7 Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players 2023

The transition from tennis to pickleball can be tricky for some ex-players, and it can also be difficult to find the right paddle. After all, when you’re an experienced tennis player, you want a paddle that will help you play at your best while allowing you to make the most of your tennis background.

While there are several things that should be considered when selecting a paddle, such as size and weight, here are some key factors which suit an ex-tennis player: power, spin and shape.

If your background is in tennis, then a higher power rating on the paddle will give you more control over shots and enable you to summon up greater serve speeds with ease.

Additionally, spin can also give great benefits when transitioning from tennis. With the right shape of paddle head and a domed shape, controlling spin like short angle drives or backhand slices can become easier.

Do Not Forget to Read: Latest Pickleball Paddles

Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players

List Of Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players

I recently tested multiple pickleball paddles while playing alongside former tennis players. After considering every factor imaginable- from control and power needed to the weight, shape, and size of each blade- I’ve finalised a list of the best-performing paddles for someone with a tennis background.

Not only do these picks provide ample control for manoeuvring shots around the net but they also offer enough power to hit those stellar returns.

Whether you prefer an oversized paddle or something more lightweight and compact meant for wider swings, there is sure to be an option on this list that fits your needs.

Regardless of which one you choose, now you can enter the court feeling confident knowing that with this recommended equipment in hand, you’ll have no problem mastering this amazing sport!

Franklin Sports Pro – Overall Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players

Franklin Sports Pro - Overall Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players
  • Fast, forgiving and consistent
  • Five and a quarter inch grip size perfect for two handed backhands
  • Max grit texture provides the power behind each shot
  • Flexible weight range – 7 1/2 ounces to 8 ounces
  • Great value for money – under $200
  • Great for transitioning from tennis
  • The durable outer edge, even when hitting against hard surfaces like concrete
  • It may not be the most forgiving for dinking
  • Small pieces can come loose in the core after some time.

Franklin Sports Pro is my first best Pickleball Paddle for tennis players under two hundred dollars. After playing with it on and off for several months, this paddle is ideal for someone who has come to Pickleball from a background in Tennis.

The paddle comes in two sizes – 13-millimetre core and 16-millimetre – I’ve been playing with the 13-millimetre version, which is fast, forgiving and consistent, allowing me to make accurate shots easily.

It also has a five and a quarter inch grip size which is perfect for those two handed backhands! The signature max grit texture on this one only lasted about two weeks, but it still provides plenty of power behind each shot. It may not be the most forgiving for dinking, but it’s still decent.

The grip that comes with the paddle is fine, I just added a tackier wrap on there for preference, and the weight can range from seven and a half ounces up to eight, so you can find what works best for you.

One thing I did have trouble with was small pieces coming loose in the core after some time, but apart from that, the outside edge has stayed intact even when hitting against hard surfaces like concrete.

Overall I’m really happy with this pickleball paddle! It’s great value for money, considering other competitive paddles are usually up to two hundred dollars. As a former tennis player, this Pickleball Paddle is perfect as it allows me to make accurate shots easily.

All in all, I highly recommend this paddle for anyone looking to start playing Pickleball or to upgrade their current paddle!

FeatureDescription
Handle Circumference4.25″
Paddle Length16.5″
Handle Length5.6″
Core Material13mm Polypropylene, MaxGrit technology
Weight7.5 – 8 oz
USAPA/USA Pickleball ApprovalApproved by the USAPA for competitive and tournament play
Edge GuardProtected with an edge guard

Onix Evoke Premier – Best For Long Reach For Difficult Shots

Onix Evoke Premier - Best For Long Reach For Difficult Shots
  • Composite base and polypropylene core add extra power
  • 16-inch handle length for better reach
  • 8 inches wide provides more stability
  • The light weight of 7.8 ounces makes it easy to maneuver
  • 5.0 gold medal grip for good hold on the paddle
  • The unique sweet spot that almost guarantees the accuracy
  • Allows for more powerful shots while staying within bounds
  • Does not offer much forgiveness when mishitting shots
  • It can be difficult to master, given its precision design

As a tennis player, the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is the perfect choice for transitioning to pickleball. The paddle has a composite base and polypropylene core, adding extra power to shots while providing precision and control.

The handle length is 16 inches long, which allows for a better reach on shots, while the size at 8 inches wide provides more stability to keep my shots in bounds.

The light weight of 7.8 ounces makes this paddle incredibly easy to maneuver, so I can focus on technique rather than arm strength when playing. It also comes with a 5-0 gold medal grip that helps me get a good hold on the paddle, even during long rallies or intense matches.

I especially like the sweet spot on the paddle, which makes it almost impossible to miss a shot. This means I can stay in rallies for longer and hit more powerful shots without worrying about accuracy.

The only downside I have found with this paddle is that it does not offer much forgiveness when mishitting shots, but this is something that comes with any high-performance pickleball paddle.

In conclusion, if you are a tennis player looking for the perfect pickleball paddle, then Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is just what you need. With its lightweight and precise design, you can take your game to the next level.

Its unique sweet spot also ensures maximum accuracy and power even during intense rallies or matches so that you can stay in the game for longer. The only downside is that it does not offer much forgiveness when mishitting shots, but this is something that comes with any high-performance pickleball paddle.

I recommend the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle to any tennis player transitioning into pickleball. It has made my game more enjoyable, and I’m sure it will do the same for you!

FeatureDescription
Paddle Shape16″ x 8″
SizeStandard weight
Shaft MaterialAluminum
Core MaterialPolypropylene
Weight7.8 ounces
BaseComposite

Electrum Model E – Best for Control and Forgiveness Combine

Electrum Model E - Best for Control and Forgiveness Combine
  • Elongated shape for excellent feel and forgiveness
  • Medium spin rating for more control over shots
  • Core thickness with impressive sweet spot size
  • Heavier weight for great stability
  • Accurate shots at different angles
  • Sweetspot size, along with great spin rating and accuracy
  • High price tag
  • Heavier weight can be a bit tiring after long rallies

I recently purchased the Electrum Model E Pickleball Paddle for myself, and I am quite impressed. As a former tennis player, I was looking for something that combined control and forgiveness like my old racquet had provided me.

The Model E offers exactly that; its elongated shape provides an excellent feel and forgiveness, which is great for transitioning from the baseline to the transition zone.

Additionally, it has a medium spin rating, making it perfect for those who seek more control over their shots without sacrificing too much power.

The paddle also has an impressive sweet spot size due to its core thickness; this ensures that even if my strokes are slightly off or I’m late on a shot, I can still get away with it.

As for the paddle’s weight, it is a bit on the heavier side, providing great stability. This feature was especially important to tennis players who are still getting used to playing pickleball and need something that can provide accuracy and consistency when hitting shots at different angles.

Additionally, it offers an impressive sweet spot size, a great spin rating and excellent accuracy; all these features will make your game much easier during those intense rallies!

Finally, its weight ensures that you have enough stability to precisely maneuver your shots. If you’re a former tennis player looking for a paddle that can provide you with the control and forgiveness experienced players need, I recommend the Electrum Model E Pickleball Paddle!

FeatureDescription
ShapeElongated
Materials and TechnologyBuilt with premium Toray T700 carbon fiber for durability and consistency
Core MaterialPolypropylene
WeightHeavier for stability and accuracy
USAPA ApprovedTested and approved by the USAPA

Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro – Best Precision Paddle for Tennis Players

Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro - Best Precision Paddle for Tennis Players
  • Lightweight yet powerful feel
  • 5-1/2 inch handle length perfect for power hitting
  • 13 mm cord thickness adds to the power of shots
  • The fiberglass surface allows for plenty of spin and maneuverability
  • Great choice for tennis players transitioning into pickleball
  • Allows quick change in shots mid-point
  • Slightly smaller sweet spot than most other paddles
  • It can be difficult to control the flight of the ball when hitting off-center shots
  • It may require practice and improved technique to get used to it.

The Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro is the best pickleball paddle for tennis players, and it exceeded my expectations. As a tennis player, I recognize the importance of having a paddle that allows precision control and plenty of power. This paddle does just that.

I first noticed how lightweight yet powerful it feels in my hands. The 5-1/2 inch handle length is perfect for me as a “power hitter,†It made quick volleys and drives much easier for me. The 13 mm cord thickness also adds to this power, allowing me to really drive the ball back with conviction when needed.

In addition to its power capabilities, this paddle offers great spin and maneuverability. The fiberglass surface allows for more action on the ball, and I was able to hit right angles with relative ease.

This is especially important for tennis players, who need to be able to quickly change shots mid-point.

The one downside of this paddle is that it has a slightly smaller sweet spot than most other paddles, which can make it difficult to control the flight of the ball when hitting off-center shots. However, this can easily be solved with practice and by working on your technique.

Overall, the Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro is an excellent choice for tennis players looking to transition into pickleball. With its lightweight yet powerful feel and great maneuverability and spin potential, it is perfect for players who want to hit with power and accuracy. I highly recommend it!

FeatureDescription
Handle Length5-1/2 inches
Cord Thickness13 mm
Core MaterialPolypropylene
Weight7.9-8.4 oz
Surface MaterialFiberglass
Grip length6 ¼
Paddle Length16 ½â€

EP Engage Encore MX 6.0 – Best for Women Tennis Players

EP Engage Encore MX 6.0 - Best for Women Tennis Players
  • Lightweight and powerful
  • Extra long handle for easy grip
  • Large face creates more power when hitting the ball
  • Wide body shape to provide excellent support for defensive play and increased accuracy on shots over the net
  • Core material designed to give feedback on each shot with added vibration dampening to minimize shock to the arm
  • The rubber on the paddle face is designed for increased power and spin when striking the ball
  • Suitable for all levels of players, from beginners to professionals
  • It can be more expensive than other paddles on the market
  • It may take some time to get used to the wider body shape

I am a huge fan of EP Engage Encore MX 6.0 Paddle and highly recommend it to all tennis players, especially women. It is lightweight yet powerful and provides excellent control without sacrificing spin or power.

The paddle has an extra long handle, making it easy to grip, and the face is larger than some other paddles, which helps create more power when hitting the ball.

Additionally, the wide body shape gives excellent support for defensive play and increases shots’ accuracy over the net.

The core material used in this paddle is also designed to give excellent feedback on each shot, and the added vibration dampening minimizes shock to your arm. This means that you will be able to play longer without fatigue while still achieving great shots.

The rubber used on the paddle face is also specially designed to give more power and spin when striking the ball. The overall design helps to increase control when playing as well.

Finally, this paddle is suitable for all levels of players, from beginners to professionals. Women will find it especially useful due to its lightweight nature and wide body shape, which gives greater control and accuracy for defensive play.

Overall, I love the EP Engage Encore MX 6.0 Paddle, and it is definitely a must have in any tennis bag! It provides excellent control and power while allowing aggressive attacking shots with incredible spin potential. Highly recommended for all levels of players!

FeatureDescription
SkinFiberTEK
USAPA ListedApproved for Tournament Play
Core Material‘ControlPro’ Polymer (with Vibration Control Technology)
WeightLITE 7.5 – 7.8 oz. Standard 7.9 – 8.3 oz.
Surface MaterialFiberglass
Grip CircumferenceStandard (4 3/8″), Thin (4 1/8″)
Paddle Length16.5″ long x 7.5″ wide

Engage Pickleball Elite Pro – Best for Extra Spin

Engage Pickleball Elite Pro - Best for Extra Spin
  • Well balanced and weighted
  • Longer handle (5 inches) for better double-handed backhand shots
  • Sweet spot with polypropylene honeycomb core gives it just enough flex to increase spin without sacrificing power when needed
  • The matte surface makes for a great control game
  • Extra speed compared to other paddles
  • Lacks the same ‘pop’ as some other pickleball paddles
  • Rely more on shot placement and control rather than sheer power when playing with this paddle

My experience with the Engage Pickleball Elite Pro Pickleball Paddle was one of sheer joy. I was surprised by how light it felt in my hands, but also very well balanced and weighted. 

At 8.1 ounces, it’s light enough that even after an hour or two of play, I still had no wrist or shoulder fatigue which is always a plus! But I cannot say it is one of the lightweight paddles. 

This paddle works perfectly for players like 2.0, who love to spin the ball and use power when needed.

The Engage Pickleball Elite Pro Paddle handle is slightly longer than standard pickleball paddles at 5 inches long; however, this allowed for an easier double-handed backhand shot and more control. The handle is also slightly divided to get a better grip while playing.

The face of the paddle has an amazing sweet spot that is just right for spin and power shots as well. On top of this, the polypropylene honeycomb core gives it just enough flex to increase spin without sacrificing power when needed. 

Plus, its matte surface makes for a great control game.

I enjoyed the extra speed from the Elite Pro Paddle compared to my previous one – something I wasn’t expecting!

What I disliked about the Engage Pickleball Elite Pro Paddle was that it didn’t have the same ‘pop’ as my other paddle, which I found to be a bit disappointing. 

However, this isn’t necessarily bad – it just means you will need to rely more on your shot placements and control rather than sheer power.

Overall, the Engage Pickleball Elite Pro Paddle is an incredibly well-rounded paddle that offers great spin and power without sacrificing accuracy or control. 

Perfect for intermediate players looking to take their game up a notch. Highly recommended!

FeatureDescription
SkinFiberTEK
USAPA ListedApproved for Tournament Play
Core Material‘ControlPro’ Polymer (with Vibration Control Technology)
Weight8.1 ounces
Surface MaterialFiberglass
Grip CircumferenceStandard (4 3/8″), Thin (4 1/8″)
Paddle Length16.5″ long x 7.5″ wide

Selkirk Invikta Amped – Best for Cross Court Dinks

07- Selkirk Invikta Amped - Best for Cross Court Dinks
  • X5 cord provides a lot of softness and feel while playing
  • The fiberglass face provides excellent spin
  • Perfect for cross court dinks at the net and passing shots alike
  • Bridging the gap between pickleball and tennis
  • Added length in the handle helps with power shots
  • X5 core cord adds extra power and spin for passing shots
  • It may not be suitable for beginners or intermediate players due to skinnier size.

The Selkirk Invikta Amped Pickleball Paddle is a great option for ex-tennis players looking to get into pickleball. The paddle is 8 inches wide with an extended handle that offers more power and whip than other paddles of its size.

It also has a thicker X5 cord which gives it a lot of softness and feels while playing. On top of this, the fiberglass face provides excellent spin, making it perfect for cross court dinks at the net and passing shots alike.

As someone who once played tennis before picking up pickleball, I truly appreciate how well this paddle fits my style of play. The handle length provides plenty of leverage to generate more power while retaining the accuracy and control I’m used to.

For ex tennis players, the Selkirk Invikta Amped Pickleball Paddle offers many benefits while playing pickleball. Using this paddle will help bridge the gap between Pickleball and Tennis and make transitioning to pickleball easier.

The added length in the handle also helps with power shots and cross-court Dinks at the net, which is something that ex-tennis players are used to. In addition, the X5 core cord adds extra power and spin, perfect for passing shots that ex-tennis players will appreciate. 

The only downside is that it may not be suitable for beginners or intermediate players due to its skinnier size, potentially reducing their accuracy and sweet spot.

But even then, the extended length handle allows them enough room to adjust their grip accordingly and improve over time.

Overall, I highly recommend this paddle for tennis players transitioning into pickleball, as it caters perfectly to my style of play. With great spin capabilities and increased reach and power from the extended handle, it’s the ideal paddle for intermediate and advanced players alike.

The added weight also ensures you don’t lose that much width compared to other paddles while still gaining a lot of extra lengths. So if you’re an ex-tennis player looking to pick up pickleball, give the Selkirk a try!

FeatureDescription
Paddle FaceFiberFlex Fiberglass
USAPA ListedApproved for Tournament Play
Core MaterialPolypropylene X5 Core
Weight7.3 – 8.4 oz
Handle LengthLong Handle (5.25″)
Width8.0″
Sweetspot8.5

Useful Tips for Tennis Players on How to Play Pickleball

Here are the few but pickleball tips for tennis players,

Be Patient

One of the biggest things for tennis players transitioning to pickleball is understanding that you need to be patient. Pickleball is not a racket sport where you can usually muscle your way through points by hitting hard and deep shots. 

Instead, it’s more about finesse and precision with your shots. You should give yourself some time to adjust your game because while many techniques are similar, there are still some very different strategies in pickleball.

Hit The Ball With Topspin & Backspin

When playing pickleball, it’s important to remember that you want to avoid hitting the flat balls as much as possible. Flat hits usually result in low-angle volleys that go right back across the net, which leaves you open for an easy return. 

Instead, it would be best if you tried to hit the ball with topspin or backspin to keep it low and in your opponent’s court. Also, make sure you’re hitting down on the ball as much as possible to get more control over your shots.

Court Positioning

Another thing tennis players need to remember when playing pickleball is to focus on court positioning. While getting a good angle on the ball is important, it’s also important to be aware of where your opponents are at any given time. 

You want to avoid ending up in no man’s land between two players and have them both hit at you from different angles. Positioning yourself properly allows for easier returns and better overall court coverage.

Move Forward on The Court

One of the most difficult adjustments for tennis players is being aware of when and how to move forward on the court. Unlike tennis, where you can stay back and hit your shots, pickleball requires you to be aggressive and take the initiative, which means coming up to the line each time you return a serve.

Position of Your Paddle

Also, avoid doing a “windshield wiper” motion with your paddle. This type of stroke won’t yield consistent results and will lead to frustration. Instead, focus on pushing your paddle forward as you brush up on it – this will help generate more topspin for a stronger hit.

Position of Your Elbows

When serving, ensure your elbow is tucked close to your body and stay low as you toss the ball to get a good bounce off the ground. Be mindful of where contact with the paddle should be made – it should be at the top of your swing for maximum power.

Have Fun and Enjoy

It’s important to remember that pickleball is a game of patience. Just because you hit an amazing shot doesn’t mean the rally will end there. You need to be prepared for long rallies and use your energy efficiently. Don’t get frustrated if shots don’t go your way – keep at it! 

Finally, it’s also important to remember that pickleball is fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously if you’re playing against more experienced players; focus on learning from them and enjoying the game. 

There are tons of resources online that can help guide tennis players transitioning into pickleball, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance if needed! Good luck, and have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, it depends on how you define “good.†Probably not if you mean they have the same finesse and skill as a professional pickleball player. But if you mean, they know their way around the court and can still put up a decent fight, then sure! Tennis players often bring a wealth of knowledge to the game that pickleball players may not have. So if you’ve got a tennis buddy interested in trying out pickleball, don’t be afraid to let them join in on the fun! They might surprise you with their mad skills!

The best way to beat a tennis player at pickleball is by using the unique aspects of the game. Pickleball has its own set of rules and strategies, so if you understand them and use them to your advantage, you’ll have a better chance of winning. Also, try not to let your opponent’s tennis skills give them an unfair edge. Always remember that it’s pickleball – not tennis! With some practice and patience, anyone can become a master of both sports!

It depends on your playing style. Thicker paddles may help you hit the ball harder and with more power, but they can also be heavier and less maneuverable. If you’re a beginner, it might be wise to start with a thinner paddle to get used to the game before trying something thicker. Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you – so don’t be afraid to experiment!

That’s a tough question! Both sports involve a lot of skill and technique, so it comes down to player preference. Pickleball is usually considered the more beginner-friendly sport, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily easier than tennis. Ultimately, it depends on how you like to play and which type of game you feel most comfortable with. And hey – why not try them both out and decide for yourself? There’s no wrong answer here!

This one is pretty simple: pickleball is faster. Thanks to the smaller court, you can move around and react much quicker than in tennis. However, this doesn’t mean it’s necessarily easier – because with speed comes more strategic thinking! So if you want to keep up with a fast-paced game of pickleball, you’ll need to be agile and sharp. It’s definitely worth the challenge!

The most powerful shot in pickleball is the drive. It’s a flat hit that you can use to send the ball deep into your opponent’s court, leaving them with no time to react. Of course, if you’re not careful, it can also be an easy mistake for your opponent to take advantage of – so practice this before using it in a game!

People often prefer pickleball over tennis because it’s more beginner-friendly and faster paced. The court size is also much smaller than a tennis court, so it’s easier to move around and play without covering too much ground. Plus, since there are only two or four players on the court at once, it also makes for a great social game!

Michael Stevenson

Michael Stevenson

Hi, my name is Michael Stevenson and I’m a passionate pickleball player. I’ve been playing the game for many years and I’m pretty highly skilled at it. Pickleball is one of my favorite topics so naturally, I love to write about it.

Whether it’s tips for beginners, guides for experts, reviews of new paddles, or advanced playing techniques – if it relates to pickleball then I have something interesting to write about it. So if you’re looking for entertaining and informative information on the topic of pickleball, look no further than my written works!