Best Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players

Oh, so you're a former tennis player converting to pickle? Join the club. Whether your parents were putting you in lessons to keep you busy during the summer or you were grinding it out at the highest level of USTA's, you're one of us.

And now, you've caved to the hype. You're a pickleballer. Ok fine, you don't have to adopt the designation of pickleballer yet, but if you're spending time on the pickleball court, you might as well find a paddle that suits your skillset. Finding the right pickleball paddle for tennis players is the first step to making that advantage last.

Why the Right Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players Makes All the Difference

Having a tennis background can be a significant advantage when transitioning to pickleball. Choosing the wrong paddle can cause that advantage to evaporate. Choosing one of the paddles below can ensure that you capitalize on the assets you already have as you finally make the transition to pickleball.

As ESPN has reported, former competitive tennis players frequently find that their stroke mechanics and court IQ translate directly into pickleball success. The key is pairing that background with equipment built for that style of play.

What factors make up the ideal pickleball paddle for tennis players? There are a few, namely:

• Spin
• Shape
• Power

Based on countless conversations and plenty of trial and error, these three factors seem to consistently decide whether a paddle suits a tennis player. For a deeper look at what goes into a smart choice, our pickleball paddle buying guide covers every relevant factor in detail.

So which paddles embody these characteristics best? Glad you asked:

Use code 10DINK for 10% off paddles and equipment at Fromuth Pickleball!

1. The CRBN 2
2. The Electrum Model E
3. The Franklin Ben Johns Signature

The CRBN 2: Top Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players Who Crave Spin

CRBN is a newly launched brand that seems to be taking pickleball by storm. It's sleek, all black look is a great complement to its aggressive style of play.

Spin

Simply put, this paddle generates RPMs. In fact, in a test of all the top paddles in the game, CRBNs one came out on top. You can read more about the analysis here.

It's noticeable too, and takes some adjusting when you first play with it. But once you get comfortable, you actually realize that its ability to generate natural RPMs allows you to flatten out your stroke (you don't need to come over it so much) and add power to your shots.

Pickleball players love spin because it allows you to pull off some crazy winners down the line from the baseline and carve balls at sharp angles when at the net. This is the best paddle for that.

Lastly, you can play some pretty gnarly looping lobs over your opponent. Kind of like throwing a fade in football: it looks like it's going too long, and then all of a sudden, it drops right into the target zone.

Shape

This paddle is quite similar to the Ben Johns, but with a more square face and a little less length on the handle. You likely aren't going to be hitting two-handed backhands with this one, but you'll definitely have an easier time finding the sweet spot.

Hitting the sweet spot is crucial for a consistent short game at the net. So, if you're a tennis player who hasn't yet perfected your short game, the CRBN2 might be perfect for you.

Power

Power is somewhat subjective with this paddle, meaning that the amount of power you experience depends on your stroke. Are you someone who's adding tons of topspin? Well, then you'll lose a bit of power.

This is a common hurdle for tennis players making early conversion mistakes: it takes a while to learn that a flatter stroke actually reduces the risk of error and increases power.

If that sounds like you, then maybe the CRBN2 is the right pickleball paddle for tennis players with a heavy topspin game. Its ability to effortlessly generate spin grants you some peace of mind as you start to flatten out your stroke, because you'll still be able to add tons of topspin to the ball. Once you do that, you'll notice that this paddle packs plenty of punch.

For more on mastering pickleball topspin and fixing the most common mistakes, check out this dedicated breakdown.

Additional Perks

This is the hot paddle right now. CRBN, so hot right now. So, you'll definitely look like a pickleball insider when you step onto the court with this weapon.

Not to beat a dead horse, but this thing is going to give you some nasty spin.

Price: $179.99

10% off from CRBN Pickleball with code THEDINK

The Franklin Ben Johns Signature Paddle

This is about as close to a classic as you can get in pickleball. Just about every competitive player has had a stint with this paddle, and for good reason.

The Franklin Ben Johns is named after #1 ranked Ben Johns, a Delaware native who can't seem to lose. He's widely considered the pickleball GOAT.

Franklin Ben Johns: The Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players Who Paint Lines

This paddle is the king of forehands down the line. Many singles specialists prefer this paddle for exactly that reason: it's meant for those who like to paint lines. It's gritty surface allows for players to manipulate the ball in ways that most other brands simply cannot match.

Shape

The Franklin Ben Johns shape could be considered 'middle-of-the-road.' It has a handle that's just long enough for players to grip it with both hands for a two-handed backhand. Its face allows for a nice amount of reach into the kitchen.

Pickleball paddles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes (short and long handles, square faces, skinny faces, the list goes on). This model can be considered the average of all of them, in terms of shape.

Power

For most tennis players, power is not an issue, but some paddles can provide a little extra boost that makes a noticeable difference. This is one of them. Is it the most powerful in pickleball? Not quite, but it's definitely in the top 5.

And that's saying a lot for a model that doesn't tout itself as a 'power paddle.' Choose the 16mm if you're looking for a little more help on the soft game. Choose the 13mm if you feel like you have the soft game down, and you'd rather benefit from some extra power.

As a former tennis player myself, and as someone who has tried just about every paddle out there, I always come back to the Ben Johns Signature. It's the closest thing you can find to an actual tennis racquet, making it one of the most intuitive pickleball paddles for tennis players on the market.

Additional Perks

It comes in multiple colors, from the classic white with red accents to a sky blue and all-black. It even has a deep purple for those feeling a little moody.

The price point is pretty unbelievable. The ratio of paddle quality to price is debatably the highest in pickleball. At only $100, you might as well snag a backup while you're at it.

Price: $100

Get 10% off yours at Fromuth Pickleball with code 10DINK

The Electrum Model E

Electrums were the first paddles to really start pushing the limits when it comes to spin and power. I'd actually credit Electrum for reimagining what a pickleball paddle can do and giving rise to all the grit we're seeing in the market today.

There was a time when many of the pros were questioning Electrum's legality because of how wicked pro Pat Smith's shots were with this thing. Sports Illustrated noted that tennis pros transitioning to pickleball often seek out high-performance paddles that mirror the feel and firepower they're accustomed to on the tennis court, and the Electrum Model E fits that description perfectly.

Spin

Before the CRBN's hit the market, Electrum had the reputation of THE paddle for spin. And while the CRBN has taken the spin throne, Electrum is still top 3. The trade-off is the power, which this paddle has plenty of.

When I'm not playing with the Ben Johns, this is my first choice because it has a similar combination of spin and power.

Why the Electrum Is a Natural Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Players

Much like the Ben Johns Signature, the Electrum Model E's shape is like if you average all the legal paddles on the market. Enough handle length for the two-handed backhand, overall length for solid reach into the kitchen and not too skinny where you're going to struggle to find the sweet spot.

This thing mimics the shape of a tennis racquet, which makes strokes feel super natural for a former fuzzy-baller.

Power

This thing rips. It also has that "pop" off the face. It feels like the ball is really exploding off the face of the paddle and it tends to catch players by surprise.

It makes speedups at the net that much more lethal, and you can certainly rip those nasty forehand winners right up the middle when you need to.

Additional Perks

This thing is like the batmobile of paddles, it's just got a cool look to it.

They're super durable and you won't have to replace them as much.

Price: $179.99

Get 10% off yours at Fromuth Pickleball (code 10DINK) or from the CRBN site (just make sure to use code: thedink)

All-in-all, you aren't going to be upset with any of these choices. Each is a strong pickleball paddle for tennis players who want to hit the ground running without completely reinventing their game. There are plenty of paddles out there that will require you to completely change the way you strike the ball. These paddles are not like that.

Whichever you go with, make sure to capitalize on the 10% off by using 10DINK at checkout on fromuthpickleball.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a great pickleball paddle for tennis players?

The best pickleball paddle for tennis players prioritizes spin, familiar shape, and enough power to reward aggressive groundstrokes. Paddles that mimic the feel of a tennis racquet, like the Franklin Ben Johns Signature, tend to make the transition far smoother and more enjoyable.

Can I use my tennis technique with a pickleball paddle?

Yes, but adjustments are necessary. Your swing mechanics, court awareness, and footwork will all transfer well, though transitioning to pickleball does require learning to flatten out your stroke and embrace a shorter, more controlled motion at the net.

Is the CRBN 2 the best high-spin paddle option for tennis converts?

The CRBN 2 is widely regarded as one of the top spin-focused paddles on the market, which makes it an excellent choice for tennis players who rely on heavy topspin and want to generate natural RPMs without changing their swing. Its square face also helps former tennis players find the sweet spot more consistently.

Does paddle shape matter when transitioning to pickleball from tennis?

Paddle shape plays a significant role in how comfortable a former tennis player feels during the transition. Paddles with longer handles support the two-handed backhand, while wider faces offer a more forgiving sweet spot, both of which are factors that matter most to players coming from a tennis background.

Which of these three paddles is closest to a tennis racquet feel?

The Franklin Ben Johns Signature and the Electrum Model E both mimic the natural feel of a tennis racquet most closely, due to their balanced shape, handle length, and all-court versatility. The Ben Johns is the more budget-friendly option at $100, while the Electrum delivers more raw pop at a higher price point.