8 Best Elongated Pickleball Paddles (2023)

Best Elongated Pickleball Paddles (June 2023)

Last Updated: June 15, 2023

An elongated pickleball paddle has a longer, more narrow paddle face providing advantages that some pickleball players, in particular, more experienced players find helpful. A longer paddle face provides more reach when hitting a ball making some of those hard-to-reach shots more accessible.

Some singles players prefer playing with elongated paddles because they are the best paddles for extra reach and they make it easier to hit balls that are falling just out of reach than when playing with a standard pickleball paddle.

But the feel is different than a standard paddle given the different dimensions. In general, elongated paddles are longer paddles. But, some elongated pickleball paddles have a shorter handle which is a disadvantage for players who have larger hands or like to make two-handed shots.

However, that’s not the case anymore and our thoroughly researched list of elongated paddles includes paddles with a standard 4″ ish handle and others with 5″ and longer handle. In the end, it comes down to personal preferences.

If you are a player who prefers a lighter paddle with a longer handle, our top pick is the Selkirk amped Invikta Elongated Paddle because the handle is 5.25″ and players rate the paddle high.

Selkirk is a solid manufacturer of paddles and they’ve been well respected for years. It’s amazing that the Selkirk technology has come far enough to construct a lightweight paddle and a mid-weight paddle that is also elongated and allows for great control with some power.

If you’re looking for a standard handle length but an elongated paddle, our top pick is the Gamma Compass. It’s a mid-weight paddle with a longer face, a 4 1/4″ handle, a thicker core and a larger sweet spot and Gamma is well-respected for its paddle construction.

If you’re a player who prefers a slightly heavier paddle, there are three on our list: the Vulcan V550, HUDEF Hammer and the HUDUF HB2.0. All three pickleball paddles weigh 7.9 oz. Still mid-weight paddles but a bit heavier than the other paddles on our list. If you prefer an even heavier paddle, the Gearbox CP7 has an 8.5 oz version.

Keep in mind that an elongated paddle feels different and is slightly different than playing with the standard wide-body paddles and may require a more advanced skill level to use. It’s not to say that beginner players can’t adjust but it might be a bit trickier.

What is the best pickleball paddle for your game?

Selkirk Amped Invikta Elongated Paddle

The Selkirk Amped Invikta Elongated Paddle is the best option for players who are looking for a new paddle with a long handle, great ball control with manageable power. The large sweet spot and elongated surface area provide the player with more control over their shots, while the textured fiberglass surface gives them the ability to spin the ball and put more power behind their swings.

The paddle also has a longer grip that is padded and tacky, which helps the player to maintain their grip even when they start to sweat. Additionally, the Selkirk Amped Invikta Elongated Paddle comes with a lifetime warranty, which gives the player peace of mind that they are buying a quality product.

Cons

• Textured surface provides more spin and power
• Lifetime warranty
• Paddle is lightweight, making it easy to control
• Large sweet spot for more consistent shots
• Grip is padded and tacky, helping the player to maintain their grip even when sweating
• Comes in a variety of colors

Cons

• Lightweight version might make power shots challenging for some players

Gamma Compass

Specs:

• Weight: 7.75 oz
• Face height: 16 5/8″
• Face width: 7 1/8″
• Grip size: 4 1/8″
• Handle length: 4 1/4″
• Core: Neucore Poly Core (polymer core)
• Paddle Face: Textured graphite
• Colors: white, black & red print

The Gamma Compass Pickleball paddle is designed with a honeycomb cushion grip and an elongated face for an enhanced sweet spot. This pickleball paddle is USAPA-approved for sanctioned tournament play and has NeuCore Technology for a responsive feel. The textured graphite hitting surface offers control and is well-balanced for improved accuracy. The long paddle also incorporates the latest technology which gives it a solid and fairly large sweet spot with the ability to easily apply spin. This paddle is great for serves and drives as well as dinking. If you are looking for a paddle with power and control, the Gamma Compass Pickleball paddle is a perfect choice!

• More control over your shots
• Improved accuracy
• USAPA-Approved for sanctioned tournament play
• Latest technology for a responsive feel

Pros:

1. Has a large sweet spot that makes it easy to hit the ball where you want.
2. Great for serves and drives as well as dinking.
3. Has “pop” or power which is great for both serving & returning.

Gamma Needle

Specs:

• Weight: 7.6 oz
• Face height:
• Face width:
• Grip size: 4 1/8″
• Handle length: 4 1/4″
• Core: Sensa Poly Core (polymer core)
• Paddle Face: Textured Graphite Surface
• Colors: blue/green

The Gamma Needle is the perfect paddle for those who want to improve their game. It has an industry-leading textured graphite face that enhances touch and control. It also has a 4-inch Gamma Honeycomb Cushion-Grip handle that provides extra cushion and comfort.

The Gamma Needle also has a Sensa Poly Core that enhances touch for consistent control. Additionally, the paddle is 25% thicker with a Large Cell design that enhances predictability and responsiveness. In addition, the paddle has a Honeycomb Cushion Grip for extra cushion and comfort.

Pros

• Industry-leading textured graphite paddles face for enhanced touch, control and spin
• 4 inch Gamma Honeycomb Cushion-Grip handle provides extra cushion and comfort
• USAPA approved for tournament play
• Enhanced predictability and responsiveness
• Sensa Poly Core for consistent control
• 25% thicker with large cell design for improved responsiveness and predictability
• Honeycomb Cushion Grip for extra cushion and comfort.

HEAD Radical XL

Specs:

• Weight: 7.6 oz
• Length: 17″
• Face width: 7″
• Grip size: 4 1/4″
• Core: OTC polymer honeycomb (polymer core)
• Paddle Face: Textured carbon graphite
• Colors: Black/Blue, black/red, blue

HEAD Radical XL is a great elongated pickleball paddle for those who want extra reach. The paddle has great power and vibration absorption, making it a good choice for those who want to play hard. The surface is textured, which helps put a spin on your shots. The grip is also great, as it helps keep your hand from slipping even when sweaty. The extra length is also a big plus, as it allows you to reach shots that you may have otherwise missed. Overall, the HEAD Radical XL is a great choice for those who want more power and reach.

Pros:

• More power and vibration absorption
• Nice design and texture on the surface helping with spin
• Excellent grip that prevents hand slippage

Cons:

• Paddle is a bit heavy
• Surface doesn’t provide as much bounce as some other paddles

HUDEF Hammer

Specs:

• Weight: 7.9 oz average
• Face height: 15.7″
• Face width: 7.3″
• Handle length: 4″
• Core: polypropylene honeycomb (polymer core)
• Paddle Face: Graphite
• Colors: black/white, black/gold, orange/white

The HUDEF Hammer is a high-quality pickleball paddle that is perfect for all pickleball players. It has a graphite face and a polypropylene honeycomb core, which gives it good anti-slip performance and better ball control. The paddle is also ultra-durable and features a double buffering technology that absorbs shocks and reduces fatigue. Additionally, the HUDEF Hammer has an edge guard for extra protection and a cushioned grip that absorbs sweat and increases gripping power. Lastly, the paddle is designed with unique printing technology that gives it a soft feel and excellent spin.

Pros:

• Perfect weight that helps the paddle achieve a perfect balance between touch, power and control.
• It takes less effort to hit balls in the sweet spot with this pickleball paddle
• Graphic design and printing techniques used in the making of this paddle make it unique
• The cushioned grip absorbs sweat and moisture to prevent fatigue while playing.

Cons:

• Some players may find the longer paddle, with short handle difficult to get used to
• The unique face patterns may not be for everyone

HUDEF HB2.0

Specs:

• Weight: 7.9 oz
• Face height: 16.3″
• Face width: 7″
• Handle length: 5″
• Core: Polypropylene honeycomb core (polymer core)
• Paddle Face: graphite
• Colors: blue, orange, purple, red

Looking for a high-quality pickleball paddle that is perfect for advanced players? The HUDEF HB2.0!is an excellent choice for skilled players and those who are newer to pickleball. This amazing paddle is made with a graphite face and polypropylene honeycomb core, which gives you good anti-slip performance and is twice as durable as other paddles on the market.

Additionally, the HUDEF HB2.0 features the newest double buffering technology, which provides you with a soft and comfortable grip that is also sweat absorbent.

Plus, the edge guard on this paddle protects against ground hits and provides durability.

With all these amazing features, it is no wonder that the HUDEF HB2.0 is a top choice for pickleball players of all levels. So, if you are looking for a high-quality paddle that can help take your game to the next level, the HUDEF HB2.0 is the perfect option! And, you can’t beat the low price point.

Gearbox CP7

Specs:

• Weight: 7.8 oz or 8.5 oz
• Paddle height: 16.5″
• Face width: 7.38″
• Handle length: 5.5″
• Grip size: 4″
• Core: Polypropylene honeycomb core
• Paddle Face: Unidirectional and Woven Carbon Fiber and Glass Fiber Blend
• Colors: blue/black

The Gearbox CP7 could be the right paddle for players who are looking for an elongated paddle that will help them gain a bit of an advantage when reaching for balls and with two weight options, pickleball aficionados get to choose the paddle that will work best for their playing style and needs.

Both paddles have been designed to the same specs with the exception of the weight.

The core is a 7mm x 12mm Polypropylene honeycomb with a surface material of unidirectional and woven carbon fiber and glass fiber with Gearbox’s Hyperbite Spin technology for added texture.

The combination of carbon fiber and glass fiber on the surface will make it easier for players to make power shots and maintain control – something that isn’t easily achieved with most paddles. Paddles are usually really good for power shots or for control but not many can combine the two.

For players who prefer a long handle, the Gearbox CP7 has a handle that is 5.5″ long whereas most paddles, including other elongated paddles, have a handle length between 4″ – 5″.

So if you like to make two-handed shots, have larger hands or just prefer more room on the handle, this paddle offers plenty of space. One important factor to remember is that if you prefer to put a finger on the paddle face while playing, this one may not work for you.

As is with most elongated paddles, this one is more narrow than the standard pickleball paddle. If you want to know that you can reach those balls that seem just out of reach, then this elongated paddle will definitely do the job because not only is the face longer than the standard paddle but there’s extra room on the handle.

The only real downside I see is that it might take a bit of time to get accustomed to hitting low or ground shots while avoiding hitting the ground with your paddle. This is likely the case for most players who are new to playing with an elongated paddle but with at least an extra .5″, which might make it a bit of a lengthier learning curve.

Vulcan V550 Hybrid

Specs:

• Weight: 7.9 oz (7.7-8.1 ounces)
• Paddle height: 16 3/4″
• Face width: 7″
• Handle length: 4.5″
• Grip size: 4.25″
• Core: Polypropylene honeycomb core
• Paddle Face: carbon fiber
• Colors: blue/black

The Vulcan V550 Hybrid Pickleball Paddle is long enough to cover the court thoroughly, yet it’s compact enough not to feel sluggish at the net. And with a higher-positioned sweet spot on the face, the elongated form is ideal for attacking and defending.

Living up to its hybrid design, every hit is boosted by the polypropylene core, while the carbon fiber face helps ensure precision. There are paddles on the market that will help with more power hits, the V550 provides an opportunity to hit with power while maintaining control.

Weighing 7.9 ounces on average provides enough oomph for put-aways without fatiguing your arm. Keep in mind that the handle is 4 1/2″ long with a circumference of 4 1/4″ and most players will find this is adequate room for a two-handed shot and those with larger hands will find it comfortable. Vulcan grips are well known and respected and players are extremely happy with the comfort of the grip, even with sweaty hands.

Tennis players starting out with pickleball or anybody who prefers a blade-shaped paddle will find this paddle an easy transition.

The V550 is a decent all-around paddle, but it’s really a performance paddle for more advanced players seeking for an elongated shape with extra reach and a little extra power as a function of shape and weighting.

It’s worth noting that some pickleball players report chipping on the edges when it’s not expected – or way sooner than should be happening.

• Elongated design makes it easy to cover the court and the higher-positioned sweet spot ensures control on every hit.
• Paddle weighs an average of 7.9 oz, which makes it easy to put away balls without tiring your arm.
• The handle is 4-1/2″ long with a medium grip circumference that is pleasantly cushioned.
• Polypropylene core adds strength to every hit while the carbon fiber face ensures control.

What Are The Benefits Of An Elongated Pickleball Paddle?

1. Reach: If you want to be able to grab a ball that is feeling just out of reach or like to smash above your head, an elongated paddle will give you extra reach making these hits easier.
2. Power: Some players find it easier to add power when you’re trying to place a fast, hard, long ball.
3. Handle length: Several of the elongated pickleball paddles have shorter handles which makes it easier to place a finger on the paddle face. Some players like this option because they get a larger paddle face and they like the extra bit of control they get from putting their finger on the face.

What are the disadvantages of an elongated pickleball paddle?

With extra reach, comes some disadvantages to consider. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as being less maneuverable and harder to control.

1. With a longer paddle face, you will feel a bit more resistance in your swing. This might make it more challenging to determine which paddle weight will work best.
2. Although design and technology have come a long way, some players, particularly inexperienced players, might find it takes a bit longer to adjust to hitting with an elongated paddle.
3. Another factor to consider is that with extra reach, low or ground hits become a bit trickier due to the extra length, making it easier to hit the ground when swinging.
4. Elongated paddles tend to be at the higher price point although they’re fairly in line with higher-end paddles.
5. The sweet spot will be longer and more narrow which some players find more difficult to play with.

What To Consider When Buying Your First Elongated Pickleball Paddle

Elongated pickleball paddles are not usually recommended for newer players. It’s a type of pickleball paddle that’s usually suggested for more experienced players who can adjust to paddle that is different than all other paddles.

Pickleball players who play singles sometimes prefer an elongated paddle because it gives them more reach and better court coverage.

If you decide that you want to try an elongated pickleball paddle, keep in mind:

• The handle size is often shorter which means a two-handed hit won’t be possible. However, we do have a couple of paddles on our list with longer handles which gives you the option of a two-handed hit with a longer paddle face.
• If you are a player who prefers a lighter paddle with a longer handle, our top pick is the Selkirk amped Invikta Elongated Paddle because the handle is 5.25″ and players rate the paddle high.

FAQ – Best Elongated Pickleball Paddles

Summary – Best Elongated pickleball paddles

An elongated pickleball paddle has a longer, more narrow paddle face providing advantages that some pickleball players, in particular, more experienced players find helpful.

Hopefully, you’ve found this article helpful and now have a better idea of which elongated pickleball paddle will work best for you, or maybe you’ve determined that this type of paddle isn’t right for you.

If you are a player who prefers a pickleball paddle with a longer handle, our top pick is the Selkirk amped Invikta Elongated Paddle because the handle is 5.25″ and players rate the paddle high.

Selkirk is a solid manufacturer of paddles and they’ve been well respected for years. It’s amazing that the Selkirk technology has come far enough to construct a lighter paddle and a mid-weight paddle that is also elongated and allows for great control with some power.

If you’re looking for a standard handle length but an elongated paddle, our top pick is the Gamma Compass. It’s a mid-weight paddle with a longer face, a 4 1/4″ handle, a thicker core, and a larger sweet spot and Gamma is well-respected for its paddle construction.

If you’re a player who prefers a slightly heavier paddle, there are three on our list: the Vulcan V550, HUDEF Hammer and the HUDUF HB2.0. All three pickleball paddles weigh 7.9 oz. Still mid-weight paddles but a bit heavier than the other paddles on our list. If you prefer an even heavier paddle, the Gearbox CP7 has an 8.5 oz version.

Remember, an elongated paddle feels different and is slightly different than playing with the standard wide-body paddle and may require a more advanced skill level to use. It’s not to say that beginner players can’t adjust but it might be a bit trickier.