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Best Pickleball Paddles For Advanced Players

Testing & Rating By Product Experts

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

Price * Sold By
Price *$100.00 Sold ByFranklin Shop Amazon
92 Overall Score
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

Price * Sold By
Price *$199.00 Sold ByACE Pickleball Shop Amazon
95 Overall Score

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

Price * Sold By
Price *$139.99 Sold ByYonex
95 Overall Score
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

Price * Sold By
Price *$199.99 Sold ByYonex
95 Overall Score
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

Price * Sold By
Price *$199.99 Sold ByGearBox Shop Amazon
94 Overall Score

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

Price * Sold By
Price *$99.95 Sold ByPikninja
90 Overall Score
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

Price * Sold By
Price *$109.99 Sold ByEngage Shop Amazon
90 Overall Score
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.

Kris Maine
Written by

Kris Maine