle, 5 ¼ inches, players who play tennis or use both hands can easily enjoy their game. The 4 ¼ circumferences of Selkirk cushioned grip is ideal for players who want a narrow grip.

Amped Epic paddles used advanced FiberFlex Fiberglass technology in the face for high performance. The ball cushion technology is united with the paddle’s face to reduce the vibration.

It is a highly recommended paddle for intermediate to pro-level players. A great all-round paddle for pros, you can’t go wrong with Selkirk Amped.

Pros

• It has a larger sweet spot.
• It has an edge guard for protection.
• USAPA approved paddle.

Cons

• Few players find the grip smaller.

6. Gamma Compass NeuCore Pickleball Paddle

Gamma Compass series has a variety of paddles with multi colors and unique features. It is one of the best paddles many advanced players use due to its shape, size, and weight.

This mid-weight paddle with a 7.75 oz weight and rough graphite surface face provides good response. Its handle is 4 ¾ inches long, which is short compared to other paddles. However, its perforated grip and length enhance the paddle’s balance and comfort.

Gamma Compass NeuCore has an elongated design with 16 5/8 inches long handle and 7 1/8 inches width. Its extended reach allows you to play shots easily. This makes an excellent paddle for singles play. However, elongated shape can adversely affect the balance and control if you’re not used to playing with it.

By using NeuCore technology, they make the polymer core 25% thicker. This turns the paddle into a thicker one where larger honeycomb core cells absorb the ball’s vibration and sound and give you more power.

It is an awesome paddle, but only for pro pickleball players who know what they are doing.

Pros

• Edge guard for protection.
• USAPA approved.
• Good choice for professional power players
• Large sweet spot

Cons

• Few players are not comfortable with its narrow shape

7. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro Pickleball Paddle

Andrea Koop and Dave Weinbach are the two pros who use Tempest Wave Pro paddle. So it’s definitely one of the best paddles for advanced pickleball players.

Tempest Wave Pro paddle provides accuracy, power without sacrificing control, and a great sweet spot. This series comes in 5 vibrant colors with a black background and weight ranges from 7.6 to 8.0 oz.

Its handle size is 5.25 inches, longer than standard handles, with choices in grip circumference. You can choose according to size, comfort level, and playing style.

The unique feature of the paddle is its smart response technology that combines with a textured graphite surface to give the paddle’s rigidity and enhance its power and spin.

Tempest Wave Pro uses a polymer honeycomb core to make it a quieter and more powerful paddle. These paddles are the best option for strategic players who focus on precision, placement, and control.

Pros

• Lightweight allows maneuverability
• Big sweet spot makes it a forgiving paddle
• Good for noise-restricted areas

Cons

• Few players don’t like the edge guard as it causes miss-hits

8. Rogue2 Second Generation

Having unique designs and the latest technologies, Rogue 2 second generation is a good choice for pro players. Though Rogue is not as renowned brand as other ones on the list, Rogue 2 second generation is really an underrated paddle.

It has a medium weight (7.8 oz) and grip size of 4 3/16 inches, making it ideal for agility and maneuvering.

However, the best features of Rogue 2 are its vibration-damping carbon fiber throat reinforcement that reduces the vibration to keep you safe from injury and makes the paddle very strong. These features also makes it a good paddle for players with tennis elbow.

Its hybrid gel-core polypropylene honeycomb core and fiberglass surface make it a durable, quiet, and vibration-absorbent paddle. These are the features you, as an advanced player, need to perform better.

Like every other paddle, manufacturers claim that it has a bigger sweet spot. But their claims seem to be somewhat justified, as they use the Sweet Spot Mapping technique to determine its larger hitting surface.

In short, it’s an ideal paddle for professionals who don’t want to spend big bucks on their paddle but want extra reach and stability in their game. If you think that your playing style requires you to have a strong paddle, then Rogue 2 is for you.

Check out our complete review of the Rogue 2 pickleball paddle.

Pros

• It’s a quiet paddle.
• Very good at controlling vibration
• Strong and durable
• It comes in multiple colors

Cons

• For some, it is not heavy enough to provide power.

9. Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro Pickleball Paddle

Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro is a new and better version of the old TS-5 paddles. And this is the paddle Anna Leigh Waters wins triple crowns with.

This series of paddles, made for professionals players, provides more power. It’s a round paddle with variations in weight and grip size.

It can be ideal for players looking for a lighter paddle with a small grip size and who like to have more control. As there are variations in weight and grip size, it is also a good choice for advanced players who want a mid-weight paddle of 7.6-8.1 oz and a bigger grip size of 4 ¾ circumferences to get more power on their paddle.

The grip in the Bantam series is very comfortable with ultra-cushioned material to support long matches. Its Smart Response Technology with polymer composite honeycomb core provides a great balance of power and control and a bigger sweet spot that makes it a forgiving paddle.

Thanks to its UV-protected textured fiberglass surface, it’s easier for players to spin the ball. In short, it’s one of the best pickleball paddles for advanced players and is used by several pros.

Pros

• It has a large face and a bigger sweet spot.
• This paddle gives more control.
• It has options in grip size and weight.
• The paddle comes in four colors.

Cons

• The shape of the end cap is uncomfortable for some players.

10. Gearbox GX5 Pickleball Paddle

This redesigned series is an improved version of the first generation GX5 with better looks and features. GX5 has two models with a choice for power and control. Similarly, there are variations in weight, color, and grip size. For advanced players, it’s really important that each feature of the paddle matches their preferences, and Gearbox GX5 offers these choices.

So as a professional player, you will get to choose any weight or grip you are comfortable with and suit your playing style. Its slim and sleek body provides maneuverability and speed.

Gearbox GX5 has a carbon fiber frame, making it durable and less noisy. Without any edges causing the miss-hits, you get the bigger sweet spot and more accuracy.

The vibration dampener is a unique feature of the GX5 paddle. Players with medical issues can play for hours without worsening their tennis elbow, thanks to its medium weight.

Another amazing feature is Hyper Bite Spin Technology that is a plus for advanced players as they use spin to get extra points and an edge over their opponents.

Read our in-depth review of the Gearbox GX5 paddle here.

Pros

• It is a USAPA approved paddle.
• It has a good blend of control and power.
• Larger sweet spot
• Offers variations

Cons

• Many professional players prefer to use heavyweight than what GX5 offers.

The Bottom Line

We have compiled this list of the best pickleball paddles for advanced players to help you find the best option for yourself. We considered the paddle quality, grip comfort and handle length, the paddle’s core, face, durability, and price range.

Nearly all the paddles mentioned above are used by professional pickleball players. However, we’d advise you to choose your paddle according to your playing style and preferences. Do you want more spin? Love to smash or dink?

There is no doubt that paddles can be tricky to choose, especially if buying online. Therefore, this list has mixed features and a balance of power, control, and speed.

If you are still indecisive, you can go for our two best picks, Ben Johns Hyperion CFS pickleball paddle and Selkirk Amped Epic Pickleball Paddle.

FAQs