Are you an advanced pickleball player seeking the ultimate paddle to take your game to new heights? Look no further!
In this article, we’ll explore the top contenders for the title of the best pickleball paddles for advanced players. We’ve got you covered whether you’re searching for the perfect paddle to enhance your control, power, or finesse.
The Tempest Wave Pro is our top pick for the best pickleball paddle for advanced players due to its thin grip, forgiveness with its smart response tech, and stylish finish. The Selkirk Amped is our pick for the best value, while the Omdex (the lightest on this list) is our top choice for women and those with small hands.
If you’re not a pro, check out our top picks for beginners and intermediate players.
Table of Contents
Things to know | Best pickleball paddles for advanced players | How our picks compare
Things You Should Know
Before we move on to the best pickleball rackets for advanced players, below are some things expert players should know:
- Advanced players should look for higher-weight paddles and a more prominent sweet spot to maximize power and control.
- Paddles made from composite materials, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, are popular among advanced players due to their durability and responsiveness.
- Some advanced players prefer paddles with a longer handle for added reach on the court.
- It’s essential to consider the grip size of the paddle, as it can affect comfort and control during play. Many advanced players opt for smaller grips for better feel and maneuverability.
- Price is not always an indicator of quality regarding pickleball paddles. Some top-performing options can be found at mid-range prices.
- Trying out different types of paddles before making a purchase is recommended, as personal preference plays a significant role in finding the best fit.
- Some popular pickleball paddle brands among advanced players include Selkirk, ProKennex, Engage Pickleball, and Onix.
Best Pickleball Paddles For Advanced Players
Discover the best paddle options specifically tailored to meet the needs of advanced players, ensuring you have a competitive edge on the court.
Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro (Best Overall)
- DURABLE HONEYCOMB CORE: High-grade carbon fiber polymer composite honeycomb of Wave Pro pickleball racket guarantees consistent and quiet play. Equipped with a 1/8″ edged shock guard, these pickleball rackets absorb the shock of the ball, resulting in high-performance gameplay every time.
- AMPLE SWEET SPOT: The high-grade Tempest SRT Core provides this pickle ball paddle with Smart Response Technology and a large and consistent sweet spot to add finesse to every shot while the balanced weight increases speed and maneuverability for even better play.
- ULTRA-CUSHION HIGH-TACK PERFORMANCE GRIP: The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro pickle ball paddles feature an ultra-cushion high-tack performance grip that provides superior control and comfort during long games. It is available in Standard and Thin grip.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: This pickle ball racket is designed to provide an optimal weight balance, offering a perfect blend of power and control. With the 7.6 – 8.0 oz lightweight frame that’s easy to control, you’ll be able to move quickly around the court while still easily maintaining control of your shots.
- USAPA APPROVED: These pickleball rackets meet all the specifications laid down by the USAPA for pickleball paddle width, length, hitting surface, and weight. It means this pickleball paddle performs up to the highest standards when playing in a competitive environment.
The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro pickleball paddle is a top pick for skilled players seeking a blend of precision, strength, and command.
In terms of aesthetics, this paddle stands out as a highly polished and sophisticated choice. Vibrant blue, green, and red accents complement its predominantly black design. The paddle’s surface is crafted from textured graphite, providing enhanced grip, flexibility, and maneuvering capabilities.
What We Like
The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro pickleball paddle boasts a unidirectional carbon fiber face and advanced high-grade graphite polymer core. This paddle delivers unmatched accuracy, strength, and a great feel.
What sets it apart is the Smart Response Technology, which elevates its performance above other paddles, providing exceptional touch and sensitivity.
Not only is the paddle lightweight and easy to handle, but it also allows for precise control over shots and serves. Moreover, its generous sweet spot ensures powerful shots are more easily executed.
| What People Like | What People Dislike |
| Versatile | Some users felt it was heavier than other paddles |
| Unmatched sweet spot; the ball plays true even after a small miss-hit | – |
Selkirk Amped Epic (Best Value)
- 【 HANDCRAFTED IN THE USA 】 More than the premier Pickleball brand – we are Pickleball. Every Selkirk paddle is made with the finest materials and proprietary, leading-edge technology. We’re invested in creating and developing the best-performing Pickleball paddles to provide you with top-of-the-line equipment, fuelling your obsession with the sport you love, and giving you an edge in every match.
- 【 FIBERGLASS PICKLEBALL PADDLE 】 Pioneering an entirely new technology, never before seen in the Pickleball industry. The AMPED paddle combines a state of the art FiberFlex Fiberglass face with a thicker Polypropylene X5 Core providing optimal ball cushioning. The sleek fiberglass surface generates unmatched ball spin, and defuses your opponents spin effortlessly and accurately.
- 【 X5 HONEYCOMB CORE 】 Built for consistent speed using advanced polypropylene honeycomb technology, the AMPED revolutionary Polypropylene X5 Core reduces the amplitude and frequency of vibrational waves, resulting in a smoother feel.
- 【 USAPA APPROVED 】 All Selkirk Pickleball paddles are Tested and Approved by the United States of America Pickleball Association for Tournament Pickleball Play at US and international pickleball events. Pro players like Tyson McGuffin, Enrique Ruize, Joanne Russel, and Kaitlin Christian use Selkirk’s pickleball paddles. Now you can get the same paddle for your game.
- 【 EPIC 】 Keeping with the traditional paddle shape, the Epic AMPED combines a long handle with a large surface area. This paddle has the perfect blend of power and control – it has great balance with its longer handle that makes for great two-handed swings and a perfectly proportioned hitting area
The Selkirk AMPED Epic paddle is an exceptional choice that seamlessly combines power and control. This paddle stands out from the rest with its robust build, although it may require some adjustment time. Its fiberglass face delivers impressive power and enhances spin on the ball.
With a weight of 7.9 oz, the Amped Epic pickleball paddle is truly midweight. The paddle’s overall length is 15¾”, and the handle is 5¼” long.
This is an excellent option for intermediate-level players looking for that balance between strength and control and for novices moving to a more regulated game.
Expert players might benefit from the precision of this paddle, but they might need to add weight to increase their baseline power.
What We Like
We are particularly fond of the paddle’s exquisite design, which feels great in your hands and catches the eye.
The visually appealing aesthetic distinguishes it from other paddles and reminds it of its superior quality. The paddle is available in vibrant blue, orange, red, and green colors. Regarding construction quality, rest assured that the paddle is outstanding.
| What People Like | What People Dislike |
| Customers loved its traditional shape and its artsy graphic design | Grip is a little narrow and restricted |
OMDEX V5 (Best For Small Hands)
- TOP PICKLEBALL PADDLE MANUFACTURER: The DEX V5 is a Pickleball paddle created by OMDEX top manufacturers for competitive and professional pickleball players. Our aim is to create the most advanced paddle available.
- PROFESSIONAL-GRADE PADDLE: The DEX V5 is a wonderful pickleball paddle. It is lightweight, maneuverable, has a wide body, a huge sweet spot, and great touch. It improves your volleys, baseline shots, spin control, and speed.
- WEIGHT 7.3-8.4ounces: The DEX V5 pickleball paddle offers the best feel and control for dinking as well as power shots. This lightweight paddle has a generous sweet spot and is more forgiving with slightly errant hits. It is a perfect choice for beginner and intermediate players.
- GREAT SPIN ON SHOTS: The surface is carbon fiber rough and textured, allowing you to add spin to the ball while providing increased speed and control. Clocking at 1600-1700 RPMs, you can definitely get crazy spin with this paddle.
- POWER AND CONTROL: The DEX V5 Paddle is solid and has a nice sweet spot. Vibration is minimal even when the ball is hit away from the sweet spot area. It provides more power and control on dinking, volleys (backhand and forehand), slices, and serving.
The OMDEX V5 Paddle is specially designed for small hands. Players with smaller hands will find developing a firm and stable grip simpler thanks to the handle’s somewhat narrower design. This guarantees enhanced control and maneuverability while playing.
It’s also important to consider the paddle’s construction. It is made from premium materials that are long-lasting and durable. Its graphite or carbon fiber composite materials offer a responsive and consistent playing surface.
What We Like
We like the OMDEX V5 Paddle for its evenly distributed weight, which enables accurate strokes and quick court reactions. The shape and weight of the paddle make it simple to maintain control and perform accurate shots, which boosts players’ confidence while playing.
| What People Like | What People Dislike |
| Is lightweight, has perfect grip, and makes accurate shots | Expensive |
Pro-Lite Titan Black Diamond (Best For Tennis Players)
- 100% pure high quality carbon fiber surface means better absorption and enhanced spin. Strongest Polymer core on the market
- Large paddle face and balanced sweet spot
- Elegant sleek modern look
- Extra low profile edge guard for more surface area and consistent feel
The Pro-Lite Titan Black Diamond pickleball paddle has garnered positive reviews for its exceptional performance on the court. This paddle is designed to offer players a winning combination of power, control, and maneuverability.
One notable feature of the paddle is its innovative construction. The paddle’s face is composed of a fine black carbon fiber material, which enhances durability and provides impressive power in every shot. The carbon fiber face also contributes to a larger sweet spot, making achieving accurate and powerful hits easier.
Players have praised the paddle’s balanced weight distribution, allowing for precise control and quick reactions during intense gameplay. Additionally, the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, reducing fatigue and ensuring a confident hold on the paddle.
What We Like
We like its advanced vibration-dampening technology, which minimizes unwanted vibrations upon impact, improving comfort and reducing strain on the arm.
| What People Like | What People Dislike |
| Great performance and a durable build | Not really that powerful |
| Users liked its long, gripping handle, making it easy to practice any grip technique | – |
Engage Pursuit MX (Best For Control)
- PROPRIETARY GRAPHITE SKIN – Omni-directional friction-based graphite rough texture is the actual skin (not an overlay texture) therefore the texture lasts. The skin was designed to enhance friction to ensure the ball stays longer on the paddle.
- CORE DESIGNED FOR COMPRESSION AND CONTROL – Polymer Composite Core with Control Pro ‘Black’ Technology developed to be the softest core on the market to work in tandem with our graphite skin for ultimate control and feel.
- THE CHOICE OF THE PROS – Top ranked touring pros Dekel Bar and Jesse Ervine play the Pursuit as their paddle of choice to compete against the very best.
- EXTENDED MX SHAPE FOR MAXIMUM REACH – Our MX shape provides a longer handle and paddle face fantastic for those wanting a tennis racquet feel and more reach on the court.
- SPECS – MX (16 1/2″ x 7 1/2″) with a 5 3/4″ handle length. 4 3/8” Grip Circumference. 5/8″ core for maximum control and feel. 8.0 – 8.4 oz (Standard weight). 7.6 – 7.9 oz (Lightweight).
Engage Pickleball’s Pursuit lineup is a magnificent power series. The MX 6.0 is their strongest model. It features a thinner core and a longer curve than the other paddles in the series, which gives it a bit more pop.
The paddle’s unique pro “black” softcore and rough graphite face blend provide the ideal balance of spin, control and feel. This paddle gives you all the power and spins you need to attack and prevail. Although uniform over the face, it is erratic and difficult to regulate.
Players always have access to the ideal paddle to fit their style of play, thanks to the wide range of thickness and shape options. Overall, the Engage Pursuit paddles are the best choice for individuals seeking the highest quality paddles with control.
What We Like
We appreciate how effortless it is to harness power and spin, allowing you to focus on shot placement and discover that elusive sweet spot where precision and strength seamlessly merge.
| What People Like | What People Dislike |
| Good quality and has a comfortable grip | Costly |
| It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s limited guarantee | – |
PCKL Launch Series (Budget Pick)
- PCKL LAUNCH SERIES DESIGNED FOR ALL-AROUND CONSISTENCY – this widebody pickleball paddle blends power, control and feel into one versatile paddle
- FIBERGLASS FACE WITH MASSIVE SWEET-SPOT – for added forgiveness and reduced mishits with a Polypropylene Honeycomb Core that delivers consistency and a generous sweet-spot
- COMFORT GRIP – to provide maximum cushion and shock absorption for enhanced feel
- EYE-CATCHING DESIGN – made to show off at all outdoor and indoor pickleball events
- USA PICKLEBALL APPROVED – with a paddle length of 16 inches, a width of 8 inches, and a weight of 7.5oz.
Players looking for a paddle that offers impressive performance on the courts without carrying a premium price tag should strongly consider the PCKL Launch Series.
Due to its widebody design, forgiving nature, and incredibly huge sweet spot, it helps players avoid mishits. As a result, beginners will find it simpler to improve their shooting and grow their skills.
One notable aspect of the PCKL Launch Series is its exceptional construction. The paddles are crafted using high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. The paddle faces are typically made from advanced composite materials, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, which offer excellent responsiveness and power transfer.
Players have praised the paddle series for its balanced weight distribution, allowing precise control and maneuverability during gameplay. The ergonomic handle design provides a comfortable grip, reducing fatigue and ensuring a secure hold on the paddle.
What We Like
We like this paddle for its power, control, and versatility. With their durable construction, comfortable grip, and forgiving sweet spot, these paddles offer reliable performance for players of all skill levels.
| What People Like | What People Dislike |
| Great grip and design. | Light for some users |
| Budget-friendly | – |
How Our Picks Compare
When comparing the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro, Selkirk Amped Epic, OMDEX V5, Pro-Lite Titan Black Diamond, Engage Pursuit MX, and PCKL Launch Series pickleball paddles, there are several factors to consider:
Material
The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro and Selkirk Amped Epic paddles are known for their premium composite materials, providing excellent power and control.
The OMDEX V5 paddle features a graphite face, which offers a good blend of power and touch. The Pro-Lite Titan Black Diamond paddle is made of carbon fiber and is known for its lightweight and durability. The Engage Pursuit MX and PCKL Launch Series paddles vary in material construction depending on the specific model.
Performance
All of these paddles are designed to enhance performance on the pickleball court. Many professional players favor the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro and Selkirk Amped Epic paddles for their exceptional power and responsiveness. The OMDEX V5 paddle is known for its balanced performance and maneuverability.
The Pro-Lite Titan Black Diamond paddle offers a good combination of power and control. The Engage Pursuit MX and PCKL Launch Series paddles may have unique performance characteristics based on their specific designs.
Weight and Balance
Weight and balance are crucial in paddle selection. The specific weight and balance point can affect maneuverability, power, and control. Each paddle may offer different weight options and balance points, allowing players to choose according to their preferences and playing style.
Price
Pricing can vary among these paddle models, with some being more affordable and others falling into a higher price range. The paddle’s cost may depend on materials used, brand reputation, and additional features or technologies incorporated into the design.
Brand Reputation
Paddletek, Selkirk, Pro-Lite, Engage, OMDEX, and PCKL are all established brands within the pickleball community, known for their quality and innovation. Each brand may have a loyal following and reputation for producing high-quality paddles.
Ultimately, the best paddle choice will depend on individual preferences, playing style, and budget. Try out different paddles or seek recommendations from experienced players to find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
Finally, picking the best pickleball paddle can significantly improve your performance. Selecting the best paddles with so many high-quality options can be difficult.
We have explored a range of exceptional paddles specifically designed to meet the needs of intermediate and pro players. These top contenders offer a winning combination of control, power, and finesse, enabling you to excel on the court with confidence and precision.
Remember, as an advanced player, your paddle is your most essential tool. Investing in a high-quality paddle that caters to your skill level and playing style will undoubtedly enhance your overall performance and enjoyment of the game.
So, take the time to research, test, and select the paddle that feels right for you. Equip yourself with one of these top-rated pickleball paddles for advanced players, and watch as your game reaches new heights. With the perfect paddle in your hands, the possibilities are endless, and your journey as an advanced player becomes even more exciting.
Last update on 2023-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
