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For the past 11 months, I have been on a pickleball journey that led me to Prince pickleball paddles. After moving to South Carolina from upstate New York, I discovered this popular sport and all of the clubs, events, and bars focused around it.
I was obsessed!
The first pickleball purchase I made was for a wooden Franklin Activator paddle, the cheapest one I could find. With this paddle, I struggled with control and accuracy, especially while serving. There were large dead spots which hindered my power and caused unreliable results. As many know, wood is not the best pickleball paddle material.
I knew I needed to upgrade my equipment, but still wanted to stay within budget. I discovered the Prince Recreational Pickleball Paddle whose fiberglass design was a major step up from the wooden one. You can get this paddle at Target, but I generally prefer to check Amazon for it’s amazing returns.
It felt lighter in hand and had a comfortable grip so I decided to give it a whirl. I could not be happier with its performance thus far!
Within the first few sessions, I saw major improvements in my serving, power, and accuracy. This paddle has been a game changer for my skills as a beginner pickleball player.
This article will outline my first impressions, playability, cost, and specifications for the Prince Recreational to determine if its budget-friendly price is worth the hype.
First Impressions
The Prince Recreational Pickleball Paddle offers a minimal unboxing experience. Its retro inspired color block design is charming and appealing to the eye, but there are no bells or whistles to write about. A simple plastic cover keeps the paddle clean, but no protective wrapping or decorative box entices customers. Once the paddle is free from its cover, it is ready to hit the courts!
Playability
Where the Prince paddle lacks in flair, it makes up for in consistency. This recreational paddle makes no claim for fame but will reliably deliver predictable results for beginner and advanced players alike.
Control
The wider face of this paddle paired with a soft and secure handle allowed for my serving skills to greatly improve. It only took a handful of serves for me to have consistent and predictable results with the Prince. I have great control while dinking and manage to dupe even my best opponents.
After months playing Pickleball and trying a variety of paddles from friends, I am still content with the Prince’s performance and see no need to upgrade at this time.
Please note that you may not get the same control as you do with some of the carbon fiber best budget paddles.
Spin
The Prince deserves no medals when it comes to spin control.
The smooth face of this paddle generates very little spin due to the lack of friction, and the most I have seen a ball curve from it was around 3 inches. Whether that is due to my lack of skill or the paddle’s surface is still up for debate, but I have not been overly impressed by spin control with this paddle.
Power
This wide, 9oz paddle by Prince packs a surprising punch. While it does not have the energy transferring ability of carbon fiber, it can manage a hefty strike when wielded properly.
I always find it satisfying to blast a pickleball into the opposing team’s corner when they least expect it, and the Prince never fails me!
Cost Implications
The Prince Recreational Pickleball Paddle can be purchased online or in store at Target for $24.99, but you may also want to see what line up you can find on Amazon
. This affordability appeals to those starting out in their pickleball journey and I highly recommend it to anyone within their first year of playing. It is a major step above the Franklin Wooden Paddle which I learned the game on, but will not produce the results that a more advanced player would be looking for.
Alternatives
Pickleball paddles range in capabilities on many fronts, but it is no secret that carbon fiber ones offer the best control and power. After testing several friends’ paddles, the two that I most enjoy playing with are the Vatic Pro Prism (check out my full review) and the Hurricane Pro by Pikkl. Both offer superior control and spin performance compared to the Prince Recreational. The smallest adjustment to the angle would result in differing placement and power of the rebound shot, which was exciting to test and adjust to.
The ball would fly off of the Hurricane Pro much faster than when using my Prince Recreational, and I had to change my swing accordingly. The power and reactiveness of these carbon fiber paddles make them excellent choices for intermediate or advanced players, but would be difficult to control as an amateur. W
hile my spin control still needs work, I was able to have better results with the carbon fiber paddles due to their frictional surfaces. I was content learning the game with my wooden paddle, but have greatly enjoyed improving my skills with the Prince Recreational. Once I wear out my Prince, I will happily upgrade to either the Vatic Pro Prism or the Hurricane Pro by Pikkl!
Paddle Specifications
Per Target, here are the Prince pickleball paddle’s specifications:
- Dimensions (Overall): 15.5 Inches (L), 11 Millimeter thick
- Weight: 9 Ounces
- Used For: Pickleball
- Frame Shape: Traditional
- Grip Size: 4-3/8″
- Core: Polypropylene
- Handle Length: 5 Inches
- Flex: Stiff
- Racquet head size: 7.75 Inches
- Material: Fiberglass
- TCIN: 89203226
Should You Purchase Prince Pickleball Paddles?
The Prince Recreational is a sturdy, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing beginner paddle.
I have been using it since November and am quite content with its general control and power, but note that it’s spin control is lacking. Its affordability was what first appealed to me, but its consistency over the last few months is why I have not yet replaced it.
If you are new to pickleball, or want to upgrade from a cheap wooden paddle, I highly recommend the Prince Recreational and hope you enjoy learning the game with it!
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