The Best Platform Tennis Racquets to Help You Win!
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Welcome to ThinkVail – shop our list of the best platform tennis racquets and find the perfect paddle for you!
In Vail, Colorado, when the aspen leaves begin to change and the snow starts to fall, most people put their racquets away and get ready for ski season. However, some hardy souls pick up a platform tennis paddle and look forward to some keenly competitive outdoor fun!
Platform tennis, (also called paddle tennis, or just paddle) with its unique wire netting and heated playing surface, was designed to be played in the cold. Heaters placed under the deck keep the playing surface playable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. In extreme cold weather, players wear several layers of clothing which are usually removed as needed as the play warms up.
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REQUIREMENTS
Platform tennis rackets are referred to as paddles. These short-handled, hard surface paddles can’t exceed 18″ in overall length or exceed 3/8″ diameter. The paddle is perforated and can have up to 87 holes and weighs between13 to 17 ounces. The surface of the paddle may be textured but it must be flat (not curved or warped).
Other Features
CORE DENSITY
Paddles consist of high, medium and low core density levels
High Density paddles are designed for advance play with more stiffness, greater power, and stability.
Medium Density balances the need for power and control and is best for intermediate level players.
Low Density paddles are very lightweight and provide a softer feel, more control, and added vibration dampening.
BALANCE
The balance of a paddle is a measure of the center of mass along the length of the paddle. Balance categories include: Even, Head Light and Head Heavy. Head heavy balance provides extra pop on serves and overhead shots while a head light paddle means less power, but more control.
HANDLE LENGTH
The handle length of a paddle includes junior, standard, or long. Longer handles are designed for two-handed shots and more reach on shots.
PADDLE WEIGHT
A heavier paddle is more stable, and less maneuverable, It also has a higher the power rating. A lighter paddle is more maneuverable and will cause less arm fatigue.
#1 Best Platform Tennis Racquets – Viking O-Zone Lite GG
For more than 3 decades Viking Athletics has been the unquestioned leader in platform tennis and – to this day – they continue to play an active role in driving the continued growth and development of the sport. They are second to none and their paddles follow suit.
Weighing in at just 12.9/365 grams the O-Zone Lite is the light version of the popular O-Zone Pro
Surface area: 82 sq. inch
Overall length: 18″
Ideal for players with a moderate swing speed but want greater maneuverability.
Balance: Head Heavy
Carbon mesh rim
Power rating: 7
Medium core density
Surface grit
Balance: head heavy
Grip: super soft and 4 1/4
Bottle opener at the base of the handle
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#2 Best Platform Tennis Racquets – Wilson Blade UL GRUUV
For more than a century, Wilson has pushed the limits of innovation to equip athletes with championship-caliber products and with unwavering passion, produces tennis equipment for players of all ages, styles, and abilities.
The GRUUV optimizes spin and feel through angled holes that maximize ball contact on the paddle surface and allow edges to grab the ball more effectively
Low core density maximizes responsiveness for stronger results without arm fatigue
No Grit Zone offers unparalleled comfort by removing the rough grit texture from the bottom of the paddle
Killer Grit Technology triples the amount of grit on the paddle surface for extra control and feel for the ball
Delivers enhanced spin through an advanced hole-drilling process that maximizes hole sizing
Paddle grip size: 4 1/4
Smaller head size at 80 sq. inch
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#3 Best Platform Tennis Racquets – Adidas Precision Pro
Adidas is no stranger to paddle and racquet sports, they are one of the most recognized, credible, and iconic brands today. The Adidas Precision Pro combines innovation with high quality materials for a paddle you are going to love!
A wide sweet spot, centered in the core of the paddle .
Unique arrangement of equidistant holes in groups of 3 strengthens the surface and improves the durability of the paddle.
Perimeter reinforcements around the whole racket that allows greater resistance to the high torsion of play
Low core density
EVA rubber provides great ball release and high comfort
Offers direct the shots with great precision.
Designed to get the best performance
Maximum comfort and perfect balance for more control
Made of full fiberglass
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#4 Best Platform Tennis Racquets – Engage Encore Lite
Encore is best known for their pickleball paddles but make no mistake, this top-selling platform tennis racquet is heads and shoulders above most paddles.
Made of Carbon Fiber and Fiberglass composite
Lightweight: 12.7 – 13.2 ounces / 360 – 374 grams
Width: 9.45″
Length: 18″
Thickness: 0.79″
Grip Circumference: 4 1/4″
Max grit promises maximum texture for control & spin)
Provides the ultimate in power, control, feel and maneuverability.
Lightweight paddle ensures less fatigue and quicker response
No Grit Zone above the grip for comfort for two handed players
Offers superior stability, exceptional control and pop
Used by top players and teaching professionals in the country.
Carbon mesh rim
Power rating: 6.5
Maximum grit surface texture
Surface area: 92 sq. inch
Extra-soft Contour Plus grip
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#5 Best Platform Tennis Racquets – XENON EVortex
OK here is a real game changer! Although a relative newcomer to the sport Xenon is shaking things up with this heated handle! Keep your fingers and hands warm no matter the conditions!
Handle can be heated up to 50 degrees over the outside temperature.
On/Off switch
Weight: 12.88 oz. / 365g
Grip size: 4 1/4″
Rechargeable battery can be recharged with the included micro USB cable
Hot Hands technology keeps your hand warm for up to 2 hours on a charge.
Oversized head for easy connection with the ball
Light to mid-weight paddle swings with ease due to a head light balance.
Balance: Head Light
Low core density offers better control of the ball trajectory.
Tremendous shock absorption for more comfort
Unique smooth, curved shape at the base of the head to easily choke up or get two hands on the grip.
Engineered in the USA.
Hole size is 3/8 inch
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#6 Best Platform Tennis Racquets – GRANDCOW
The most affordable paddle on this list Grandcow is a wonderful introductory paddle that will sere you well for a long time.
Perfect combination of responsiveness and control
Ideal for the beginner player
Made of carbon fiber material for performance and durability
Soft non-slip SWEAT-RESISTANT grip handle
EVA Memory Foam Cor
Wrist tether can prevent wrist swing cause the paddle slip from hand and reduces vibration during play.
Large size grip
A lightweight, thin design
18″ length
10.2″ width
Weight: 350 grams
Includes a carrying bag
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#7 Best Platform Tennis Racquets – Black Crown Piton
Black Crown creates high quality paddle tennis rackets for the most demanding players. They have dedicated themselves exclusively to this sport and are constantly pushing to enhance and improve the equipment. This paddle is essential to improve your level of play
Weight: 365 – 375 grams
Round shape
38 mm frame is double tubular 80% carbon fiber
3 layers of braided, reinforced carbon fiber
High core density of medium hardness.
Great control and very good power to hit hard the ball.
Wide sweet spot
Ideal for intermediate, professional and high competition play.
Round head shape
EVA rubber core
Power: 95%
Control: 100%
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#8 Best Platform Tennis Racquets – Viking Zombie Jr.
A smaller racket from the paddle leader that is perfect for junior players. The Zombie is the shortest and lightest paddle Viking has ever developed which will allow children as young as three and four to enjoy the game.
A very light-weight paddle weighing just 8.8oz. /250 grams
Surface area: 77 sq. inch
Beam: 17mm
Overall length: 16″
Grip size: 4
The shortest and lightest paddle Viking has ever developed
The official paddle of the APTA Viking Junior Tour
High ductility and impact strength
Superior resistance under persistent force
Unique grit guard is a small, smooth plate above the handle on either side of the paddle face to minimize players’ direct contact with grit.
Ideal size and density grit for extreme durability and control under any weather conditions.
We hope you found this article about the platform tennis racquets helpful. We have touched on some of our favorite paddles but we would love to know your favorite please tell us about your experience in the comments below.
In addition, we diligently research all information for our articles but still we are probably leaving out something important or circumstances may have changed since publishing so please provide any tips or info that you feel others should know.
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