Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players: Top Choices for 2025
Pickleball has taken the sports world by storm, becoming one of the fastest-growing activities in recent years. As players advance in skill, they often seek equipment that can help them take their game to the next level. Advanced pickleball paddles are designed to offer better control, power, and spin, allowing skilled players to execute complex shots and strategies on the court.
When choosing a pickleball paddle for advanced play, several factors come into play. The weight of the paddle affects maneuverability and power, while the core material influences the paddle’s feel and responsiveness. The face texture is crucial for generating spin, and the grip size can impact comfort and control during long matches.
You’ll want to consider your playing style and preferences when selecting an advanced paddle. Some players prefer a lighter paddle for quick reactions at the net, while others opt for a heavier one to add power to their shots. We tested numerous high-end pickleball paddles to find the best options for advanced players looking to improve their performance on the court.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players
You’ve mastered the basics and now you’re ready to take your game to the next level. Our list of top pickleball paddles for advanced players will help you find the perfect match for your skills. These paddles offer the control, power, and precision you need to dominate on the court.
Uteeqe Graphite Pickleball Set
You’ll love this high-performance paddle set that brings power and control to your pickleball game.
Pros
- Lightweight and well-balanced for quick reactions
- Textured surface for excellent spin
- Comfortable grip with sweat-wicking design
Cons
- May be too light for some players
- Limited color options
- Grip size might not suit all hand sizes
When you pick up the Uteeqe paddle, you’ll notice its perfect balance right away. At just 7.8 ounces, it feels light in your hand, letting you swing fast and react quickly at the net. The graphite face gives you a mix of power and control that’s hard to beat.
You’ll love the rough texture on the paddle face. It grabs the ball and lets you put tons of spin on your shots. The large sweet spot means you’ll hit well even when you don’t catch the ball just right.
The grip feels great in your hand. It has small cushioned ribs in a spiral pattern that help you hold on tight. The holes in the grip pull sweat away, so your hand stays dry even in long, tough games. You’ll find the edge guard does its job without getting in your way or making the paddle top-heavy.
CZRR Carbon Fiber Paddle
This high-performance paddle is a great choice for advanced players looking to elevate their game.
Pros
- Excellent spin control
- Durable carbon fiber surface
- USAPA approved for tournaments
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some alternatives
- May take time to adjust to
- Higher price point for beginners
The CZRR Carbon Fiber Paddle stands out with its 3K Raw Carbon Fiber Surface. This unique feature gives you amazing spin control, letting you place shots with precision. When you hit the ball, you’ll notice it stays on the paddle face just a bit longer, giving you more time to aim your shots.
The 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core is a game-changer. It cuts down on vibration, making it easier on your arm during long games. You’ll find that even tricky shots become more manageable with this paddle. The core’s design also helps the paddle last longer, so you won’t need to replace it as often.
Grip comfort is crucial in pickleball, and this paddle delivers. The handle has a soft, artificial leather coating with ventilation holes to keep your hand dry. You’ll appreciate the anti-slip feature during intense rallies. At 5.5 inches long, the grip gives you plenty of room for two-handed backhands if that’s your style. The paddle’s weight, ranging from 8.0 to 8.5 ounces, provides a good balance of power and control for advanced play.
Niupipo Pro Graphite Paddle Set
You’ll find these paddles great for taking your pickleball game to the next level.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- USAPA approved for tournament play
- Extended handle for comfort
Cons
- May lack power for some players
- Learning curve for spin control
- Limited color options
The Niupipo Pro Graphite Paddle Set gives you a solid edge on the court. These paddles feel light in your hands, weighing just 7.6-7.8 ounces. You’ll notice how quickly you can react to shots thanks to this featherweight design.
When you strike the ball, you’ll feel the difference the carbon fiber surface makes. It grips the ball nicely, letting you add spin and control your shots with ease. The large sweet spot helps you hit consistently, even when you don’t catch the ball dead center.
You’ll love the extended 4.72-inch handle on these paddles. It gives you extra reach and feels comfy during long games. The set comes with balls, replacement grip tape, and a carry bag – everything you need to get playing right away.
SLK Neo 2.0 Pickleball Set
You’ll find great value in this pickleball set for its quality paddles, comfortable grip, and inclusive accessories.
Pros
- Lightweight and well-balanced
- Comfortable grip reduces fatigue
- Includes carry case and balls
Cons
- May not suit very advanced players
- Included balls wear out quickly
- Limited color options
The SLK Neo 2.0 paddles are a joy to use on the court. They feel light in your hands, weighing just 7.5 ounces. This makes them easy to maneuver during fast-paced games. The balance is spot-on, giving you good control without sacrificing power.
Grip comfort is a standout feature. The Ultra-Comfort Grip absorbs sweat and impact, letting you play longer without hand fatigue. It measures 4.25 inches around and 5.25 inches long, fitting most hand sizes well.
These paddles use a graphite face with a polymer core. This combo gives you a nice mix of control and power. The textured surface helps you add spin to your shots. While not pro-level, these paddles work great for beginners and intermediate players looking to improve their game.
JOOLA Perseus Carbon Paddle
You’ll find the JOOLA Perseus Carbon Paddle to be a game-changer for advanced pickleball players seeking power and precision.
Pros
- Large sweet spot for improved accuracy
- Charged carbon surface for enhanced power
- Durable carbon fiber construction
Cons
- May be too powerful for beginners
- Higher price point
- Slightly heavier than some paddles
When you pick up the JOOLA Perseus Carbon Paddle, you’ll notice its solid feel right away. The carbon fiber construction gives it a premium quality that’s hard to miss. At 8 ounces, it’s got some heft to it, but this extra weight translates into more power on your shots.
The paddle’s standout feature is its charged carbon surface. This new tech gives your hits a crisp, poppy feel. You’ll love how it helps you put more zip on the ball, especially when you’re going for those aggressive shots. The large sweet spot is another big plus. It makes it easier to hit accurate shots, even when you don’t catch the ball perfectly.
Durability is a key strength of this paddle. The full carbon fiber encasing means it can take a beating and keep performing. You won’t have to worry about it wearing down quickly, even with frequent, intense play. The Feel-Tec Pure Grip is a nice touch too. It stays tacky and helps absorb sweat, so you can maintain a solid hold during long matches.
GARYE Carbon Fiber Paddles
You’ll enjoy these high-quality, USAPA-approved paddles that offer great performance for players of all skill levels.
Pros
- Lightweight yet durable carbon fiber construction
- Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue
- Includes balls and carrying bag
Cons
- Balls may not be as durable as premium options
- Bag could be slightly larger
- Edge guard may show wear over time
These GARYE paddles pack a lot of value into an affordable set. You’ll notice the lightweight feel right away, making it easy to maneuver during fast-paced rallies. The carbon fiber face gives you nice pop on your shots without sacrificing control.
Grip comfort is key for long play sessions, and these paddles deliver. The cushioned, perforated grip soaks up sweat and provides a secure hold. You won’t have to worry about the paddle slipping out of your hand during intense points.
The included bag is handy for taking your gear to the courts. It fits both paddles plus a few balls, though it could be a bit roomier. While the balls work fine for casual play, you may want to upgrade to higher-quality ones for competitive matches. Overall, this set gives you everything you need to start playing or upgrade your current equipment without breaking the bank.
JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Paddle
You’ll love this paddle if you’re an advanced player looking for power and spin.
Pros
- Excellent spin control
- Large sweet spot
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Pricey
- May take time to adjust
The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Paddle packs a punch. When you pick it up, you’ll notice its solid feel. The carbon friction surface grips the ball, giving you amazing spin control. You can really put some zip on your shots.
This paddle has a big sweet spot. The foam edge wall adds stability, so you get consistent performance across the face. You’ll find it forgiving on off-center hits.
The handle feels great in your hand, with a carbon-forged design that adds flex for more power.
The core is made of polypropylene honeycomb. It gives a nice, consistent bounce. You’ll appreciate the reduced vibration, which helps with comfort during long games. Keep in mind that it’s a bit heavier than some other paddles. You might need some time to get used to the weight if you’re switching from a lighter model.
ONIX Z5 Graphite Paddle
You should buy this paddle if you want a mix of control and power in a lightweight design.
Pros
- Great touch and ball control
- Comfortable tennis-style grip
- Large sweet spot
Cons
- May lack power for some players
- Edge guard can affect shots
- Slightly heavier than some options
The ONIX Z5 feels light and nimble in your hands. Its graphite face gives you a crisp, clean hit on the ball. You’ll notice how easy it is to place shots exactly where you want them.
The paddle’s nomex core adds a nice pop to your shots without sacrificing control. It weighs between 7.5 and 8.2 ounces, striking a good balance for most players. The wide body shape gives you a big sweet spot, helping you hit more consistent shots.
You’ll love the tennis-style grip if you’re coming from that sport. It’s comfy and helps you add spin to your shots. The edge guard protects the paddle when you dive for tough shots, but it might change the feel of some hits near the edge.
CZRR Carbon Fiber Paddle
You should buy this paddle if you want pro-level performance at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- High-spin carbon fiber surface
- Comfortable grip for long games
- USAPA approved for tournaments
Cons
- Heavier feel than some 8 oz paddles
- May be too powerful for beginners
- No included pickleball
The CZRR Carbon Fiber Paddle packs a punch without breaking the bank. When you pick it up, you’ll notice the solid feel in your hand. The carbon abrasion surface gives you lots of bite on the ball, letting you put wicked spin on your shots.
During play, the honeycomb core absorbs vibrations well. This helps reduce arm fatigue in long matches. The grip is comfy and tacky, so you won’t have to worry about the paddle slipping even when your palms get sweaty.
At 8.5 ounces, this paddle feels a bit heavier than some others. But the extra weight translates to more power on your drives and serves. If you’re moving up from a beginner paddle, you’ll love the added oomph. The USAPA approval means you can use it in tournaments too.
Selkirk SLK Halo Power XL
You’ll want to add this paddle to your arsenal for its top-notch spin and power.
Pros
- Raw carbon fiber face for great spin
- Large sweet spot
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- May be too powerful for some players
- Slightly heavy for extended play
- Pricey compared to basic paddles
The Selkirk SLK Halo Power XL is a game-changer. Its raw carbon fiber face gives you crazy spin on your shots. You’ll notice the difference right away when you’re at the net. The ball just sticks to the paddle, letting you place your dinks with pinpoint accuracy.
This paddle packs a punch too. The Rev-Core Power Polymer core lets you smash the ball with ease. It’s great for power players who like to end points quickly. The large sweet spot means you don’t have to hit it perfect every time to get good results.
The grip feels nice in your hand. It’s cushioned and tacky, so you won’t have to worry about the paddle slipping during long rallies. The extra-long handle gives you more reach, which comes in handy when you’re stretched out wide.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best pickleball paddle as an advanced player requires careful consideration. Here are key factors to keep in mind:
Weight
Paddle weight affects your control and power. Lighter paddles (7-8 oz) offer more control, while heavier ones (8-9 oz) provide more power. Pick based on your playing style and strength.
Core Material
The core impacts the paddle’s feel and performance. Common materials include:
- Polymer: Offers control and soft feel
- Nomex: Provides power and durability
- Aluminum: Balances power and control
Face Material
The paddle face influences spin and ball control:
- Composite: Enhances spin and control
- Graphite: Offers power and lightweight feel
Shape and Size
Paddle shape affects your reach and sweet spot:
- Elongated: Extended reach, smaller sweet spot
- Wide-body: Larger sweet spot, less reach
Grip Size
A proper grip size prevents hand fatigue and improves control. Measure from your palm’s middle crease to the tip of your ring finger to find your ideal size.
Edge Guard
Consider whether you prefer a paddle with or without an edge guard. Edge guards add durability, but they can slightly reduce the paddle’s sweet spot.
Test different paddles before buying if possible. Your personal feel and comfort with a paddle is crucial for optimal performance.