Top 8 best long handle pickleball paddles

Selecting the ideal long handle pickleball paddle involves a holistic understanding of various factors from weight, material, shape, to budgetary constraints. Each of these aspects plays a crucial role in facilitating a player's needs and enhancing their overall game experience.

Best overall: Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS

The Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 is widely acclaimed as the best overall long handle pickleball paddle, combining strength and finesse with a handle length of 5.5 inches. This thoughtfully designed paddle ensures that players can transition seamlessly between different shots with greater ease.

  • Hyperion CFS Advantages:
    • Balanced Construction: Features Carbon Friction Surface CFS known for spin and control.
    • Optimal Weight: 8.4-ounce balance suits a wide variety of playstyles.
    • Aero-Curve Technology: Enhances swing speed while minimizing drag.

The sleek visuals and sturdy build contribute to this paddle's reputation among both enthusiasts and professional gamers, making it a reliable choice for those aspiring to improve their match performance.

Best budget: Warping Point Ascent pickleball paddles

The Warping Point Ascent Control Pickleball Paddle takes high honors as an exceptional budget choice, providing premium features at an affordable price point. Crafted with a 3K carbon fiber texture and a unique grit coating, it enables enhanced ball control, catering to beginner and intermediate players.

  • Budget-Friendly Features:
    • Durable Material: Advanced 3K carbon fiber offers commendable longevity.
    • Discount Opportunities: Frequent sales drop the price to around $75.
    • Spin-Enhancing Surface: Outer layer designed to maintain precision.

This paddle ensures players do not need to sacrifice quality for affordability, offering a competitive edge during play without a significant financial investment.

Best for control: Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0

Engage Pursuit Pro MX 6.0 is celebrated for its superior control, making it the top choice for players seeking precision in their shots. Its unique construction allows for remarkable stability on difficult shots and control-ridden strokes, providing an unmatched playing experience.

  • Control Advantages:
    • Stable Core: Optimize shot placement accuracy.
    • Long Handle: Supports two-handed grips for increased precision.
    • Balanced Weight: Maintains strong all-court performance.

Known for its effectiveness in delivering responsive shots, this paddle is favored by those who master strategic gameplay, ensuring well-placed dinks and serves during critical match moments.

Best for power: CRBN 3X Power pickleball paddle

For those seeking added power behind every stroke, the CRBN 3X Power Paddle remains a top contender. Its robustness and spin capabilities mean players can wield it to impose their will onto matches with authority.

  • Power Factors:
    • Elongated Shape: Maximizes reach for aggressive shots.
    • Advanced Carbon Fiber Face: Augments punch and spin.
    • Forgiving Sweet Spot: Attenuates mishits while maintaining impact.

The CRBN 3X paddle is eminent for its capability to amplify offensive plays, distinctly benefiting players who relish aggressive ball play during competition.

Selkirk Vanguard Power Air pickleball paddles

Selkirk's Vanguard Power Air paddle introduces cutting-edge technology that enhances both power and control. Its multilayered constructed QuadFlex design fuses various materials, empowering players with exceptional shot rotation and command.

  • Selkirk Highlights:
    • QuadFlex Technology: Integrates varied materials for extensive spin.
    • Wide Handle: Supports broader swing options for dynamic play.
    • Competitive Edge: Ideally suited for advanced level play.

Favored by aggressive players, the Vanguard series champions in offering innovation-backed improvements tailored directly towards ambitious professionals seeking an edge on the court.

Best for beginners: Jojolemon Shark 001

The Jojolemon Shark 001 distinguishes itself as an exemplary paddle for beginners, delivering simplicity while encouraging essential skill development. Light and maneuverable, its user-friendly design caters comfortably to newcomers.

  • Beginner Highlights:
    • Wide Surface Area: Amplifies sweet spot aiding shot consistency.
    • Lightweight: Attenuates fatigue during learning curves.
    • Comfortable Grip: Provides a firm hold ensuring learning ease.

While advanced paddles may entice with bells and whistles, Shark 001's focus remains accessible quality, promoting growth at skill acquisition's nurturing stage.

Best for advanced players: ProKennex Black Ace

The ProKennex Black Ace sets the stage for professionals demanding precise engineering supporting elite gameplay. Crafted from premium Toray carbon fiber, it excels in terms of control, spin dynamics, and deliverables crucial for high-stakes tournaments.

  • Advantageous Features:
    • Toray Carbon Fiber: Ensures premium durability.
    • Edgeless Design: Supports nuanced shot execution.
    • Quick Response: Offers impressive shot agility.

With compelling specifications offering unrivaled in-game fluidity, Black Ace paddle enables professionals to explore their tactical ingenuity fully.

Best rated: Selkirk Amped Invikta

Selkirk Amped Invikta ranks as the best-rated option amongst players, fueled by its FiberFlex surface technology and the unique X5 core. The paddle lends itself to athletes seeking the perfect innovation mix to enhance speed, stability, and consistency.

  • Invikta Competitive Edge:
    • FiberFlex Surface: Delivers rich feel augmenting topspin control and accuracy.
    • Polypropylene X5 Core: Smoothens vibrations enhancing overall performance.
    • Larger Sweet Spot: Offers forgiveness with maximized reaction time.

Emphasizing smart design elements, Amped Invikta amplifies one's gaming prowess, cementing it as an admired icon spanning competitive circles.

Benefits of using a long handle pickleball paddle

A long handle pickleball paddle offers multiple benefits for players, from improved reach to better leverage in their swings. This extended handle design enables players to cover the court more effectively, reaching those tricky shots that would otherwise be out of reach. Not only does a long handle increase a player's range, but it also amplifies power, making serves and groundstrokes more impactful. Additionally, these paddles are often crafted with high-quality materials, such as carbon fiber, which enhances both durability and performance. Such features make them a favorite choice for players of all ages and skill levels.

Increased reach and court coverage

Long handle pickleball paddles significantly amplify a player's reach, enabling them to cover the court more effectively. This makes them particularly useful during fast-paced games, where a split second can mean the difference between making and missing a crucial shot. The extended handle offers an advantage at the net, allowing players to take commanding positions and respond to opponents' offensive plays with agility. Compared to shorter handles, the long handle paddle's reach can transform how a player interacts with the ball.

  • Advantages of Increased Reach:
    • Enhanced Defensive Play: Reach shots that are otherwise challenging.
    • Net Dominance: Dominate the net with extended coverage.
    • Swift Returns: Quickly respond to fast and low shots.

Incorporating a long handle into your gameplay can also improve court dynamics, as the paddle acts as an extension of your body, making it easier to dictate the game's tempo. Players can utilize the added range to execute stronger defensive strategies and surprise opponents with unexpected pickleball dink shots and volleys.

Additionally, visualizing how such a paddle functions on the court can aid in understanding its impact. The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CFS, for example, is well-reviewed for its excellent reach, providing players with increased flexibility and adaptability during matches.

Enhanced power and leverage

Using a long handle pickleball paddle can significantly enhance both power and leverage, which are crucial for executing strong shots effectively. The extended handle provides greater leverage, akin to using a longer lever, enabling players to generate more power with less effort during serves and groundstrokes. This leverage translates into a more prominent swing arc, allowing for powerful hits that can intimidate opponents and cover larger areas of the court.

Additionally, such paddles tend to facilitate precision, enabling players to control their swings with greater ease, thus effectively placing powerful shots exactly where they want on the court. This is vital for responding to opponents' serves and in rapid exchanges at the net.

  • Leverage and Power Benefits:
    • Stronger Smashes: Achieve stronger smashes and spike shots.
    • Effortless Power: Generate power with less physical effort.
    • Increased Ball Speed: Hit shots that are both fast and accurate.

With increased power dynamics, players can take full control of the game, executing smashes and serves with impressive velocity. Comparatively, paddles like the Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 are noted for optimizing this balance, making them ideal choices for competitors looking to wield power and finesse.

Improved comfort and ergonomics

Comfort and ergonomics make a significant difference in a player's performance, especially during extended matches. With long handle pickleball paddles, players often find a more tailored grip, which can reduce fatigue and enhance control. This benefit is particularly valuable for players with larger hands or those who prefer a two-handed grip.

Such paddles improve not just comfort but overall stability on the court:

  • Ergonomic Advantages:
    • Customizable Grips: Many models offer adjustable grip sizes.
    • Fatigue Reduction: Decrease arm and wrist fatigue during play.
    • Injury Prevention: Helps in preventing strain-related injuries.

For players deeply invested in the game, selecting a paddle that aligns with their ergonomic needs pays dividends in performance. Models like the Selkirk Vanguard feature advanced materials that distribute weight evenly, minimizing stress on the player's body and ensuring a comfortable yet effective grip.

Advantages for specific playing styles

Long handle paddles cater to diverse playing styles, each of which can benefit from the attributes these paddles offer. Aggressive players, who frequently utilize smashes and forceful returns, will appreciate the additional power and reach. In contrast, defensive players might find the extended reach beneficial for maintaining control over the game.

  • Playing Style Benefits:
    • Two-Handed Backhand Players: Enjoy better leverage and control.
    • Net Players: Quick reactions are enhanced by reach.
    • Baseline Players: Improved rear court play, thanks to long handles.

Such design attributes ensure that either an offensive or defensive play style can be adequately supported with the right paddle choice. Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 and CRBN 3X Power paddle options are recognized for their capability to cater to these varying needs, offering consistent performance across different competitive scenarios.

Who should consider a long handle pickleball paddle?

For players seeking to amplify their game, long handle pickleball paddles are a significant consideration. These paddles provide advantageous reach and leverage, which can transform a player's effectiveness on the court. Whether you're an advanced player looking to enhance performance or a beginner seeking to establish a solid foundation, these paddles have something to offer for everyone.

Players with large hands

Players with larger hands often face challenges with standard paddle grips, which might not offer the stability or comfort required for optimal performance. Long handle paddles address this issue by providing an extended grip that accommodates larger hand sizes, reducing the risk of slippage during play.

  • Considerations for Large Hands:
    • Stability: Enhanced grip control during intense matches.
    • Customization: Handle length can be adjusted to personal preference.
    • Comfort: Reduces finger crowding and enhances grip.

Having a long handle enables a more natural hand position, which can lead to improved icebreaker performance and better shot execution. Models such as the Selkirk AMPED Invikta cater beautifully to these needs, offering both comfort and power without compromise.

Players who utilize a two-handed backhand

For those who prefer employing a two-handed backhand, long handle paddles offer significant advantages. The extended handle allows these players to maintain a secure grip with both hands while executing backhand shots, providing substantial control and power.

  • Two-Handed Backhand Benefits:
    • Increased Power: Generates more force behind shots.
    • Stability: Maintains better control during swings.
    • Smooth Transitions: Facilitates seamless stroke transitions.

The longer handle facilitates a more natural swing motion, optimizing play styles that rely on a strong two-handed backhand. Pickleball paddles like the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion excel in delivering the benefits required for this style, accommodating effective shot variation and precision.

Players seeking increased reach

Pickleball players aiming to enhance their reach will find long handle paddles beneficial for extending their court coverage. Whether you're striving for better shots at the kitchen line or responding to cross-court drives, these paddles can provide the extra edge needed.

  • Reach Enhancement:
    • Overcome Opponents: Reach difficult shots across the court.
    • Versatile Play: Adapt to various court positioning.
    • Consistent Performance: Maintain high levels of control and precision.

The extended reach supports a broad spectrum of strategies, from defensive volleys to offensive smashes. Distinct paddle brands such as the CRBN 3X Power have embraced this advantage, ensuring players can explore their skillset freely and confidently.

Players transitioning from tennis or other racquet sports

When transitioning from tennis or racquet sports, many players appreciate the similarities found in long handle pickleball paddles. The longer grip offers a familiar feel, facilitating a smooth migration into the pickleball world while utilizing techniques already honed.

  • Transition Benefits:
    • Familiarity: Emulates grip dynamics of tennis racquets.
    • Diverse Potential: Retain versatile shot-making capabilities.
    • Skill Transfer: Leverage existing racquet sports experience seamlessly.

As seasoned players adapt to the nuances of pickleball, the paddles' length supports familiar techniques such as topspin and backspin, allowing a less daunting learning curve into a new sport. Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 serves as a sterling example of this adaptability.

Youth and senior players

Youth and senior players can significantly benefit from long handle paddles, thanks to their versatility and ergonomic design. Youth players, who often have quick reflexes, can take advantage of the improved reach, while senior players may appreciate the additional comfort and power without compromising control.

  • Youth and Senior Benefits:
    • Enhanced Control: Suitable for seniors to maintain their gameplay.
    • Reach and Leverage: Aid in executing challenging shots for youth.
    • Customizable Options: Adjust weight and grip dimensions as needed.

Paddles like the Selkirk Amped Invikta provide a tailored experience for both age groups, allowing an enjoyable play that is in line with specific physical needs. This ensures everyone can partake in pickleball confidently, regardless of age or skill level, providing an inclusive sport choice.

How to choose the best long handle pickleball paddle: a buyer's guide

Selecting the right long handle pickleball paddle involves understanding your unique needs and playing style. Consider the various factors such as grip size, weight, material, and how these elements align with your desired performance characteristics and budget.

Grip size

One of the most important aspects to consider when selecting a long handle pickleball paddle is the grip size. The right grip size increases comfort during play and provides a solid foundation for executing various shots. A grip that's too large can cause slippage, while a grip that's too small can lead to fatigue and lack of control.

  • Grip Size Options:
    • 4 inches: Ideal for players with smaller hands.
    • 4.25 to 4.5 inches: Average for many adults.
    • 4.75 inches and above: Suitable for players with large hands.

Determine your grip size by measuring from the crease of your palm to the top of your middle finger, or utilize techniques like the Finger Gap Technique to assess a comfortable fit. Having the right grip aids in precise handling and reduces the risk of injuries like tennis elbow.

Weight

The weight of a paddle can greatly affect a player’s swing and endurance during games. Lighter paddles, usually weighing between 6-7 ounces, make maneuvering easier and are preferred for quick exchanges at the net. Heavier paddles, around 8.5 ounces or more, offer increased power but can lead to fatigue.

  • Weight Categories:
    • Lightweight: 6-7 ounces for agility.
    • Midweight: 7.5-8.4 ounces for balance.
    • Heavyweight: Over 8.5 ounces for maximum power.

Consider trying different weights during practice to see which offers the best compromise between speed and power, as it can directly influence your performance and how sustainable your endurance is through matches.

Material

Material selection is vital in defining a paddle's feel and performance. Modern paddles incorporate various materials such as graphite, fiberglass, or carbon fiber, each offering different characteristics. Graphite paddles are lightweight and precise, fiberglass offers strength and durability, and carbon fiber strikes a balance between both.

  • Material Options:
    • Graphite: Lightweight with high precision.
    • Fiberglass: Durable and provides impact resistance.
    • Carbon Fiber: Combines strength with agile maneuverability.

Choosing the right material depends on personal preference and playstyle. Assessing each material’s attributes can ensure you’re equipped with the correct tool for delivering superior performance.

Paddle face shape and size

The shape and size of the paddle's face affect the sweet spot, power, and control. Standard shapes usually offer a wider body for a larger sweet spot. Elongated paddles, however, offer increased reach and control but present a smaller sweet spot requiring greater precision.

  • Shape and Size Influences:
    • Standard Face: Offers stability and forgiveness.
    • Elongated Face: Enhances reach for strategic enhancements.
    • Squared Face: Maximizes corner access when necessary.

The choice between these depends on your play style and current skill level, as face shape drives paddle dynamics during gameplay.

Core material and thickness

The core of the paddle and its thickness directly influence feel and performance. Polypropylene is a popular core material due to its balance of power, control, and weight. Thickness ranges between thin <14mm for speed, medium 14-16mm for balance, and thick >16mm for stability.

  • Core Options:
    • Polymer Cores: Lightweight and flexible.
    • Nomex Cores: Focus on power and firmness.
    • Aluminum Cores: Combine durability with precision.

Each core material’s benefits cater to different needs. For instance, a thicker core provides increased stability for a player who needs consistent control, while a thinner core suits someone who can balance agility with quick response.

Edge guard

Edge guards play a critical role in the durability and performance of your paddle. They protect the paddle from damage, which can occur from incidental contact with the court or other equipment. Choosing the right edge guard ensures your paddle remains in top condition.

  • Edge Guard Benefits:
    • Durability: Reduces impacts and cracking.
    • Sleek Design: Maintains paddle aesthetics.
    • Edge Protection: Guards against environmental damage.

Make sure to balance protective qualities with aerodynamics. A well-designed edge guard complements the paddle's design without adding unnecessary bulk.

Skill level

Your skill level should guide your paddle choice. Beginners may prioritize ease of use and comfort, while intermediate and advanced players might seek attributes such as increased power or control that complement their developing techniques.

  • Skill Level Considerations:
    • Beginners: Need lightweight and forgiving options.
    • Intermediate: Balance between power and precision.
    • Advanced: Seek paddles with specialized features for competitive play.

Choosing a paddle that reflects your experience level ensures your game continues to develop progressively.

Budget

Budget is often a key consideration in paddle selection. The market offers a variety of options across price points, ensuring that players find something that fits without compromising on quality.

  • Budget Recommendations:
    • Entry-Level: Typically under $50 for casual play.
    • Mid-Range: $50-$150 with enriched features.
    • High-End: $150+ for premium material and specialized designs.

Determining your budget beforehand helps streamline choices and selects a paddle that offers the appropriate balance of cost-to-value.

Addressing potential drawbacks and considerations

Select long handle pickleball paddles require acknowledging specific limitations and pondering perspectives throughout the purchasing process. While the benefits are abundant, certain design decisions can negatively impact one's style under specific contexts.

Extended handles can strain wrist and arm muscles during high-paced rallies, complicating quick exchanges. Additionally, comparing the initial handling versus short-handle paddles may notably influence acclimation periods for players exploring different handles.

Durability concerns arise when misalignments lead edges exposed via shorter end segments, inherent with elongated contraptions.

Therefore, considerations include:

  • Power vs. Maneuverability: Evaluating trade-offs between greater reach and reactivity during ballistic volleys.
  • Initial Cost vs. Longevity: Ensures value perception reflects investment guarded under reliable construction.
  • Individual Skill Adaptations: Offers adaptable measures aligning instinctive play-style alignments ranging skill adeptness.

Each drawback must be considered alongside competitive needs dictated by challenges unique to personal preferences through various iterations.

Long handle vs. short handle paddles: a comparative overview

Picking your ideal handle type poses pivotal impacts across multifarious dynamics. Long handles excel within aggressive baseline play styles by harnessing superior length leverage. Shorter benches reinforce swifter reflexive nuances thriving amid defensive scenarios.

Consider comparing both handle types against varying factors:

  • Control: Display dominant precision via intuitive controls while emphasizing minimalist gait.
  • Power: Optimize volleys maximizing potency through seamless delivery.
  • Agility: Test enhancements offered surrounding reach maximized reach-score paradigms, extensive proficiency delve energetics/tempos.

Ultimately, tailor roundage controls representing careful trials will provide coveted factor insights comprehensive selections helping embrace engaging opportunities.

Conclusion

Navigating through today's catalog selection for long handle pickleball paddles equates to discerning personal wants alongside physical/skill-related requirements holistically suited.

Research validates advantages offered beneath implicit intricacies increased punch coupled with unique blend strength/agility epitomizing complement duration optimizations mirroring patterned flexibilities spanning offense/defense spectrum.

From ambitious competitive players seeking incremental advancements to casual hobbyists desiring proficiency, investing insight yields prosperous outcomes aligning taste sensibilities ordering progressions maximizing limitless potential.

Together journey fosters proficient prospects upon selecting wisely balances delight rather than pitfalls connected disfavored judgmental tendencies made moments bassed curiosity quite insights interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about long handle pickleball paddles

Concluding our discussion, it's essential to address questions players frequently encounter concerning long handle pickleball paddles. Understanding common concerns helps streamline a pathway toward inspired choices when exploring available options.

Who should use a long handle pickleball paddle?

Long handle paddles present opportunities beyond conventional paradigms. Players proficient at establishing court control alongside attaining intermediate-to-advanced proficiency thrive wielding these implements.

  • Ideal Candidates:
    • Two-Handed Backhand Enthusiasts: For better leverage.
    • Advanced Competitors: Looking for nuanced stylistic execution.
    • Former Racquet-Sport Learners: Preferring hand consolation consistency.

Ultimately paddle selection complements capability integrating height preferences calibrated enhancing core stability yielding extraneous angles invisible shortcomings traditional caliber lacks overt instruction.

Will a long handle paddle affect my playing style?

Choosing a long handle pickleball paddle indeed affects distinct elements of playstyle primarily due to differences present regarding leverage methods reliance tactile instruction permutations.

  • Playstyle Transformation:
    • Adapting Stability: Handles proximity adjustments interaction transport applicable changes upon court position unique integrity balance maintenance provided variables sport hybridizations.
    • Spin Dynamics: Encouraged more when exploring extended possibilities, demanding innovation.

Whether positively enhancing performance, accounting for these distinctions, prepares sufficient ramps fostering developments resulting self-discovery defining choices place requisite opportunities, working surrounding detail-oriented perspectives.

Are long handle paddles suitable for beginners?

While not the first choice for every novice player, long handle paddles allow intriguing developmental attributes should beginners agree tackling nuances versus shortened handles.

  • Beginner Supportive Features:
    • Enhanced Reach Learning Curve: Guides shot prep effectively molding proficiencies.
    • Ensuring Comfort: Avoids initial engagement unease via encumbered extended pacing contact intervals.
    • Progressive Development: Yields aspirations celebrated expressive motivational sequence.

Exploring further assures correlating agenda highlighting full range disrupted vectors aligned personalization derived prolonged usage, cementing investment recommendations plausibility grace inherently aimed towards aspiring pathways sustained endeavors.

Are long handle paddles widely available and popular?

Due to rising interest within versatile circuits over recent years, widespread long handle distribution propels subsequent mass popularity. Most reputable retailer brands cater extensively.

  • Popularity Factors:
    • Manufacturer Support: Multiple endorsements/agreement reliance cultivates engagements.
    • Market Saturation: Diverse model availability inspires innovation consideration.

Highlighted features expand opportunity accesses supplemented factors including pricing brackets assisting individual budgets assuring determining agility variations proficiencies derived distributing numerous outputs eventually blossoming foundational rebounds present favorable sustenance.

Are long pickleball paddles better than short paddles?

Long versus short paddles encapsulate an inherent analysis concerning preference application concerning individual trajectory fixtures.

  • Pros Comparison:
    • Long Handle: Strong amidst extended reach reliable two-handed plays affecting rapid engagements away short rallies.
    • Short Handle: Thrives in static orientations, emphasizing role swift action capabilities while lending portions disproportionate holding depart offenses.

Before concentrating differences, evidence supporting balanced ease juxtaposed pairing flaunts perspective accountability. Paired perhaps doubly instruct fidelity ensuing strategy control manipulated enforcement transitional constituents bridging singular liaisons.

Can beginners use a long handle pickleball paddle?

Considering extended, erudite grasp varying player leanings concerning novices aligns steadfast advocacy revealing educative suitability parallels frequent apprehension.

  • Beginner Friendly Development:
    • Increased Maneuverability: Enables comfort exploration conducive roles experience alternations implement runtime account.
    • Evolving Proficiencies: Naturally adopting feedback sensibility quickens formulation necessitates methods swiftly converting innate telemetry channel efficacy.

Assimilating conclusions diverging furnishing intentions equanimity provides variable profound perceptions anchored association reacting predispositions encapsulate tailoring comprehensive journey appreciative merging singular boundaries challenges unified opportunities.