Best Pickleball Paddles for Ping Pong Players: 6 Picks for Table Tennis Converts

Our Top Picks

A ping pong bat is a small wooden blade with rubber on both sides; a pickleball paddle is longer, heavier and has a hard face. These six pickleball paddles each have a shape or face its maker links to table tennis or, by our own line, a maker-published handle of 5 in or shorter. Each is on the USA Pickleball approved list and had a new Amazon offer on November 9, 2026. Six passed within our repeat cap; the methodology lists the ones that did not.

Related guide: 3 Best Engage Pickleball Paddles: Pursuit Pro1 and Encore

Related guide: Best Gen 4 Pickleball Paddles (2026) and What the Label Means

Compare the 6 paddles for ping pong players

Each row is the version we link, with the maker’s figures; “USA Pickleball” is the approved-list entry name and the date it was added. Face and size are in each review.

What Changes When You Move From a Ping Pong Paddle

Two paddle makers have written guides for table tennis players, and both sell the paddles they recommend: Paddletek’s A Pickleball Paddle Guide for Table Tennis Players and ARTI’s Best Pickleball Paddle for Former Table Tennis Players. Their advice is the basis of our fit test.

Shape. Paddletek writes: “For a player with a strong table tennis background, avoid elongated paddles. Everything else will play closer to what you’re used to on the table.” None of the six is a shape its maker calls elongated. At 16.34 in, the ARTI Mastery Elite is longer than the other five; ARTI does not name its shape.

Handle length and grip circumference. A table tennis handle is short: Paddletek puts the shakehand grip length at 3.5 to 4.5 in. On pickleball handles it writes: “Longer handles provide more leverage and power, while shorter handles offer greater precision but less power.” It adds: “Ultimately, choosing the right handle length is a personal preference.” On grip circumference it advises: “Choose a paddle with a grip size similar to your table tennis paddle, this will be a smaller circumference by pickleball standards.” Three picks publish a handle under 5 in. Our grip size guide explains how circumference is measured, and our short handle paddle guide covers more short handles.

Paddle weight. Paddletek: “If you’re coming to pickleball from a table tennis background, we’d recommend a midweight paddle first – somewhere between 7.4 and 8.2 ounces.” It adds that you may consider a lighter paddle once you are more familiar with the game. ARTI also cautions against starting very light: “Give yourself a few sessions to adjust rather than reaching for the lightest paddle on the wall.” Four picks list weights inside Paddletek’s range; the S2 Midweight’s 7.9-8.4 oz runs past its top, and JOOLA publishes no weight for the Radius 14 mm. Our light paddle guide covers paddles under 8 oz.

Core thickness. Paddletek: “For power, select a thin core. For control, select a thick core.” It concludes: “With that in mind, most table tennis players would want a medium to thicker polymer core.” ARTI’s guide states: “The best pickleball paddle for a former table tennis or ping pong player is a control-forward, midweight carbon fiber paddle, because your touch and spin already carry over to the kitchen and the paddle should translate feel, not add power.” It points players who want “more control and a larger sweet spot” to its 16 mm paddles, and scopes its 14 mm pick: “for table tennis crossovers who want crisp feedback and drive, we recommend the ARTI Mastery Elite — 14mm edgeless raw carbon, ARTI’s power paddle, with the most pop and speed in the ARTI lineup.” The picks run from 13 mm to 16 mm; the core column lets you choose.

Related guide: 4 Best Paddletek Pickleball Paddles: Bantams, Genesis Carbon

Face and spin. Paddletek writes that “Graphite surface paddles are a great choice for newcomers with a table tennis background” and that “Carbon fiber paddles are another great fit for the ping pong folks out there – like graphite, carbon fiber is lightweight and stiff, but has even greater durability.” ARTI: “A raw carbon face holds a fine, durable texture that grips the ball on contact and rewards exactly the kind of glancing, shaping stroke a table tennis player produces by reflex.” Four picks have a carbon face and the Latitude Max a graphite one; the S2 has fiberglass, which Paddletek describes as the power-oriented material. For paddles ranked by measured spin, see our spin paddle guide.

How the Six Paddles Were Picked

The fit test

• Not elongated: no pick is a shape its maker calls elongated.
• At least one table-tennis tie: a shape or face that the paddle’s maker ties to table tennis, or a handle of 5 in or shorter on the maker’s spec list. The 5 in line is ours; no source sets one. Edgeless builds and thin cores are not part of it: neither guide ties an edgeless build to table tennis, and Paddletek suggests a medium to thicker core.
• On the USA Pickleball approved list, with the entry name and date.
• A new, in-stock Amazon offer at or below the maker’s regular price, from Amazon or the maker’s own store. Two picks, the SLK Latitude Max and the Tempest Wave Pro-C, are also picks on our other paddle guides; we keep such repeats to a third of the picks.

Sources and their ties and what table tennis players on Reddit name

Sources and their ties

Paddletek and ARTI sell paddles, so their guides are maker advice, not independent tests. Paddlereview.com reviewed the 16 mm Radius, not the 14 mm we link. Pickleballogist and Pickleball Studio reviewed earlier versions of the Selkirk S2 and the Paddletek Tempest Wave. Reddit comments are individual owners’ views.

Not picks. JOOLA’s 2026 Radius Pro V has no Amazon listing we could find. JOOLA’s Magnus paddles are elongated by JOOLA’s own description. The Gearbox CX11Q Control 7.8 oz was out of stock. ProKennex’s Black Ace Ovation has no USA Pickleball entry we could find. The SLK Nexus Max (4.85 in handle) is already a pick on another of our paddle guides, so it would be a third repeat (3 of 7), past our cap. Wilson’s Blaze Edgeless 13 does not meet the test: Wilson ties no shape or face to table tennis and describes an extended handle for two-handed backhands.

What table tennis players on Reddit name

In a 2022 r/Pickleball thread started by a 2100-rated table tennis player, one owner wrote: “Joola Radius is shaped like a ping pong paddle, is light with plenty of grip for spin, and is very well made.” In a 2023 thread, one owner suggested “Maybe one of the Selkirk S2 models if a short handle is okay for putting 1 or 2 fingers on the paddle.”

Detailed Reviews

JOOLA Radius Pro 14mm, Ping-Pong-Inspired Shape

Evidence: Independently reviewed, same series. Paddlereview.com: Radius CGS 16mm.

JOOLA’s Amazon listing: “BRINGING JOOLA’s OLYMPIC HERITAGE TO PICKLEBALL: A ping pong-inspired shape offering our largest edge-to-edge sweet spot of any pickleball paddle and a textured surface designed specifically for more spin”. USA Pickleball lists the shape as oval. In 2026 JOOLA brought the shape back as the Radius Pro V, which JOOLA says is “back in the JOOLA lineup for the first time since 2022” and which we could not find on Amazon.

Paddlereview.com reviewed the 16 mm Radius CGS, not this 14 mm, and wrote: “If you are a table tennis (ping pong) player looking to switch over to pickleball, this paddle is an excellent option for a seamless transition.” One owner in a 2024 Reddit comparison with the Ronbus R2.16 wrote, “I was very high on the Radius back in the day but it’s an older technology paddle and over priced.” Sold and shipped by Amazon.com on November 9.

Specs (JOOLA Radius Pro, Carbon Grip Surface, 14 mm)

• Weight: not published by JOOLA for the 14 mm (paddlereview.com lists 7.6 oz for the 16 mm)
• Core: 14 mm Response polypropylene honeycomb (JOOLA’s Amazon listing); USA Pickleball lists polyethylene
• Face: Carbon Grip Surface, “Carbon Flex3 textured surface” (JOOLA’s Amazon listing)
• Size: 15.8 x 8.2 in (paddlereview.com, 16 mm; the same on JOOLA’s Radius Pro V page)
• Handle and grip: not published for the 14 mm; 5 in / 4.125 in on JOOLA’s Radius Pro V page and for the 16 mm (paddlereview.com); Amazon’s attribute field reads “Grip Size 4 1/2 inches”
• Approval: “Radius Carbon Grip Surface 14mm”, added 08/26/2022

Selkirk AMPED Control S2 Midweight, Short Handle, Wide Face

Evidence: Independently reviewed, previous generation. Pickleballogist: S2 Amped (pre-Control version), weight not stated.

Selkirk writes: “Featuring the largest sweet spot of all Selkirk pickleball paddle shapes, the S2 paddle shape provides amplified power and reliable consistency. Its traditional shape and extra large surface area pairs with a shorter handle to offer players ultimate control on the court.” The face is fiberglass (“Fiberglass FiberFlex+”, Selkirk’s Amazon listing) on a 16 mm X5 core.

Pickleballogist reviewed the earlier S2 Amped, before the AMPED Control update, and wrote: “The Selkirk S2 Amped Pickleball Paddle has a great feel and is easy to control.” On Reddit, one table tennis player wrote “Can second amped s2 as a pingpong player”, without naming the weight. The S2 Lightweight (7.3-7.8 oz) is a pick on our short handle paddle guide. Sold by Selkirk Sport’s Amazon store on November 9.

Specs (Selkirk AMPED Control, S2, Midweight, Green)

• Weight: 7.9-8.4 oz average midweight (selkirk.com)
• Core: 16 mm X5 polypropylene honeycomb (selkirk.com)
• Face: Fiberglass FiberFlex+ (Selkirk’s Amazon listing)
• Size: 15.75 x 8 in (selkirk.com)
• Handle and grip: 4.65 in grip length, 4.25 in circumference (selkirk.com)
• Warranty: limited lifetime (selkirk.com)
• Approval: “AMPED Control S2 Midweight”, added 06/26/2024

SLK Atlas Max, Carbon Face, Short Handle

Evidence: No independent test; maker specs.

Selkirk writes: “The SLK Atlas raw carbon paddle is for balanced pickleball players looking for a paddle that combines both control and spin.” Its 7.6-8.1 oz is inside Paddletek’s suggested range, and its 16 mm core is the thicker kind Paddletek ties to control. The face is “Premium Carbon Fiber” with what Selkirk calls “Raw Spin Technology”. Selkirk sells the same paddle in an elongated XL shape; we link the Max. Sold by Selkirk Sport’s Amazon store on November 9.

Specs (SLK Atlas Max, Ember)

• Weight: 7.6-8.1 oz (selkirk.com; “around 8 oz” on Selkirk’s Amazon listing)
• Core: 16 mm Rev-Control polymer honeycomb (selkirk.com)
• Face: premium raw carbon fiber, Raw Spin Technology texture (selkirk.com)
• Size: 16 x 7.85 in (selkirk.com)
• Handle and grip: 4.85 in handle, 4.25 in circumference (selkirk.com; the same on Amazon)
• Warranty: one-year limited (selkirk.com)
• Approval: “Atlas Max”, added 08/16/2024

SLK Latitude Max, Graphite Face, Short Handle

Evidence: No independent test; maker specs.

Selkirk’s spec list gives “Handle Length: 4.85″” and “Face: Graphi-Flex Graphite Face”; USA Pickleball lists the face material as “Carbon and Fiberglass”. Selkirk writes: “The SLK Latitude Max paddle is for advancing pickleball players looking for added power and control.” Its 7.6-8.0 oz sits inside Paddletek’s suggested weight; its 13 mm core is thinner than the medium to thicker core Paddletek suggests. USA Pickleball’s “Latitude Max” entry shows Pass with no added date; Selkirk’s Amazon listing calls this paddle “The Latitude 2.0”, and USA Pickleball’s “Latitude 2.0” entry was added 09/07/2022. It is also a pick on our graphite paddle guide and others. Sold by Selkirk Sport on November 9.

Specs (SLK Latitude Max, Oasis)

• Weight: 7.6-8.0 oz (selkirk.com; the same on Selkirk’s Amazon listing)
• Core: 13 mm SX4 polymer honeycomb (selkirk.com; the same on Amazon)
• Face: Graphi-Flex graphite, SpinFlex+ texture (selkirk.com); USA Pickleball lists carbon and fiberglass
• Size: 16 x 7.85 in (selkirk.com)
• Handle and grip: 4.85 in handle, 4.25 in circumference (selkirk.com)
• Warranty: one-year limited (selkirk.com)
• Approval: “Latitude Max”, no added date shown; “Latitude 2.0”, added 09/07/2022

ARTI Mastery Elite 1.0, Edgeless Carbon Build

Evidence: Retailer review (sells it), not independent. ARTI (maker blog): Mastery Elite 1.0.

ARTI lists “Edgeless: yes, no edge guard” and a raw carbon fiber face, the face its guide ties to the table tennis stroke (see above). ARTI’s guide recommends it to table tennis crossovers who want crisp feedback and drive, and points players who want more control to ARTI’s 16 mm paddles (see above). At 16.34 x 7.5 in it is longer and narrower than the others; ARTI does not call it elongated, and USA Pickleball lists “Rectangle w/Round Corners”. Sold on November 9 by ARTI Pickleball, ARTI’s store on Amazon (ARTI’s where-to-buy page names its Amazon seller ARTI Sports).

Specs (ARTI Mastery Elite 1.0, Grey)

• Weight: 7.8-8.0 oz (playwitharti.com)
• Core: 14 mm honeycomb polymer (playwitharti.com)
• Face: raw carbon fiber, edgeless (playwitharti.com)
• Size: 16.34 x 7.5 in (playwitharti.com)
• Handle and grip: not published
• Approval: “MES1.0”, added 12/18/2024

Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C 14.3mm, Carbon Widebody

Evidence: Independently reviewed, previous generation. Pickleball Studio: Tempest Wave v3 and Wave v3 Pro (2023).

In its table-tennis guide, Paddletek writes: “The Paddltek Tempest series uses carbon fiber for what’s often described as a “refined” feel.” On the product page it describes “PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber”; USA Pickleball’s entry lists “Glass Epoxy Carbon fiber blend”, so the two differ. Its 7.8-8.2 oz is inside Paddletek’s suggested range; its 5.25 in handle is longer than the S2’s, Atlas Max’s and Latitude Max’s published handles.

Pickleball Studio reviewed the 2023 Tempest Wave v3 and Wave v3 Pro, an earlier generation, not the Pro-C. Sold by Paddletek’s Amazon store on November 9.

Specs (Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C, 14.3 mm, Aurora, standard grip)

• Weight: 7.8-8.2 oz static (paddletek.com)
• Core: 14.3 mm Smart Response polymer honeycomb (paddletek.com)
• Face: PT-700 unidirectional raw carbon fiber (paddletek.com)
• Size: widebody, 16 x 8 in (paddletek.com)
• Handle and grip: 5.25 in handle (paddletek.com); circumference not published
• Approval: “Tempest Wave Pro C 14”, MD# WaveProC14, added 03/28/2024

Frequently Asked Questions

In table tennis, a wooden blade with rubber on each side; Paddletek’s guide cites the ITTF rule that “at least 85% of the blade must be natural wood”. For pickleball, table tennis players on Reddit name the JOOLA Radius and Selkirk’s S2 shape among others.

Paddletek writes: “An elongated paddle would be better suited for someone migrating from tennis to pickleball.” Our paddles for tennis players guide covers that switch, and our long handle paddle guide covers longer handles.

ARTI thinks so: “Table tennis players tend to adapt quickly because the soft game near the net is, in feel, a larger and slower version of what they already do.” Paddletek also lists areas where it sees table tennis players struggle in the switch. Neither is a study; both sell paddles.

Yes. Paddletek writes: “There are two main types of rubber surfaces: inverted (smooth) and pimpled (with small raised dots).” Pickleball faces are hard carbon, graphite or fiberglass instead.

Paddletek advises starting with a midweight paddle. Of the six, the SLK Atlas Max, SLK Latitude Max, ARTI Mastery Elite and Tempest Wave Pro-C list weights inside its 7.4-8.2 oz range. For more choices, see our beginner paddle guide, budget paddle guide and, for advanced play, pro paddle guide.

Final Verdict

For a round face from a table tennis brand, the JOOLA Radius Pro 14mm is JOOLA’s ping-pong-inspired paddle, in a retired version. For a short handle, the Selkirk AMPED Control S2 Midweight has a 4.65 in grip length, the SLK Atlas Max adds a raw carbon face and a 16 mm core in the lower price tier, and the SLK Latitude Max a graphite face on a thinner 13 mm core. The ARTI Mastery Elite 1.0 is the edgeless carbon option its maker recommends to table tennis players who want drive, and the Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro-C is the carbon widebody from the series Paddletek’s guide names. See also our control paddle guide and the pickleball paddles hub. Our other guides by player cover paddles for women, intermediate paddles for women and paddle size, grip and weight for women.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.