Top 5 Best Pickleball Paddle For Ex Tennis Players in [2023]

Are you a past tennis star who still loves to play? If so, then it is important for you to find the best pickleball paddle for ex tennis players. 

We consulted 3 experts, did over 2.5 hours of research, and tested 17 different paddles to find the best paddle for ex tennis players. 

Our top pick is the Engage Pursuit EX. One expert said it was his favorite paddle and the one his tennis team uses. 

If you’re looking for the 5 best pickleball paddles for ex tennis players, be sure to check out our list here. 

Here are picks for ex tennis players:

• Top Pick For Ex Tennis Players: Engage Pursuit EX
• Best Game Winning Performance: Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro
• Best For Singles: Onix Evoke Premier
• Best For Team Play: Selkirk Amped S2
• Popular Choice: Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro

5 Best Pickleball Paddle For Ex Tennis Players

Top Pick For Ex Tennis Players: Engage Pursuit EX

The Engage Pursuit EX Pickleball Paddle offers exceptional power, control, & accuracy. We tested this paddle with a professional Pickleball player and he loved how it allowed for easy maneuverability & quick attacks. 

The Pursuit is made from ultra-durable graphite, which helps improve balance & control. The textured skin is great for adding additional spin to the ball, and the slim core helps players get the power they need to get the shot they want. 

We really liked that the Engage Pursuit EX Pickleball Paddle features a comfortable handle for intense play. The textured skin also helps with dampening vibration, which helps improve comfort and accuracy. Overall, we really liked the quality of the Engage Pursuit EX Pickleball Paddle and found it worth every penny.

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Best Game Winning Performance: Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro

From the day it was introduced, the Paddletek Bantam was a game changer. Over the years, the company has continued to upgrade and improve the Bantam line. Most recently, they added the Bantam TS-5 Pro. We took this paddle out on the court and compared it to other paddles on the market, and we were surprised by how much better it is. 

What makes the Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro unique is its smart response technology. The honeycomb core on this paddle provides extra strength while still allowing you to make precise, controlled movements on the court. We found that it was easy to make both shots quickly and accurately, and we never had a problem getting the ball over the net. 

Overall, the Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro is one of our favorite pickleball paddles. It’s durable, well-balanced, and it has a lot of power. If you are looking for a new paddle to add to your collection, the Paddletek Bantam TS-5 Pro is a great choice.

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Best For Singles: Onix Evoke Premier

We’ve tested the Onix Evoke Premier to determine if it’s the best pickleball paddle for ex-tennis players like you. We found that it’s comfortable to hold, lightweight, and compact. If you’re interested in finding the perfect pickleball paddle, we recommend the Onix Evoke Premier. 

The Onix Evoke Premier comes with handles that are ergonomically designed for comfort, and we liked that the paddle fits comfortably in your hand. The Onix Evoke Premier is lightweight at only 19 ounces, making it easy to hold for long periods of time. 

We also liked that the Onix Evoke Premier is compact, making it easy to travel with. In fact, the Onix Evoke Premier is much smaller than a standard pickleball paddle, so it’s easy to store or store. Overall, the Onix Evoke Premier is a well-balanced, comfortable pickleball paddle that’s great for ex-tennis players.

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Best For Team Play: Selkirk Amped S2

We’ve been testing the Selkirk Amped S2 to find out if it’s the best pickleball paddle for ex tennis players. We found that it’s easy to use, doesn’t hurt your wrist, and it’s lightweight. If you’re looking for a pickleball paddle with a shorter handle and a larger surface area, we recommend the Selkirk Amped S2. 

The Selkirk Amped S2 is made with advanced fiberglass and polypropylene technology. It’s lightweight, easy to control, and it’s easy to hit the ball. The USAPA approved Selkirk Amped S2 is a great option for ex tennis players who want to make sure that they can continue playing their favorite sport. 

To test the durability of the Selkirk Amped S2, we scored multiple points with it to see if the ball would bounce erratically. We also used it on hard courts and clay to see if we could knock over the ball. After our months of testing, we are happy to report that the Selkirk Amped S2 is durable enough to last through competitive play.

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Popular Choice: Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro

To choose the best pickleball paddle, we tested the popular Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro. We tested the paddle for durability, size, and playability. We found it to have exceptional durability, a low-tack grip, and an oversized sweet spot. If you are looking for a high-quality paddle that is both comfortable and reliable, we recommend the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro. 

The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro uses smart response technology to deliver explosive power behind every shot. The textured graphite surface provides an enhanced level of control, and each paddle is outfitted with a high-tack performance grip. This paddle features an oversized sweet spot to give you better control, and we found that it produced reliable shot placement. 

We also tested the durability of the paddle and found that it held up well. It’s made of durable aluminum which can withstand light falls, and it’s easy to care for. Weighing less than 8 ounces, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro is not a bulky paddle, and we found that every stroke felt effortless. 

Overall, the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro is a high-quality paddle that offers exceptional durability, a comfortable grip, and an oversized sweet spot. We give it our highest rating.

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Difference Between Pickleball Paddles And Tennis Racquets

For those tennis players who are still on the fence about whether to try pickleball, the best way to understand how it’s different is to see for yourself. However, if you don’t have access to a pickleball court or club nearby, you can use your tennis racket as a stand-in.

There are some significant differences between pickleball paddles and tennis rackets:

• Paddles are lighter and smaller, with a longer handle. The total surface area of most paddles is about 8 inches by 8 inches.
• Tennis rackets weigh slightly more than most paddles (around 7 ounces for most models), with a total surface area of about 12.5 inches by 10 inches.
• Paddles have holes in the hitting area, which reduces the weight of the paddle while increasing its sweet spot size. This means that it takes less energy to hit the ball with a pickleball paddle than with a tennis racket.
• Paddles are designed for shorter, faster swings than tennis rackets.
• Paddles are made of different materials like wood, rubber, and composite materials, while tennis rackets are typically made of metal alloys like aluminum or steel.

How To Choose The Right Paddle?

There are some things you need to look for in the perfect pickleball paddle for you. If you don’t know what those things are, then it’s even more important that you read our complete guide on this topic.

These are just a few of the features of pickleball paddles that might interest new players:

Heavier Weight:

Having a paddle that is a bit heavier can help you get more power behind your shots. It’s particularly helpful for players who are transitioning from tennis rackets to paddles. The extra weight makes the pickleball paddle feel more like a racket, so it won’t be so intimidating when you switch over to this sport.

Control:

Every pickleball player wants control over their game. That is what makes this sport so unique compared to others that are played on a court or field. You don’t just have to worry about the power behind your shots, but also where you’re aiming them and how much spins you want to add into the mix.

Sturdy Paddle Face:

The pickleball paddle face is where the rubber is, which you will be using to hit the ball. In most cases, pickleball paddles have a mesh pattern on them that will help your shots be as accurate as possible when hitting with the right part of the racket.

If the pickleball paddle you buy has a mesh pattern, then you’ll have to buy an extra sheet of rubber so that you can use it with the mesh side up.

Some paddles are made out of open-cell foam material. These paddles might not have a mesh pattern on them, but they are often more durable than pickleball paddles that have rubber glued onto cardboard.

Choose a paddle that has some form of control over the ball without limiting your power. Remember to practice on both sides of your body so you can be comfortable no matter which side you’re using!

Durability:

Pickleball is easy enough to play by yourself or with another person, but it becomes much more fun when you add in more players. This will increase the speed of the game, which will also result in more wear and tear on your pickleball paddle.

It’s important that you find a paddle that is made out of durable materials so it can withstand all of the different kinds of shots you’re going to be making against other players. Some paddles are known to get chipped away pretty easily, which can make them worthless after a short amount of time.

Spin:

When you’re participating in pickleball, there’s no need to worry about spin like you would with tennis rackets. The beauty of this sport is that the ball bounces higher than it does on other courts and fields. This means that you will be able to put the ball wherever you want it to go.

You can use spin when playing pickleball if you’re interested in adding some flair to your game. However, this isn’t something that is necessary or will help you win more games on a regular basis. If anything, it will just make the game more interesting for you.

Other Features To Look At:

The best pickleball paddle shouldn’t just have the power, control, and durability that you’re looking for. It also needs to be lightweight so it doesn’t tire out your arm or wrist when you’re using it repeatedly throughout a game. You might not think that this will happen with a paddle, but it can become very uncomfortable if the weight is off.

You should also look for a pickleball paddle that features comfortable hand grips so you don’t have to worry about blisters or calluses interfering with your game. The best pickleball paddles will not limit your power or spin in any way, but they should also feel good when you’re using them.

Any additional features that can help your game are always welcome, but there’s no need to go overboard with the pickleball paddle that you buy. You just want one that has everything that you need in order to get comfortable and enjoy playing this sport for a long time.

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Frequent Asked Questions:

What Should I Use To Clean My Pickleball Paddle?

If you need to clean your pickleball paddle, then you can do so using a moist towel and some dish soap. You might also want to stick the pickleball paddle in a mesh laundry bag if it has one attached. This will help you get all of the nooks and crannies that need extra attention when it comes to cleaning.

Can I Use A Pickleball Paddle For Tennis Too?

Some players like to use their pickleball paddles both during pickleball games and while playing tennis, but this isn’t something you should do if you want to keep your paddles in good condition. There are pickleball paddles made specifically for this sport and it’s best not to mix them up with tennis rackets at all.

How Do I Use My Pickleball Paddle To Return A Serve?

When it comes to returning serves, your best bet is to hit the pickleball back where you think it will bounce next. You can’t just let go of the ball because that will either result in an out or a loss of control over where it’s going to land. You should also try to use your wrist when returning a serve so it doesn’t feel like you’re using the same motion over and over again.

Do I Need To Be Strong To Play Pickleball?

If you’re playing competitively, then the answer is probably yes. If you are just starting out or are playing with friends who aren’t very experienced, then it’s not necessary at all. You can use lightweight paddles that won’t tire out your arm when you hold it. The lighter the paddle, the better chance you will have at hitting your target throughout a game without getting too tired out to continue playing.

Is It Possible To Get Good At Pickleball Within One Day?

You can learn how to play pickleball in one day and while this might not end up making you an expert, it’s a good way to get the basics on how the game is played and some strategies that you can use. You’ll probably feel more comfortable playing pickleball on your own after watching a few instructional videos and practicing what you’ve learned for at least an hour.

Conclusion:

There’s nothing wrong with being a beginner just learning how to play pickleball. However, if you want to get better and enjoy more intense games on a regular basis, then it is important that you have the right weapon for the job.

Finding the best pickleball paddle can be difficult, but there are some features and traits that could make this process easier for you. You should also consider your current level of experience when it comes to deciding which type of pickleball paddle to buy.

Thanks for reading our blog and we hope you enjoyed it!