Best paddles for a tennis player

[FedLIKEnot]

My partner recently took some introductory pickleball classes and has developed a real passion for the game—something she never had for tennis, despite my best efforts. Inspired by her enthusiasm, I decided to try a beginner's class myself, and I now share her enjoyment of pickleball. While I continue to play tennis, I’m now at a crossroads, trying to figure out which pickleball paddles to demo. I want to avoid the common mistake of buying a cheap paddle from Amazon or a similar retailer, only to outgrow it quickly.

So, here’s my question: As a tennis player transitioning into pickleball, what paddles or shapes are recommended for someone in my position? Are there any specific demo options you’d suggest? Also, these prices are the same or more than racquets?

 

[Arjuntino]

Crbn 1 + some lead tape on the head.

I wanted to most topspin possible, with the intent of just applying tennis technique to pb and not actually learning pickleball technique.

 

[FedLIKEnot]

Crbn 1 + some lead tape on the head.

I wanted to most topspin possible, with the intent of just applying tennis technique to pb and not actually learning pickleball technique.

Sounds a lot like my approach to pickleball. I do volley and dink well so far. The “hands” battles that is new to me. But thank you for the recommendation, I will check out that paddle.

 

[TNIipc2731500]

I am a 4.5 USTA NTRP rated tennis player for singles and doubles. I still play USTA league tennis and I have been been playing pickleball for the past 6 months and love it. I have tried Diadem edge 18k Speed pro, edge 18K, Warrior edge V2, Hurache-X control 14mm and 16mm,Selkirk LUXX control air-invikta, pickleball Apes pro line energy, an engage paddle, and Ronbus R3 Nova. I finally pulled the trigger and got the Crush RQT paddle which has a 6.75 in long handle, the same as a standard tennis racquet handle length and my game has improved tremendously. Transitioning from a tennis player to pickleball has always been how can I use my tennis skills in pickleball and this was the paddle for that by far. The raw carbon face is soft on my arm and it really grabed the ball for topspin and especially for backspin. My dinks and angles were so much better and it didnt take too long to get use to the paddle.

I recommend looking up the review for it on youtube and getting the discount code in the description cause they run for $199.

 

[TheLeadMaster]

NO. SAY NO TO PICKLEBALL.

 

[Bulletproofyourbody]

Sounds a lot like my approach to pickleball. I do volley and dink well so far. The “hands” battles that is new to me. But thank you for the recommendation, I will check out that paddle.

I have a CRBN code to save you 10% — LeslieRoberts

‘’I recommend a paddle w a 5.5” grip length. It allows for most players to have a twoey backhand. There are few grips on market that are longer. ProXR Zane’s paddle is a 6” grip.
Surfaces: most high level players use a raw carbon face. It grips the ball well and helps create aggressive spin. Kevlar face plays soft and has durability. It’s not as common. A 16mm core allows for touch, feel, control. That’s an ideal thickness. But certainly try every mm you can get ahold of to see what you like best.

the paddle is a very personal choice so trying a few is key, but crbn is an excellent product. I tried several - like 30-40 different paddles early on - now I’ve used CRBN since Dec 2020

 

[bobleenov1963]

The best paddle, IMHO, is the Joola Perseus Gen 3, bar none. The paddle is banned by the USPA because it has the best power, spin, control than any other paddle on the market.

 

[vex]

My partner recently took some introductory pickleball classes and has developed a real passion for the game—something she never had for tennis, despite my best efforts. Inspired by her enthusiasm, I decided to try a beginner's class myself, and I now share her enjoyment of pickleball. While I continue to play tennis, I’m now at a crossroads, trying to figure out which pickleball paddles to demo. I want to avoid the common mistake of buying a cheap paddle from Amazon or a similar retailer, only to outgrow it quickly.

So, here’s my question: As a tennis player transitioning into pickleball, what paddles or shapes are recommended for someone in my position? Are there any specific demo options you’d suggest? Also, these prices are the same or more than racquets?

Check out:
- The new CRBNs
- Gearbox Pro
- Joola Mod 15 or 3s - if you really want something similar to the Gen3

For shape it comes down to how you grip the paddle. Thats such an incredibly complicated discussion that it would bore you at this point. I'd just get a traditional 5.5 length grip and decide if you prefer elongated or standard faces (reach v. block margin)

 

[vex]

The best paddle, IMHO, is the Joola Perseus Gen 3, bar none. The paddle is banned by the USPA because it has the best power, spin, control than any other paddle on the market.

Again, this is terrible advice - DO NOT DO THIS unless you want everyone to hate you and be forced to use a DIFFERENT, legal paddle any time you play a DUPR event. EVERYONE knows these are banned and you will be treated as a cheater if you show up using banned equipment.

 

[bobleenov1963]

Again, this is terrible advice - DO NOT DO THIS unless you want everyone to hate you and be forced to use a DIFFERENT, legal paddle any time you play a DUPR event. EVERYONE knows these are banned and you will be treated as a cheater if you show up using banned equipment.

Just so you know, there are many paddles on the market that are NOT approved by the USAP. For example, the Joola MOD TA-15 is NOT approved by USAP; however, it is approved by UPA-A. The same with the Perseus 3S. Most PB players don't really care much for DUPR events. The USAP that approves paddles for DUPR events is a complete joke. It banned the Perseus 3 but allows the Gearbox pro. 99.99% of the officials at DUPR events don't know these things. Just saying...

 

[djkahn86]

Joola Magnus 3S
Feels like the paddle has strings
Rip topspin and plenty of pop at the kitchen

 

[Bud]

The best paddle IMO if you're transitioning from tennis and have a 2HBH is the new Pickleball Apes Pulse E. It's 17"x7 with a 7" long handle. It has a nice blend of power and control and is affordable. I believe there are also codes out there for 10% off which would bring the price down to approximately $180.

The previous version, the Pro Line Energy (which I used for about 8 months), is even less expensive at $120 and has the same dimensions. It's got slightly less power and pop vs the new Pulse E.

I'd avoid the new generation of power paddles until your level reaches a solid 4.0. They will screw up your game and make the fundamentals difficult to learn.