Best Pickleball Paddles for Advanced Players

Advanced pickleball players demand paddles that deliver precision, consistency, and the right feel for their style. Whether you favor a long handle for two-handed backhands, a wider face for forgiveness, or a specific core thickness for control, the right paddle can make a difference in your game. This roundup focuses on paddles built for competitive and advanced players who already know their style and want a performance paddle.

We have organized our picks by construction and key features, starting with our Best Overall, then moving to paddles that excel in control, hybrid faces, long handles, and standard shapes. Each paddle is evaluated based on manufacturer specifications, published product details, approval status where relevant, and independent expert coverage. Use the links below to compare and find the paddle that fits your game.

Our Picks

Best Overall: JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV (16 mm)

The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV (16 mm) combines a textured carbon fiber surface with a polypropylene core that includes an EVA foam wall, per JOOLA. This 16 mm core is designed to offer a balanced feel, while the 5.5-inch grip length suits players who prefer a longer handle. The paddle weighs 8.1 oz and measures 16.5 x 7.5 inches, with a grip circumference of 4.25 inches. It is on the USA Pickleball approved list (Perseus IV 16mm). JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV (16 mm) (paid link). Skip it if you want a wider face than 7.5 inches or prefer a lighter paddle.

Best for Control: Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control (16 mm)

The Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control (16 mm) features a Toray 700K raw carbon face and a honeycomb polymer core at 16 mm. It comes in three weight versions: light (7.7 to 7.9 oz), standard (8.0 to 8.2 oz), and pro (8.3 to 8.5 oz), giving you options to match your preference. The paddle is 16.3 inches long and 7.5 to 7.7 inches wide, with a 5.5-inch grip and a grip circumference of 4.125 to 4.25 inches. A Double Black Diamond RC 16mm entry is on the USA Pickleball approved list. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control (16 mm) (paid link). Skip it if you want a single weight option, since this paddle comes in three weights.

Best Hybrid Face: Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic

The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic pairs a QuadFlex hybrid face with a 13 mm polymer honeycomb core. Epic is the standard shape in the Vanguard Power Air line, at 15.75 x 8 inches, with a 5.25-inch grip length and a 4.25-inch grip circumference. Published specs list an average weight of 7.9 oz. Selkirk sells the Vanguard Power Air in several shapes, so check that the listing shows Epic. Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic (paid link). Skip it if you prefer a thicker core or the extra reach of an elongated shape.

Best Long Handle: Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0

The Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 offers the longest handle in this group at 5.75 inches, with a grip circumference of 4.25 inches. It has a raw carbon fiber skin and a polymer composite core that is 5/8 inch thick. The paddle weighs 7.8 to 8.2 oz and measures 16.5 x 7.5 inches. Engage states it meets USA Pickleball rules, but we could not confirm the approved-list entry for this exact model. Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 (paid link). Skip it if you need a confirmed USA Pickleball approved list entry or prefer a wider face.

Best Standard Shape: Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C (12.7 mm)

The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C (12.7 mm) features a PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber face and a 12.7 mm core. It has a standard shape measuring 16 x 8 inches, tied with the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic for the widest face in this group. The paddle weighs 7.5 to 7.8 oz and has a 5.5-inch handle. It is on the USA Pickleball approved list (Bantam ESQ-C 12.7mm). Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C (12.7 mm) (paid link). Skip it if you want a thicker core or prefer the 14.3 mm version.

How to Choose a Paddle as an Advanced Player

Core Thickness

Core thickness affects the paddle’s feel and response. Thicker cores, like the 16 mm in the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV and Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control, tend to offer more control and a softer feel. Thinner cores, such as the 13 mm in the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic and the 12.7 mm in the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C, can provide a firmer response. The Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 uses a 5/8 inch core.

Face Material

Face materials vary across these paddles. The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV uses textured carbon fiber. The Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control, Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0, and Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C each use raw carbon fiber. The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic uses a QuadFlex hybrid face, the only hybrid face in this group.

Shape and Handle Length

Paddle shape and handle length affect reach and maneuverability. The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C (16 x 8 inches) and Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic (15.75 x 8 inches) use standard shapes with the widest faces here. The JOOLA and Engage paddles are elongated shapes at 16.5 inches long. Handle length ranges from 5.25 inches (Selkirk) to 5.75 inches (Engage), with the JOOLA, Six Zero, and Paddletek offering 5.5-inch handles.

Grip Size

Grip circumference affects comfort and control. Most paddles in this group have a grip circumference of 4.25 inches, including the JOOLA, Selkirk, Engage, and Paddletek. The Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control offers a range of 4.125 to 4.25 inches. If you need a different grip size, you can explore aftermarket options like those covered in our grips guide.

Weight Options

Weight can affect swing speed and stability. The Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control is the only paddle here offered in three weight versions: light (7.7 to 7.9 oz), standard (8.0 to 8.2 oz), and pro (8.3 to 8.5 oz). The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV is listed at 8.1 oz. The Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic lists an average of 7.9 oz. The Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 ranges from 7.8 to 8.2 oz. The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C ranges from 7.5 to 7.8 oz.

Approval for Sanctioned Play

If you plan to play in sanctioned tournaments, ensure your paddle is on the USA Pickleball approved list. The JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV (16 mm) and Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C (12.7 mm) are confirmed on the list. Check the list for the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Epic before tournament play; we did not confirm the entry for this exact shape. A Double Black Diamond RC 16mm entry is on the list for Six Zero. Engage states the Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 meets USA Pickleball rules, but we could not confirm the approved-list entry for this exact model.

How We Picked

We evaluated these paddles through research, not physical trials. Our criteria included manufacturer specifications, published product details, approval status where relevant, and independent expert coverage. We focused on paddles designed for competitive and advanced players who already know their style and want a performance paddle. For more details on our evaluation process, see How We Review. For more paddle options, explore our guides for intermediate and beginner players, or browse our full paddle collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What core thickness is best for advanced players?

Advanced players often prefer 16 mm cores for a balanced feel, as seen in the JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus Pro IV and Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control. Thinner cores like 13 mm or 12.7 mm can offer a firmer response, but the choice depends on personal preference.

Is a longer handle better for advanced players?

A longer handle, such as the 5.75-inch handle on the Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0, can benefit players who use a two-handed backhand. The JOOLA, Six Zero, and Paddletek paddles offer 5.5-inch handles, while the Selkirk has a 5.25-inch handle.

Do I need a USA Pickleball approved paddle?

If you plan to play in sanctioned tournaments, a USA Pickleball approved paddle is required. The JOOLA, Selkirk, and Paddletek paddles in this roundup are confirmed on the list. The Six Zero has a related entry, and Engage states its paddle meets the rules.

What face material should I look for?

Textured carbon fiber, raw carbon fiber, and hybrid fiberglass-carbon fiber are common options. Each offers different surface characteristics. The JOOLA uses textured carbon fiber, while the Six Zero, Engage, and Paddletek use raw carbon fiber. The Selkirk uses a hybrid face.

How do I choose the right weight for my paddle?

Weight affects swing speed and stability. The Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control offers three weight versions, allowing you to choose. Other paddles have fixed weight ranges. Consider your playing style and preference when selecting.

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