This article may contain links that help support this website. Please see our affiliate policy for additional details.
I played tennis for many years, so when I transitioned to pickleball, I wish I would have known the best pickleball paddles for tennis players.
Fast forward a couple of years, I now own over 60 pickleball paddles, and believe I have the paddle expertise to finally write this article.
In addition, I have been actively playing now with a new pickleball player who was a former nationally ranked high school tennis player, so I have been able to see what type of pickleball paddle would be best for him.
Firstly, I’ll cover what characteristics in a paddle are best for tennis players, than I’ll go through the list.
What Characteristics Make a Great Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players
Firstly, the biggest issue my tennis friend had was the length of the paddle. He often would swing and miss the ball because of the sheer size difference between a tennis racket and a pickleball paddle.
So, I would look for a top elongated paddle that is above 16 inches and less than 17 inches. See the paddles below with the Doctor pickleball paddle at 16.5 inches in comparison to the Volair Mach 2 Forza at 15.88 inches.
Next, I would look for a paddle that has a longer handle at 5.5 inches. My tennis friend naturally did two handed backhands, so a longer handle allow you to get both hands on the paddle easily.
You could look for a slightly head heavy balance or other characteristics to emphasize power, spin on control, but I believe the two variables above are the most important
1. Top Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players: Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control 20MM
In my opinion, the best pickleball paddle for tennis player is the Doctor Pickleball Surgical T700 Carbon Fiber Control paddle, and here’s why.
In pickleball, many people consider 14mm or 16mm pickleball paddles, and I have many paddles in that bracket, but for tennis players, I would go with a 20mm paddle as first choice.
The 20mm refers to the paddle’s thickness, so that extra thickness can provide you with more control than a 10mm or 14mm paddle, which generally had more power, but less control.
When transitioning from tennis to pickleball, you will want to work on control, so the 20mm paddle is the choice.
In addition, I love how the Doctor pickleball paddle provide ample power and spin, while retaining an amazing cost. For example, this paddle is currently the best budget pickleball paddle I could find that you can sometimes find below $50.
In my opinion, the Doctor Pickleball surgical paddle provides a premium experience at a value price. Here’s my deep dive review if you’d like further reading about my experience.
2. Runner Up Pickleball Paddle For Tennis Players: Warping Point Grasp Control 20MM
Next up, I believe the Warping Point grasp control 20mm pickleball paddles is an excellent choice for a tennis player.
The Warping Point grasp control is an elongated paddle (16.45 inches by 7.5 inches) that has a thinner handle than the Doctor Pickleball control paddle.
This is a more expensive paddle than the Doctor Pickleball control paddle, but it has an edgeless design, common for thermoformed paddles.
In addition, the paddle’s grip is slightly thinner than the above paddle. Regardless, this paddle provided insane control while it has a nice gritty surface that provide ample spin.
Thankfully, this brand is very generous and provides a 25% off discount code, which is one of the highest out there. Here’s my deep dive review if you’d like further reading of my experience.
Discount Code: BePickleBaller (25% off)
3. Honorable Mention: Vatic Pro Prism Flash Elongated 16MM
The Vatic Pro Prism Flash is the best pickleball paddle under $100 in my experience and is an excellent choice for tennis players.
When you purchase on the website, you would just check the LH instead of the SH option for “long handle”. The reviews for this paddle are incredible, and the paddle is a great all-around court paddle. I would argue that this paddle provides a swiss army like experience, providing ample control, power, and spin. Vatic Pro doesn’t provide a 20mm paddle, so I personally would opt for the 16mm Vatic Pro Prism Flash.
In addition, you can get $10 off discount using the code: bepickleballer, which puts this paddle around $90. And, thankfully, the brand also provides a nice paddle cover as you can see below. Here’s my deep dive review.
Discount Code: BePickleBaller ($10 off)
Conclusion
You’re looking for the best pickleball paddle for tennis players, so you may look for an elongated paddle with a longer paddle to help transition well.
I believe the best paddles are lower cost premium paddles such as the Doctor Pickleball surgical control paddle, the Warping Point grasp control paddle and the Vatic Pro Prism Flash elongated 16mm paddle.
Leave a Reply