Choosing the best pickleball paddle can make all the difference in your game. With so many high-end paddles on the market, it can be a daunting task to narrow down the best paddle for an advanced player. After extensive research, we have put together a guide to help you! These paddles are selected for their proven success with pro level players. You can trust in the quality of these top brands to enhance your game and take your skills to elite status.
Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle
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Price *$100.00 |
Sold ByFranklin |
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I was very excited to test out the Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle to find out why this paddle was causing such a stir in the pickleball scene.
Let's start off by discussing the fundamentals. The Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle has a polypropylene core with a fiberglass surface layer. It measures 16.5 inches in length, 7.9 to 8.3 ounces in weight, and. The paddle is appropriate for players of all skill levels because it has a large sweet spot and a medium-sized cushioned grip.
Let's now examine the Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle's main characteristics. The paddle's graphite face is one of its most distinctive qualities. Their trademarked “Max Grit” surface layer is renowned for having a lightweight and sturdy material, which results in a strike that is more consistent and responsive. It is known to provide greater traction and increase spin rate for optimal control.
The Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle's huge sweet spot distinguishes it from other paddles on the market. This implies that you still stand a decent probability of making a nice shot even if you don't strike the ball exactly in the middle.
I was quite pleased with the Franklin Sports Signature Pickleball Paddle all around. It's a fantastic alternative for players of all skill levels because of its balance of strength, control, and comfort. It's a paddle that won't break the bank thanks to its reasonable pricing.
Product Details
Specifications
Weight: 7.5-8.0 ozLength: 16.5”Width: 7.5”Thickness: 13mmFace Material: Fiberglass with MaxGrit™Core: PolypropyleneGrip: Premium CushionColors: 6
Pros
USAPA approvedAdditional 16mm option with a 5” grip sizeSubstantial grit
Cons
Does not come with cover
Ace The Spade Pickleball Paddle
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Price *$199.00 |
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Overview: The Ace pickleball paddle has a striking luxurious design that is captivating to say the least. It features a Toray T700 Carbon Fiber face with a long 5.5” handle and elongated shape. It offers a wonderful combination of power, control, and spin.
Performance: The Ace paddle has nailed it with the durability of this paddle. It feels sturdy and provides a good bit of power despite being on the lighter side. I would recommend adding lead tape as it did feel a little too light for me personally when driving the ball. The grit provides enough spin to keep your opponents on edge and it’s great at slicing. Overall it’s a well rounded paddle and great for those with a tennis background.
Product Details
Specifications
Weight: 7.5-7.8 ozLength: 16.5"Width: 7.5"Thickness: 16mmHandle Length: 5.5"Grip Size: 4.33"Handle Shape: ElongatedFace Material: T700 Raw Texture CarbonCore: Polymer HoneycombSpin: MediumGrip: Cushion-shock absorbingEdge Guard: Yes
Pros
Texture provides good spinAllows for double handed playPower and popGreat for tennis converts30 day trial periodUSAPA approvedGrip-Cushioned with shock absorption
Cons
Warrantee is 90 daysPricyFrequently sells out
Yonex Vcore Pickleball Paddle
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Price *$139.99 |
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VCORE paddle features a unique slightly more rounded design compared to other pickleball paddles. This optimal shape makes the paddle more aerodynamic for plenty of control and pop, with an advanced sweet spot. Manufactured in Japan.
Product Details
Specifications
Weight: 7.6 -8.1 oz Length: 15.8"Width: 7.91"Thickness: 15 mmHandle Length: 4.5"Handle Shape: HexagonGrip Size: 4.25"Face Material: Fiberglass + high tensile graphiteCore: Extra thick polypropylene honeycombTextured Face: Yes, Micro-particleGrip: PerforatedEdge Guard: Yes
Pros
USAPA approvedReduced vibrationSpinPrecise ball placementIdeal for intermediate and advanced playersMid-weight and lightweight options
Cons
Shape may take a few hours to get used to
Yonex Ezone Pickleball Paddle
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Price *$199.99 |
Sold ByYonex |
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The EZONE paddle features a more traditional shape and is geared toward those looking for power and a generous sweet spot. The main difference between the EZONE and VCORE is the EZONE has a larger sweetspot and caters to all skill levels. Manufactured in Japan.
Product Details
Specifications
Weight: 7.6-8.1 ozLength: 15.8"Width: 7.91"Thickness: 15 mmHandle Length: 4.5"Handle Shape: HexagonGrip Size: 4.25Face Material: Fiberglass + high tensile graphiteCore: Thick polypropylene honeycombTextured Face: Yes-micro-particleGrip: PerforatedEdge Guard: Yes
Pros
Large sweet spotUSAPA approvedDesigned for all skill levelsMid-weight and light weight optionspower and accuracy
Cons
Pricy for an all skill level paddle
Gearbox CX14H Pickleball Paddle
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Price *$199.99 |
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Overview: The CX14H with Gearbox is loaded with technology. It’s built out of pure carbon fiber giving it an extremely strong frame, hence why the edge guard is not needed on a paddle like this. The face feels very smooth, but don’t let that make you think it doesn’t produce spin. With its revolutionary SST core rib structure it can make over 1,800 RPM of spin.
Performance: The CX14H has a very unique feel to it. Given it’s made from a solid carbon fiber core it almost feels like a wood paddle. You will need to get used to a paddle like this as they are some of the softest paddles on the market. The CX14H is definitely more of a control paddle preferred by those who play a softer and more controlled game with a lot of dinks.
Product Details
Specifications
Weight: 8.5 ozLength: 15 ⅝"Width: 8.0"Thickness: 14 mmHandle Length: 5 ⅝"Handle Shape: StandardGrip Size: 3 ⅝" Warranty: 1 YearFace Material: 3K Woven Carbon FiberCore: Ribbed SST Core T-700 Canon FiberShape: H: HyperTextured Face: Urethan Face Coat with TextureGrip: Gearbox Smooth WrapEdge Guard: No
Pros
Large sweet spotUSAPA approvedEnhanced spin technologyReduced VibrationSofterImproved perimeter weighting; Stability
Cons
Best for advanced playerspower
Pikninja Assassin Pro 2.0 Pickleball Paddle
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Price *$99.95 |
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Glass fiber composite surface for extreme spin, durability and control. Extra grit infused in the surface helps facilitate extra spin most players desire. The honeycomb polymer has a generous sweet spot.
Product Details
Specifications
Weight : 7.8-8.2 ozLength: 15.9"Width: 7.9"Thickness: 13 mmHandle Length: 5.25"Handle Shape: Tennis/OctagonGrip Size: 4.25"Face Material: Graphite/Textured Core: Polypropylene honeycomb Grip: Cushioned perforated sweat absorbent Edge Guard: YesColors : 5
Pros
USAPA approved6 month warrantyLonger handle is great for double handed backhandGood Power and control
Cons
Must file warranty registration within 30 days of the purchase dateNot all prefer a longer handle
Engage Encore Pro Pickleball Paddle
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Price *$109.99 |
Sold ByEngage |
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The 'Encore Pro' maintains the 'specialized skin' that maximizes the allowed limits of 'surface roughness'. The Encore line of paddles are about 'control' and 'ball placement’On the upper end of price for a beginners paddles.
Product Details
Specifications
Weight : 7.5-7.8 oz (Lite) 7.9-8.3 (Standard) Length : 15.5”Width: 8.125"Thickness: 15.875 mmHandle Length: 5"Handle Shape: StandardGrip Size: 4.25"Face Material: 'Proprietary' fiberglassCore: Polyprophylene / Polymer honeycomb Grip: Perforated sweat absorbent Edge Guard: YesManufactured: USA
Pros
Sweet spotControl 7/10Power 7.5/10Optimized to Meet Stringent Noise Requirements-Green noise approvedHighly textured (USAPPA allowed)USAPA approvedVibration control
Cons
On the upper price point of a beginners paddle
FAQ's
What makes a pickleball paddle considered “advanced”?
More advanced players opt for a paddle with features such as textured faces, thin edge guards, premium grip, and lightweight quality construction. Of course, this typically comes with a higher price tag.
How to choose a pickleball paddle for an advanced pro player?
As an advanced player there are small details that are considered at this level. For example, it’s a basic requirement now to have a USAPA approved paddle. Consider a paddle that has very little sound and vibration. Durability is a big factor as paddles at this price point can get expensive. Choosing a paddle that can stand the test of time is important.