Select Page

Let’s face it, playing pickleball is incredibly addictive and entertaining, but finding the right equipment isn’t.

With so many options available in a very oversaturated marketplace, choosing the right gear for your game can quickly become overwhelming.

Despite requiring very little equipment, finding the paddle that suits your pickleball game requires time, effort, and money. This becomes even harder for advanced players that need to find the best paddles the market has to offer.

It is more important that advanced players find a high-quality, high-performing, well-made paddle that suits their game. This is no easy task.

Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve done the research and found the best five pickleball paddles for advanced players. In today’s article, we’ll take you through each one, showing you what you can expect.

We’ve even gone further and put together a convenient buyer’s guide that will help you make the best decision.

Let’s get started!

1. Onix Graphite Z5 Graphite Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

We’ll kick start this list with arguably the best-advanced player pickleball paddle the market has to offer.

The Onix Graphite Z5 paddle is a great choice for any advanced player that wants complete control over the ball. It’s also a great option for anyone that likes to hit the ball with power.

One of the most notable things about this sleek paddle is that it has a larger surface area than other paddles. This makes it much easier to hit the ball with power, something more technical players might like.

When we reviewed the Z5, we also found that the paddle’s face made it much easier to control the spin of the ball.

Available in a wide range of colors, this pickleball paddle is made out of graphite. This makes the paddle much more durable and again helps improve the control we have over the ball.

When it comes to usability, the paddle has been equipped with a soft grip that reduces fatigue. The paddle’s lightweight design also ensures ultimate comfort as you play.

We also found that the paddle’s longer length made it easier to reach trickier shots.

Pros:

  • Lightweight – The Z5 feels great to hold and play with.
  • Large face – The paddle’s large face gives you more control and power over the ball.
  • Durable – This graphite pickleball paddle was made to last.

Cons:

  • Expensive – The Onix Z5 paddle isn’t cheap.

Also available at:

Onixpickleball.com

2. Rally Tyro Pro Pickleball Paddle

If you don’t want to spend as much money but still want a high-quality advanced pickleball paddle, the Rally Tyro pro pickleball paddle could be exactly what you’re looking for.

More affordable than the Onix Z5 paddle, the Rally Tyro paddle is extremely durable.

Made from graphite, you can expect the paddle to last a lifetime without its performance ever wavering.

Featuring a polypropylene honeycomb core and polycarbonate facing, this well-made paddle offers control, power, and excellent strike feedback.

The facing on the paddle also protects the paddle and further enhances that sweet spot, increasing the chances of you hitting that killer shot.

The paddle is also USAPA approved which allows you to use it in tournaments.

When we used this paddle, we enjoyed the overall experience it provided us with. One thing we really loved though was the moisture-wicking grip cushion.

Aside from offering plenty of comforts, the grip on this paddle also wicks away sweat, ensuring you always have a good grip on the paddle.

The only downside we could find is that the paddle only comes in one size. This might not suit everyone.

Pros:

  • Wicks away sweat – The grip on this paddle wicks away your sweat, guaranteeing a firm grip at all times.
  • More affordable – The Rally Tyro pro is more affordable than the Onix Z5.
  • Ultimate control – The paddle’s polypropylene honeycomb core gives the user increased control of the ball.

Cons:

  • One size – This paddle is only available in one size.

Also available at:

Pickleballcentral.com

3. Head Extreme Elite Fiberglass Paddle

The next paddle on our list is the Head extreme elite fiberglass paddle. This paddle easily makes our list, offering typical Head performance, a great design, and an awesome fiberglass finish.

Very well priced for an elite pickleball paddle, one of the best things about this paddle is who can use it.

While the paddle is designed with elite players in mind, there’s no reason intermediate players can’t also use it. This makes it a great option for those who one day hope to become a more advanced players.

You won’t need to buy a new paddle as you get better.

Thanks to the paddle’s fiberglass design, the paddle is lovely and lightweight. This makes the paddle much more comfortable to hold. On top of that, the fiberglass face offers excellent power and easy control.

We loved the polypropylene honeycomb core and ergo grip that’s also built into this paddle. Both of these features increase comfort whilst also ensuring the perfect touch every time.

We also found that the paddle had virtually no vibration.

Overall, this is an awesome paddle.

Pros:

  • Top brand – This paddle is made by Head, a brand that has a strong reputation in this industry.
  • Stylish design – The Head extreme elite fiberglass paddle looks fantastic.
  • Budget-friendly – This is the most budget-friendly paddle on our list.

Cons:

  • Not moisture wicking – The grip on this paddle doesn’t effectively wick away sweat.

Also available at:

Pickleballcentral.com

4. Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle

Next up, we have Franklin Sports and their pro pickleball paddle.

Featuring a polypropylene core and fiberglass-hitting surface, this professional standard pickleball paddle is absolutely perfect for advanced players.

The durable fiberglass hitting surface gives the user a serious boost when it comes to controlling the spin and power of the ball.

This face also reduces vibrations upon impact, giving you a much more comfortable experience. As a result, you should be able to hit the ball more successfully and better control the trajectory of the ball. The large sweet spot should help too.

Catering to a more balanced playstyle, this paddle boasts impressive durability. The 13mm propylene core ensures the paddle can withstand pressure for many years.

Like us, you’ll appreciate this paddle’s elongated shape. This gives us more flexibility during our shots, letting us unleash our full potential.

The added length will help you reach that bit further too.

USAPA approved, this paddle must be good as professional player Ben Johns used it when he competed for the Triple Crown in 2021.

Pros:

  • Used by the best – Professional pickleball player and former world number 1 Ben Johns uses this paddle.
  • Large sweet spot – Easily hit clean, powerful shots.
  • Durable – This paddle features a solid fiberglass design.

Cons:

  • Pricey – This is another expensive paddle

5. Selkirk Vanguard Hybrid Polypropylene X5 Paddle

We now move on to the final pickleball paddle for advanced players on this list. To finish off, we have this absolute beauty from Selkirk Sport.

Selkirk Sport believes that the two principles of pickleball should remain unchanged. Both have been clearly incorporated into this paddle. Those principles are consistency and speed.

If you seek speed and consistency in your game, this paddle is perfect.

To make this paddle, Selkirk’s engineers developed a proprietary QuadCarbon technology that features two durable layers of carbon fiber on each side.

Most traditional paddles only have this on one side.

As a result, this paddle offers unparalleled acceleration and ball velocity.

That’s not all though, the paddle’s unique design also offers more consistency, a large sweet spot, maximum spin control, and the perfect feel.

When we used the paddle, we were thrilled by how much it improved the power of our shots. It also helped us up our dink game. This will give you an edge over your competitors.

What pleases us, even more, is that the paddle comes in a teardrop and elongated shape, giving you more chances to find the paddle that suits your style of play.

Pros:

  • Available in a range of styles – The Selkirk Vanguard is available in teardrop or elongated shapes.
  • Features unique technology – This paddle contains QuadCarbon technology.
  • Unparalleled speed – This paddle will help you unleash more speed and power.

Cons:

  • Expensive – This paddle is the most expensive option on our list.

Also available at:

Selkirk.com

Buyer’s Guide

Even when you know what the market has to offer, picking out the right paddle for you can be tough. Especially when the paddle you’re choosing has to suit an advanced player.

Luckily for you, we’re here to help with that too. To help you make the best decision, we’ve put together a short buyer’s guide.

In this buyer’s guide, you’ll find the key things you need to consider when deciding which paddle to buy.

By taking each factor into consideration you can avoid any buyer’s regret and guarantee that the purchase you make is the best one.

Let’s take a look at the guide, shall we?

Materials

Generally speaking, the best-advanced player pickleball paddles are made from higher-quality materials. Therefore, you need to take into account what each paddle is made out of before making a decision.

You should avoid lower quality materials such as plastic and wood and instead look for higher quality materials like fiberglass.

Whilst wooden and plastic paddles can still be of high quality, they simply aren’t as good as the more advanced, premium paddles.

Wooden and plastic paddles are instead better suited to beginners looking to start their pickleball journey.

Weight

The weight of the paddle you choose is also important.

Lightweight paddles are easier to swing and consume less energy, whilst heavier paddles are less comfortable to hold for prolonged periods of time.

As a result, most pickleball players opt for lighter paddles.

Lightweight paddles also make it easier for advanced players to control the spin of the ball.

You’ll find that having greater control of the ball allows you to better perform more technical shots.

Having said that, heavier paddles can help you produce more power. This might come in handy for advanced players that struggle to get power behind their shots.

Grip Size

One factor often overlooked is the size of the paddle’s grip. The size of the grip is actually super important.

If you don’t choose a paddle with a grip that comfortably fits your hand, your control and balance will suffer.

With that said, try your best to find a suitable grip. You can usually find the size of a paddle’s grip in the product description.

In terms of the size of grip you should be looking for, advanced players tend to choose smaller grips. Smaller grips offer players more control and better balance.

Larger grips are prone to slipping out of the player’s hands and don’t usually offer the same levels of control.

Durability

One of the more obvious things to think about when looking for a pickleball paddle is durability. To put it simply, you have to choose a paddle that will last a lifetime.

If not, you could end up searching for a new paddle in no time. Durable paddles will almost always feature a solid design, and protective features, and will be made from strong materials.

It’s also worth considering that more expensive paddles are normally more durable. They may be more expensive but they usually promise to serve you better in the long run.

You can read product reviews and descriptions to gain a better understanding of how durable a paddle is. This is something you should do before purchasing any paddle.

Edge Guard

Something else to look for when buying a pickleball paddle is an edge guard. Whilst this feature may not be crucial, it is important when it comes to giving your paddle more durability.

This is even more important for advanced players that play in a competition. During tournaments, you need a paddle that will last.

A razor-like edge guard will ensure your paddle lasts longer. A medium-sized paddle with a larger sweet spot will be perfect. Larger paddles are fine too.

Price

Finally, you also need to consider how much you’ll pay for an advanced-player pickleball paddle (see also ‘Best Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players‘). Paddles can be bought at extremely varied prices.

Some paddles cost $50, whilst others cost well over $100.

Therefore, you need to evaluate how much money you actually have to spend and whether or not the more expensive paddles are what you need to buy.

Just because a paddle is expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the paddle that suits you best.

You should first sit down and think about what you need and how much you have to spend before then looking at what the market has to offer.

By doing this, you can save time and make sure you get a deal that suits you best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Pickleball Paddles Last?

There are a number of key factors that impact how long a pickleball paddle lasts.

This includes things such as how well you look after the paddle, how much it is used, and how durable the paddle is.

As a result, we can only give an average figure. On average, most pickleball paddles last anywhere between 1 and 5 years.

Your paddle could last less or longer than this depending on how you look after it.

Are Thicker Pickleball Paddles Better?

When it comes to picking the thickness of a pickleball paddle, there is no right or wrong answer. The best thickness simply comes down to individual playing style.

If you prefer to play with more power and control over the ball, a thicker paddle will be better.

Do Pro Pickleball Players Use Elongated Paddles?

Elongated pickleball paddles didn’t come on the scene that long ago. However, they have quickly become a firm favorite of professional players.

In fact, this type of paddle is the go-to paddle for most professionals now.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the best five pickleball paddles for advanced players that the market currently offers.

In this article, we’ve shown you a wide range of paddles that offer impressive performance, durability, reliability, and versatility.

While all the paddles on our list have been designed with the same target market in mind, they all offer something different.

Some of the paddles offer more control and comfort, whilst others focus more on speed and power. We’ve also ensured that the paddles on our list vary in price.

Whether you need a more affordable option that won’t break the bank or an ultimate premium paddle, we have something for everyone on our list.

Now all you have to do is work out which paddle you want to buy.

All the paddles on our list are designed to improve your game and help you unlock your full potential, so we’re sure you’ll be happy with whichever paddle you end up choosing.

More Related Articles

Pickleball In The News

Pickleball In The News

Originally Published on March 11, 2021 by Staff 1. Pickleball- the Fastest Growing Sport in the USA Though originated in 1965, the game of pickleball did not get much popularity until the recent years. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the country as people...

read more

Best Pickleball Lessons Online

It should be no surprise that everything is moving online, and finding pickleball lessons online are not unique. In fact they are gaining popularity. What I love about receiving pickleball lessons online is that I can access LIVE coaching, video analysis, email and...

read more

Pickleball for Parkinsons Disease

In my physical therapy clinic I use pickleball drills and training to help patients with Parkinson's disease all the time. Parkinson's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that affets movement. Patients will present with different symptoms from rigidity...

read more

How to Avoid Falling in Pickleball

The reality is, that people will fall. Fall prevention is kind of a silly concept to me. I try to focus more on being able to fall without getting hurt. Yes, we want pickleball players to improve their balance and coordination, but falls will happen and the goal of...

read more