04/09/2025

5 Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players

Did you switch over from tennis with no strings attached? Welcome to the team! We’re happy to have you. The transition to pickleball from other racquet and paddle sports is the easiest of any racquet or paddle sport transition. At least from an entry-to-play perspective that is. But just like a hop into any new sport, there will be some challenges as you convert to rules, strategy, and certainly new equipment (like the pickleball paddle). In this article, the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles will highlight the best pickleball paddles for current and former tennis players looking to make the transition into pickleball. Let's dive in.

Tips for Transitioning to Pickleball from Tennis

Making the switch from tennis to pickleball is exciting, but there are a few important things to remember as you adjust to the unique aspects of the game.

One key change is the paddle. Unlike tennis racquets, pickleball paddles are shorter and have a different feel. This adjustment can take some time, but it's all about getting used to the smaller sweet spot and shorter length.

As a tennis player, you'll find that the smaller court and faster pace of pickleball offer a new challenge, but with some practice, you'll be able to bring your tennis skills into the game.

To help make the transition easier, it’s worth researching the best pickleball paddles for tennis players, which are designed to complement your existing skills. Focus on refining your grip and footwork, and soon you'll feel right at home on the pickleball court.

Key Pickleball Paddle Features for Tennis Players

Before we dive into the details, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your pickleball paddle for tennis players:

Paddle Length: Two of the most difficult aspects of moving over to pickleball, specifically from tennis, are the lack of bounce of the ball and, even more so, the length of a pickleball paddle. Tennis racquets swing in around 27” long, while pickleball paddles are, on average, around 16”. Having almost a foot less reach can feel drastic when you flip to PB. Elongated pickleball paddles feature the most length of any pickleball paddle and are great options for a former tennis player.
Paddle Shape: Similar to the struggle you might encounter with the length of a pickleball paddle, the sweet spot of a paddle is also considerably less plush than a wide tennis racquet. That said, although choosing an elongated paddle is great for length, you’ll want to make sure your paddle still stretches at least 7 ½” in width to ensure you have enough East and West coverage on the face of the paddle.

3. Grip Length: The majority of pickleball paddles are designed for players to use a one-handed backhand, and although some may be able to squeeze a secondhand, they are not quite designed for any two-handed backhand players. With that being said, two-handed backhands are becoming increasingly popular, with so many tennis players flooding the short court! Because of this, paddle manufacturers are starting to add longer-handled paddles to their paddle lines. If you won’t be playing pickleball with two hands on the paddle, roughly a 5” handle will be fine! If you’re a true two-handed backhand player, search for handles around 5 ½” or longer to more comfortably place both hands on your handle.

4. Weight: Tennis racquets are hefty, needing the extra juice to plow through a tennis ball on the run. The average tennis racquet tips the scale around 10-11 ounces, while pickleball players are swinging paddles that mostly fall between 7.5 and 8.0 ounces. Getting a pickleball paddle that’s too light won’t help your journey in the game. We recommend grabbing a paddle that weighs between 8.0-8.5 ounces to keep your timing on point while having enough oomph in your paddle to combat any mishits that might happen in your early months!

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! This applies to most things in life, including the transition from playing tennis to playing pickleball. Stick with what works for you, and don’t change your game! Tennis players often find a familiar home in pickleball, but the learning curve can be steeper than expected. For those transitioning to the smaller court, here is a list of paddles to consider as you work to become the best pickleball player from 0-0-Start!

Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Pickleball Paddles

Proudly made in the USA! All of Engage Pickleball Professionals have switched over to the Engage Pursuit Pro1 and you should too! Get ready to redefine innovation and power in your game.

Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control 16mm Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

SHOP Six Zero Double Black Diamond

The Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control 16mm Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a top choice for tennis players transitioning to pickleball. Its elongated shape and 5.5-inch handle accommodate a two-handed backhand and provide a familiar racquet-like feel. The 16mm honeycomb polymer core offers a large sweet spot and excellent stability, while the raw Toray 700K carbon fiber face delivers high spin potential and control—ideal for replicating tennis shot techniques. Features like Carbon Fusion Edge technology and a thermoformed handle reduce vibration and enhance feel, making this paddle both powerful and precise for players coming from a tennis background.

CRBN³ TruFoam Genesis Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

Shop CRBN Trufoam

The CRBN³ Trufoam Genesis Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is a great choice for tennis players transitioning to pickleball. Its responsive carbon fiber face and balanced control-to-power ratio offer a familiar feel, helping players maintain precision on volleys while adding extra pop to groundstrokes—similar to a tennis racquet.

Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power Elongated Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle

SHOP Gearbox Pro Ultimate

The Gearbox Pro Ultimate Power Elongated Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is particularly well-suited for tennis players transitioning to pickleball. Its elongated shape and extended 5.5-inch handle closely resemble the dimensions of a tennis racquet, providing a familiar feel and accommodating a two-handed backhand grip. The paddle's Toray T700 raw carbon fiber face, combined with the patented Solid Span Technology (SST) core, delivers a blend of power and control, mirroring the responsiveness tennis players are accustomed to. Additionally, the TXR Surface Grip Technology enhances spin potential, allowing for effective topspin and slice shots, similar to those in tennis. Weighing 8.0 oz with a 4-inch grip circumference, it offers a balanced and comfortable experience for players transitioning from the tennis court to the pickleball court.

Selkirk LABS 007 14mm InfiniGrit Carbon Fiber

SHOP Selkirk LABS 007 14mm InfiniGrit

The Selkirk LABS 007 14mm InfiniGrit Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is an excellent choice for tennis players transitioning to pickleball due to several key features:

InfiniGrit Surface Technology: This innovative surface is three times more durable than traditional raw carbon surfaces, offering enhanced spin potential of up to 2000 RPMs. This allows for precise and controlled shots, enabling former tennis players to apply familiar spin techniques effectively. Midwest Racquet Sports+4Selkirk LABS+4Selkirk LABS+4
Paddle Shape Options:
- Invikta: Features a longer handle and elongated paddle shape, providing increased reach and power, which is beneficial for players accustomed to the extended reach of tennis racquets. Selkirk LABS+1Selkirk LABS+1
- Epic: Offers a traditional paddle shape with a long handle, delivering a balanced blend of power and control, catering to players seeking versatility. Selkirk LABS
14mm Core Thickness: This core offers a larger sweet spot compared to thinner cores, providing more stability and consistency without sacrificing power. This is ideal for tennis players who rely on both power and precision in their game.

When looking for a pickleball paddle for tennis players, check out all the Selkirk LABS Paddles which are great for players transitioning to pickleball from tennis!

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Just because your court has gotten smaller doesn’t mean your game has to suffer. Shop at JustPaddles and find the best pickleball paddles for tennis players. If you have any additional questions, please contact our Paddle Experts. They’re available via phone at 866-382-3465, email at experts@justpaddles.com, or live chat on the website. We're JustPaddles, and we are here for you from Click To Court!