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.
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Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players
Before we dive into the details, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your pickleball paddle:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
CRBN¹ X 16MM Power Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
The CRBN1 X 16MM Pickleball Paddle is a top-notch choice for elite pickleball players. Especially those transitioning from pickleball. But don't take our word for it. Here is a real 5-star review left by P. McDonnell:
Pros: Love the feel when the ball makes contact with this paddle. The spin I can generate is as good as others said in reviews. My background is tennis so I love to snap back topspins and side spins. Didn’t know if I’d like the elongated design but oh ya. The handle is the right size and comfortable. Yes, I do occasionally use my tennis two-handed backhand and the longer handle works well for this.
Cons: The only negative was the higher price but I justified it like I have other purchases recently. Another retirement gift! I deserve it right!
Electrum Model E Elite 16mm Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
There's a reason why pros such as Collin Johns and Lina Padegimaite use the Electrum Model E Elite. Listen to what they have to say about why it's their new gamer.
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Gearbox CX14E Ultimate Heavyweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Oneshot Aero Powershot Heavyweight Graphite Pickleball Paddle
Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air Invikta Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
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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!
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