Are you a high-level pickleball player, or someone who is stepping up to the advanced (4.5 DUPR rating) level? If so, you'll want a paddle designed for the most advanced players to maximize your performance.
My #1 right now for is the Maverix Havik 2, a paddle with big power, spin, and speed at an incredible price. Other paddles will work better for other players, so I've included five more top-tier paddles for you to choose from.
Best pickleball paddles at a glance
Note: our discount codes may be subject to change when products are on sale. Check the final price at checkout.
Best overall
Our Rating:
1. Maverix Havik 2
A lightning-fast elongated paddle with big power and spin, and great control, the Maverix Havik 2 is an all-court weapon for under $150.
Advanced players who want a premium-built paddle that performs at the highest level and holds up under tournament-level use, invest in the CRBN TruFoam Barrage.
The JOOLA Pro V is an all-court power paddle for high-level players. If you want a pro-level pickleball paddle, go straight to the GOAT Ben Johns' paddle.
If you're ready to spend on a premium paddle with raw power, incredible spin, and top-of-market foam and grit tech, grab the explosive Selkirk Boomstik.
The Luzz Pro 4 Inferno is a rare paddle that's head-heavy but insanely fast. It's ideal for quick, aggressive players who want to dominate at the kitchen.
Before buying a paddle, it's important to make sure it fits your game. That's why I created a 30-second quiz that recommends the best paddles for your play style and budget.
Give it a try and see if any of these advanced paddles make the list:
Find the perfect paddle
I've personally tested over 200 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
Why should you trust Pickleheads? I spend hours testing every product I recommend. Only the very best make it onto my lists, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Learn more about how I test and review products.
You want advanced-level performance without the price tag:
this wins on sheer value – a massive performance across the board for under $150 (with our discount code).
You play aggressively with fast hands:
this paddle is poppy, spinny, and super-aerodynamic thanks to its unique shape.
You like to customize your paddle:
more advanced players will feel at home optimizing this lightweight paddle – I added lead tape to each side and it never slowed down.
Pass if:
You have a high budget:
if you're able to spend the extra $100, the CRBN TruFoam Barrage gives you a more superior build with similar all-court attributes.
You want the most power:
the Honolulu J6CR and Selkirk Boomstik are the hardest-hitting paddles.
You want a pro paddle:
grab the JOOLA Pro V, the signature paddle of top pros like Ben Johns, Federico Staksrud, Tyson McGuffin, and Anna Bright.
The Maverix Havik 2 is a Gen 4 foam paddle with a consistently high level of performance across the board. The pop on counters is immediate, the grit generates spin that dips when you need it, and the cut-corner head shape makes it swing faster than almost any elongated paddle. Advanced players who want to play all-court rather than specialize in one area should look here first.
Most paddles at this level of performance cost $250 or more. The Maverix Havik 2 plays right alongside them for just $148.50 (with our 10% code). This is by far the cheapest paddle I've ever put at the top of this list, and makes me really excited about the future of paddle tech.
What I noticed first was how quickly this paddle moved. Elongated paddles usually feel heavy on reflex volleys at the kitchen – the Havik 2 didn't have that drag. I was getting to speed-ups I'd normally miss, countering with enough pace to push opponents back. Drives were effortless. Dinks took a session to calibrate because the pop is real, but once I leaned into the foam dwell behind it, I was shaping cross-court with confidence.
This is a lightweight paddle but you can easily add lead tape and it will still swing quicker than most. That's down to the sleek design, which makes it one of the most aerodynamic paddles on the market. Lower-level players might struggle a little with forgiveness because there's a lot of pop to rein in, but advanced players will find this paddle very consistent and forgiving.
All of the paddles on this guide offer a great performance for 4.5+ players. Some have more power, some have better control or spin. The Havik 2 takes top spot because it does everything well, is easily customizable, and offers the best value for money. I still can't believe you can get it for under $150. This paddle should cost at least $220, no question.
CRBN's long-lasting foam and carbon fiber tech are best in class.
You want a true all-court paddle:
the Barrage is extremely powerful and spinny, but it's controlled and forgiving also.
You want a speedy paddle:
the Barrage is a weapon as it flies through the air, the hybrid number 4 model especially.
Pass if:
You want 10/10 raw power:
the Boomstik and J6CR both hit harder, if you don't mind sacrificing some control.
You want to save $100:
the Maverix Havik 2 delivers a similar all-court performance at just $150.
You want the fastest paddle:
the Luzz Pro 4 Inferno edges the Barrage on sheer speed.
At this level, everyone's paddle is good. The difference between a $180 foam paddle and a $280 one isn't always obvious in the first session. It shows up over time. The Barrage's 100% floating foam core is denser than what you'll find in Bread & Butter and Honolulu paddles, and the T700 face keeps its grit when cheaper surfaces start fading. CRBN has been one of the top brands in carbon fiber tech for years, and the TruFoam series is what happens when they apply that knowledge to foam cores. The result is a paddle that doesn't have a weak spot, and maintains its awesome all-court performance month after month under heavy use.
The Barrage retails at $280, but our 10% discounts with both CRBN and Pickleball Central bring it to $252. That's more expensive than the Maverix and Honolulu paddles but cheaper than the JOOLA and Selkirk – a nice go-between.
The feel sits between dwell and pop. The 14 mm build is thinner, so the plush foam core gets counteracted by a snappier response – drives carry real energy and serves land with authority. It's not as explosive as the Boomstik, it's more refined. The ball comes off the face with controlled aggression, and the T700 carbon surface grabs enough to shape it with great spin. At the kitchen, dinks and resets are predictable. The sweet spot is generous enough that advanced players rarely catch a bad hit.
The stock weight is light, giving advanced players plenty of room to customize and stop the paddle twisting in your hand. After I added lead tape, the paddle was still lightning fast. The weighting is ideal – it stays balanced no matter how much weight you add.
There are four shapes that give you options most brands don't: two elongated models, a square, and a hybrid.
CRBN's TruFoam paddles were some of the first to kickstart the foam paddle craze. With the Barrage, they've nailed the tech. Light, fast, powerful, and controlled all in one. This is a groundbreaking paddle that advanced players will love. If you compete regularly, practice multiple times a week, and need your paddle to perform identically in week twelve as it did in week one, it's for you. Built to last.
You want a raw power paddle for a mid-range price:
at $175.50 (with our discount code), the J6CR is the most powerful paddle under $200.
You don't mind waiting for it to ship:
at the time of writing, this paddle is on pre-order awaiting the next batch – it's worth the wait!
You want better forgiveness than most power paddles:
one of the standout features is a big sweet spot that pairs power with accuracy.
Pass if:
You need a paddle now:
if the J6CR is still on pre-order, check out the Maverix Havik 2 for another affordable power paddle.
You want more control:
check out the CRBN, Luzz, and Maverix paddles for a little bit more muted power that's balanced with control.
You want maximum spin:
the Selkirk Boomstik has the same raw power but more intense spin, if you don't mind paying almost double the price.
Many advanced players who want the most powerful pickleball paddles are used to paying $250 or even $300+. These prices have always ruled out a lot of players, who opted for lower-cost paddles that don't bang so hard. Great news for everyone – Honolulu came out with a sub-$200 paddle that blows anything in this price range out of the water.
The only caveat is that it's currently on pre-order. I still wanted to include it here for any players who don't mind waiting a little. If you can hold out, you're getting true raw power for just $175.50 (when you use our 10% discount).
The J6CR reminds me of the Selkirk Boomstik. It opts for pop-based power where the ball rockets off on contact, not dwell-based like a lot of newer Gen 4 foam paddles. The ball leaves the face fast so overheads end rallies and drives arrive before opponents are set. Speed-ups at the kitchen barely need any swing. For an advanced player who wants that explosive, immediate feel, the J6CR delivers.
Another nice touch is the sweet spot. It's large for a power paddle, more forgiving than the Boomstik's, and it bails you out on off-center hits.
Where the pop hurts a little is touch. Resets can pop up when you're trying to keep them low, and the face launches the ball even when you want a softer response. Advanced players will be more accustomed to managing that, though.
The 16 mm core is a multi-density foam. The CFC face is two layers of carbon fiber with one layer of fiberglass. That fiberglass brings the pop, but it does mean less spin generation than a pure carbon fiber paddle. This paddle goes for pace over shape – that said, you can still generate nice spin on volleys and counters.
The handle is super-long at 6 inches, ideal for players who like to hit two-handed backhands. The weighting is expertly done and I didn't need any lead tape. It's one of the fastest elongated paddles I've played with too.
I wouldn't normally include a paddle that's still on pre-order, but the J6CR's value is too hard to ignore. You're getting the most explosive power with great forgiveness at $175.50. If aggression and speed are what your game is built on, and you don't want to spend $200 or more, lock in the pre-order. This paddle will be worth the wait.
my serves, speed-ups, and lobs were deadly with the topspin I could generate.
You want a balance of power and control:
this is a true all-court paddle with great aggression and a soft touch when you need it.
You want good forgiveness:
like the Honolulu J6CR, you get a forgiving sweet spot to back up the power.
Pass if:
You want the most raw power:
the Honolulu J6CR and Selkirk Boomstik are more aggressive, pure power paddles.
You want a super-fast paddle:
the Maverix and Luzz paddles both scored a 10 on aerodynamics – the JOOLA scored an 8.
You want to save money:
try the Maverix Havik 2 – an excellent all-court paddle that's about half the price of the JOOLA.
If you're looking for the best pro paddle for advanced players, it's the JOOLA Pro V. This series is made for high-level players and professionals like the #1 men's player of all time, Ben Johns, and other top pros like Anna Bright and Tyson McGuffin.
At $300, this is priced for pro-level players. Anyone with the budget can grab it, though, even if you've just hit the 4.5 level. It's still cheaper than the Selkirk Boomstik and the $400 KOBO Thunder AXE.
The elongated Perseus model (Ben Johns' paddle) that we tested is an excellent all-court paddle. It's not as explosive as some of the top power paddles but it's super controlled, with great dwell-based power and a soft, connected feel.
This is one of the best pickleball paddles for spin. I was able to serve high and dip the ball with heavy spin so that it came down toward the baseline. Attacking at the kitchen was fun because I got so much dip on speed-ups. The feel and forgiveness made sure I was always accurate and never lost control.
JOOLA decided not to go for a foam core. They introduced a new KineticFrame technology that flexes the throat of the paddle. It works to give you easier power without you having to swing hard, and gives you better ball absorption for touch shots.
There are lots of different models in this paddle series. The elongated Perseus is the paddle of Ben Johns and Simone Jardim. There's also an aero-curve elongated paddle called the Hyperion, that's also Ben Johns' paddle. The hybrid-shaped Kosmos is used by Federico Staksrud and Tyson McGuffin. The standard/widebody Scorpeus is Anna Bright and Collin Johns' paddle. Then there are special models made for tennis pros Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. You can see all models and compare shapes on the JOOLA Pro V page.
Read our full JOOLA Pro V review for a more in-depth take on this paddle.
My verdict
Whether you're gearing up for a tournament or you're a rec player who loves to play a truly rounded game, the JOOLA Pro V is an all-court gem. There's a lot of power while preserving great control and forgiveness for a rounded game, from a premium-feeling elite paddle.
it's difficult to match the Boomstik on sheer explosiveness.
You want an insane amount of spin:
the InfiniGrit surface is incredible. It’s so gritty and generates crazy spin.
You want a big sweet spot:
for an elongated power paddle, this has a generous sweet spot – you can swing wild and fast with less risk of sailing the ball long on mishits.
Pass if:
You want more control:
the Boomstik's raw aggression makes it the least controllable paddle here.
You don't want to spend over $300:
at $333, the Boomstik is the most expensive paddle on the guide.
You want a quick paddle:
if hand speed is important to you, try the lightning-fast Luzz Pro 4 Inferno.
The Boomstik is aptly named – this paddle hits harder than anything, with a loud boom off the paddle face. It was made for attacking players, with explosive power and pop. The updated InfiniGrit surface improves Selkirk’s already famous spin, making it the best spin paddle from them yet.
This is definitely not a cheap paddle – at $333, it’s the most expensive on this list by far. If you’re a banger who’s ready to invest in the next generation of paddle tech, though, you get the strongest paddle with the most durable build. It should last a long time, making the high price worth it.
This is too wild for most intermediates, but advanced players will have the skill to rein in the explosive power on touch shots. The 100% foam core helps here, softening up the paddle for dinks and drops. The sweet sweet spot is large for an elongated paddle too, so mishits are less frequent than some big power paddles in the past.
The Elongated model is the more powerful, but there’s a Widebody model if you want even more forgiveness. Both paddles have longer handles that anyone who hits two-handed backhands will appreciate.
The Boomstik was the first foam paddle to convince me that this tech could hit hard. In fact, it’s the most powerful paddle on the whole market right now. It absolutely rips, making it the best match for high-level bangers. You just have to be willing to spend more than almost any other paddle.
this paddle is crazy fast, ideal for hand battles and counters.
You want a power paddle:
the head-heavy weighting amplifies the power you can generate with this strong elongated paddle.
You want amazing spin and control too:
you can whip the ball with excellent spin and stay in control easily.
Pass if:
You're prone to wrist or elbow issues:
the head-heavy balance might fatigue you over long sessions.
You want a more cushioned, dwell-heavy feel:
the JOOLA Pro V and CRBN Barrage have more dwell-based power than this poppier feel.
You want a cheaper paddle:
the Maverix Havik 2 is around $80 less.
The Luzz Pro 4 Inferno is one of the fastest paddles I've ever played with. The elongated shape with a light overall weight and head-heavy balance creates a whip effect – you can accelerate the paddle head through the ball faster than with a balanced paddle, which is how it generates both the speed and the spin. It's a great choice for power-heavy, aggressive players.
At $230, the Inferno offers a great saving against competitors like the $300 JOOLA Pro V. If your priority is speed plus power and spin, it's 100% worth it.
In hand battles, I was winning exchanges I had no right to win. Even when I got caught out of position, the paddle was fast enough to get around the ball and curl it back in. Forgiveness is very solid too – the sweet spot is large and mishits don't jar your hand.
Power has a trampoline feel to it. The ball launches with real energy – drives land deep, serves push opponents back toward the fence, and overheads finish points. It's a poppy paddle but it's not as wild as the Honolulu J6CR. There's enough dwell that you can shape the ball even on full swings, which is where the high control score comes from. The grit on the face is seriously textured – topspin volleys dip at opponents' feet and serves kick hard off the bounce.
The head-heavy balance is the one thing to flag. It's what makes the paddle so fast and spinny, but after 10+ hours of play I started feeling it in my wrist. If you're prone to pickleball elbow or wrist fatigue like me, that could be a problem over long tournament days. Players with strong wrists won't notice it.
This has an elongated power paddle build. The 16 mm core is a blend of polymer and foam. The excellent grit is made from a 3D grooved T700 raw carbon fiber.
The Inferno made me feel like I could take the entire court. Hand battles went my way, speed-ups landed before opponents could react, and the spin on my volleys was some of the best I've produced. The whip speed is something that most paddles don't have. For an aggressive advanced player who wants to attack relentlessly and has the wrist strength to handle a head-heavy paddle over long sessions, this is a weapon.
Today’s best deals
How to choose the best advanced pickleball paddles
At the highest levels of pickleball, modern paddles are designed with very similar attributes. However, there are a few characteristics to keep in mind when choosing the right paddle for your unique needs.
The CRBN TruFoam Barrage
Size & shape
Almost all pros used to play with elongated paddles, and most still do, but you'll notice a couple of exceptions on this list. While the majority of paddles are elongated, the hybrid CRBN TruFoam Barrage 4 is a strong exception.
Elongated paddles tend to have more power, and many advanced players like the extra reach. You sacrifice forgiveness as the narrow body makes the sweet spot smaller, but most advanced players don't mind this.
Weight & balance
Advanced pickleball paddles generally weigh between 7.8 and 8.5 oz. Modern paddles are the result of years of fine-tuning to find the perfect weight-to-power ratio.
Material
Until recently, most pickleball paddles used polypropylene in their core construction, but foam is beginning to dominate the market. Foam offers longer durability, and a better balance of power and control.
With paddle faces, raw carbon fiber is the predominant material used. Interestingly, fiberglass became less popular as carbon took over, but manufacturers are bringing it back in. A lot of newer advanced paddles have a blend of carbon and fiberglass for strong spin, control, and pop.
Price
With all the high-end materials and cutting-edge design going into pickleball paddles, it's no surprise that prices have increased. Most new advanced paddles cost upwards of $250.
What to consider when buying an advanced pickleball paddle
As well as physical attributes, there are some personal elements – unique to each player – to keep in mind when choosing your paddle.
Playing style & skill level
Your unique playing style is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing a paddle. The right one can complement your skills and help you to keep improving.
Once you're an advanced player, you'll have mastered the use of control, spin, and power. You'll also know what style of player you are. So, whether you're a banger, spin-junkie, or master of the soft game, find a paddle that's designed for your play style.
Popularity & brand name
Some brands have more "court cred" than others. With new paddles and paddle brands popping up all the time, I recommend keeping an open mind and not letting brand loyalty get in the way of trying out something new.
Bottom line
That's my breakdown of the top six paddles for advanced players on the market today. The Maverix Havik 2 takes the top spot as it offers the most value – giving you all the aggression you need without losing control. Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think of it.
So many incredible advanced paddles have come out since I last updated this guide. I've done a virtually complete overhaul, with only the Selkirk Boomstik keeping a spot. The biggest surprise is that, for the first time, a sub-$200 paddle tops the best advanced list. That's exciting for pickleball if it means we're going to see better quality at affordable prices going forward.
FAQs
These days, an advanced pickleball paddle will cost you upwards of $150, with most being well over $200. The paddles on this range from $150 to $333, though we have discounts on many of them.
Keep a close eye on the face of your paddle for visible damage like chips, scratches, and flat spots where the surface has worn off. Once any damage starts to create dead spots or affect your on-court performance, it's time to replace it.
Consider donating your old paddle to a local pickleball club. They can always use extra paddles for new players.
I wouldn't advise new players to start out with an advanced paddle. Check out our best beginner paddles guide for a whole list of paddles to suit a new player.
Brandon is an avid writer and co-founder of Pickleheads™. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can now be found these days honing his dinks on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.
Share this article
Join the largest pickleball community in the world
...
members
Join a community of pickleball players and find new friends to play with.
...
games
Browse games and open play sessions anywhere you go.
...
locations
Find every place to play pickleball in your local area.
...
cities
Now available worldwide. Find courts & games anywhere!
