Tennis and pickleball are both racket sports that are played on a court with a net in the middle. Although they share some similarities, there are also several important differences between the two sports.
When choosing a paddle, it is important to consider the style of play that best suits your needs. For tennis players who are looking to transition to pickleball, the best paddle is one that is similar to a tennis racquet in terms of weight and grip size.
However, there are some key differences between tennis and pickleball paddles.
The most obvious difference is the size of the paddle; pickleball paddles are much smaller than tennis racquets. In addition, pickleball paddles have a rounded shape, while tennis racquets are more elongated.
The texture of the paddles also differs; pickleball paddles have a smooth surface, while tennis racquets have a rough surface. These differences may seem small, but they can make a big difference in your game. With the right paddle, you can take your game to the next level.
I’ve tested a lot of pickleball paddles in my day, but the Selkirk is by far the best pickleball paddle for tennis players.
I considered factors like weight, balance, sweet spot size, and grip size when making my decision, and the Selkirk was pretty impressive in all categories.
It’s made with FiberFlex fiberglass and a thicker Polypropylene X5 core, so it has a great “feel” for the ball. And at just 7.9 ounces, it’s lightweight enough to be nimble on the court. I’d highly recommend giving the Selkirk a try if you’re looking for a top-quality pickleball paddle.
You can also read my post about Best Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Elbow
Best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players Reviews
I’ve researched and tested the features of more than 25 pickleball paddles to find the latest and top pickleball racquets suitable for tennis players.
I also looked into factors such as weight, balance, sweet spot size, grip size, grip comfort, and power potential. After considering all of these factors, I believe that the following 10 pickleball paddles are the best on the market.
Selkirk Amped
Engage MX 6.0
Gamma NeuCore
01. Selkirk Amped – Overall Best Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Reasons to Buy
- Advanced polypropylene honeycomb technology provides speed, amplitude, and vibration control
- Approved by the United States of America Pickleball Association for Tournament Pickleball Play
- Ideal for two-handed swings
Reasons to Avoid
- Customer service could be better
I have been playing pickleball for a few years now and my current paddle of choice is the Selkirk Amped. I’ve been using it for months and it has quickly become my favorite.
Cutting-Edge Technology
This USA-made paddle is made with fiberglass and has a polypropylene X5 core. It also features leading-edge technology that is designed to provide optimal ball cushioning and spin. I have found that this technology helps me to hit the ball accurately and with more power.
The Selkirk Amped pickleball paddle is a top-of-the-line paddle that features advanced polypropylene honeycomb technology. This technology provides speed, amplitude, and vibration control for an unbeatable playing experience.
Approved for Tournament Play
The paddle is approved by the United States of America Pickleball Association for Tournament Pickleball Play and is used by many pro players. The Selkirk Amped has a long handle and large surface area, making it ideal for two-handed swings.
If you’re looking for a paddle that will give you an edge on the court, look no further than the Selkirk Amped.
My Experience with Selkirk
I have been playing pickleball for a little over a year now and I have to say, I am hooked. I play almost every day and I have even gotten my wife to start playing too.
When we first started, we used the wooden paddles that came with the set and they were fine for a while. However, I quickly realized that if I wanted to take my game to the next level, I needed to invest in a better paddle.
After doing some research, I decided on the Selkirk Amped pickleball paddle. I went with the midweight version and I am very happy with it. It gives me a great feel for the ball and I can really swing with power without putting in too much effort.
The only downside is that the customer service could be better. Overall, though, I highly recommend this paddle to anyone who is serious about pickleball.
02. Engage MX 6.0 – Best for Control & Spin
Reasons to Buy
- ControlPro Polymer provides great control
- FiberTEK surface offers lots of spin and power
- Very comfortable grip
Reasons to Avoid
- Handle feels cheap
- Not as much power as some other engage paddles
Although I was a bit skeptical at first, I have to say that I’m really impressed with the Engage MX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle. It has a really professional look to it and gives off a cool vibe.
Variety of Colors
I was also surprised to see that it came in different colors. I don’t like paddles that make a clunky sound and this one doesn’t. The grip is also really comfortable. I do think the handle is cheap but overall I really like this paddle.
Exceptional Performance
I tested the Engage MX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle and I’ve experienced some great results. The ControlPro Polymer really helps to keep the ball in place and the sweet spot is very large. I also found that the FiberTEK surface provides a lot of spin and power.
Expert’s Opinion
I’ll admit that I was a bit hesitant at first to try out the Engage MX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle. I had been using another paddle for years and I was comfortable with it. But I repeatedly heard great things about the MX 6.0, so I decided to give it a try.
I’m glad I did! After careful tests and consideration, I found that the MX 6.0 outperformed my old paddle in every way.
It produced more spin and power on my groundstrokes and volleys, and I had much greater control over placement. Even my overheads were better with the MX 6.0!
The only downside is that it doesn’t have quite as much power as some of the other Engage paddles, but that’s not really a problem if you can generate your own power as I can. Overall, I would highly recommend the MX 6.0 to any pickleball player looking for an upgrade.
03. Gamma NeuCore – USAPA Approved Paddle for Tennis Players
Reasons to Buy
- USAPA approved
- Intermediate to advanced players
- Elongated face for large sweet spot
- Honeycomb cushion grip for comfort
- Textured graphite paddle for secure grip
- NeuCore technology for increased responsiveness
- Large sweet spot for more forgiveness on off-center hits
Reasons to Avoid
- Vibration Issue Sometimes
- Not for Beginners
- Not for Outdoor Games
The Gamma NeuCore Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for intermediate or advanced players who are looking for professional power. The paddle weight is 7.75 ounces, making it a middle-weight paddle that is easy to control.
Large Sweet Spot and Comfortable Grip
The elongated face provides a large sweet spot, while the honeycomb cushion grip ensures comfort during play. This textured graphite paddle provides a secure grip, and the paddle also features a small hole near the top to reduce weight and increase swing speed.
Responsive USAPA-Approved Paddle
The Gamma NeuCore Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for elongated pickleball paddle players who are looking for a responsive, USAPA-Approved paddle.
The NeuCore technology provides a 25% thicker large-cell core that is highly responsive. The elongated shape of the paddle gives the player more reach and power, while the large sweet spot provides more forgiveness on off-center hits.
Why I recommend Gamma NeuCore
The Gamma NeuCore pickleball paddle felt great in my hand and had great power on my overheads. I also found that it was much lighter than other paddles I’ve used, which made for a more comfortable playing experience.
However, I would recommend that you use this paddle indoors. Moreover, sometimes felt a slight vibration. Overall, I’m really happy with the performance of this paddle and would recommend it to anyone looking for an elongated pickleball paddle.
04. Onix Evoke Premier – Best for Reach and Balance
Reasons to Buy
- The Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle has a great reach and balance.
- The paddle features Atomic13 Edge Technology, which helps to disperse shock and increase swing speed.
- The DF COMPOSITE surface provides excellent touch and power.
Reasons to Avoid
- The grip that comes on the paddle is not very good.
- The paddle may begin to drop sweet spot in cold weather.
The Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle is one of the latest composite paddles on the market. The paddle was co-developed by Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova, two of the top pickleball paddle national champions.
Impressive Length and Design
This pickleball paddle length is 16” and it features a unique design that provides excellent reach and balance. The paddle also features Atomic13 Edge Technology, which helps to disperse shock and increase swing speed.
Softening the Ball without Losing Pop
I tested the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle and I have to say, I was impressed! I’ve used other fiberglass composite paddles in the past and I usually find them to be too hard, causing the ball to lose pop off the surface.
However, the Evoke Premier has a DF COMPOSITE surface that seems to soften the ball just enough without losing that pop. Additionally, the polypropylene core provides great touch and baseline power.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this paddle to anyone looking for a high-quality pickleball paddle.
Some Issues I Faced
I bought the Onix Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle and overall my experience was good. I did have some issues though.
I played outdoor in cold weather, the paddle began to drop sweet spot. I`m not sure if this is a problem with the paddle, but it was a bit of a nuisance.
I also recommend regripping the paddle as soon as you get it because the grip that comes on it is not very good.
With those two problems aside, I would still recommend this paddle to beginners and experienced players alike. It`s a great all-around paddle and I think tennis players will especially like it.
05. Prince Response Pro – Best Pickleball Racket for Ball Control
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight yet powerful
- Great ball control
- Fiberglass composite paddle provides excellent vibration dampening
Reasons to Avoid
- Not enough power for aggressive players
- May be too light for some players’ liking
Many pickleball paddle manufacturers try to offer a balance of power and control with their products, but the Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle manages to top them all with its thick polymer core.
This allows you to generate immense power without sacrificing any speed, making it the perfect choice for those who want to dominate the pickleball court.
Larger Sweet Spot and Firm Grip
The rounded shape also provides a larger sweet spot, so you can make solid contact with the ball even if you don’t hit it dead-center. And thanks to the firm grip, you’ll never have to worry about losing your grip mid-game.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle is sure to give you the edge you need to come out on top.
Precise Control and Maneuverability
After hitting the ball with the Prince Response Pro Pickleball Paddle, you’ll notice the precise control you have thanks to the 5.5″ handle length. This two handed backhand provides terrific maneuverability for players who want to put a spin on the ball.
Lightweight and Powerful
With a polymer honeycomb core, this paddle is lightweight yet powerful enough for aggressive players. The fiberglass composite paddle gives you added depth and power while also providing excellent vibration dampening. After playing with this paddle, you’ll wonder how you ever played without it!
Expert’s Opinion
After hitting with the Prince Response Pro pickleball racket, I found that it was too light for my aggressive playing style. I really like the fiberglass composite paddle because it gives me great ball control and enough depth for my shots.
However, I prefer a paddle with more power so I can hit harder shots. Overall, this is a great racket for recreational players who want good ball control. But if you’re looking to hit hard with aggressive strokes, you may want to choose a different racket.
06. Pro-Lite Titan – Lightweight Paddle for Tennis Players
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Soft face for reduced noise
- Large sweet spot
Reasons to Avoid
- May not be as durable as other paddles
The Pro-Lite Titan is a high quality paddle that is perfect for those who want better control. The paddle has a 13 mm Top Grade Polymer Honeycomb core and a Braided Woven Carbon Fiber surface.
Enhanced Spin and Control
This paddle also has a textured surface that provides more spin and makes it easier to control the ball. Moreover, it is lightweight and has a comfortable grip. The Pro-Lite Titan paddle is a great choice for those who want a paddle that is durable and offers great control.
Power and Maneuverability
The Pro-Lite Titan paddle is a great choice for players who are looking for a paddle with good power and spin. The paddle is made with a mid-weight core, which makes it more maneuverable than other heavyweight pickleball paddles.
The paddle also has a softer face, which helps to reduce noise when hitting the ball. In addition, the paddle’s large sweet spot makes it ideal for dinking and drop shot volleys. As a result, the Pro-Lite Titan is a great choice for players who are looking for a paddle that offers more spin and power than other paddles on the market.
07. Rally Graphite Power 5.0 – Large Sweet Spot Pickleball Paddle
Reasons to Buy
- Large sweet spot
- Great control
- Smooth hitting surface
- Two grip options
Reasons to Avoid
- Not as powerful as some other paddles on the market
- The shorter length might not be comfortable for those with larger hands
The Rally Graphite Power 5.0 Paddle is one of the best paddles for tennis players on a budget. It is wide body paddle with an extra thick 9/16” hitting surface. The sweet spot on this paddle is very large, making it great for control and power.
Durable and USAPA Approved
The polymer honeycomb core and graphite polymer hybrid face make this paddle extremely durable and give it a great feel. USAPA approved, this paddle is also made in the USA.
If you are looking for a great all around paddle that won’t break the bank, the Rally Graphite Power 5.0 Paddle is a great option.
Vertigrab Wave Technology
This paddle features Vertigrab Wave technology that allows you to grab on the ball for added control. The wide body paddle is also one of the smoothest paddles on the market, making it a great choice for beginner and intermediate players alike.
Two grip options are available, Standard (4.25 inch) and Thin (4 inch), to fit your playing style. The Middle Weight (7.9 – 8.3 oz) option is perfect for those who are looking for mid weight pickleball paddle without sacrificing control.
Expert’s Opinion
I love the Rally Graphite Power 5.0 paddle. Personally, I think it’s a great beginner paddle. The soft feel from the hit and the ability to control placement shots are great.
I would recommend this paddle to someone who is just starting out in pickleball. The only downside is that it doesn’t hit hard, as compared to the Gamma Atomic but that’s to be expected with a graphite paddle.
If you have larger hands, it would be nice if the paddle was a little longer, but overall I think this is a great paddle for anyone just starting out in pickleball.
08. Champion Eclipse – Lightweight Graphite Pickleball Racket
Reasons to Buy
- USAPA approved
- Made in the USA
- Light-middle weight paddle
- Durable
- Vibration reducing core
- Carbon graphite face
- Ultra-durable protective edging
- Solid contact feel
- Best pickleball paddle for defense
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricey
- Not for Tennis Players with Larger hands
Champion Eclipse Pickleball Paddle is one of the recommended paddles by experts. USAPA approved and made in the USA, this paddle weighs 7.5 ounces and is considered light-middle weight paddle.
Versatile and Comfortable
Players love the versatility of this paddle, and the size, cushion, and comfort grip make it a pleasure to use. The premium grip provides excellent control, and the standard size head is perfect for hitting shots.
The Champion Eclipse is a great option for graphite pickleball paddles. Its vibration reducing core and velvet textured face make it suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
Durable and Powerful
The polymer honeycomb core and carbon graphite face make the paddle more durable, while the ultra-durable protective edging makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
The paddle’s technology makes it more powerful than other paddles on the market, making it a great choice for competitive players. However, its price tag may be a bit off-putting for some beginners. Nonetheless, the Champion Eclipse is a top-of-the-line graphite pickleball paddle that is sure to improve your game.
Expert’s Opinion
I did a lot of research before purchasing the Champion Eclipse paddle, and I am so glad that I did. The Eclipse is suitable for small hands, making it easy to hold if you don’t have larger hands.
It is also better at controlling the ball than other paddles I have used. The contact feel is solid, and my backhands are much easier with this paddle.
Well worth the money, I would highly recommend the Eclipse to anyone looking for a new pickleball paddle. And if you’re looking to work on your defense, the Eclipse is also the best pickleball paddle for that too!
So if you’re considering pickleball paddles for tennis, be sure to check out the Champion Eclipse. You won’t be disappointed!
09. GAMMA Shard NeuCore – Best for Advanced & Professional Tennis Players
Reasons to Buy
- 25% thicker large cell core provides a responsive feel
- USAPA approved
- Grip length of 4 3/8 inches
- Paddle length of 15 7/8 inches
Reasons to Avoid
- May be too powerful for some players
I was impressed with the Gamma Shard NeuCore Pickleball Paddle when I used it for the first time. The power and control it gave me was amazing, and the honeycomb cushion grip and ergonomic handle made it very comfortable to hold. The graphite paddles are also very light and have a great surface area, which made them perfect for my game.
Ideal for Skilled and Advanced Players
The GAMMA Shard NeuCore Paddle is a great choice for pickleball players who are looking for a high-quality paddle. This paddle is USAPA-Approved and it is for skilled or advanced level players.
Innovative NeuCore Technology
The NeuCore Technology in this paddle makes it 25% thicker large cell core which provides a responsive feel. This paddle also has a grip length of 4 3/8 inches and a paddle length of 15 7/8 inches.
If you are looking for a review on this GAMMA Shard NeuCore Paddle, I would say that it is definitely a good pickleball paddle to choose.
It has all of the necessary features that you need in order to play at a high level, and it also provides a great value for the price (Best under $150). I would highly recommend this GAMMA Shard NeuCore Paddle to anyone who is looking for a new pickleball paddle.
10. Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro – Long Grip Paddle for Tennis Players
Reasons to Buy
- Polymer composite honeycomb face provides excellent power and control
- Weight and balance make it one of the most maneuverable paddles on the market
- Velvet finish on the polycarbonate paddle surface increases power and provides great ball spin and placement
Reasons to Avoid
- Some players may find the elongated handle to be too long
Paddletek’s Bantam Sabre Pro is a top-of-the-line paddle that is perfect for advanced players who are looking for an edge on the pickleball court.
Elongated Handle and Aerodynamic Head
The paddle has an elongated handle that provides extra leverage, and its aerodynamic head shape ensures that every shot is as powerful as possible. The paddle also features Paddletek’s patented smart response technology, which gives it a controlled hit with every shot.
The paddle’s polymer composite honeycomb face provides excellent power and control, while its weight and balance make it one of the most maneuverable paddles on the market.
Power and Control
I love the velvet finish on the polycarbonate paddle surface. It not only increases power but also provides great ball spin and placement. The cushion grip is also very comfortable. The grip length is 6 ¼. Moreover, the weight is perfectly balanced and it has a nice solid feel.
Expert’s Opinion
When I tested the PaddleTek Bantam Sabre Pro, I found that it had a longer grip which fit my hand nicely. The grip felt good and the paddle was deep, making it ideal for double handed backhand shots.
The Sabre Pro also performed well when it came to volleys and smashes. Overall, I was impressed with the paddle and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good all-around paddle.
How to Choose Best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players
If you’re a tennis player who’s looking for a new pickleball paddle, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Comfortable Design
Pickleball paddles are designed to be smaller and lighter than tennis racquets, so you’ll need to choose one that’s comfortable for you to hold and swing.
Sweet Spot
The sweet spot on a pickleball paddle is usually smaller than on a tennis racquet, so you’ll want to make sure you hit the ball in the center of the paddle for maximum power.
Material of The Paddle
When choosing a pickleball paddle, you should consider the material it’s made of; different materials will offer different levels of power, control, and spin.
When I tested different paddles, I found that the Honeycomb Composite paddles offered the best combination of power and control. I’ve repeatedly hit balls with these paddles that would have gone out of bounds with other paddles.
If you’re looking for a new pickleball paddle and you’re a tennis player, I recommend checking out Honeycomb Composite paddles.
Core
The core of the paddle is also important; a softer core will offer more power, while a harder core will offer more control. I prefer a harder paddle for tennis because it gives me more control over my shots.
Edge Guard
An edgeguard is a strip of material that runs along the edge of the paddle to protect it from wear and tear. I prefer paddles with an edgeguard because it prolongs the life of the paddle and helps protect it from damage.
Paddle Grip
The grip is the part of the paddle you hold; it’s important to choose a grip that’s comfortable for you and that won’t slip in your hand. I prefer leather or synthetic leather grip because it provides good traction and feels comfortable in my hand.
Fiberglass, Graphite, or Carbon fiber
These are the three most popular materials for pickleball paddles; each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Fiberglass is the least expensive option and it’s very durable, but it doesn’t offer as much power or control as graphite or carbon fiber.
Graphite is more expensive than fiberglass, but it offers more power and control. It’s also lighter than fiberglass, so it’s easier to swing.
Carbon fiber is the most expensive option, but it offers the best combination of power, control, and lightweight.
Weight of The Paddle
The weight of the paddle is an important consideration; a heavier paddle will offer more power, while a lighter paddle will be easier to swing. I prefer a paddle that weighs around 7 ounces; it’s heavy enough to offer good power but light enough to be easy to swing.
Pickleball Paddles Vs Tennis Racquets
There are a lot of racquet sports out there – tennis, badminton, squash, racquetball… the list goes on. And while each sport has its own unique set of equipment, they all have one thing in common: the racquet.
Whether you’re playing tennis, badminton, or squash, a good racquet is essential for playing your best. But what about pickleball? Pickleball is a relatively new sport that is similar to tennis, but is played with a paddle instead of a racquet. So, what’s the difference between a pickleball paddle and a tennis racquet?
The biggest difference between a pickleball paddle and a tennis racquet is the shape. Pickleball paddles are long and slender, while tennis racquets are tall and oval-shaped. This difference in shape affects the way the paddle interacts with the ball – pickleball paddles produce more spin than tennis racquets.
In addition, pickleball paddles have much shorter handles than tennis racquets. This makes them easier to maneuver and control, which is essential in a fast-paced game like pickleball.
What is the hardest hitting pickleball paddle?
If you’re looking for the hardest hitting paddle, you’ll want to choose one with a large sweet spot and a solid face. The best way to find a paddle with these features is to read reviews from other pickleball players.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s important to test the paddle yourself to see how it feels. The weight and balance of the paddle will also affect how hard it hits the ball.
According to me and my research, the hardest hitting paddle would be the Onix Graphite Z5.
The Onix Graphite Z5 has an extra-large sweet spot and a graphite face that gives you plenty of power behind your shots. The weight and balance of the paddle make it easy to control, so you can put all your energy into each hit.
Best way to hit a pickleball
There is no one right way to hit a pickleball. Different strokes work for different players, depending on their skill level and playing style. However, there are some basic principles that all players should follow.
When hitting the ball, make sure to keep your elbow up and your wrist firm. This will help you generate more power behind your shots. It’s also important to keep your shots low over the net, as this makes it more difficult for your opponents to return the ball. Practice different strokes and experiment with different angles to find what works best for you.
Is an elongated Pickleball Paddle better?
Elongated Pickleball paddles are popular paddles used by pro players. They have a longer reach which gives you more power and control. They are also generally lighter weight so you can swing them faster. The material is usually graphite.
The making of the paddle is important to get the aerodynamics correct so that it will not only move through the air quickly but also create a spin on the ball when hit.
Elongated Pickleball paddles are not the ideal paddle for everyone. If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you start with a shorter paddle. As you become more advanced, you can try different lengths and weights to find what works best for you.
Ultimately, it is up to each player to experiment with different paddles to find what gives them the best results. However, elongated paddles are a popular choice among pro players and are definitely worth trying out.
Conclusion
I provided you the list of best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players available in the market today. Hope this article helped you choose the best paddle for your next game.
Selkirk Amped pickleball paddle is the best paddle for Tennis Players with its extra-large sweet spot and graphite face. It is also one of the lightest paddles in the market, making it easy to maneuver.
If you are a beginner, I recommend starting with a shorter paddle until you get more experience. Elongated pickleball paddles are popular among pro players and are definitely worth trying out.
