Best Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Elbow: Many pickleball players suffer from tennis elbow, even though paddles are lighter than tennis rackets. The condition can cause pain in the elbow, forearm, and wrist. Changing your paddle could help reduce the pain. Some paddles are built specifically to absorb shock and reduce stress on your arm.
Pickleball players of all levels may benefit from using a different paddle, especially if they notice discomfort while playing. A small change in how the paddle feels when it hits the ball or how easy it is to swing could make a big difference. Some paddle designs even include features meant to reduce vibration and strain.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
The Mayo Clinic says tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is caused by using the arm and wrist too much. It happens when the tendons in the elbow get strained. Though it’s called tennis elbow, most people who get it do not play tennis. Pickleball players and workers like painters, plumbers, and carpenters often develop it.
The pain starts around the outside of the elbow. It can move down to the wrist and forearm. People with this condition may find it hard to grip objects, shake hands, turn knobs, or even hold a cup.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow often gets better on its own, according to the Mayo Clinic. If over-the-counter medicine doesn’t work, physical therapy could help. Doctors may look at how you play pickleball or how you do certain movements to reduce stress on your elbow.
A hand or physical therapist can show you exercises to make your forearm stronger. You might also wear a strap or brace to protect the injured area. But before trying those treatments, a new paddle might be all you need.
Paddles That Help With Tennis Elbow
JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus 3S
This pickleball paddle is part of the new Pro IV line by JOOLA. It has added foam near the bottom to reduce vibrations. This gives the paddle a softer feel when it hits the ball. It has a 16 mm-thick core and a wide shape, making it easier to control. Despite its soft feel, it still gives good power.
Specs
Weight: 8.2 ounces
Swingweight: 112 (low)
Handle length: 5.25 inches
Paddle length: 16 inches
Paddle width: 8 inches
Surface: Carbon Friction
Core: Propulsion + Tech Flex Power
Thickness: 16mm
Proton Series One Type A Square 15mm
The Proton Series One paddles became popular in 2024. They use a special NanoTac surface that grips the ball and adds spin, like a ping-pong paddle. The 15mm core makes it soft and easy on the arm. Players don’t need to use extra wrist movement, which helps avoid more strain.
Specs
Weight: 8.0 ounces
Swingweight: 118 (medium)
Handle length: 5.25 inches
Paddle length: 15.75 inches
Paddle width: 8.25 inches
Surface: NanoTac carbon fiber
Core: Polypropylene honeycomb
Thickness: 15mm
ProKennex Black Ace 16
This paddle has a 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core that softens the impact and increases the sweet spot. It also has Kinetic Technology in the handle that helps absorb shocks and lowers fatigue. With its very low swingweight, it’s easy to swing.
Specs
Weight: 7.9 ounces
Swingweight: 105 (very low)
Handle length: 5.3 inches
Paddle length: 16 inches
Paddle width: 8 inches
Surface: Toray Carbon Fiber
Core: Polypropylene honeycomb
Thickness: 16mm
JOOLA Agassi Pro
The JOOLA Agassi Pro is good for players with tennis elbow who still want power. It feels softer than other JOOLA paddles and has a curved top, which helps it cut through the air better. Its shape may also feel more familiar to players coming from tennis.
Specs
Weight: 8.1 ounces
Swingweight: 117 (medium)
Handle length: 5.5 inches
Paddle length: 16.5 inches
Paddle width: 7.5 inches
Surface: Textured Carbon Fiber
Core: Honeycomb Propulsion, Hyper-Foam Edge Wall
Thickness: 16mm
ONIX Malice DB Open Throat Max Control
This paddle from ONIX includes rubber parts under the hitting area that help reduce shock and increase power. Its open throat design allows the paddle to bend slightly when hitting the ball, taking pressure off the elbow and wrist.
Specs
Weight: 8 ounces
Swingweight: 103 (very low)
Handle length: 5 inches
Paddle length: 16 inches
Paddle width: 8 inches
Surface: Carbon Fiber
Core: Polypropylene Honeycomb
Thickness: 16mm
Why This Matters
Tennis elbow can make playing pickleball difficult and painful. But using a paddle designed to reduce stress on your arm may help. These pickleball paddles offer better shock absorption and a softer feel, which can limit pain. They also let players continue enjoying the sport without making the injury worse.
Before trying medical treatments, switching paddles could be a simple fix. It might be the first step toward healing and staying on the court.
News in Brief: Best Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is common in pickleball, but choosing the right paddle may ease the pain. Paddles with soft cores and low swingweight reduce strain on the elbow. Top options include JOOLA, Proton, ProKennex, ONIX, and more. A small change in gear might prevent a bigger injury.
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