What is the best pickleball paddle for advanced players?
JustPaddles Expert Pick for a Power Pickleball Paddle The Selkirk LABS Project 007 Invikta 10mm paddle is a top-tier option for competitive players seeking advanced technology and performance. Super thin core for the most performance on the court! Carbon fiber is known for its high strength and stiffness, which helps paddles maintain their shape and improves energy transfer for more powerful returns. On the other hand, fiberglass is more flexible, giving players a softer, more forgiving feel during play.Weight: While both materials are lightweight, carbon fiber paddles often feel more solid in hand. Cost: Carbon fiber is a premium material, so it can be pricier. Performance: Both materials offer excellent performance, but carbon fiber might have a slight edge when it comes to power shots.Carbon fiber paddles are very light in weight, thus providing excellent control, with less tiredness. Kevlar paddles are heavier, made for power and durability. Carbon fiber suits precision players well, and Kevlar is more suitable for a player who regularly depends on strong, impactful shots.What type of pickleball paddle lasts the longest? Paddle material plays a big role in longevity. Carbon fiber paddles are tough, but fiberglass paddles often win the durability race. They strike a sweet spot between lasting power and performance, holding up well under frequent, hard play.Larger Sweet Spot: Fiberglass paddles often have a larger sweet spot, which makes them more forgiving on off-center hits. Moderate Power: While not as powerful as carbon fiber, fiberglass still allows players to generate decent force on their shots.
Are light or heavy pickleball paddles better?
The heavier a paddle is, the more power you will get. For those long shots from deep on the court, you need power keep your opponents at their back line. The Midweight paddles are also better at blocking. The ball comes off of the face with just the right touch instead of dropping dead just short of the net. A handful of paddles go over 16mm, but they aren’t very common. Typically when you purchase a 16mm or thicker paddle, it’s because you want more control. A thicker core gives you less power but usually improves your blocks, resets, and drop shots.Thicker core paddles are typically considered control paddles because the ball gets absorbed into the core on contact when compared to its thinner counterpart. This allows for a greater margin of error when trying to finesse your shots, whether you are trying to drive, dink, or reset the ball.The thinner the paddle, the more “pop” you’ll feel when hitting the ball. A thicker paddle, on the other hand, absorbs more of the ball’s energy. If you have the choice between a 13mm and a 16mm paddle, the 13mm one will give you more power, while the 16mm one will offer better control.Choose 16mm if you want a balanced paddle that offers both power and control, perfect for mixed offensive and defensive play. Choose 20mm if stability, comfort, and shot consistency are your top priorities, especially in defensive or strategic play.
How much better is an expensive pickleball paddle?
It’s true that not all pickleball paddles are created equal. Higher-end paddles often feature advanced materials like carbon fiber, raw carbon, and fiberglass, which can provide more control, power, or spin. However, you don’t necessarily need the priciest paddle to perform well on the court. If you’re looking for the best overall paddle for advanced players and you have the budget for it, you’ll love the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV. As the latest Perseus paddle in pro player Ben Johns’ paddle line, this is made for high-level players and professionals.We think the best pickleball paddle on the market for is the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16. Of course, this isn’t the paddle for everyone. We’ve got a thorough pickleball paddle guide that includes paddle for all types of players.I know that the JOOLA Ben Johns CFS 16mm is the best overall pickleball paddle in 2025, but it also ranks as the top intermediate paddle.If you prefer spin-heavy power and a longer handle, Joola may be your winner. If you want touch, control, and a more traditional feel, Selkirk has you covered. But it doesn’t stop there — with the right customizations, any paddle can become your perfect paddle.
Which is better graphite or composite pickleball paddles?
Both composite and graphite will suit most players’ needs, but if you are looking for a little more reactive and powerful feel at contact, composite-faced paddles will have more flex and precise feel while still offering power for put-away shots. Weight: While both materials are lightweight, carbon fiber paddles often feel more solid in hand. Cost: Carbon fiber is a premium material, so it can be pricier. Performance: Both materials offer excellent performance, but carbon fiber might have a slight edge when it comes to power shots.Core thickness: Power paddles often have a thinner core, typically 13 mm or less, allowing for a stiffer surface that enhances the power behind each shot. Weight: A heavier paddle, around 7.
Are thicker or thinner pickleball paddles better?
Conclusion. Understanding how core thickness affects your gameplay is key to finding a paddle that complements your strengths and mitigates your weaknesses. Thinner paddles offer a powerful punch for aggressive players, while thicker paddles provide the control needed for more strategic play. Beginner paddles should be comfortable to hold and easy to swing. Key features include light to medium weight, comfortable grip, large sweet spot and balance of power and control. Power paddles tend to have tighter sweet spots and provide greater feedback.Long-handle pickleball paddles help players generate more power and spin for each shot. The longer handle offers more leverage, making it easier to hit the ball harder and put more spin on it. If you have a power-playing style, that often makes a long-handle paddle the best choice.Choosing the Right Paddle If you prioritize control and precision, a 16mm paddle could be the better choice. Skill Level: Beginners might benefit from the extra pop and power of the 14mm paddle. Advanced players may enjoy the enhanced control and touch of a 16mm paddle.If you want extra reach, choose a hybrid shape; if you want speed and an oversized sweet spot, choose a widebody. Pro players primarily use elongated paddles, but they prioritize power and pop over sweet spot size and control. I think pro players using elongated paddles has negatively influenced amateurs.The heavier a paddle is, the more power you will get. For those long shots from deep on the court, you need power keep your opponents at their back line. The Midweight paddles are also better at blocking. The ball comes off of the face with just the right touch instead of dropping dead just short of the net.
Do I want a 13mm or 16mm pickleball paddle?
Players who enjoy “banging” and power will gravitate to the 13mm. On the other hand, players who play more of a feel and reset strategy have a hard time controlling the 13mm shots. Those shots tend to “pop” off the paddle differently than when the same player uses the 16mm paddle. Thicker paddles typically provide more power due to their larger sweet spot and increased weight. This extra power can be advantageous for players who rely on strong, aggressive shots to dominate the game. Conversely, thinner paddles offer better control and maneuverability.Longer paddles generate more leverage, which means more power and spin. This is why elongated paddles are preferred by pros. However, power isn’t everything — if you can’t control it, you’ll struggle with consistency.Choose a paddle with a hole in the throat if you want a lighter, more maneuverable paddle with better control and a faster swing speed. It’s a great option for players who prioritize agility, finesse, and comfort during play. Choose a paddle without a hole in the throat if you value stability, power, and durability.Power paddles deliver added speed on each hit, making them perfect for players who want to put their opponents on the defensive. They often have a thinner core and a smaller sweet spot, making them a better match for advanced players who have developed their control and need a paddle that enhances their power game.Paddles are typically between 11mm and 16mm thick. The thinner the paddle, the more “pop” you’ll get off the surface. The thicker a paddle, the more it will absorb the ball’s energy.