The best paddles for tennis elbow

If you're dealing with elbow soreness, a different paddle could be the solution

May 13, 2025

The best paddles to ease pain from tennis elbow

Even though pickleball paddles are lighter and generally easier to swing than tennis rackets, tennis elbow is still a common injury for pickleball players of all skill levels.

If you're experiencing elbow discomfort while playing pickleball, it might be time to consider switching to a different paddle. Even a minor change in the swingweight (a measurement that indicates how easy a paddle is to swing) or softness of the paddle can make a big difference in easing elbow pain.

So if you’re struggling with elbow pain, here are a few paddles that could help:

JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus Pro IV

The new Pro IV series paddles from JOOLA feature added foam inserted near the bottom corners/throat area of the paddle, which helps with vibration dampening and makes the paddle feel more plush on contact. The 16mm core and wide-body shape of the Collin Johns model makes it more control focused than the other Pro IV shapes, but there's still good power when you need it.

Proton Series One Type A Square 15mm

Proton made a huge splash in 2024 with its Series One line of paddles, which feature a unique NanoTac surface that grips the ball similar to a ping-pong paddle and produces top-tier spin. The 15mm core and standard shape of the Series One Type A make it a great option for players with tennis elbow because it has a plush feel and it can generate good spin without having to add a lot of wrist action, which can be a cause of tennis elbow in the first place.

ONIX Malice DB Open Throat Max Control

This paddle from ONIX features rubber inserts just below the sweet spot, which help reduce vibration while increasing power. The open throat design of this paddle also allows it to flex upon impact with the ball, which eases stress on the wrist and elbow.

JOOLA Agassi Pro

The new JOOLA Agassi Pro is a great option for players with tennis elbow who still want to retain high-end power. It has a slightly softer feel than the Pro IV series paddles and the curved top edge of the paddle makes it easier to swing through the air. It's also a more familiar shape for players coming over from tennis.

ProKennex Black Ace 16

The 16mm polypropylene honeycomb core of the ProKennex Kinetic Black Ace 16 absorbs impact and offers an expanded sweet spot. The core also features Kinetic Technology that extends into the handle to eat up vibrations, create a soft feel and limit fatigue. It also has a very low swingweight, making it a very easy paddle to swing.