5 Best Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players – Buying Guide

Have you recently taken up pickleball after years of playing tennis? Finding the right paddle can be tricky for you. As an ex-tennis player, you want a paddle that feels natural and allows your skills to shine.

However, with so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which paddle to choose. There are many factors to consider, like Weight, grip size, materials, etc.

Transitioning from tennis can be difficult if you don’t have a paddle that matches what you’re used to. I carefully analyzed 14 paddles before deciding on the top 5 Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players that mimic tennis racquets.

Reading this guide, you can get your desired paddle as an ex-tennis player.

Court Tested Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players

1. Selkirk Amped Invikta – Editors Choice

According to me, the Selkirk Amped paddle is the best paddle for ex-tennis players, so I listed it at the top.

The Amped comes in at an average weight of 8 ounces, which provides a nice balance of power and control. Its head weight distribution also makes it feel well-balanced, like a tennis racket in your swing.

The Amped’s grip width is identical to a tennis racket grip that ex-tennis players use. The texture also provides excellent grip when sweating.

Its fiberglass face provides much power and feels on contact, similar to a tennis racket’s sweet spot. It allows you to drive the ball like in tennis. Yet its material also offers enough control for angled shots.

The Amped is an elongated paddle with an extended head of 16 inches, longer than standard pickleball paddles. These extra inches make a big difference in leveraging your swing and reaching more balls on the court.

Its features make it easy for players to switch from tennis to pickleball. Despite its higher price, this paddle is a great option for ex-tennis players because of the features it provides.

2. ONIX Graphite Z5 – Best Budget

The Second best paddle after Selkirk Amped, If you are switching from tennis to Picklbeall, is the ONIX Graphite Z5

It has a large sweet spot that makes it extremely forgiving whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. Its wider paddle shape also mimics the feel of a tennis racket more closely than narrower paddles.

The Z5 has a medium weight that provides a nice balance of power and maneuverability. This fits perfectly within the weight that ex-tennis players like to use.

The weight gives you plenty of power behind your serves and groundstrokes without tiring your arm out. Lighter weights may suit more defensive players, but after using the Onix Z5 on the court, I found that it allows you to effectively play your natural power game.

Its textured Nomex honeycomb face provided the perfect traction for spin shots. You can put heavy topspin on your serves, just like in tennis.

The tacky feel also gives more control on dinks and lobs near the net. Its textured grip is also a factor to consider. The grip’s textured wrap prevented any slipping, even when sweaty.

Its wide body, medium weight, tacky face, and tennis-like grip make it extremely seamless to transition your game.

3. Uteeqe U1 Pickleball Set

Recently Got my hands on the Uteeqa Set. It also mimics a lot of tennis racquets.

I know how important it is to find a comfortable paddle that allows you to bring your tennis skills to the game. At ‎7.8 Ounces, the Uteeqe has a lightweight feel that tennis players like for quick movements and swings – but it isn’t so lightweight that you sacrifice power.

The grip size is also ideal for most recreationally-sized hands. The textured face of the paddle adds a nice spin on serves and groundstroke.  

With a large sweet spot, it’s easy to generate topspin, slice, and depth on groundstrokes by adapting your tennis technique. Serving is also forgiving with the Uteeqe. You can serve without worrying about mishits.

 

4. Engage Pickleball Encore MX 6.0

Usually, tennis players are used to swinging heavier rackets and prefer more power over control. The Encore MX 6.0 weighs around an average weight of 8 ounces, considered a heavier pickleball paddle, which can provide a familiar feel and consistency for those accustomed to the weight of a tennis racquet.

However, it has a well-balanced head weight allows you to generate racquet speed and smash shots confidently. Its heavier weight also provides very good control on defensive plays.

The long handle on the Encore feels remarkably close to a regular tennis racket size. This extra length allows for a full swing motion that feels comfortable.

Regardless of whether you play competitively or casually, this paddle’s enhanced power, spin potential, and comfort level will elevate your game. Just ensure you get a proper fitting grip size.

5. Engage Pickleball Pursuit MX 6.0 Graphite Skin

Engage Pursuit MX 6.0 is the last paddle on our list today that mimics a tennis racquet.

At 7.6 ounces, its weight is right in the middle range, which offers a good balance of power and control. The slightly heavier weight feels very familiar and comfortable to a tennis player.

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The feel of the grip is similar to the grip texture on my old tennis racquets, which I found very natural and comfortable to hold right away. Many ex-tennis players prefer this grip style as it provides a more familiar feel. The thinner grip also improves the ball’s feel on contact.

The lightweight yet durable graphite paddle surface combined with the longer head gives power and reach on the court. Its slightly softer polymer composite core provides excellent control.

The anti-vibration properties are also a big plus, preventing discomfort in the arm and shoulder after long play sessions. The anti-vibration technology helps with ball control and keeping the focus on the sweet spot.

Buying Guide On Choosing The Best Pickleball Paddle For Ex-Tennis Players?

You’ll want to consider a few things in your paddle as an ex-tennis player to get the most out of your skills on the pickleball court. Having a tennis background can be advantageous when choosing a pickleball paddle, as it helps with familiarity in swing mechanics, power generation, and spin control.

Weight of the Paddle 

The weight of the paddle matters a lot. If you’ve played tennis, you’re used to more weight, which helps generate power. Consider going for a Heavy paddle so you can still swing with force but have enough control for the faster game of pickleball.

Grip Size 

Grip size also plays a role. You’ll want a familiar feel with years of gripping a tennis racket. Look for a paddle with a grip size close to what you’re used to for additional comfort. Additionally, consider a longer handle to accommodate a two-handed backhand stroke, which provides extra room for the non-dominant hand and allows for more power and stability.

Materials Used 

Materials make a difference, too. Composite or graphite constructions, like tennis rackets, blend power and finesse. They allow you to put spin on shots, just like on the tennis court.

Shape And Size 

Consider the paddle’s shape and size, too. A length close to your tennis racket helps your strokes transfer smoothly between sports. The right dimensions let you swing with ease.

By focusing on weight, grip, materials,  and length, you can narrow your options, making your decision easier.

Final Words – Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players

Selecting the right pickleball paddle makes a big difference for ex-tennis players looking to apply their skills.

While the learning process takes time as you adjust to the smaller court and different techniques, having a paddle that feels familiar in your hands can accelerate this transition period.

Amongst the top 5 Best Pickleball Paddles For Tennis Players, my favorite is the 2nd [ONIX Graphite Z5].

For tennis enthusiasts transitioning to pickleball, these recommended paddles offer a familiar feel and can significantly ease the adaptation process.

Have fun with your Game!!