Best Pickleball Paddle for Tennis Elbow

Brandon Mackie with the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash pickleball paddle

If your current paddle is putting a strain on your elbows, maybe it's time for a change. Luckily, there are some paddles out there designed specifically for players who are prone to injuries like tennis or pickleball elbow.

I was recently laid low with tennis elbow myself, so I know how frustrating it can be. I decided to put together a list of recommended pickleball paddles for tennis elbow to help anyone like me. Read on for my top picks.

Best pickleball paddles for tennis elbow at a glance

Best overall

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

1. Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid

Many players who get tennis elbow swear by Engage paddles. Their Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid has one of the lowest-ever swing weights for minimal strain or arm fatigue.

Save 10% with PICKLEHEADS

Save 10% at checkout

Read my deep dive

Best cheap

Photo of the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

2. Vatic Pro PRISM Flash

The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is unbeatable value at $90 with our exclusive deal. It's one of the best control paddles and a top pick for those with tennis elbow.

Save $10 with code PICKLEHEADS

Read my deep dive

Best for power

Our Rating:

3. JOOLA Agassi Pro

The JOOLA Agassi Pro is a strong power paddle that swings fast with minimal heaviness, drag, or vibration – great for aggressive players with tennis elbow.

14 mm model

16 mm model

14 mm model

16 mm model

Read my deep dive

Best for control

Our Rating:

4. Grüvn RAW-16S

The Grüvn RAW-16S is a forgiving control paddle with great spin. It has a low swing weight, a shock-absorbing core, and it comes at a value.

Read my deep dive

Best for spin

Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C pickleball paddle

Our Rating:

5. Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C

The Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C is a square-shaped rocket that's a lot of fun at the kitchen. It's built for fast players who prefer a light paddle with tons of spin.

10% off code applied at checkout (14.3 mm version)

Save 10% at checkout

Read my deep dive

I chose the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid as the best overall, but my other picks will suit some players better. Let's dive in.

Best overall

1. Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid

A hybrid-shaped paddle that swings easy and fast, with minimal strain or fatigue.

9/10

Power

8/10

Control

10/10

Spin

8/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You want the most injury-prevention tech:
Engage adds vibration-dampening tech into the edge guard, outer cells, and handle to reduce arm fatigue.
You want power and spin:
you can easily hit hard shots with top-tier spin without putting any strain on your joints.
You play a fast game:
the hybrid design and crazy-low swing weight (101) make this a great paddle for fast hand battles as you don't feel any drag.

Pass if:

You're on a budget:
this doesn't come cheap at $260, so check out the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash or Grüvn RAW-16S for great budget options.
You want an elongated power paddle:
the JOOLA Agassi Pro is a rare elongated power paddle that won't strain your elbows and wrists.
You want a square-shaped paddle:
check out the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C for a lightning-fast and poppy paddle.

Engage Pickleball

Save 10% with PICKLEHEADS

Pickleball Central

Save 10% at checkout

Amazon

Paddle Weight

7.8-8.2 oz

Paddle Length

16.25"

Paddle Width

7.75"

Handle Length

5.375"

Grip Circumference

4.25"

Paddle Face Material

Toray T700 raw carbon fiber

Core Material

Proprietary MachPro Polymer

Core Thickness

12.7 mm (0.5")

Sweet Spot

Medium

If you struggle with tennis elbow, you'll want to check out the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid first. It has built-in vibration-dampening tech to prevent arm fatigue and is even in the 1% swing weight percentile. That makes it a really fast paddle that can generate loads of power without putting any strain on your joints.

If you've been laid low with tennis elbow, this paddle can help you regain your confidence without hurting yourself.

Who it suits

This paddle is for aggressive players who play a fast-paced game. If you're a banger who likes to attack the ball, or a former tennis player who likes to drive, it's ideal for you. The light weight makes it great for anyone who's struggled with injuries like pickleball elbow and arm fatigue.

If you want to focus on your soft game, this will be too poppy. Check out the Grüvn RAW-16S or Vatic Pro PRISM Flash instead.

Features

Engage paddles are known for their vibration-dampening tech, added not just to the handles but throughout the paddles. This includes the outer cells and edge guard, which use bonding and composite injections for better weight and force distribution. You can feel the difference.

The trademark "MachPro" polymer core is thin on this model (at 12.7 mm). It's designed for power and pop. That's exactly what you get, along with elite-level spin from the raw carbon fiber face (Toray T700).

Design and feel

The hybrid shape (16.25" x 7.75") makes this a fast paddle – you can swing it hard without tiring yourself out. The handle length is 5.375", which will be enough for many players who hit two-handed backhands. If you prefer a longer handle, try the JOOLA or Paddletek paddles (5.5").

The swing weight (101) is one of the lowest I've ever seen. It gives the paddle a really light feel, so you can play a fast game. It's one of the most comfortable paddles I've ever played with in terms of arm fatigue.

Performance

The Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid excels on pop, spin, and speed. It's almost like a hybrid of the standard-shaped Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C and the elongated JOOLA Agassi Pro.

While it doesn't quite have the power levels of the JOOLA, it has serious pop that makes putting pace on the ball effortless. Even though it's a thin paddle that doesn't have the dwell time of thicker-core paddles, it's one of the best spin paddles I've ever played with.

It's also one of the only paddles I've scored 10/10 on aerodynamics. This ranks higher than the insanely fast Paddletek Bantam ALW-C and ESQ-C.

Value for money

Engage is a rare brand that really puts a lot of work into injury-preventing technology. If you're prone to tennis elbow, the $259.99 investment is definitely worth it if it gets you back on the courts (and more importantly, keeps you there).

My verdict

The Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid might be expensive, but it's a no-brainer to top my list. It absorbs shocks and vibrations so well, and I feel no strain after long, intense sessions. Even better, if it allows me to pick up my fast-paced game again after a period on the sidelines, that alone is worth $260 to me. I highly recommend this hybrid model to anyone looking to play a really fast attacking game with pop and spin.

Today’s best deals

Save 10% with PICKLEHEADS

Save 10% at checkout

Best cheap

2. Vatic Pro PRISM Flash

One of the best ever values in pickleball.

8/10

Power

10/10

Control

9/10

Spin

8.5/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You want the best deal:
at just $99.99, the PRISM Flash was already the cheapest paddle on this list—take another $10 off with our exclusive discount.
You're focused on your touch game:
this is one of the best control paddles in all of pickleball.
You play with lots of spin:
this paddle can generate higher levels of spin than almost any paddle below $100.

Pass if:

You want the most protection for your elbows:
the Engage Pursuit Pro1, my top pick, comes at a premium price but offers the best vibration dampening.
You're a power player:
skip to the ProKennex Black Ace Pro—made for bangers with built-in shock-absorbing tech.
You're worried about head heaviness:
if you want a lighter paddle so you don't have to swing that hard, check out the ProKennex or the LITE models of the Engage paddles.

Vatic Pro

Save $10 with code PICKLEHEADS

Paddle Weight

7.7–7.9 oz (14 mm paddle) / 7.9–8.2 oz (16 mm paddle)

Paddle Length

16 ⅓"

Paddle Width

7 ⅔"

Handle Length

5 ⅓"

Grip Circumference

4 ⅛"

Paddle Face Material

Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber

Core Material

Polymer honeycomb

Edge Guard

Anti-abrasion TPU

Core Thickness

4mm or 16 mm (0.55" or 0.63")

Sweet Spot

Medium

The Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is my recommendation if you struggle with tennis elbow but also want one of the best deals in pickleball. It comes with a shock-absorbing grip and many players who suffer from pickleball elbow rate it highly.

If you want the best value, you simply can't beat this paddle. I've been recommending it ever since I reviewed it back in August last year.

Who it suits

The PRISM Flash suits both beginners and intermediates. It puts your touch game first, and it's one of the best paddles for control I've ever played with. It's got good all-court credentials because it also generates lots of spin and has enough power to round out your game.

Features

For those who suffer from pickleball elbow, Vatic Pro put two polyurethane inserts into the grip to reduce shocks. Besides that, you won't find much tech to specifically help with injuries unlike some on this list like the Pursuit Pro1.

This is a raw carbon fiber paddle with a strong edge guard and a nice hybrid shape. It has great specs for a paddle under $100.

Design and feel

This is a standard black carbon paddle, so nothing fancy. Vatic Pro doesn't win any awards for style, but they're focused on crafting high-performance paddles at bargain prices.

This isn't a thermoformed paddle so it has a plush, soft feel. You can expect some head heaviness with this paddle—especially on the 16 mm version. If a paddle with a low swing weight is important to you, try the ProKennex Black Ace Pro, which has a super-low swing weight of 100.

Performance

I love how this plays for my touch game. Dinks, drops, and volleys are pinpoint accurate right out of the box.

Spin is the next best thing, and I can hit hard topspin, backspin, and sidespin just like I can with an elite raw carbon paddle like the Selkirk LUXX Control. Power is better than you'd expect too, so all three combined let me play an aggressive game.

While there's a large sweet spot (thanks to the hybrid shape), the PRISM Flash is a bit inconsistent. That's the only way you can tell this isn't a $150+ paddle. I had a few mishits in the beginning but once I focused on hitting the center of the sweet spot, the forgiveness was enough for me.

Value for money

When it comes to value, you can't beat the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash. Listed for just $99.99, it seriously rivals paddles in the $150-200 range. We worked with the Vatic Pro team to get our readers a further $10 discount. That's a crazy deal for one of the best paddles for beginners and intermediates.

My verdict

If you want a paddle that's shock-absorbent but won't break the bank, the PRISM Flash is for you. If you don't mind some head heaviness, it offers incredible control, lots of spin, and good power and forgiveness. It can stay with you from beginner level right through until you're ready to step up to a high-intermediate paddle from Engage or ProKennex.

Today’s best deal

Save $10 with code PICKLEHEADS

Best for power

3. JOOLA Agassi Pro

A comfortable, quick, and light paddle that won't put strain on your arms.

9.5/10

Power

8.5/10

Control

9.5/10

Spin

8/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You want a power paddle:
the Agassi Pro is one of the best power paddles in the game.
You play with lots of spin:
this is one of the best spin paddles – the textured carbon fiber face generates awesome topspin and dip.
You play a fast game:
the Agassi Pro excels in fast hand battles thanks to the tennis racket-like design (boosting aerodynamics) and low swing weight.

Pass if:

You want a softer paddle:
this is a poppy paddle, so check out the Grüvn RAW-16S, my pick for control players.
You prefer square-shaped paddles:
if you don't need the extra reach of an elongated paddle, try the standard-shaped Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C for similar power, spin, and speed.
You're on a budget:
check out the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash if you're shopping in the $100 range.

JOOLA

14 mm model

JOOLA

16 mm model

JustPaddles

14 mm model

JustPaddles

16 mm model

Paddle Weight

7.9 oz (14 mm) or 8.1 oz (16 mm)

Paddle Length

16.5"

Paddle Width

7.5"

Handle Length

5.5"

Grip Circumference

4.125" (14 mm) or 4.25" (16 mm)

Paddle Face Material

Carbon friction surface

Core Material

Polypropylene

Core Thickness

14 mm (0.55") or 16 mm (0.63")

Sweet Spot

Medium

If you love to play an aggressive game but find most power paddles too heavy, you'll like the Agassi Pro. This is JOOLA's first pro-level paddle for tennis legend Andre Agassi, but it's far from a novelty paddle. This is a speedy weapon loaded up with power and spin.

Despite being an elongated paddle, it suits players who suffer from tennis elbow because of its unique aerodynamic design and low swing weight. If you don't want injuries holding you back from playing an aggressive game, check this one out.

Who it suits

This was made for aggressive players – bangers who like to put their opponents under pressure. Former tennis players will like the tennis racket-style paddle shape too. Just note this is a poppy paddle. If you'd prefer something softer, check out the Grüvn RAW-16S for a great control paddle.

Features

JOOLA's "TechFlex Power" tech does a nice job balancing the paddle weight, so it's not head-heavy like the JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion.

It has a new type of carbon surface too. Instead of JOOLA's usual Carbon Friction Surface (CFS), it uses a "textured carbon fiber surface". I can confirm it's even better than the JOOLA Perseus Pro IV at generating spin.

Along with the powerful propulsion core, this helps you shape aggressive shots without swinging too hard. This means less strain on your wrists and elbows.

Design and feel

The Agassi Pro looks different from other elongated paddles, with a tennis-like shape that goes from skinny to wider at the top. It really stands out – lots of people were interested when I took it to the courts.

It has a really nice, premium feel. I like the weight distribution too. It's somehow balanced and strong, but still lightweight. It's fast and not heavy-feeling, which makes it so good for players with tennis elbow.

Performance

Pop, power, and spin are the best attributes here, followed closely by hand speed. This paddle simply bangs, hitting shots that are hard with minimal effort.

While the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid and Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C rely on pop, the elongated Agassi Pro has more putaway power behind the pop. That said, you do sacrifice speed compared to those paddles.

If you can rein in the pop, control is surprisingly good. You get the option of a 16 mm model, which I prefer because it boosts my touch game while maintaining almost all of the power. The high levels of spin generation help with control too, as you can shape shots to keep the ball in.

It's also forgiving for an elongated paddle, since the sweet spot extends to the throat. Just watch out when hitting the ball near the top of the paddle because there are more dead spots up there, thanks to the wider head.

Value for money

At $279.95, the JOOLA Agassi Pro is an expensive paddle. However, if you feel held back by injuries, it's worth the investment in your game. This is a professional paddle that can get you back to playing at the highest levels.

To learn more, read my JOOLA Agassi Pro review.

My verdict

If you like playing a powerful game but find power paddles too heavy, putting a strain on your elbows, the JOOLA Agassi Pro could be the answer. It swings fast without dragging, and I can go long sessions without feeling aches and pains in my joints. While it is expensive, it's worth it if it keeps you at the top of your game and injury-free.

Today’s best deals

14 mm model

16 mm model

14 mm model

16 mm model

Best for control

4. Grüvn RAW-16S

The wide T700 raw carbon face gives you great spin and control.

8/10

Power

10/10

Control

9/10

Spin

9/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You're a control player:
the unique shape (15.7" x 8.1") gives you a large playing surface for extra control and forgiveness.
You want a low swing weight:
you can swing fast with this light paddle, putting less strain on your arms.
Your budget is below $150:
at $139, this is great value for a T700 raw carbon fiber paddle.

Pass if:

You want an even cheaper alternative:
the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is just $89.99 with our exclusive discount, and offers a similar performance across the board.
Money is no issue for you:
if you've got cash to spend, the Engage Pursuit Pro1 offers the most complete performance and the best protection for your wrists, arms, and elbows.
You're a power player:
try the lightning-fast ProKennex Black Ace Pro, which is often on sale for $140-150.

GRUVN

Paddle Weight

7.9 oz

Paddle Length

15.7"

Paddle Width

8.1"

Handle Length

5.4"

Grip Circumference

4.37"

Paddle Face Material

T700 raw carbon fiber

Core Material

Polypropylene honeycomb

Core Thickness

16 mm (0.63")

Sweet Spot

Large

If control is your main priority, the Grüvn RAQ-16s is worth checking out. This brand is making a name for themselves among players who get pickleball elbow. The RAW-16s' combination of low swing weight, ample handle room, and shock-absorbing core helps you play with no strain.

I'm impressed with the performance too. My touch game is spot on thanks to the 16 mm core and unique wider shape. The raw carbon face gives me plenty of spin to play competitively, and there's enough pop for beginners and intermediates.

Who it suits

This mostly suits beginners thanks to the low weight and wide shape. However, it's also suitable for intermediate control players who want lots of spin to play against higher-level players.

At $139, this is a cheaper alternative to Engage paddles like the Pursuit Pro1. So, if you still want great performance without the high price tag, it's worth considering.

Once you're hitting the more advanced levels, you can step up to a paddle like the ProKennex Black Ace Pro (for power) or the Engage Pursuit Pro1 (all-court).

Features

I love the shape—shorter and a touch wider than your usual standard square paddle. This shape boosts the sweet spot, as does the edge guard, giving you plenty of playing surface for more control. The T700 raw carbon fiber gives this paddle lots of spin also.

The 5.4" handle gives you lots of room to comfortably hit two-handed backhands, which can help stabilize your wrists and prevent strains.

Design and feel

The design is simple, though the bright purple edge guard and logo make it stand out somewhat from other black carbon paddles. The unique shape also helps here.

In my hands, this is a light paddle that also feels super stable. I feel very few vibrations or shocks, so I can see why so many people who've struggled with injuries are turning to Grüvn. The grip is comfy and premium too.

Performance

The 16 mm core and wider 8.1" face help my dink game, while the light weight keeps me fast in rallies and on resets. The raw carbon surface grips the ball so well, letting you load up lots of strong topspin.

It doesn't have a lot of plow-through like a powerful elongated paddle like the Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated. That said, there's plenty of pop to help intermediate players round out their game.

Value for money

Along with the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash, the Grüvn RAW-16S is the value pick on this list.

For $139, you're getting a lightweight control paddle that suits beginners and intermediates with built-in shock-absorbing tech and a longer handle. That's a solid investment for a long-lasting carbon paddle with an edge guard that many tennis elbow sufferers swear by.

My verdict

If control is your priority, this Grüvn paddle is worth considering. Its distinct wide shape and low swing weight, combined with great spin, let you play a competitive game. You'll appreciate how stable it feels, and it should help you get back to your best without putting a strain on your elbows.

Today’s best deal

Best for spin

5. Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C

A fast, poppy paddle with great spin that won't put strain on your elbows and arms.

9/10

Power

8.5/10

Control

9.5/10

Spin

8.5/10

Forgiveness

Buy if:

You want a square-shaped alternative to the Engage (best overall):
this has similar pop, spin, and speed to the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid.
You're a banger:
with its high levels of speed in hand battles, you get awesome pop for hitting quick shots, as well as amazing topspin.
You like longer handles:
I really like that they put an elongated 5.5" handle on here for two-handed backhand shots (most widebody paddles have 5-5.25" handles).

Pass if:

You need more reach:
this is a short paddle (15.87" length), so try the hybrid Engage Pursuit Pro1 or the elongated JOOLA Agassi Pro.
You like soft paddles:
if you don't want a poppy paddle, check out the softer Grüvn RAW-16S – a top control paddle.
Your budget is $100:
the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash is an amazing paddle for just $99.99.

Paddletek

10% off code applied at checkout (14.3 mm version)

Pickleball Central

Save 10% at checkout

Amazon

Paddle Weight

7.6–7.9 oz

Paddle Length

15.875"

Paddle Width

Handle Length

5.5"

Grip Circumference

4.25"

Paddle Face Material

PT-700 raw carbon fiber

Core Material

Polymer honeycomb core

Core Thickness

12.7 mm (0.5") or 14.3 mm (0.56")

Sweet Spot

Large

If you love playing with spin, check out the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C – one of the best spin paddles I've ever tested. It's great for players with tennis elbow because it's light and comfortable to swing, so you feel less strain.

The ESQ-C is a lively square-shaped paddle with way more pop than most paddles this size. It has a very low swing weight, which makes you quick in hand battles.

Who it suits

If you suffer from wrist or elbow strains, but you want to play a fast game with lots of spin, you'll like this paddle. The power level is really impressive, too. It swings so fast, with great pop, and doesn't add pressure to your joints.

Since it has such good control and a large sweet spot, it suits intermediates up to advanced players who want to play an aggressive game.

Features

I never used to be a fan of Paddletek paddles, but they really nailed it with the Bantam series. Like the Paddletek Bantam TKO-C and Anna Leigh Waters Bantam ALW-C, the ESQ-C features their signature surface (PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber) – great for spin.

The longer 5.5" handle is rare for a standard-shaped paddle. You get the speed of a square paddle with the long handle of an elongated model, so you can hit hard two-handed backhands with spin. Two-handed shots are also recommended to ease the strain on your joints if you suffer from tennis elbow.

Design and feel

This is a short paddle. It's actually less than the standard 16" length, at 15.87" long, with the standard 8" width. This is part of what makes it so fast.

You can choose from Paddletek's signature 12.7 mm or 14.3 mm models, thinner than the typical 14 or 16 mm core sizes. If you want more pop, I'd try the 12.7 mm. If you'd prefer a bit more cushion for control, you might prefer the 14.3 mm (though you can't really tell the difference in my opinion).

This paddle weighs 7.8 oz and has a really low swing weight of just 103 (12.7 mm) and 106 (14.3 mm), making it comfortable to swing fast. I don't feel any strain after playing with this one.

Performance

The ESQ-C shines in hand battles. If you like to be fast at the kitchen, you can get to balls really quickly and deliver them with lots of pop, power, and big topspin.

The wide face and large sweet boost forgiveness too, so mishits are rare, helping to counter some of the poppiness. This is just a fun paddle if you like to take the game to your opponents and keep them on the backfoot.

Value for money

The Bantam paddles are priced in the top tier at $250, but they're definitely worth it. The ESQ-C is a great investment for any aggressive spin player who doesn't want a heavy paddle that puts strain on their arms. If it keeps you competitive on the courts in the long run, it's money well spent.

To learn more, read my Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C review.

My verdict

If you're looking for a fast paddle with spin and pop, the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C should be high on your list. It's like the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid in a widebody shape. If you don't need the reach of the Engage or the JOOLA Agassi Pro, check this out.

Today’s best deals

10% off code applied at checkout (14.3 mm version)

Save 10% at checkout

Alternative pickleball paddles for tennis elbow

If none of these paddles suit your game, don't worry. Here are some that almost made my list:

Elongated all-court

Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated

While I recommend the hybrid model mostly as a paddle for players with tennis elbow, the Elongated model is worth a mention if you don't mind a heavier feel and a higher swing weight.

This is an amazing paddle that does a bit of everything. It can go from soft control to raw power in a flash. It rivals the TKO-C for best advanced paddle. If you're worried about heaviness, check out the LITE model too.

Read my Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Elongated review.

Save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS

Standard shape

Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Widebody

There's also the widebody model of the Pursuit Pro1 6.0, which is the best control paddle in the series. It also has built-in tech for dampening vibrations.

Read my Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 Widebody review.

Save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS

Speed and power

Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0

Another Engage paddle, the Pursuit Pro EX 6.0, is loaded up with power and spin. It's one of the highest recommended paddles for tennis elbow, with multiple vibration-dampening features. It's also a cheaper alternative to the Pursuit Pro1 paddles.

Read my Engage Pursuit Pro EX 6.0 review.

Save 10% with code PICKLEHEADS

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is a pain and swelling in your elbow that results from overuse and repetitive strain of your wrist and elbow joints. It gets its name because it's very common in tennis players who have to make repetitive hand movements that bend their wrists and elbows.

Pickleball players are also prone to it given how similar pickleball and tennis are. With so many snap-reaction hand, wrist, and elbow movements in pickleball, it can naturally put a strain on these joints. It can even sometimes be referred to as "pickleball elbow".

How to avoid tennis elbow

Here are some ways to avoid developing tennis elbow:

Gently build up the muscles in your shoulders, arms, core, hips, and legs.
Make sure you don't grip your paddle handle too tightly, and don't use a narrow handle (below 4" circumference).
Adjust your technique. For example, use two hands for backhands to reduce the stress on your wrists.
Ease into the game—don't go too hard too soon. Play a little bit of pickleball rather than marathon 3-hour sessions, at least until you're fully injury-free.
Warm up before each game by stretching your shoulders, wrists, and arms. Stretch afterward too.
Apply ice to your elbows after each game, even if they don't hurt, to prevent inflammation. Rest them too.
Watch tutorials or get lessons from a coach on how to achieve the correct technique.

Find the perfect paddle

I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.

Take Paddle Fitting Quiz

How to treat tennis elbow

If you find yourself with tennis elbow, don't panic. Try these treatments and you'll (hopefully) be back on the court soon:

Rest your wrist, arm, elbow, hand, and fingers as much as you can.
Use ice packs on your elbow to bring down inflammation.
Wear a brace or compression band.
Take over-the-counter painkiller medicines.
If the pain doesn't subside, visit your doctor or physical therapist.

How to choose the best pickleball paddle for tennis elbow

Some paddles are specifically built with technology to ease the burden of tennis elbow. You'll want a paddle that's good at absorbing shocks and vibrations, especially in the handle. Engage is a notable brand that designs their paddles with this in mind.

You'll also want to avoid an overly heavy paddle that needs to be swung hard. That's why lighter paddles are more popular with injury-prone players. Paddles with longer handles can help too, as they let you play with two hands for more support.

Bottom line

I chose the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid because it's an awesome all-court paddle and it has probably the best anti-pickleball elbow technology. The other paddles offer different things, including value, power, control, and spin. Here's a recap of my five picks:

Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid – Best overall
Vatic Pro PRISM Flash - Best cheap
JOOLA Agassi Pro - Best for power
Grüvn RAW-16S - Best for control
Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C - Best for spin

Why not try some of them out for yourself and see if they offer you relief from your injury issues?

Recent updates

April 2025

I've named the Engage Pursuit Pro1 Hybrid as the new "best overall", replacing the Elongated model (though that model is still worth checking out). I've included a couple of new paddles, including the JOOLA Agassi Pro (for power) and the Paddletek Bantam ESQ-C (for spin).

FAQs

Is it okay to play pickleball if you have tennis elbow?

How can you prevent pickleball elbow injury?

What is the most common injury in pickleball?

About the author

Brandon Mackie

Brandon is an avid writer and co-founder of Pickleheads™. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can now be found these days honing his dinks on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.

Share this article

Best pickleball paddle for tennis elbow - top 5 compared

Best pickleball paddles for tennis elbow at a glance