Updated July 2021
I’ve added three new paddles which have come to market since this article was first written. They include the Gamma Compass, Engage Encore MX 6.0, and Selkirk Amped Invikta. All of these have enhanced technology and are in the $150 range. All are considered to be an elongated paddle since they are over 16″ in length. The Gamma Compass has one of the longest handles of any paddle in the list at 6.25″, tying the Paddletek Bantam Sabre Pro. The Engage Encore MX 6.0 handle is also long at 6″ while the Selkirk Amped Invikta is only 5.25″ so it may not have enough room for two-handed strokes if you have larger hands. Still the Invikta is a favorite among both amateur players with a five star rating on Amazon and also professionals with many using it.
Selkirk Amped Invikta
Gamma Compass
Engage Encore MX 6.0
Let’s face it. The transition from playing tennis to Pickleball is one of the easiest to make when you first start playing the game. If you look at the pro Pickleball players, many of them also have a collegiate or professional tennis background. As a result, numerous Pickleball paddles are designed to suit tennis players. This post will discuss the best Pickleball paddles for tennis players.
Best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players
What Makes a Good Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players? The three main characteristics are Pickleball 1) paddle handle length, 2) overall paddle length, and 3) paddle weight.
Pickleball Handle Length
Tennis rackets have longer handles so players can put two hands on the grip to improve power on ground strokes. As a result, tennis players transitioning to Pickleball need a longer paddle handle if they want to continue to use a two-handed technique in Pickleball.
The handle of a Pickleball paddle is usually shorter than a tennis racket. However, paddle handle lengths typically ranges from 4-6″. This means the longer handles should allow players to put two hands on the paddle.
Pickleball Paddle Overall Length
Tennis players may feel comfortable with an elongated Pickleball paddle. This means the paddle is longer than usual but also more narrow. In the chart below, I classified any paddle greater than 16″ in length as elongated. If you play tennis and would like to keep a long reach, this style of paddle is right for you.
Pickleball Paddle Weight
Pickleball paddles are lighter than tennis rackets, usually weighing between 7 and 8 ounces. Tennis rackets are upward of 9 ounces. If you have come to Pickleball from tennis, a heavier paddle should be more consistent with your tennis racket. With that being said, I would also choose a heavier paddle to decrease the chances of tennis elbow when playing Pickleball. Heavier rackets and paddles let the equipment do more of the work to generate power rather than your arm.
Below is a table of Pickleball paddles likely to be preferred by tennis players. They either have longer than normal handles and/or are heavier. A few of the paddles like the Engage Elite Pro Maverick, Prince Response Pro, and Selkirk Amped Maxima come in two weights so I would choose the heavier version if possible.
Summary
The Paddletek Sabre Pro has the longest handle at over 6″ and is the heaviest paddle on the list. It is clearly designed for tennis players. Another paddle well-liked by tennis players is the Selkirk Amped Invikta as many professionals use it.
I provided ratings for each Pickleball paddle from Amazon and/or Pickleball Central. Only one paddle, the Topp Revive does not have significant reviews from either website. As you can see, all paddles with ratings are well-liked by purchasers.
At the time of this writing, three of the paddles were mentioned in reviews before on Pickleball Fire. The Selkirk Amped Invikta, Engage Elite Pro Maverick, and Prince Quantum Pro are all in the Best Pickleball Paddle post. I would highly recommend one of these if you can deal with the price point.
