Pickleball is growing fast, and players want paddles that help them play better. Prince Pickleball Paddles are a top choice for beginners and pros alike, thanks to their unique design and tennis roots. Made by Prince, a brand famous for tennis racquets since the 1970s, these paddles bring quality and control to pickleball. Models like the Response Pro and Spectrum Pro offer big sweet spots and great feel. This article explains the features, performance, and top Prince Pickleball Paddles in 2025, using simple words to help you choose the right one for your game.
Why Prince Pickleball Paddles Are Popular
Prince teamed up with Paddletek, a leading USA paddle maker, in 2018 to create Prince Pickleball Paddles. Here’s why they’re a hit:
- Round Shape: Unlike most paddles, Prince’s round design, inspired by tennis racquets, gives a bigger sweet spot for fewer missed shots.
- Thick Core: A 9/16-inch polymer honeycomb core makes shots feel smooth and reduces arm strain.
- Tennis Roots: Prince’s racquet expertise makes their paddles durable and great for tennis players trying pickleball.
- Weight Options: Light (7.2-7.7 oz) or midweight (7.8-8.3 oz) paddles suit different styles.
- Pro Players: Stars like Simone Jardim have won big tournaments, like the 2018 US Open Triple Crown, using Prince paddles.
Some players say Prince paddles aren’t as powerful as newer models from other brands, and there haven’t been many updates since 2020. But their quality and control keep them popular.
Top Prince Pickleball Paddles in 2025
Here are the best Prince Pickleball Paddles for 2025, with their features and who they’re best for:
| Paddle | Price | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Response Pro | $125 | 9/16” polymer core, fiberglass face, 5.5” handle, 7.2-8.3 oz, round shape. | Tennis players, control players. |
| Prince Spectrum Pro | $125 | 9/16” polymer core, fiberglass face, 5” handle, 7.2-8.3 oz, big sweet spot. | All-around intermediate players. |
| Prince Response Graphite | $100 | Graphite face, 0.5” polymer core, 5.5” handle, 7.6-8.0 oz, low vibration. | Beginners, soft-shot players. |
| Prince Challenger | $150 | Advanced materials (TBA), lightweight, USAPA-approved, expected 2025. | Competitive players, all styles. |
Prince Response Pro
- Weight: Light (7.2-7.7 oz) or midweight (7.8-8.3 oz).
- Grip: 4-1/8” or 4-3/8” for small or standard hands.
- Features: Round shape for a big sweet spot, 5.5” handle for two-handed shots, fiberglass face for control and spin.
- Performance: Great for soft shots like dinks and volleys, with enough power for drives. Perfect for tennis players.
- Feedback: Players like the “solid, consistent” feel but say it’s not as powerful as some newer paddles. Source: Amazon.com reviews, 2025.
Prince Spectrum Pro
- Weight: Light (7.2-7.6 oz) or midweight (7.7-8.3 oz).
- Grip: 4-1/8” or 4-3/8”.
- Features: Round shape, UV-textured fiberglass face, Progressive Core Technology for power and control.
- Performance: Good for all-around play, with a forgiving sweet spot. Great for intermediate players.
- Feedback: Rated 9/10 for shape and 8.5/10 for grip, but some want more power for hard shots. Source: ThePickleballPlayer.com, April 2022.
Prince Response Graphite
- Weight: 7.6-8.0 oz.
- Grip: 4” circumference, cushioned for comfort.
- Features: Graphite face for touch, 0.5” polymer core for smooth shots, 5.5” handle.
- Performance: Best for soft shots like dinks, with good spin and control. Not great for power players.
- Feedback: Players love its “light and quick” feel but find it lacks power for smashes. Source: PickleballCentral.com, 2025.
Prince Challenger (Expected 2025)
- Weight: Likely light to midweight (details pending).
- Grip: Expected to have small and standard options.
- Features: USAPA-approved, possibly with carbon fiber, aimed at high performance.
- Performance: Designed for competitive players, balancing power, control, and spin.
- Feedback: Players are excited for Prince’s first big release since 2018. Source: PickleballReviews.com, May 2024.
What Makes Prince Pickleball Paddles Different?
Prince Pickleball Paddles have unique features:
- Round Shape: Inspired by tennis racquets, it spreads the sweet spot for fewer mishits and less arm strain.
- Thick Polymer Core: The 9/16” core in Pro models absorbs impact for a soft feel and balanced power.
- Fiberglass or Graphite Face: Fiberglass (Response/Spectrum Pro) gives spin and control; graphite (Response Graphite) offers precision.
- Longer Handles: 5.5” handles on Response models are great for two-handed players, especially from tennis.
- Custom Options: Light or midweight paddles and small or standard grips fit different players.
Drawbacks:
- Less Power: They focus on control, not power, compared to paddles like JOOLA Perseus Pro ($280).
- Fewer Updates: Prince hasn’t released many new designs since 2018, missing out on tech like foam cores.
Are Prince Pickleball Paddles Worth the Price?
Here’s why Prince Pickleball Paddles might be right for you:
Why Buy
- Big Sweet Spot: The round shape makes it easy to hit the ball, great for beginners and intermediates.
- Comfortable: Thick cores reduce vibrations, protecting your arm during long games.
- Durable: Made in the USA with Paddletek, they come with a 5-year warranty against dead spots.
- Tennis-Friendly: Longer handles and design suit tennis players switching to pickleball.
- Tournament-Ready: All models are USAPA-approved for competitions.
Why You Might Not
- Less Power: They’re not as strong as modern paddles like Selkirk LUXX Control ($250) for hard shots.
- Older Tech: No recent updates mean they lack features like carbon fiber faces or foam cores.
- Adjustment Needed: The round shape might feel different if you’re used to standard paddles.
Recommendation: Great for beginners, intermediates, and tennis players who want control and a big sweet spot. Power players might prefer newer paddles. Try a demo at PickleballCentral.com to see if it fits.
Cost Breakdown of Prince Pickleball Paddles
Here’s why Prince Pickleball Paddles cost $100-$150:
- Materials: Fiberglass or graphite faces ($20-$40) and polymer cores ($15-$30) ensure quality.
- Manufacturing: USA-made with Paddletek, labor costs add 20-30% over overseas paddles.
- Design: Round shape and thick core cost $10-$20 more to make.
- Brand: Prince’s tennis reputation and pro endorsements add 10-15% to the price.
- Testing: USAPA approval costs $5,000-$10,000 per model.
Total Cost to Make: $60-$100 per paddle, with extra for brand value.
How to Save on Prince Pickleball Paddles
Get Prince Pickleball Paddles for less:
- Discounts: Use codes like “pickleballreviews” at PickleballCentral.com for 5% off or check Amazon for deals (e.g., Response Graphite at $90).
- Cosmetic Imperfects: Buy “slightly imperfect” paddles at BellRacquetSports.com for 20% off with no performance loss.
- Demo Programs: Test paddles at PickleballCentral’s 30-day test drive to ensure they suit you.
- Sets: Pair with a budget set like Niupipo’s ($60 for two paddles) for group play.
What to Know for 2025
- New Paddle Hype: The Prince Challenger (expected 2025) may use modern materials like carbon fiber, but details are limited. Check Prince’s website for updates.
- Competition: Brands like JOOLA and Selkirk offer advanced tech like propulsion cores, so Prince needs to step up.
- Durability Issues: Some older Response Pro paddles have edge guard problems, so check before buying.
- Player Feedback: Reviews say Prince paddles are great for control but not as good for spin as newer paddles like Pickleball Apes Pro Line ($180).
Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Pickleball Paddles
Here are five common questions people search on Google about Prince Pickleball Paddles, with simple answers:
Are Prince Pickleball Paddles good for beginners?
Yes, Prince paddles like the Response Graphite ($100) are great for beginners. The round shape and big sweet spot make hitting the ball easy, and the light weight (7.6-8.0 oz) is simple to swing for learning dinks and volleys.
What makes Prince Pickleball Paddles different from other brands?
Prince paddles have a round shape, like tennis racquets, for a larger sweet spot and fewer mishits. They use a thick 9/16” polymer core for a soft feel and are made in the USA with a 5-year warranty, unlike some brands with newer tech.
Are Prince Pickleball Paddles USAPA-approved for tournaments?
Yes, all Prince paddles, including Response Pro, Spectrum Pro, and Response Graphite, are approved by USA Pickleball for tournaments. Check the USAPA website for the latest approved list before playing.
Which Prince Pickleball Paddle is best for power players?
The Prince Spectrum Pro ($125) is best for power players among Prince models. Its midweight option (7.7-8.3 oz) and Progressive Core Technology give decent pop for drives, but it’s more control-focused than paddles like JOOLA Perseus Pro ($280).
Where can I buy Prince Pickleball Paddles at a discount?
Look for deals on PickleballCentral.com (use code “pickleballreviews” for 5% off), Amazon (Response Graphite often at $90), or BellRacquetSports.com for imperfect models (up to 20% off). Try PickleballCentral’s demo program to test paddles.
Tips for Choosing a Prince Pickleball Paddle
To pick the best Prince Pickleball Paddle:
- Match Your Style: Response Pro for two-handed shots, Spectrum Pro for all-around play, Response Graphite for soft shots.
- Pick the Weight: Light (7.2-7.7 oz) for quick moves, midweight (7.8-8.3 oz) for power.
- Choose the Grip: Small (4-1/8”) for smaller hands, standard (4-3/8”) for control.
- Test It Out: Try demos at PickleballCentral.com or local clubs to feel the round shape.
- Check Tournament Rules: All Prince paddles are USAPA-approved for competitions.
Conclusion
Prince Pickleball Paddles, like the Response Pro ($125) and Spectrum Pro ($125), are loved for their big sweet spots, smooth feel, and tennis-inspired design, making them perfect for beginners, intermediates, and tennis players. The upcoming Prince Challenger ($150, expected 2025) could bring new features, but current models are great for control-focused play. They’re durable, USAPA-approved, and made in the USA with a 5-year warranty. Save money with discounts or demos at PickleballCentral.com or Amazon. Get your Prince Pickleball Paddle and hit the court today!
