Best pickleball paddles for advanced players in 2024

At the core of any advanced player’s arsenal is their paddle, the fundamental tool that can make or break their game. Unlike beginners and intermediate players, advanced corner-court wizards look for specific features that can complement their skill and strategy. To choose the best pickleball paddles for advanced players, we must look into key attributes like power, control, balance, and spin. Each feature intricately enhances a player’s game, making their shots almost poetry in motion on the court.

What make the best pickleball paddles for advanced players?

Power & control

Power-focused paddles use more rigid materials, like carbon fiber and graphite, offering a stiff punch when hitting the ball. Advanced players typically look for paddles that deliver these energetic shots and help them push their opponents to the back of the court. Equally essential is control, which ensures the ball lands exactly where it is intended. Experienced players require control to execute drops, dinks, and precise volleys, favoring paddles with more flexible faces and balanced weight distributions.

Materials

Materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and graphite play pivotal roles in determining a paddle’s power and control aspects. Fiber-based paddles like those made of fiberglass impart softer touches and are perfect for executing spin shots. Graphite, in particular, is popular for its responsiveness, providing a quick and solid feedback on ball contact.

Weight and balance

A slightly heavier paddle (over 8 oz) affords better stability and is often favored by control-oriented players. In contrast, a lighter paddle (under 7.5 oz) is preferred by power hitters for its quick maneuverability. The balance between head-heavy and head-light paddles also significantly influences a player’s ability to handle both swift reactions and powerful drives.

Equally important is the shape and size of the paddle. Advanced players prefer elongated paddle shapes, extending their reach and enabling tricky cross-court shots. On the other hand, widebody paddles are known for creating larger sweet spots, crucial for generating power. The sweet spot size on the paddle can deeply affect the playing style, making the game either forgiving or demanding on mishits.

Texture and Core Technology

Lastly, the texture and core technology of the paddle add another layer of sophistication to the gameplay. Textured paddles enhance spin, and innovatively designed cores, like polymer honeycomb cores, provide the right mix between reducing vibration and maintaining stable shot quality.

Vibration dampening technology in paddles is crucial for advanced players to mitigate the harsh feedback from powerful smashes. The sophistication in paddle design to absorb shock and provide a smoother feel can significantly increase comfort during prolonged play.

In conclusion, the right paddle for an advanced player is more than just a slab of material; it’s an engineered masterpiece combining multifaceted features to offer an impeccable mix of power, control, balance, spin, and comfort. In the following sections, we will review and compare some of the best industry-leader paddles in 2024.

Top 11 pickleball paddles for advanced players

1. JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16mm

The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16mm paddle stands tall in the realm of advanced pickleball paddles, offering a combination of power, control, and cutting-edge technology woven into its structure. Named after world champion Ben Johns, this paddle integrates features precisely geared toward high-level play.

Key Features:

• CFS (Carbon Friction Surface): This innovative textured surface enhances ball grip, providing advanced players the opportunity to apply significant spin and control over their shots.
• Blend of Power and Control: The combination of a strong frame and softer core creates an ideal balance, allowing skillful players to unleash powerful drives while maintaining precision and touch on softer shots.
• Hyperfoam Edge Wall: This design enhances stability, enabling players to achieve consistent performance and responsiveness. The robust build helps in maintaining a solid feel during intense exchanges.
• Polypropylene Honeycomb Core: Known for its shock-absorbing properties, this kind of core diminishes vibrations, offering a comfortable yet responsive hit, which is appreciated in prolonged matches.
• Longer Handle: The 5.5-inch handle length provides more leverage, facilitating better reach for strokes and contributing to the versatility required by top-tier players.

Performance Analysis:

The Perseus CFS 16mm is lauded for its ability to marry power with finesse. The paddle’s CFS technology grants an incredible spin, a factor that can unsettle opponents by adding unpredictability to the ball’s trajectory. The Hyperfoam edge ensures that players experience minimal flex, maintaining accuracy in every shot.

Compared to others in the market, the Perseus integrates a polypropylene honeycomb core that better absorbs vibrations, making it incredibly responsive and comfortable. This attribute often becomes a decisive factor in extended rallies where stamina and wrist strain management are critical.

In terms of design, the longer handle aids advanced players who often resort to two-handed strokes, adding tactical depth to their game. For Ben Johns and other top players, this becomes an extension of their arm, enabling dynamic reach and control.

Given these features and its performance, the Perseus CFS 16mm serves as a beautiful symphony of innovation and practical playability appealing to the elite echelons of pickleball players.

2. Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta epitomizes high-end paddle engineering, suited for those who demand both power and a meticulously controlled game. Selkirk, widely known for their cutting-edge designs and performance, has crafted this paddle with advanced players in mind.

Key Features:

• Fiberglass Face with FiberFlex Technology: This provides a responsive, powerful hitting surface allowing players to execute forceful shots while maintaining an element of control.
• Polymer Core: The polymer core’s stability and vibration-dampening features ensure comfort, mitigating the risk of injury from prolonged play and fierce impacts.
• Widebody Shape: This design maximizes the sweet spot, delivering added power and ensuring consistent performance across the paddle face.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing between 6.9-7.9 oz, this paddle is exceptionally maneuverable, which is crucial for quick reflexes and fast-paced exchanges.
• Textured Surface: Helps in generating spin, making it easier for advanced players to manipulate ball direction and speed.

Performance Analysis:

Selkirk Vanguard’s Fiberglass Face with FiberFlex Technology bridges the gap between power and control. It gives advanced players a highly responsive hitting surface, perfect for exerting dominance in both offensive and defensive plays. The polymer core also performs excellently in furnishing stability and absorbing shocks, translating into finesse and ease even during intense rallies.

The widebody shape of the Invikta provides an enlarged sweet spot, which diminishes mishits’ likelihood, making it a favored choice for those who strive for consistency. With its lightweight nature, this paddle offers fast maneuverability, allowing players to switch directions and strategize shots almost instantaneously.

The textured surface further enhances playing performance by enabling players to apply sophisticated spin techniques, making their game more challenging for opponents. Thus, advanced players will discover this paddle empowering them with both strength and subtlety required for high-level matches.

Combining these attributes, the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta is highly suited for competitive play, providing unmatched versatility and tactical depth.

3. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro

The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro is celebrated for its exceptional all-around performance, making it a top choice among advanced players looking for a versatile paddle. Paddletek has designed this paddle to offer an ideal blend of power, control, and maneuverability.

Key Features:

• Carbon Fiber Composite Face: Reinforced with both carbon fiber and basalt fibers, this face delivers superior power, control, and touch, giving players confidence in every shot.
• Polypropylene Core: The Tempest Wave Pro employs a reliable polypropylene core, ensuring durability and stability during play and minimizing vibrations for a comfortable feel.
• Teardrop Shape: This shape optimally balances power, control, and responsiveness, making it suitable for various play styles.
• Head-Light Balance: Weighing 7.2-7.8 oz, this paddle’s head-light balance helps aggressive players with quick reactions, aiding in powerful and controlled strokes.
• Textured Surface: Provides excellent spin generation, making it ideal for advanced shot techniques.

Performance Analysis:

The Tempest Wave Pro’s carbon fiber composite face is one of its standout features, offering a potent mix of stiffness and control. This reinforcement with basalt fibers ensures that players can deliver powerful smashes without sacrificing finesse on delicate shots. This combination appeals to players who value both offensive capabilities and defensive precision.

The polypropylene core enhances the paddle’s stability, ensuring its structure holds up under intense conditions. With its head-light balance, the Tempest Wave Pro is especially maneuverable, perfect for advanced players who need quick transitions between offensive and defensive plays.

The teardrop shape of this paddle strikes an ideal equilibrium between power and control, while the textured surface is beneficial for executing spins and other advanced techniques, adding layers to the player’s game.

In conclusion, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro stands out as an all-rounder, catering to various play styles with its combination of control, power, and maneuverability.

4. CRBN 1X Power Series

Introducing the CRBN 1X Power Series paddle, known for pushing the boundaries of power and precision. The CRBN brand, relatively new yet quickly gaining popularity, aims to offer elevated performance features tailored for advanced players.

Key Features:

• Carbon Fiber Face: Provides a strong, rigid hitting surface, contributing significantly to the paddle’s power and responsiveness.
• Polypropylene Honeycomb Core: The core offers a solid mix of power and reduced vibration, ensuring stability and comfort during intense plays.
• Elongated Shape: Enhances reach, enabling players to cover more ground and execute advanced techniques with more ease.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing between 7.6-8.0 oz, offers a good balance between power and speed.
• Textured Surface: Improved grip and spin capabilities, making it ideal for delivering strategic shots.

Performance Analysis:

The carbon fiber face is a key strength for the CRBN 1X Power Series, delivering a hard, responsive contact while hitting the ball. This feature is particularly beneficial for advanced players focusing on striking powerful shots and thwarting opponents with high-speed returns.

Polypropylene honeycomb core provides a great mix of power and vibration dampening, reducing arm strain and keeping players comfortable throughout the match. This core technology ensures that the paddle withstands high-velocity impacts without losing integrity.

Its elongated shape is particularly appealing to players needing extra reach and maintains a balanced weight profile, making it easy to switch between defensive and aggressive play modes. The textured surface further aids in generating spin, enhancing tactical advantages.

Overall, the CRBN 1X Power Series successfully combines power, reach, and stability, making it an appropriate paddle for advanced players aiming to elevate their game further.

5. Diadem Warrior Edge Carbon Fiber

The Diadem Warrior Edge Carbon Fiber sets itself apart with its robust design and exceptional engineering, establishing it as an excellent choice for advanced players looking for power and ultimate control.

Key Features:

• Carbon Fiber Face: Offers a robust and responsive surface for powerful, consistent hits.
• Polypropylene Core: This core ensures reduced vibration and offers a balance between power and control.
• Midweight Construction (7.6-8.1 oz): Provides an optimum mix between weight and maneuverability, allowing for aggressive play without compromising stability.
• Extended Handle Length: Offers better reach and leverage for both one-handed and two-handed strokes.
• Textured Surface: Designed for spin control, helping players deliver deceptive shots with precision.

Performance Analysis:

The Warrior Edge’s carbon fiber face delivers a potent response even during quick exchanges, making it a go-to paddle for players emphasizing power. This heavy-duty material stands up admirably against wear and tear, providing longevity.

A polypropylene core efficiently minimizes vibrations, translating to a smoother sensation even during prolonged rallies and reducing the risk of arm fatigue. This balance helps in achieving precise shots with minimal strain.

The paddle’s midweight construction targets players who want an apt combination of heft and maneuverability. It provides that sought-after stable feel while allowing for rapid movement critical in competitive play.

Additionally, the extended handle length is particularly advantageous for advanced players who utilize two-handed strokes or need extra reach. The textured surface aids in executing spin shots, adding another level of strategy to the player’s game plan.

Summing up, the Diadem Warrior Edge Carbon Fiber paddle is a powerhouse of features offering players a remarkable blend of power, control, and durability, reinforcing its position as a top contender for serious athletes.

Other notable paddles

6. Onix Evoke Premier

The Onix Evoke Premier is a high-performance paddle designed to satisfy the critical needs of advanced players. This paddle offers an exceptional balance of power, control, and maneuverability.

Key Features:

• Fiberglass Face: Provides a highly responsive surface that translates to increased power on impacts.
• Polymer Core: Absorbs shock effectively, ensuring a comfortable feel even during intense matches.
• Widebody Shape: Offers a large sweet spot, maximizing power and consistency in shots.
• Lightweight Design (7.3-8.0 oz): Allows for fast and agile movements.
• Textured Surface: Enhances spin generation, key for tactical play.

Performance Analysis:

The Onix Evoke Premier paddle’s fiberglass face contributes substantially to its responsive nature, enabling players to produce powerful hits effortlessly. The polymer core plays a crucial role in absorbing impacts efficiently, ensuring the paddle remains comfortable to use even during prolonged play.

A notable aspect is its widebody shape, which maximizes the sweet spot, minimizing errors and delivering consistent power across the paddle face. The lightweight design allows for quick maneuverability, vital for making strategic plays and fast reactions.

With a textured surface, players can effectively generate spin, adding a sophisticated level of play, allowing for increased versatility in shot selection. This paddle is perfect for professionals who require reliability and performance in their equipment.

7. Selkirk SLK Halo Max

The Selkirk SLK Halo Max is designed for advanced players who need a paddle that offers a harmonious combination of power, control, and spin.

Key Features:

• Fiberglass Face: Provides a powerful and responsive hitting surface.
• Polymer Core: Ensures steady performance with excellent vibration dampening.
• Lightweight (6.9-7.9 oz): Offers agility and speed in shots.
• Textured Surface: Enhances the ability to spin the ball.

Performance Analysis:

The fiberglass face of the Selkirk SLK Halo Max ensures that the paddle remains powerful and highly responsive during play. The polymer core contributes to its steadiness and vibration dampening ability, making it comfortable for long play sessions.

With a lightweight design ranging from 6.9-7.9 oz, this paddle is suitable for quick, agile movements and fast-reacting plays. Its textured surface is adept at generating spin, making it perfect for players who value strategic shot-making.

8. ProXR Zane Navratil Signature Paddle

The ProXR Zane Navratil Signature Paddle is tailored to meet the specific needs of advanced players, offering superb power and control.

Key Features:

• Widebody Shape: Maximizes hitting area and sweet spot for greater consistency.
• Fiberglass Face: Offers a responsive surface for powerful shots.
• Weight (7.3-7.9 oz): Provides a balanced feel for stability and maneuverability.
• Textured Surface: Helps generate spin for strategic play.

Performance Analysis:

Designed in collaboration with Zane Navratil, this paddle’s widebody shape ensures a large hitting area, making it efficient even during inaccurate hits. The fiberglass face provides the necessary responsiveness for delivering powerful shots, while its weight distribution offers a balanced feel.

9. Paddletek TS-5 Pro

The Paddletek TS-5 Pro appeals greatly to advanced players, known for its versatile performance in various play styles.

Key Features:

• Teardrop Shape: Optimally balances power, control, and maneuverability.
• Fiberglass Face: Provides a responsive surface for both powerful and controlled shots.
• Weight (7.2-7.8 oz): Offers a head-light balance.
• Polypropylene Core: Ensures stability and vibration dampening.

Performance Analysis:

The teardrop shape of the TS-5 Pro optimally balances power and control, making it suitable for various play styles. The fiberglass face delivers the necessary responsiveness, while the weight and polypropylene core ensure stability and comfort.

The advanced features make it a go-to for players aiming to control their game with precision and power.

10. Selkirk Amped S2 X5 Fiberflex

The Selkirk Amped S2 X5 Fiberflex is often considered for its outstanding blend of power and control, designed with advanced players in mind.

Key Features:

• FiberFlex Face: Enhances spin and control.
• Polypropylene X5 Core: Offers a larger sweet spot and durability.
• Midweight Construction (7.8-8.3 oz): Provides balance and stability.
• Textured Surface: Helps with spin.

Performance Analysis:

The FiberFlex face of the Selkirk Amped S2 X5 provides excellent touch and control, while the polypropylene X5 core enhances durability and offers a larger sweet spot. The midweight construction offers balance and stability, making it reliable for consistent performance.

11. Electrum Model E Graphite 16mm

The Electrum Model E Graphite 16mm stands out due to its high-performance features. Ideal for advanced players, it offers a mix of power and control.

Key Features:

• Graphite Face: Ensures a rigid hitting surface for power.
• 16mm Core: Offers stability and precision.
• Midweight Construction (7.8-8.3 oz): Provides a stable yet maneuverable feel.
• Textured Surface: Helps generate spin.

Performance Analysis:

The graphite face provides a rigid hitting surface, delivering powerful shots. The 16mm core offers stability and precision, while the midweight construction makes the paddle stable yet manageable.

Other notable paddles include Engage Encore EX 6.0, Gamma Riley Newman, ProKennex Kinetic Pro Flight, Gearbox CX 14 E Elongated, and Vulcan V940 – each providing distinctive features tailored for advanced players.

Choosing the right paddle for you

Choosing the appropriate paddle can significantly impact your performance on the court, and one of the most effective ways to find the right fit is by demoing paddles. Testing different paddles allows you to get a genuine feel for the equipment and ascertain which one complements your playing style the best.

When demoing paddles, consider the following:

1. Environment: Try to demo paddles in a setting that simulates actual play conditions. Whether indoor or outdoor, the environment where you typically play can affect how a paddle performs, so ensuring you test in similar conditions is crucial.
2. Duration: Spend ample time with each paddle to understand its nuances. A quick hit won’t reveal the paddle’s true capabilities. Play several games or sessions to gauge comfort, control, and power over an extended period.
3. Variety of Shots: Test different kinds of shots – from serves and volleys to dinks and smashes. Pay attention to how the paddle handles each type of shot and whether it can support the versatility required in advanced play.
4. Feedback: Note the feel and feedback of each paddle. How does each shot resonate in your hand? Ensure there’s a comfortable level of vibration dampening and a responsive touch.
5. Switching Paddles: Compare paddles by switching regularly during your demo session. This way, you can directly contrast their performance attributes and make an informed decision on which suits your game best.

Local clubs, tournaments, and retailers often have demo programs. Taking advantage of these opportunities allows you to test a variety of paddles before making a significant investment.

Factors to consider

In selecting the best pickleball paddle for advanced play, several factors must be weighed to find the ideal match for your style of play and preferences:

Power vs. Control

• Power-focused paddles feature materials like graphite and carbon fiber, offering rigid surfaces that deliver high-speed returns. These are excellent for players who favor aggressive plays and hitting powerful shots.
• Control-oriented paddles use materials like fiberglass and have flexible faces, aiding in delicately placing shots and dinks. They provide better touch and precision, which are critical for tactical plays and defense.

Materials

• Graphite: Offers immense power and a lightweight feel, quick to respond, making it suitable for quick reflex plays.
• Fiberglass: Provides enhanced control and spin capabilities, translating to softer touches and more strategic play.
• Composite: Combines elements of power and control, often used for balanced play styles.
• Polymer cores: These are known for reducing vibrations and enhancing stability, contributing to a consistent and comfortable playing experience.

Weight and Balance

• Heavier paddles (over 8 oz) provide better stability and control, making them ideal for defensive players aiming for precision rather than brute force.
• Lighter paddles (under 7.5 oz) are faster and maneuverable, perfect for players who rely on quick swings and agile movements.
• Head-light paddles enable faster reactions due to their balanced weight distribution, excellent for aggressive plays.
• Head-heavy paddles provide enhanced touch and control, suitable for steady-paced, controlled gameplay.

Shape and Size

• Widebody paddles offer a larger sweet spot, making them more forgiving on mishits, essential for power players.
• Elongated paddles enhance reach and are suitable for players who do not want to miss out on cross-court opportunities.
• Rounded edges are tailored for better control, suitable for players focusing on precision in their shots.

Texture

• Smooth surfaces are optimal for accuracy and classic gameplay.
• Textured surfaces enable better grip and spin on the ball, beneficial for players aiming to employ strategic spins and trick shots.

Sound Dampening

Some paddles incorporate sound-dampening materials, ensuring a quieter hit. This can improve comfort in the game by reducing harsh feedback, thus providing a smoother playing experience.

Durability

Advanced pickleball players often engage in rigorous play, requiring paddles that can withstand intense use. Durable paddles feature advanced materials like carbon or graphite and robust core constructions that maintain their structural integrity over time.

Conclusion

Selecting the best pickleball paddle is a nuanced decision that depends fundamentally on individual preferences and play styles. Advanced players need to find the right balance of power, control, weight, and additional features such as spin and vibration dampening.

Demoing paddles in a variety of real-game conditions is the most reliable way to determine which paddle is the best fit. By carefully considering factors like power versus control, materials, weight, balance, paddle shape, surface texture, sound dampening, and durability, advanced players can make an informed choice.

Summary of Top Contenders:

1. JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16mm
   • Combines power, control, and advanced technology.
   • Well-suited for advanced players aiming for an all-round game.
2. Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta
   • Exceptional power and versatile control.
   • Lightweight and maneuverable.
3. Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
   • Most versatile with a balance of power and control.
   • Ideal for various play styles.
4. CRBN 1X Power Series
   • Power-focused with extended reach.
   • Stable and responsive carbon fiber build.
5. Diadem Warrior Edge Carbon Fiber
   • Balanced for power and ultimate control.
   • Durable and reliable for competitive play.

Other paddles follow closely, each bringing unique strengths to the court, ensuring advanced players have a broad range of options to enhance their play. The evolution of paddle technology ensures that players have access to increasingly sophisticated tools, pushing the boundaries of their performance and enjoyment in the game.

In conclusion, choosing the right paddle is an investment in skill enhancement and game enjoyment. By carefully evaluating the options and considering personal playing needs, advanced players can find a paddle that perfectly complements their strategy, making each game a seamless blend of power, control, and finesse.