The 7 Best Elongated Pickleball Paddles

The 7 Best Elongated Pickleball Paddles

Elongated pickleball paddles are a popular choice for players looking to get a little extra edge on the pickleball court. With a longer paddle, you can reach balls that were once unreachable and miss fewer shots! We set out to find the best-elongated paddles on the market so you can get everything you want and more from your new paddle purchase.

Best Elongated Paddles for Every Player

Best Elongated Pickleball Paddle

Gamma Needle

When we were researching to find the best-elongated pickleball paddles, one clearly stood above the rest. The Gamma Needle is the first elongated version ever produced by Gamma. It’s safe to say they got it right on the first try! 

This design takes into consideration the common short fallings of other elongated paddles and works to correct those issues.

A lot of elongated paddles are top-heavy due to the length, but this is well-balanced and maintains a sweet spot that’s perfectly centered. The patented Sensa Poly Core technology provides excellent touch and makes it easier than ever to hit dinks at sharp, well-controlled angles.

The paddle face is made of textured graphite that enhances ball bite and improves your ability to get precise ball placement at the baseline. The handle features a signature Gamma honeycomb cushion grip that maintains comfort and hand placement while you play. 

Players who have tried this paddle say it feels like an extension of your body on the court.

What else makes this the best-elongated pickleball paddle? The price of just $119! You can experience some of the best pickleball technology that’s suitable for all skill levels without spending upwards of $200.

Pros: 

  • Balanced design with a sweet spot in the center of the paddle face
  • Textured face for enhanced ball spin
  • Honeycomb cushion grip
  • USAPA-approved

Cons:

  • The paddle is only available in one weight with an average weight of 7.6 ounces. This is lighter than what some players prefer.

Engage Poach Infinity LX Blade

Runner Up

This was a close second on our list of the best-elongated pickleball paddles. The Poach Infinity LX Blade is the new and improved version of the Poach Extreme pickleball paddle from Engage. 

The newly designed paddle is meant for players who want a soft touch with excellent control and ball spin without compromising power.

A 6-layer skin on the paddle face uses variable release technology that produces more power the faster you swing. Variable flex technology creates a forgiving paddle by flexing at the point of impact in the sweet spot. The paddle’s polymer core mitigates vibration and works to prevent tennis elbow.

Best Elongated Paddle for Spin

Engage Pursuit LX Blade

To achieve good ball spin, you need a paddle responsive to even the smallest movements. Engage has called their Pursuit LX Blade the most responsive on the market! 

A proprietary graphite skin covers the paddle face. The texture is built into the skin, not just an overlay on top. That means that the texture will last as long as the paddle does! 

It was also designed specifically to work with the Engage Black Core, which is the softest, most forgiving core in the industry. The combination of the two makes for a long paddle that brings reimagined spin, feel, and control to your pickleball game.

Pros: 

  • Ultra softcore is forgiving
  • Textured face improves ball spin and control
  • Responsive, well-balanced design
  • USAPA approved

Cons:

  • The steep price point of $219
  • Only one color is currently available
  • Some buyers have experience shipping delays due to the high demand
 Pursuit LX Graphite paddle

Best Sweet Spot

ProLite Chrome NRG

The ProLite Chrome NRG is one of the most popular oversized paddles on the market today. The unique shape of the paddle head creates a larger sweet spot that’s easier to hit. When the ball does contact the sweet spot, be prepared for a lot of power in your shot! 

The triple-layer surface adds durability and keeps the ball on the paddle face a bit longer on impact, so you can have improved control over where the ball is going. A polymer honeycomb core absorbs the shock of the ball and prevents uncomfortable vibrations that travel up the paddle handle. A black poly MicroEdge guard protects the edge against wearing.

If you play competitively, the ProLite Chrome NRG is USAPA approved for sanctioned tournament play. This paddle is reasonably priced at $129.95, with plenty of positive reviews and endorsements from the pickleball community.

Pros: 

  • Green Zone approved for noise-restricted courts
  • Made in the USA
  • USAPA Approved
  • Durable triple-layer surface
  • Polymer honeycomb QuadCore

Cons:

  • More suitable for singles play than doubles
  • Minimal stock – many online retailers who carry this paddle are regularly sold out
  • It may be difficult for a beginner to control

Best Budget Elongated Paddle

Hudef Elongated Lightweight Paddle

Shopping for a pickleball paddle on a budget can be discouraging when you see pickleball paddles priced as high as $200 and above. Luckily, there are a few budget-friendly brands that continue to produce high-quality pickleball paddles at an affordable price point. 

This elongated paddle from Hudef shares many of the same characteristics as other elongated paddles on this list, but the paddle costs just $54.99. 

The lightweight design is USAPA approved for tournament play. A graphite face is ultra-durable, and the balanced design makes it easy to get an incredible touch on the ball. You can feel confident and comfortable no matter how sweaty the game gets, thanks to the super soft anti-slip handle. 

There isn’t any added texture on the paddle face, so it may not be a good fit for players who like to put a lot of spin on the ball. The price point may be low, but the overall quality of this pickleball paddle can be felt from the first use.

Pros: 

  • Affordable for all skill levels
  • Lightweight design
  • USAPA approved
  • Ulta durable graphite face
  • Super soft anti-slip handle

Cons:

  • A lighter paddle design limits the power
  • No added grit to improve ball spin

Best Lightweight Elongated Paddle

Paddletek Helo

The Helo pickleball paddle from PaddleTek has something you won’t find in most elongated pickleball paddles; a shorter handle length. This is the lightest paddle on our list, with an average weight range of 6.8 to 7.5 ounces. Lightweight paddles offer better control while minimizing the risk of tennis elbow, muscle fatigue, and discomfort.

When you combine the paddle shape, weight, and grip, you’ll find that this elongated paddle feels a lot like an oversized ping-pong paddle! Players who have ping pong experience will be able to hold their pickleball paddle in the same way for improved ball control and power.

The ProPolyCore dampens sound and vibrations. Another thing that’s unique to the Helo elongated paddle is the grip size. Compared to other paddles, the grip is larger. Keep this in mind before purchasing. 

If you have big hands, it will likely be very comfortable to use! If you have small hands, however, it’s probably best to find a different elongated pickleball paddle.

The Helo paddle from PaddleTek is one of the more affordable paddles from the brand at $97.99.

Pros: 

  • A shorter grip length allows for ping-pong-style holds
  • Comfortable middleweight elongated paddle
  • ProPolyCore absorbs the impact of the ball
  • Less than $100
  • USAPA Approved

Cons:

  • Some players don’t like the shorter grip
  • The grip circumference may not be comfortable if you have small hands

Best for Power

OneShot Powershot 2.0 Paddle

A lot of people turn to elongated pickleball paddles because they want more power on the pickleball court. If you’re in the same boat, the OneShot Powershot 2.0 elongated paddle could be the solution you’ve been looking for. 

A fiberglass composite face is durable and highly textured for an improved spin from the large sweet spot. Move confidently with the comfort grip and a polypropylene honeycomb core that dampens sound. 

This sleek, stylish paddle offers incredible versatility for all skill levels. This is a good option if you’re shopping for your first elongated paddle because it works for most players.

If you suffer from arthritis or tennis elbow, using a heavy paddle for power can worsen the condition. This paddle has not been approved for USAPA tournament play, but it’s a great option for casual and unsanctioned play. You don’t have to spend a lot to score this paddle, either. It’s priced at just $100.

Pros: 

  • Powerful and versatile
  • Pro-grade fiberglass composite face 
  • Highly textured for improved ball spin
  • Polypropylene honeycomb core
  • Comfort grip

Cons:

  • It is a heavier paddle that isn’t suitable for everyone
  • Not approved for USAPA tournament play

Best for Beginners

Amped Omni X5 FiberFlex Paddle

If you’ve never used a longer paddle before, choosing one that’s beginner-friendly will set your game up for success. The Amped Omni X5 FiberFlex Paddle from Selkirk is suitable for all skill levels, including beginners. The paddle’s fiberglass face offers a broad sweet spot while the X5 core dampens sound and vibration.

A slightly shorter handle allows for better stability and wrist action, which isn’t the case with most elongated paddles. You can decide how much the paddle weighs with lightweight and standard weight variations available. 

The low-profile edge guard will make your paddle more durable without disrupting the sweet spot, and a perforated cushion grip wicks away sweat while keeping your grip comfortable.

Another thing that makes this one of the best-elongated pickleball paddles is the ability to choose between a thin or medium grip circumference. By having the right grip circumference for your hand size, you’ll experience better ball control and improved comfort on the court. 

There are 11 color variations to choose from, so pickleball players can let their personality shine! Get it all for just $149.99, and you’ll have a paddle that can move with you as you improve your skills.

Pros:

  • Sweat-wicking cushioned comfort grip
  • Light and standard weights are available
  • Multiple grip sizes to choose from
  • USAPA approved
  • Shorter handle for improved stability

Cons:

  • A shorter handle is not preferred by all players
  • The elongated design creates a more narrow surface area

Elongated Paddle Buying Guide

Elongated Paddle Buying Guide

Paddle Weight

Elongated pickleball paddles can come in light, medium, and heavy-weight designs. There isn’t one weight that’s better than the others. It all depends on your playing style and paddle preferences. 

Lightweight paddles are easier to control and provide a better touch on the ball, but it can be hard to make power shots. Heavy paddles make power shots effortless, but you lose some of the precision control you get from lighter paddles.

Midweight paddles are the middle ground that offers a balance of power and control. These paddles are the most popular and the most versatile during gameplay. If you’re unsure what weight you need, start with a midweight paddle and adjust accordingly.

Cost

There’s no need to break the bank to get a good elongated pickleball paddle. While competitive players can benefit from a pricier paddle, it isn’t necessary to build skills or even win! 

Filter your elongated paddle search by cost to find a paddle that meets your needs and fits into your sports equipment budget.

Grip Size

Not all pickleball paddles have the same grip size. The grip circumference needs to properly fit your hand to avoid slippage and poor control while you play. Most players use a medium grip circumference of around 4.24”, but it will come down to the size of your hands. Visit a sporting goods store or pickleball court with paddle rentals available to hold different types of paddles for yourself and determine what feels the most natural.

Another factor of grip size is the length of the pickleball paddle handle. Standard-length handles are the most versatile, but they’re not your only option. 

Longer handles provide a further reach and are often preferred by players with tennis experience. Shorter handles feel similar to a ping pong paddle by allowing your grip to be closer to the paddle face.

Paddle Face

Your playing style will determine the best paddle face for your game. Players who like to put a spin on the ball and keep the ball on the paddle face a bit longer should look for a pickleball paddle with a textured face. The added grit is what grabs onto the ball and makes it possible to get a good ball spin.

If you’re a beginner, a textured face is less important. Not all added grit is USAPA approved, so be cautious when purchasing a paddle if you plan to use it during sanctioned tournament play.

FAQs

Are elongated pickleball paddles better?

An elongated design helps a paddle achieve further reach. They’re not necessarily better or worse than standard-shaped paddles, just different.

Are elongated pickleball paddles legal?

Some elongated paddles are legal for USAPA-sanctioned play, but not all of them.

Which elongated pickleball paddle has the largest sweet spot?

The ProLite Chrome NRG has a rounded paddle head that creates a larger sweet spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Consider the handle length, grip circumference, and surface material texture before purchasing a paddle.
  • What makes an excellent paddle for one player isn’t always a good fit for another player. Remember your playing style and experience level before purchasing.
  • An elongated shape offers better reach but takes away from the width of the hitting surface.
  • Longer paddles can be found in all price ranges.
  • Not all elongated paddles are USAPA approved.

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