Best Elongated Pickleball Paddles
Looking for a way to improve your pickleball game? Elongated paddles could be the change you need. These specialized paddles provide extra reach and power, perfect for singles players or those seeking a little oomph in their shots.
Discover our top picks for elongated pickleball paddles, learn how they can elevate your gameplay, and find out which one suits your unique style best. It’s time to step up your game!
ONIX Stryker 4 Pickleball Paddle
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| Price *$79.99 | Sold ByOnix | Shop Amazon |
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Gearbox CX14E Pickleball Paddle
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| Price *$199.99 | Sold ByGearbox | Shop Amazon |
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P-One Pickleball Paddle
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| Price *$98.00 | Sold ByNicol | Shop Amazon |
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GAMMA Sports NeuCore Pickleball Paddle
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| Price *$139.99 | Sold ByGamma Sports | Shop Amazon |
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Engage Pursuit Pro MX
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| Price *$259.99 | Sold ByEngage | Shop Amazon |
Overview: After a failed product release of the Engage Pursuit Ultra, the team at Engage went back to the drawing board and released a new and improved line called the Engage Pursuit MX. The MX Series are foam injected elongated paddles without thermoform technology. The Engage Pursuit is the most expensive paddle currently on the market with a $260 price tag.
Performance: Engage went all out with the features on this one. The elongated paddle provides good reach without it feeling too lopsided, their vertex barrier injected foam edge technology provides noticeably good weight distribution and vibration control, and their "counter balance" technology provides amazing power. The MX series can produce spin above 2,000 RPM with solid power. This engage paddle is not thermoformed so it doesn’t feel as stiff compared to most paddles on the market. The only downside to this is that it does feel poppy making mid court resets challenging. It has excellent plow through with a swing weight of 121.
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Head Radical XL Pickleball Paddle
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| Price *$99.95 | Sold ByHead |
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Paddletek Phoenix G6 Pickleball Paddle
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| Price *$69.99 | Sold ByPaddletek | Shop Amazon |
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Understanding Elongated Pickleball Paddles
Elongated pickleball paddles offer benefits such as a larger sweet spot and extra reach, but also have drawbacks like less maneuverability.
Benefits of Elongated Paddles
Elongated pickleball paddles offer key advantages to enhance gameplay. One of the greatest benefits is the extra reach these paddles provide, favoured by singles players striving for that hard-to-reach shot.
Not only do they extend your arm’s range on the court, but their unique shape also focuses power into a tighter sweet spot. This increases both speed and drive when hitting the ball, resulting in stronger returns and more aggressive plays.
Finally, elongated paddles have a larger sweet spot compared to standard paddles which is ideal for singles tournaments where power per hit can be game-changing. These attributes make elongated pickleball paddles a worthy consideration for any player especially those seeking competitive edge while adhering to USAPA compliance rules in tournament play.
Drawbacks of Elongated Paddles
Elongated paddles are not universal in their appeal, and they come with certain inconveniences as well. The tight sweet spot is a significant disadvantage, increasing the chance of errant hits along the sides and top of the paddle face.
Missed swings or off-center strikes can result due to this kind of setup.
Furthermore, these paddles may not be suitable for all types of gameplay styles. For instance, players who rely heavily on finesse shots such as lobs, dinks, and kitchen play might find it challenging to use an elongated paddle effectively.
The design does allow for more power per hit but at the expense of control over more delicate maneuvers in pickleball gameplay.
How to Choose an Elongated Pickleball Paddle
When choosing an elongated pickleball paddle, consider the dimensions, surface and core material, balance, price, and USAPA compliance.
Dimensions
Elongated pickleball paddles showcase dimensions that make them stand out in the world of pickleball equipment. These distinctive paddles typically measure between 16 to 20 inches long, providing extra reach that could be pivotal during gameplay.
However, they compensate for their elongated length with a narrower width of about seven inches. This allows players more finger placement options and an increased sweet spot which drives more power into each hit.
Despite these attributes, those who primarily rely on finesse shots may find these dimension specifications less suitable due to their specific playstyle requirements.
Surface Material
Different pickleball paddles feature various types of surface materials. The most common ones include composite, graphite or carbon fiber, aluminum, and hybrid. Each of these materials can considerably shape your gaming experience.
For example, the HUDEF Elongated Pickleball Paddle offers an affordable option with a durable carbon fiber surface that enhances paddle control and power. Whether you need to focus on finesse or drive is determined by your gameplay style and the chosen material’s influence on the sweet spot and overall performance.
Therefore, it’s essential to understand how different surfaces impact play before making a selection.
Core Material
The core material of a pickleball paddle greatly affects how it performs on the court. There are several options to choose from, including polymer/polypropylene, Nomex, aluminum, and carbon fiber.
Each material has its own unique characteristics that impact gameplay. For example, paddles with polypropylene honeycomb cores like the Selkirk Amped Invikta and HUDEF Hammer offer improved control and durability.
On the other hand, Nomex cores provide excellent power per hit. Aluminum cores are lightweight but may lack in touch and finesse. Carbon fiber cores combine strength and lightness for an optimal balance of power and control on the pickleball court.
When selecting an elongated paddle, considering the core material is crucial as it can significantly affect your playing style and overall performance. Different materials offer different benefits in terms of power, control, weight distribution, and durability.
Balance
Elongated pickleball paddles offer a carefully balanced combination of power and speed. The balance of the paddle is crucial for players looking to achieve better control and accuracy in their shots.
With an elongated shape, these paddles provide a longer face, which allows for more flexibility in finger placement options. However, it’s important to note that finesse shots like lobs, dinks, and kitchen play may require more practice with this type of paddle due to its specific balance characteristics.
Different models of elongated paddles offer various levels of balance and control, so players can choose one that suits their playing style and preferences.
Price
Elongated pickleball paddles come in a range of prices, starting from around $50 and going up to approximately $250. The price often depends on factors such as the brand, materials used, and additional features offered by the paddle.
It is important to find a balance between your budget and the quality you are looking for in a paddle. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, there are options available at various price points that can suit your needs and preferences.
Consider your playing style, skill level, and personal preferences when determining how much you are willing to invest in an elongated pickleball paddle.
USAPA-compliance
All the best elongated pickleball paddles mentioned in this article are USAPA-compliant. This means that they meet the standards set by the USA Pickleball Association, ensuring fair play and compatibility with tournament regulations.
When choosing a paddle, it is important to consider USAPA compliance if you plan on participating in official tournaments or want to ensure your equipment meets industry standards.
By selecting a USAPA-compliant paddle, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are playing within the rules and using a high-quality paddle designed for competitive gameplay.
FAQ's
Elongated paddles provide extra reach, making them popular among singles players. They also offer more power and speed when driving the ball.
The sweet spot on an elongated paddle is slightly smaller than on a standard paddle, which increases the chance of errant hits along the sides and top of the face.
Consider your gameplay style and preferences when choosing a size. Elongated paddles typically range from 16 to 20 inches in length.
Some important factors include dimensions, surface material, core material, balance, price, and USAPA-compliance.
