Best Pickleball Paddles for Ex-Tennis Players

Looking to make the switch from tennis to pickleball? You’re not alone. In recent years, pickleball has exploded in popularity, especially among former tennis players.

But with so many different pickleball paddles on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we asked three experts (two former tennis players and one pickleball pro) to test out 18 different paddles and give us their top picks.

After hours of testing, the clear winner was the PROKENNEX Pro Flight. This paddle impressed our testers with its lightweight and excellent power and control. If you’re looking for a paddle that will help you make a smooth transition from tennis to pickleball, the PROKENNEX Pro Flight is the way to go.

Here are our top 5 pickleball paddles for old tennis players:

• No 1 Pick: PROKENNEX Pro Flight
• Runners Up: Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro (Wildfire)
• Budget Pick: HEAD Extreme Tour P.B.
• Premium Lovers: PROLITE Titan LRG BDS
• Most Powerful Pick: Engage Pickleball Poach Infinity MX

How We Test and Review?

We take several factors into consideration when testing paddles, including weight, balance, grip size, and sweet spot. We also pay attention to the construction of the paddle, as well as the materials used.

We also take into account the player’s personal preferences and playing style. For example, a player who is aggressive and likes to play at the net may prefer a paddle with a smaller sweet spot and more control. A player who is more defensive and likes to play from the backcourt may prefer a paddle with a larger sweet spot and more power.

Once we’ve considered all of these factors, we’ll put the paddle through a series of tests. We’ll hit balls of different speeds and spin to see how the paddle performs. We’ll also try different strokes and shots to see how the paddle responds. After all of this, we’ll give the paddle a final score and write a comprehensive review.

• 5 Best Pickleball Paddles Under $75 (2024‘s Budget Options)
• Are Head Pickleball Paddles Good?
• How to Prevent Tennis Elbows with Pickleball Paddles?

How To Choose The Best Pickleball Paddle For Ex-Tennis Players?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best pickleball paddle for ex-tennis players:

1. Weight

The weight of a paddle is one of the most important factors to consider. Heavier paddles offer more power, while lighter paddles are more maneuverable. Most ex-tennis players will want to choose a paddle that falls somewhere in the middle, offering a good balance of power and control.

2. Grip

The grip of a paddle is also important. You want a paddle that feels comfortable in your hand and provides a good grip. Many ex-tennis players prefer a paddle with a tennis-style grip, as it offers a more comfortable and familiar feel.

3. Material

The material of a paddle can also affect its performance. Paddles made with graphite or fiberglass are typically lighter and more powerful, while those made with aluminum or composite materials are heavier and offer more control.

4. Size

The size of a paddle also plays a role in its performance. Larger paddles offer more power, while smaller paddles are more maneuverable. Most ex-tennis players will want to choose a paddle that falls somewhere in the middle, offering a good balance of power and control.

5. Price

Of course, price is also a factor to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle. Paddles range in price from around $100 to $300, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget.

Keep these factors in mind when choosing the best pickleball paddle for ex-tennis players. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. But if you keep these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect paddle for your needs.

Top 5 Pickleball Paddles for Former Tennis Players

When you’re a former tennis player looking for a new paddle, you want something that will give you the same power and control you’re used to. You also want something that’s comfortable and easy to use. Here are the top 5 pickleball paddles for former tennis players: 

No 1 Pick

It’s the top pick in our list because it’s the best pickleball paddle for ex-tennis players. If you’re an ex-tennis player, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll be able to hit harder and longer with this paddle.

There are a lot of great things about this paddle. It’s super light, so you won’t feel like you’re carrying around a brick. It’s also very durable, so you don’t have to worry about breaking it. It’s made from carbon, so it’s going to be resistant to cracking and splitting, and it’s also made from a special material called “kinetic technology.”

When you play pickleball, you need to hit the ball hard and fast. And this paddle does that. It’s super light, so you can swing it fast, and it has a carbon face, so you’ll get a nice, crisp sound when you hit the ball.

In terms of price, the Pro Flight Pickleball Paddle is really affordable. So if you’re an ex-tennis player, and you want to start playing pickleball, then this is the one for you.

---

Runners Up

We’re really happy to have tested the Tempest Wave Pro (Wildfire) paddle from Paddletek.

It’s the 2nd best pick for ex-tennis players who are looking for a solid pickleball paddle that will help them achieve a higher level of performance.

The Tempest Wave Pro is designed to maximize your power and accuracy, and it’s a great choice for players at any skill level.

The paddle has a nice weight distribution, which makes it more stable and comfortable to hold. It’s made of composite wood, and it’s very sturdy.

We especially like the fact that it has a textured graphite surface, which makes it easier to control and helps you get the right angle for your shot.

Paddletek has a good reputation in the industry, so we were confident in their products.

So if you’re looking for a high-quality pickleball paddle, then we highly recommend this one.

---

Budget Pick

We got this paddle at a great price from Head. It’s a budget pick for the best pickleball paddle for former tennis players, and we think it’s a great choice.

The paddles are made with lightweight carbon, which makes them much lighter than most graphite paddles on the market. They also come with a high-density polypropylene honeycomb core that’s designed to reduce vibration and give the paddles a solid feel.

They’re designed for pro pickleball players, and that’s why they’re able to offer a textured face and an Ergo Grip on the handle.

The grip is designed to be ergonomic and comfortable, which is a good thing for the players. We tested it ourselves, and we found that it was easy to hold, and didn’t cause us any discomfort or pain.

We also liked that it felt very smooth and soft, which is a nice change from most other paddles. This feels like the perfect pickleball paddle for beginners because it’s easy to control and gives you a solid hit every time.

Head also offers replacement grips if you get a bad one, and we’d definitely recommend that you do that.

So if you’re looking for a good value pickleball paddle, then you should definitely check out the Extreme Tour. It’s a great choice, and it’s well-designed for pro players.

---

Premium Lovers

We’re talking about the Titan LRG BDS – Premium Metallic Edition. If you’re not familiar with the brand, it’s the company that manufactures the Prolite tennis rackets, which is one of the most popular tennis rackets in the world.

The Titan is one of their best pickleball paddles, and it’s specially designed for ex-tennis players who want to play pickleball with a racket that feels like a tennis racket.

It’s available in 2 different sizes – one for lefties and one for righties – so you can use whichever one you prefer.

It’s made from carbon fiber, which is extremely strong and resistant to damage. It’s also lightweight, which makes it easier to swing.

The Titan is also designed with a tapered neck, which allows for quick reactions and better ball control. The large size of the head also makes it easier to hit the ball.

This pickleball paddle is very durable, and it’s backed by a 1 year warranty.

If you’re looking for a quality pickleball paddle, you should try Prolite Titan.

---

Most Powerful Pick

If you’re looking for a powerful pickleball paddle, then you need to check out the Engage Pickleball Poach Infinity MX. It’s a great choice for former tennis players who are looking for a pickleball paddle that’s powerful, balanced, and has a good sweet spot.

The Infinity MX is made of a composite material that’s durable, lightweight, and easy to handle. It’s designed to provide a smooth, balanced feel that’s ideal for pickleball.

The large sweet spot gives you a lot of power and accuracy, and the high-quality composite material makes the paddle sturdy. It also features an angled grip for better balance and control.

The Infinity MX comes with a few different stringings, and it’s available in a variety of colors. It’s made to fit the size of your hand, and it’s very comfortable to hold.

This pickleball paddle is a great choice for intermediate or advanced players who are looking for a reliable pickleball paddle. It’s also perfect for players with tennis elbow, as it reduces the chances of developing it.

---