Best Long Handle Pickleball Paddles

As someone who lives on the court, testing equipment isn’t just a job—it’s how I gain a competitive edge. Over the last six months, I’ve put nearly two dozen models through rigorous testing, focusing specifically on how these extended-reach frames perform during fast-paced doubles. Finding the right gear, especially the best long handle pickleball paddles, is essential for players relying on a two-handed backhand or seeking maximum reach for deep drives and defensive blocks. The 2025 lineup showcases incredible advances in thermoforming and raw carbon surfaces, offering players a fantastic blend of power and refined touch, something I deeply appreciate when the pressure is mounting during tournament play.

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TENVINA Pickleball Paddles, Multi-Layer T700SC Textured Carbon Fiber

The TENVINA Multi-Layer paddle combines multiple cutting-edge technologies into a cohesive, high-performance design, making it an immediate standout during my testing sessions. The seamless integration of advanced T700SC carbon materials across several layers creates a performance profile that addresses the common need for high-end spin generation without sacrificing paddle durability—a real issue with earlier raw carbon models. This paddle felt incredibly lively, yet surprisingly stable, especially during heavy baseline exchanges.

Key Specifications:
– Surface Material: Multi-Layer T700SC Textured Carbon Fiber
– Core Material: THC Polymer Honeycomb Core
– Core Thickness: Available in 13mm and 16mm
– Shape: Elongated (THRUST) or Wide (POISE)
– Grip Length: Designed for comfort and wrist rotation (length varies by shape)

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: The 16mm core option provided beautiful plushness, making third-shot drops land exactly where intended. The THC core effectively dampens unwanted vibration, giving confidence when dinking at the kitchen line.
– Power & Drive: The multi-layer structure allows for noticeable power generation. Serves and deep drives had great pop, feeling less mushy than traditional poly-core paddles.
– Spin Generation: The superior matte texture grips the ball aggressively, leading to high-RPM topspin on drives and excellent backspin control on resets.
– Sweet Spot Size: Excellent sweet spot, particularly on the wider POISE shape, which handled off-center hits remarkably well during quick volleys.

Strengths
– Highly durable surface material maintained grit even after extended use.
– Exceptional feel and stability due to the multi-layer construction.
– Versatile paddle offering both elongated (power/reach) and wide (defense/sweet spot) options.

Limitations
– The high friction surface may require more consistent cleaning to maintain peak spin performance.

Ideal For: Intermediate to Advanced Players. Perfect for those who want a high-spin, carbon-fiber paddle but need the stability and comfort of a standard polymer core. Excellent choice for players focusing on consistency and power variation.

Nightblade Pickleball Paddle Trusted by Tina Pisnik

When testing the Nightblade paddle, immediate observations revealed a solid, premium construction focused squarely on the competitive 4.0+ player. Its performance across varied game situations—from quick hands battles at the net to deep, heavy drives—was consistently backed by a material selection prioritizing consistency and responsiveness. The foam-filled core is a standout feature, lending a remarkably connected feel that true competitors demand.

Key Specifications:
– Surface Material: Endura Friction Surface (T700 Raw Carbon/Polyester/Teflon blend)
– Core Material: 14mm Foam-Filled Polymer Honeycomb Core
– Grip Length: 5.8 inches (Long Handle)
– Grip Circumference: 4.125 inches
– Approval: UPA-A & USAPA Approved

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: The foam injection significantly reduces vibration, offering phenomenal feedback for soft game maneuvers. Dinks felt deliberate and controlled, crucial for winning tight kitchen exchanges.
– Power & Drive: Despite the relatively thin 14mm profile, the foam-filled core adds stiffness, boosting ball exit speed. This is fantastic for fast counterattacks and aggressive overhead smashes.
– Spin Generation: The Endura Friction Surface truly delivers on spin; it feels like the ball stays on the paddle just a fraction of a second longer, allowing for maximum topspin manipulation.
– Sweet Spot Size: The foam injection extends the responsive area right up to the edge, making the paddle feel larger than its dimensions suggest.

Strengths
– Optimal 5.8″ long handle is fantastic for players utilizing a two-handed backhand.
– Foam-filled core provides a unique blend of controlled power and enhanced impact feel.
– Endorsed by a pro, confirming its tournament-ready status.

Limitations
– The 14mm thickness might feel too firm for players accustomed to ultra-plush 16mm control paddles.

Ideal For: Competitive 4.0+ Players and Tennis Crossovers. This paddle is designed for fast counterattacks and high-spin play. If you rely on the reach and stability of a long handle for your two-handed backhand, this paddle is a match made in heaven.

JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 Pickleball Paddle

Players often struggle to find equipment that truly balances control with aggressive power—and the JOOLA Hyperion CAS 16 solves this directly. Its design philosophy addresses common court frustrations through a strategic composition that focuses on hybrid performance. As the signature paddle of the world’s number one player, its pedigree immediately suggests consistency and high-level playability, which I certainly experienced.

Key Specifications:
– Surface Material: Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS)
– Core Material: Response Polypropylene Honeycomb Core
– Core Thickness: 16mm
– Grip Length: Elongated Sure-Grip
– Key Technology: Hybrid-Ply Technology layering

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: The thicker 16mm Response core is a maestro of the soft game. Control is truly surgical for third-shot drops and blocks. The paddle absorbs incoming pace brilliantly.
– Power & Drive: While thicker cores generally dampen power, the proprietary Hybrid-Ply layering ensures that drives still generate significant speed without feeling uncontrollable. Excellent consistency on mid-court transitional shots.
– Spin Generation: The Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS) technology is a spin monster. The sand-blasting process creates a hyper-textured feel that allowed me to impart heavy topspin, making opponents misjudge ball trajectory consistently.
– Sweet Spot Size: Large and forgiving, benefiting from the consistent 16mm core structure.

Strengths
– Best-in-class control and vibration dampening for highly technical players.
– CAS surface generates elite-level spin for dictating play.
– Elongated, comfortable handle with Sure-Grip technology reduces slippage during long matches.

Limitations
– The 16mm core slightly reduces outright, raw speed compared to 13mm or 14mm power paddles.

Ideal For: Advanced Control Players and High-Level Competitors. This paddle is for those who prioritize precise ball placement, consistent soft game execution, and dominating with spin rather than brute force.

YVmove Pickleball Paddle with T700 Raw Carbon Fiber

In today’s competitive paddle market, the YVmove Storm 007 stands out through specification choices traditionally reserved for much higher price points. The engineering refinements are immediately apparent during extended play, positioning this model as a meaningful upgrade for serious players. The combination of aerospace-grade carbon and advanced thermoforming provides a stability that few paddles can match.

Key Specifications:
– Surface Material: T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Surface (Textured Teflon)
– Core Material: 16mm STR-Core Power Polymer Core
– Key Technology: Glueless Thermoforming Engineering, Triangular Handle Joint
– Layering: 6-Layer UltraWeave

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: The 16mm core provides an excellent cushion. Resets and drops are highly consistent. The paddle maintains a connected feel despite the rigidity added by the thermoformed construction.
– Power & Drive: This paddle is a weapon on deep serves and overhead smashes. The thermoformed, foam-injected edges provide massive perimeter weighting, ensuring every ounce of energy is transferred efficiently.
– Spin Generation: The laser-engraved Teflon texture pattern enhanced spin consistently throughout my testing. This paddle offers impressive friction, allowing for sharp angles and dipping topspin shots.
– Sweet Spot Size: The 6-Layer UltraWeave technology truly expands the effective hitting area, reducing mis-hits near the edge.

Strengths
– Patented triangular handle joint drastically increases handle durability—a major plus for two-handed backhands.
– Exceptional power and stability due to true thermoforming and edge-foam injection.
– Top-tier T700 raw carbon surface at a highly competitive price point.

Limitations
– The paddle tends to run slightly head-heavy due to the perimeter weighting, which may require a small adjustment period for quick net exchanges.

Ideal For: Aggressive Intermediate to Advanced Players. Ideal for those who love the consistency and spin of raw carbon but require the massive power potential provided by modern thermoforming technology. Excellent value for performance.

TENVINA Pickleball Paddles, Professional Thermoformed Pickle Ball Paddle

The HERCULES PRO is TENVINA’s answer to the need for pure, unadulterated power married with high-end control. This model utilizes professional thermoformed technology, fusing the carbon face and core together and injecting foam into the edges. This process drastically increases stiffness and sweet spot size, delivering the kind of “pop” that aggressive players crave when executing high-velocity drives and attacking volleys.

Key Specifications:
– Surface Material: 4 Layers Hot-Pressed T700SC Friction Carbon Fiber
– Core Material: THC Polymer Honeycomb Control Core
– Key Technology: Thermoformed Power with Foam Injection
– Shape/Grip: Available in Elongated THRUST (140mm grip) and Wide POISE (133mm grip)

Performance & Features:
– Control & Touch: The core provides excellent feel, yet the thermoformed rigidity means soft shots require fine-tuned touch. It’s more of a powerful touch than a plush touch.
– Power & Drive: Unmatched power. The thermoforming means the paddle is rock solid, translating nearly all input energy into ball speed. Drives explode off the surface, making it easier to earn weak replies from the baseline.
– Spin Generation: The four layers of hot-pressed carbon fiber composite ensure high friction and durability, generating significant topspin that dips aggressively onto the opponent’s side.
– Sweet Spot Size: The foam injection at the perimeter significantly stabilizes the paddle, expanding the playable sweet spot and forgiving slight off-center impacts.

Strengths
– Extreme power and stiffness thanks to the thermoformed construction.
– Long 140mm grip option (THRUST shape) perfectly accommodates the two-handed backhand.
– Excellent durability and resistance to edge chipping.

Limitations
– The stiffness makes it slightly less forgiving for beginners; precision control requires a more advanced player’s hands.

Ideal For: Power-Focused Advanced Players and Tournament Competitors. If your goal is to hit heavy, fast drives and dominate with raw pace, the stiffness and elongated handle of the THRUST shape are perfectly suited for your game.

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Comparison Insights

When looking across these top-tier best long handle pickleball paddles, three models stood out as the leaders for distinct competitive advantages: the JOOLA Hyperion, the Nightblade, and the YVmove Storm 007.

The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 is the undisputed king of consistency and calculated spin. Its 16mm Response core and softer feel makes it exceptionally forgiving and dampening for controlled dinking and resets, making it ideal for players who win matches through strategy and placement. Where the JOOLA might slightly give up raw power, it makes up for in surgical precision.

In contrast, the Nightblade Pickleball Paddle (endorsed by Tina Pisnik) carves out a niche for speed and responsiveness, thanks to its 14mm Foam-Filled Core. This paddle is significantly quicker and stiffer than the JOOLA, offering better hand speed for fast net exchanges. The 5.8″ handle is noticeably long and perfectly suited for tennis players transitioning to pickleball who demand a true two-handed backhand space. It offers superior pop on volleys compared to the plush JOOLA.

Finally, the YVmove Storm 007 is the current performance value champion, specifically due to its true thermoformed construction and T700 carbon fiber surface. While the Nightblade has great pop, the YVmove delivers maximum, explosive power on drives and overheads because of its edge foam and rigid fusion. It’s the most powerful paddle of the top three but requires slightly tighter control mechanics than the forgiving JOOLA. The YVmove is best for the player who wants professional-grade thermoformed power without the professional price tag.

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What to Look for When Buying Best Long Handle Pickleball Paddles

When evaluating the best long handle pickleball paddles, performance goes beyond basic weight; it’s about how that reach translates into winning shots.

Key features and specifications to consider

The handle length is obviously paramount, usually measuring 5.5 inches or longer, ensuring space for a two-handed backhand grip. You must also evaluate Core Thickness (13mm for power, 16mm for control), and Surface Material (T700 Raw Carbon is the industry standard for maximum spin). Look for advanced construction features like thermoforming or foam injection which stabilize the paddle edges and expand the sweet spot, dramatically improving power consistency.

Performance factors that matter

For extended-reach paddles, consistency on third-shot drops is critical; the elongated shape can shift the center of mass. The key performance factor is how the added length impacts swing speed and stability. Longer paddles often increase swing weight, boosting power but potentially slowing reaction time at the net. Choose a paddle where the weight is distributed well (often achieved via perimeter weighting) to maintain a fast hand speed.

Types of Best Long Handle Pickleball Paddles Explained

Paddles with long handles generally fall into specific performance categories based on core construction.

Different categories/types available

The main differentiation is between Raw Carbon Friction Paddles (focus on maximum spin and control) and Thermoformed Power Paddles (focus on perimeter stability and explosive speed). Long handle paddles typically favor the elongated shape (16.5 inches total length), prioritizing reach over width.

Which type suits different playing styles

Players who rely heavily on control, resets, and high topspin manipulation will benefit most from a non-thermoformed, thick (16mm) raw carbon paddle (like the JOOLA Hyperion). Aggressive power players and baseline grinders who utilize a two-handed backhand for pace should opt for a thermoformed, elongated model (like the YVmove or TENVINA Pro) for maximum drive power.

Skill level and budget considerations

Beginners seeking reach should choose a standard poly-core long handle paddle that is 16mm thick for maximum forgiveness. Intermediate players can step up to T700 raw carbon for spin without the high cost of thermoforming. Advanced players should invest in high-end thermoformed models for competitive advantages in power and perimeter weighting.

Finding Your Ideal Best Long Handle Pickleball Paddles

Start by considering your playing context:
– Tournament competition vs. recreational play
– Indoor court vs. outdoor environment
– Competitive vs. casual play style

Key Buying Considerations

Evaluate these important factors:
– Performance metrics that match your goals (Do you need max power or max control?)
– Budget alignment with your priorities (Thermoforming technology increases cost substantially)
– Longevity and durability expectations (Raw carbon must maintain its grit; thermoforming ensures structural integrity)
– Compatibility with current equipment (Do you need a grip size that allows for overgrip application?)

Options by Player Profile

Different players need different things. Here’s what matters for beginners, intermediate players, and advanced competitors.

• Beginners: Focus on 16mm core thickness for forgiveness and stability. Look for a forgiving sweet spot.
• Intermediate Players: Prioritize spin generation (T700 raw carbon) and an adequate handle length (5.5″+) to refine your two-handed backhand technique.
• Advanced Competitors: Must look for thermoforming for maximum stiffness and power consistency under pressure, ensuring the paddle meets USAPA/UPA-A certifications for tournament play.

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Final Verdict

Choosing among the best long handle pickleball paddles comes down to balancing raw power versus surgical control. After extensive court testing, here are the clear rankings for 2025:

Best Overall: JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 Pickleball Paddle

The Hyperion offers the most consistent, repeatable performance for high-level competitive play. Its Carbon Abrasion Surface is unparalleled for spin, and the 16mm core provides the forgiveness needed for tough resets in match play. It’s the closest you can get to professional reliability.

Best Value: YVmove Pickleball Paddle with T700 Raw Carbon Fiber

The YVmove Storm 007 delivers high-end thermoformed power and spin generation at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. The advanced handle joint technology is a bonus for durability, making this the best choice for aggressive players seeking premium features on a reasonable budget.

Best for Power & Two-Handed Backhand: Nightblade Pickleball Paddle Trusted by Tina Pisnik

For the specific player needing a fast, long handle (5.8″) to execute a powerful two-handed backhand or rapid volleys, the 14mm foam-filled core of the Nightblade is the answer. It’s light in the hands but stiff under impact, translating to incredible speed and pop at the net.

Key Takeaways:

• For the Spin Maestro: Choose the JOOLA Hyperion for maximum control and spin manipulation in the soft game.
• For the Baseline Power Hitter: The YVmove Storm 007 provides the thermoformed power needed to dominate deep exchanges.
• For Enhanced Reach and Defensive Play: The TENVINA Multi-Layer (POISE shape) offers the largest sweet spot and great defensive stability.
• Handle Length is Critical: Confirm the grip length (5.5″ to 5.8″) accommodates your preferred hand spacing for the two-handed shot.

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Common Questions About Best Long Handle Pickleball Paddles

What Are the Best Long Handle Pickleball Paddles for Players With a Tennis Background?

Players with a tennis background often rely on a powerful two-handed backhand and require an elongated paddle that feels similar to a tennis racquet handle. The Nightblade Paddle, with its 5.8-inch handle length, is exceptionally well-suited for this profile, providing the necessary space and stability required to generate power using traditional tennis mechanics.

How Does a Long Handle Affect My Ability to Dink at the Kitchen Line?

A longer handle generally means the overall paddle face is shorter (due to USAPA regulations limiting total length to 17 inches), slightly shifting the sweet spot higher up the paddle face. While this provides excellent reach for wide defensive blocks, it can sometimes feel slightly awkward when executing delicate dinks, demanding precise contact point control closer to the tip of the paddle.

Is Thermoforming Technology Worth the Investment for Pickleball Paddles?

Yes, for competitive players, thermoforming technology is generally worth the investment. This manufacturing process fuses the surface and core together and often includes foam injection into the edges, dramatically increasing the paddle’s structural integrity, perimeter weighting, stability, and, most notably, power potential compared to standard paddles.

What Is the Ideal Grip Circumference for an Elongated Paddle?

Most long handle paddles maintain a standard grip circumference between 4.125 inches and 4.375 inches. The ideal circumference should allow your fingertips to just meet when gripping the paddle. Many advanced players prefer a slightly smaller initial grip (like 4.125″) to allow for customization using an overgrip, which also helps absorb moisture during long matches.

Does the Raw Carbon Surface Wear Off Quickly on Long Handle Paddles?

Modern T700 raw carbon fiber surfaces are significantly more durable than earlier graphite or fiberglass paddles. However, the high-friction texture responsible for spin generation can gradually wear down, especially if the paddle frequently scrapes the court surface. To maintain spin, look for advanced finishes like the multi-layer composition of TENVINA or the Teflon coatings used on the Nightblade, which are designed for competitive longevity.