Hello, pickleball enthusiasts! Being a passionate pickleball player, I know pickleball isn’t just a game for me. It’s a way of life, a passion, and an inspiration. I’ve been playing pickleball for over 3 years and have seen its progress and expansion. One of my favorite aspects of pickleball is its diversity and inventiveness. You can utilize various strategies, techniques, and talents, and you can constantly develop and learn from your peers and opponents.
One of the skills I appreciate the most is being an advanced player, which means you have learned the principles of pickleball and are ready to take your game to the next level. However, to be an advanced player, you must have the right paddle. I know it will be tricky to determine what is the best pickleball paddle for advanced players.
That’s why I’m here for you. I have tested and assessed more than 30 paddles this year and chose the 5 best ones for advanced players like you and me. These are the paddles that I think offer the best quality, performance, and value in the market. These are the paddles I use and suggest to fellow pickleball enthusiasts
5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players
Here are my top five picks for the best pickleball paddles for advanced players in 2024:
1. Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle
Introducing the Paddletek Bantam EX-L pickleball racket, a game-changer created exclusively for advanced players. This racket has a strong honeycomb core built of a high-quality polymer composite, ensuring consistent and silent play on the court. Its 1/8″ edged shock guard absorbs the ball’s impact, ensuring high-performance playability with each swing.
The sophisticated Bantam PolyCore inside has a large sweet spot, giving experienced players the power and precision they seek. With an ultra-cushion high-tack performance grip that manages and absorbs vibrations, this racket provides a comfortable feel even during long matches. The Bantam EX-L is designed for excellent weight balance and hits the ideal blend of power and performance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Incredible spin | Contracted sweet spot |
| The best touch and feel | |
| The tackiest grips |
Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle
- Durable Honeycomb Core
- Guarantees Consistent and Quiet Play
- Ample Sweet Spot
- High-Grade Bantam Polycore
- Polycore Interior for Responsive Returns
- Ultra-Cushion High-Tack Performance Grip
- Lightweight Design
- Usapa Approved
2. Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle
Meet the Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle, a designed powerhouse for elite players seeking precision and power on the court. With a breakthrough 9/16″ extra-thick honeycomb core, it not only broadens the sweet spot but also dampens disruptive vibrations, giving you unparalleled control.
The Progressive Core Technology creates a symbiotic link between the player and the paddle. With a sensitive core, power is enhanced with each powerful stroke, adding more punch to your strokes. Prince understands the value of personalization, thus it offers two weight options (Light or Standard), two grip circumferences, and a longer XL grip length of 5.5 inches. In the hands of an experienced player, the Prince Response Pro becomes a necessary extension of talent and a trustworthy partner in securing triumphs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Incredible bounce and swamp | Higher velocity for dink rallies |
| Fast and accurate deliveries | |
| Top-notch forgiveness and finesse |
Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle
- Inovative Shape Enhances Sweet Spot
- Thick Honeycomb Design Ensures Even Impact Distribution.
- Progressive Core Technology Amplifies Power with Every Shot.
- Customizable Options for Weight, Grip Circumference, and Grip Length.
- Generous Dimensions Provide Ample Paddle Surface for Effective Play.
3. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS Pickleball Paddle
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS Paddle, a precision-engineered masterpiece for expert players, will take you to the next level of pickleball. In collaboration with pickleball legend Ben Johns, JOOLA offers a game-changing paddle with the distinctive Ridge grip for unrivaled control.
The Carbon Friction Surface (CFS) technology, which has a durable Carbon-Flex5 textured surface, provides unparalleled spin, making each shot a strategic masterpiece. The Hyperfoam Edge Wall increases stability by expanding the sweet spot, providing edge-to-edge consistency, while the carbon-forged handle combines power and comfort.
With a Reactive Polypropylene Honeycomb Core expertly designed for high-level play, this paddle gives great control, providing serious players with the competitive edge they want on the court.
| Pros | Cons |
| Specialized injected hyperfoam | It’s a heavy paddle that feels even heavier because of the extra weight in the head White grip gets dirty easily |
| USAPA approved | Expensive |
| Carbon friction surface for a spin |
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS Pickleball Paddle
- Official Paddle Sponsor of World #1 Pickleball Player Ben Johns
- Ben Johns Signature Pickleball Paddle
- Carbon Friction Surface
- Best for Spin
- Ridge Grip Type
- Joola’s Cfs Technology
- Hyperfoam Edge Wall
- Reactive Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
4. GAMMA Sports NeuCore Pickleball Paddle
Upgrade your pickleball game with the GAMMA SHARD NeuCore Pickleball Paddle, a game changer for expert players. Weighing around 7.75 ounces, it strikes the ideal mix between power and maneuverability, ensuring endurance throughout hard matches. The enlarged face improves the sweet spot, offering both experienced players and newcomers a competitive advantage.
The SHARD’s outstanding feature is its graphite face, which provides a soft feel and extended ball contact for unmatched control. NeuCore Technology’s 25% thicker large-cell core improves predictability and reactivity, allowing you to control of every spin and ball roll. The SHARD, which is USAPA-approved for sanctioned events, is a solid choice for both friendly and competitive matches. Grab the GAMMA SHARD NeuCore Pickleball Paddle and simply leave your mark on the court!
| Pros | Cons |
| Elongated shape | Bit pricier |
| Eliminated aches and strain | |
| Easy to maneuver |
GAMMA Sports NeuCore Pickleball Paddle
- High-Level Performance
- Professional Power and Control
- Middle-Weight Pickleball Paddles
- Honeycomb Cushion Grip
- Balance Your Playstyle
- USAPA-Approved
5. ProKennex Ovation Flight Pickleball Paddle
If you’re wondering what is the best pickleball paddle for advanced players, meet the ProKennex Ovation Flight Pickleball Paddle, your ideal companion on the advanced pickleball court. Crafted with care and competence, this lightweight paddle is all about speed and grace. Its unusual oval design allows for quick paddle rotation, while the spin-grab function provides the level of control that expert players want.
The Ovation Flight is more than simply a paddle; it exemplifies superior design and durability. This paddle, designed to resist the rigors of advanced gameplay, is a must-have for gamers who want top-tier reliability and performance. If you’re serious about pushing your pickleball game to the next level, the ProKennex Ovation Flight is your best option.
| Pros | Cons |
| Aerodynamic design | It’s noisier than other paddles |
| Offer superior consistency | |
| Lightweight paddle |
ProKennex Ovation Flight Pickleball Paddle
- Weight: 7.4 oz
- Grip: 4”
- Handle Length: 5”
- Paddle Length: 15.43″
- Paddle Width: 7.6″
Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players: Factors to Consider
When seeking to buy a new paddle, you need to consider more than just the material composition and pricing. Here are important factors to bear in mind:
- Paddle Shape: While conventional designs are prevalent, advanced and single players might choose elongated paddles because of their longer reach.
- Paddle Balance: Determine how the weight is spread over the paddle and identify the sweet spot. This component has a huge impact on your playing style and control.
- Paddle Weight: Maneuverability differs between lightweight and heavy paddles. When deciding on an optimal paddle weight, consider your playing frequency and physical limits.
- Edge Type: Choose between edgeless paddles for a larger surface area and paddles with edge protectors for better chip prevention and durability.
- Grip Type: Choose a grip circumference or size that fits your hand comfortably. The appropriate grip improves control and overall playing pleasure.
Conclusion
I’ve tried several paddles throughout my pickleball journey. However, none of them compare to the Paddletek Bantam EX-L Pickleball Paddle. This paddle is excellent, with the ideal blend of lightweight and durability. It weighs 7.8 ounces, which is great for me, a former tennis player. It provides me greater control and power over each shot. The grip is nice, although I upgraded to a sweat-wicking one to improve performance. The Paddletek Bantam EX-L is my all-time favorite paddle, and I highly recommend it to anybody looking to improve their pickleball game. It’s worth every cent!
FAQs
Yes, advanced players frequently use mid-weight paddles (about 7.8-8.4 ounces) to balance power and maneuverability for perfect shots.
Advanced players often choose grips according to their own comfort, with medium (4 1/4 inches) and tiny (4 1/8 inches) being popular options.
Yes, longer paddles frequently provide advanced players with more reach and leverage, resulting in strong serves and successful baseline shots.