First paddle?

[PhxRacket]

I am an experienced tennis player, 4.5 NTRP. I am looking to start pickleball. I need a paddle with some forgiveness and low stiffness. I’m fairly certain I can provide my own power. And if it is like tennis, I’ll rely on guile, spin and location. TIA.

 

[konstantinos kalfountzos]

I just started Pickleball myself. I'd highly recommend the Juciao Spin 1.0 and the Titanium paddles.
Both comfortable, excellent control fron anywhere on the court, soft with long dwel-time for dinking. The Spin 1.0 has very rough "grit" on it and feels more spin-friendly, while the Titanium paddle a more all-around.

For your first paddle, don't go thinner than the standard 16mm. It may feel too stiff for you, especially after long dinking where the wrist and elbow are almost 100% locked and you push with the shoulder, until you get comfortable with more wristy top-spin dinks. If you're from the USA, you'll have tons of options: 11six24, Neonic and other badget-friendly options.

Also, so far, I like paddles with small cirumference and round-shaped handles. 2 of my paddles feel like L2 tennis size handles with pronounced bevels and I don't enjoy them.

 

[Bud]

Best paddles for a tennis player

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...

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

I'd recommend the Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy for $120. Great first paddle with a long 7" handle.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I am an experienced tennis player, 4.5 NTRP. I am looking to start pickleball. I need a paddle with some forgiveness and low stiffness. I’m fairly certain I can provide my own power. And if it is like tennis, I’ll rely on guile, spin and location. TIA.

I'm just starting pickle ball as well and I'd suggest investing in a reasonably priced carbon fibre paddle 16 mm thick. As a tennis player, you aren't going to need power but you'll be wanting spin and touch.

I think Six Zero double black diamond control paddle is a really good option for it's price point.

 

[bobleenov1963]

I am an experienced tennis player, 4.5 NTRP. I am looking to start pickleball. I need a paddle with some forgiveness and low stiffness. I’m fairly certain I can provide my own power. And if it is like tennis, I’ll rely on guile, spin and location. TIA.

You DO want a paddle with power even though you can provide your own power. I've talked three separate occassions to Federico Staksrud, the current #1 singles PB player, and that's what he always recommends. Because of that, I go with either Joola MOD TA-15 or the Joola Perseus 3S. These two paddles provide excellent power, spin, and control, IMHO.

 

[sureshs]

I bought an Onyx Z5 when I started. Now I have added lead tape all around the head and get some power. But I want a paddle with more power. However, I always see newer models coming out every day and cannot make up mind. I fear that if I invest $300 on a top of the line power paddle, there will be a newer one within a month.

 

[PistolPete23]

Vatic Pro Prism v7 16 mm

I’m also a 4.5 tennis player who started playing pickleball. The Prism v7 is widely considered as the best bang for your buck paddle. It has a softer feel, but bear in mind that compared to a stiff tennis racquet, even the softest paddle will not feel plush.