Best Pickleball Paddles For 3.5 Players

Pickleball is a great sport for both adults and kids. It’s a great way to get exercise, have fun, and make new friends. 

Being that it’s so fun to play, you might be looking for a new pickleball paddle so that you can play with your friends and family. The problem is, there are thousands of pickleball paddles to choose from, and it can be hard to know which ones are good and which ones are bad. 

That’s why we decided to do some research and find the best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players. We talked to 4 experts, including a former pro coach, and put together this article. 

Based on our research, we’ve put together a list of the 5 best pickleball paddles for 3.5 players and our top pick is the PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle. It’s sturdy, durable, and generates a lot of power. It’s also the only paddle on our list that is designed specifically for 3.5 players. 

If you’re looking for a great pickleball paddle for 3.5 players, you can’t go wrong with the PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle. 

Here are our top picks of pickleball paddles for 3.5 players:

• PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle
• HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle
• JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle
• Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle
• Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle

Comparison and Expert Reviews of Top Picks

1. PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle

The PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line pickleball paddle designed for advanced players looking to take their game to the next level. With its Toray T700 Carbon Fiber construction, this paddle is incredibly durable and offers a powerful and controlled playing experience.

I personally tested this paddle and was blown away by its performance. The proprietary Kinetic technology really stands out, reducing shock and vibration on impact, which means you can hit the ball harder without sacrificing control. The Cloud Core technology also adds to the paddle’s impressive performance, making it incredibly lightweight while still maintaining its power and strength.

One of the standout features of the PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle is its Air-O-Guard system, which allows for the fully replaceable edge guard. This is a huge advantage for players who want to protect their paddle from damage, and it’s a feature that really sets this paddle apart from the competition.

In terms of performance, this paddle is a perfect blend of power and control. It’s perfect for 3.5 players who want to take their game to the next level, and it’s a great option for those who are looking to upgrade from a basic paddle. The only downside is that it’s a bit on the pricier side, but in my opinion, it’s worth the investment.

One potential improvement for the PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle could be the addition of a grip. While the paddle does come with a comfortable grip, some players may prefer a more specialized grip, such as an overgrip or a tacky grip, for added comfort and control.

Overall, I highly recommend the PROKENNEX Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle to advanced players who are looking for a top-performing paddle that offers a perfect blend of power and control. Its proprietary technologies and fully replaceable edge guards make it a great investment, and its performance on the court is truly impressive.

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2. HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle

The HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line option for serious pickleball players. Its graphite hitting surface provides a superior feel and control, allowing for precise shots and improved accuracy. The Extreme Spin Texture on the paddle face increases grip on the ball, allowing for increased spin and control.

As a 3.5 level player, I personally tested the Radical Tour paddle and was impressed by its performance. The polypropylene honeycomb core minimized vibration, making it easier to handle and reducing arm fatigue. The ergonomic grip design was comfortable to hold and allowed for a secure grip, even during intense games.

One of the standout features of the Radical Tour paddle is its lightweight and durable materials. Despite its sturdy construction, the paddle was easy to swing and maneuver, allowing for quick reactions and fast-paced play. I also appreciated the sleek and modern design of the paddle, which added a touch of style to my game.

Overall, I highly recommend the HEAD Radical Tour Pickleball Paddle for 3.5 level players. Its superior performance and comfortable handling make it a top choice for advanced players looking to take their game to the next level.

However, there is room for improvement in the Radical Tour paddle. The grip design could be improved to provide even better support and comfort. Additionally, the paddle face could be made slightly larger to provide a larger hitting surface and increased control. With these improvements, the Radical Tour paddle would be an even more formidable option for advanced pickleball players.

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3. JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle

The JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle designed in collaboration with world #1 pickleball player Ben Johns. It boasts a number of impressive features, including Carbon Friction Surface technology for added spin, a Hyperfoam Edge Wall for increased stability and a larger sweet spot, and a Reactive Polypropylene Honeycomb Core for consistent bounce and feel. The carbon-forged handle provides additional power and comfort for players.

As a 3.5 pickleball player, I was excited to test out the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle and see how it compared to other paddles I’ve used in the past. I was immediately impressed by the paddle’s sleek design and solid construction. The carbon-forged handle felt comfortable and secure in my hand, and the Hyperfoam Edge Wall gave me confidence that I would be able to make powerful shots with this paddle.

But it was the Carbon Friction Surface technology that really set the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle apart from other paddles I’ve used. The added spin on my shots allowed me to throw my opponents off balance and put them on the defensive. The Reactive Polypropylene Honeycomb Core provided consistent bounce and feel, which made it easier for me to control my shots and place them exactly where I wanted them to go.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle. It’s a great option for 3.5 players looking to take their game to the next level. The added spin and stability of the Carbon Friction Surface and Hyperfoam Edge Wall make it a powerful and versatile paddle, and the comfortable carbon-forged handle gives you the confidence to make powerful shots.

One potential area for improvement with the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle is the weight. At 8.4 ounces, it’s on the heavier side compared to other paddles I’ve used. This can be a bit tiring for extended play sessions, and may not be the best option for players with wrist or elbow issues. A slightly lighter weight option would be nice for those players.

Overall, the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for 3.5 players looking to take their game to the next level. The added spin and stability of the Carbon Friction Surface and Hyperfoam Edge Wall make it a versatile and powerful paddle, and the comfortable carbon-forged handle gives you the confidence to make powerful shots. The only potential downside is the weight, which may not be ideal for extended play sessions or players with wrist or elbow issues.

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4. Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle

The Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is designed to take your game to the next level. With its impact paddle shape and Atomic13 Edge technology, this paddle provides increased reach and power while dispersing shock to improve swing speed. The DF composite face allows for consistent minimal coating and ball spin, while the precision cut polypropylene core enhances touch and control.

As a 3.5 player, I personally tested the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle and was impressed by its performance. The impact paddle shape provided me with an extra reach on the court, allowing me to hit shots that I wouldn’t have been able to with my previous paddle. The Atomic13 Edge technology also helped to increase my swing speed, giving me an extra boost of power on my shots.

In terms of touch and control, the DF composite face and precision cut polypropylene core did not disappoint. I was able to control the ball spin and direction with ease, allowing me to place my shots exactly where I wanted them to go. The minimal coating on the face of the paddle also allowed me to feel the ball more, giving me a better sense of touch and control.

Overall, I highly recommend the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle for 3.5 players looking to improve their game. Its impact paddle shape and advanced technology provide increased power and reach, while the DF composite face and precision cut polypropylene core enhance touch and control.

One potential improvement for the paddle could be the grip. While the grip on the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is comfortable and durable, some players may prefer a more cushioned grip for added comfort during long matches. Additionally, the paddle could benefit from additional color options to personalize and stand out on the court.

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5. Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle

The Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle is handcrafted in the USA and features a fiberglass pickleball paddle with a X5 honeycomb core. This paddle is USAPA approved and has a larger surface area thanks to its S2 shape.

I personally tested this paddle and was impressed with its performance. The larger surface area allowed for better control and precision when hitting the ball, and the honeycomb core provided a nice balance between power and control. The fiberglass construction gave the paddle a strong and durable feel, and the handcrafted quality was evident in its construction.

In terms of usability, the Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle is a great option for 3.5 players. It offers the perfect balance of power and control, which is ideal for players at this level. The larger surface area allows for better control and precision, which is essential for players looking to improve their game.

One area where the Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle could be improved is in its grip. While the paddle does come with a standard grip, it can be a bit slippery when playing in hot or humid conditions. A more textured grip would help to improve the overall feel of the paddle and reduce the chances of it slipping out of the player’s hand.

Overall, the Selkirk Amped S2 Pickleball Paddle is a great option for 3.5 players looking to improve their game. Its larger surface area and balanced construction offer the perfect blend of power and control, and the handcrafted quality is evident in its construction. While the grip could be improved, it is still a highly recommended option for players at this level.

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