Best Pickleball Paddle for Former Tennis Players: 6 Picks for 2027

• Face: Graphite Hitting Surface with SpinGrid texture
• Core: polypropylene with FoamedCore, 15 mm
• Weight: 225 g / 7.9 oz
• Size: 16″ x 7 7/8″
• Grip: 3 7/8″ or 4 1/8″

HEAD designed the Radical Tour Grit for versatile players. The Graphite Hitting Surface gives a reactive, controlled feel, and the SpinGrid texture increases spin potential.

A 15 mm polypropylene core with strategically placed foam adds stability. The wide 16 x 7 7/8-inch shape and two grip sizes make it easy to fit to different hands and playing styles. Two grip sizes.

See the HEAD Radical Tour Grit on Amazon ↗

• Face: Carbon Abrasion Surface (CAS)
• Build: Hybrid-Ply layering
• Core: 16 mm Response polypropylene honeycomb
• Weight: about 8.3 oz
• Shape: elongated
• Handle: 5.5″ length, 4.25″ grip

The Hyperion CAS is the original Ben Johns paddle from JOOLA. Its Carbon Abrasion Surface is sand-blasted to create texture for spin, and the Hybrid-Ply layering is tuned for dinking and blocking control.

A 16 mm Response honeycomb core keeps the feel soft, while the elongated shape and 5.5-inch handle add reach and two-handed backhand room. 5.5 in handle.

See the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion CAS 16 on Amazon ↗

• Face: reinforced textured raw carbon fiber
• Frame: KineticFrame technology
• Tech: TechFlex Power
• Size: 16.5″ x 7.5″, 8.1 oz average
• Handle: 5.5″ length, 4.25″ circumference
• NFC chip; USAP and UPA-A certified

The Pro V is JOOLA’s newest flagship. Its KineticFrame construction is inspired by how a hockey stick flexes to store and release energy, adapting to your swing for powerful drives while staying controlled on soft shots.

The elongated Perseus shape measures 16.5 x 7.5 inches with an 8.1-ounce average weight and 5.5-inch handle. An embedded NFC chip connects to the JOOLA Connect app for registration and a 12-month warranty. USAP and UPA-A certified.

See the JOOLA Pro V Perseus on Amazon ↗

• Face: graphite
• Core: Nomex honeycomb
• Shape: wide body with tennis-style handle
• Weight: about 7.84 oz
• Grip: 4.25″
• Edge guard; USA Pickleball approved

The Onix Z5 has been a fixture on recreational courts for years. Its graphite face sits over a Nomex honeycomb core, which produces a crisp, responsive feel and fast ball speed.

The wide body and tennis-racket-inspired handle make it approachable for players coming from tennis, and Onix markets it for beginners through advanced players. Forgiving Nomex core.

See the Onix Graphite Z5 Paddle on Amazon ↗

• Face: FiberFlex+ fiberglass with ProSpin+ texture
• Core: X5+ raw honeycomb, 16 mm
• Shape: Invikta (elongated)
• Design: Air Dynamic open throat
• Edges: Aero-DuraEdge edgeless with FlexFoam perimeter

The Amped Pro modernizes one of Selkirk’s most popular lines. It pairs a FiberFlex+ fiberglass face with a 16 mm X5+ honeycomb core for balanced power and a large, reliable sweet spot.

An Air Dynamic open throat improves swing speed, and the edgeless Aero-DuraEdge design with a FlexFoam perimeter expands the usable face while damping vibration. 16 mm core.

See the Selkirk Amped Pro Invikta on Amazon ↗

• Face: T700 carbon fiber peel-ply texture at 45°
• Core: PowerFlex 16 mm polymer with inner foam layer
• Build: double thermoformed
• Size: 16.4″ x 7.6″
• Handle: 5.6″ length, 4.3″ circumference
• Approved by USA Pickleball and UPA

Franklin built the C45 for competitive players. The paddle is thermoformed twice to strengthen its structure, and the T700 carbon peel-ply texture is laid at a 45-degree angle to keep grit consistent across the face.

Inside, a 16 mm PowerFlex polymer core includes an inner foam layer for extra pop. The 16.4 x 7.6-inch shape and 5.6-inch handle give a blend of reach and sweet spot that works from the baseline to the kitchen. 5.6 in handle.

See the Franklin Sports C45 Carbon Fiber Paddle on Amazon ↗