Response Pro Composite Pickleball Paddle - Red 2020 Design - Small (4 1/8") - Standard Weight

This paddle has been absolutely terrific for me! I got a mid-priced, thinner “old style” Selkirk Epic paddle when I started playing in December. Strangely, my elbow started to hurt after a month or so. I looked into it and found that the thicker core paddles had taken over the sport in the last year and a half (as of last winter) so I demo’d a Selkirk Amped Epic that I liked a lot.But I came to the sport from tennis (where Prince burst on the scene, omg, SO long ago) so, when I saw that Prince made a paddle I gave it a try. I used a two-hand backhand for tennis and, while I’ve only used a one-hand backhand in Pickleball, the stubby grip of the Spectrum and the Selkirk Omni, etc., felt too weird to me. Hence, Response became my pick. As a point of reference I will say that the overall difference, to me, between this paddle and the Amped Epic is that this paddle seems to have a tad more sweetspot. The difference between what Selkirk calls on the A.E, a “9” sweetspot size, and what I would call a “10” on this Response.It also feels just marginally softer in the core than the A.E., too, giving it very nice shock absorption properties. This both saved my elbow and helps on those “touch” shots. However, the paddle definitely does not lack for power when you want it. Serve, ground strokes, volleys and overheads all have good pace whenever you throw it into overdrive.I’ve now been playing with it 4-5 times a week with it for a good six months and it shows minimal signs of wear so I would not hesitate to buy another Prince Response Pro. And I really wanted something neon but I’ve very much come to like this orange/blue color scheme. I also admit that I liked this color because it has no endorsement signatures on it. (Yuck!)

Went conservative with 4 star until I get more time to play, but will update once that happens. First off, 3.0 player here with a little bit under 2 months P-ball experience. Tennis experience has helped me come up to speed reasonably quickly. I wanted to make an investment in a paddle that would stay with me for a while as I progress and I'm not disappointed. I considered the Selkirk Amped Epic and Engage Elite Pro but went with the Prince as it is still a little less mainstream and wanted to give them a shot ... thanks to Amazon you can always return it if you hate it.I ordered Standard weight / small grip due to my small hands but weight not a concern as I have no injuries to consider and do not want to sacrifice weight for power potential. First impression was love the weight (delivered with 7.8oz written on plastic wrapping), love the feel. Handle grip has a good "sticky" wrap which feels secure and comfortable in my hand and didn't get slippery or anything but grip of course is minor as you can always change that yourself, but its nice that it comes stock with something that worked for me.Before I get to long winded I'll say what surprised me was the power. I've been playing with a $50 paddle up until this one and what surprised me the most was when making a solid connection on a smash or close quarter kitchen play i.e. block or kitchen forehand and the amount of speed the ball came off the paddle with when I made good contact. The explosion of the ball off the paddle surprised a number of my opponents, who were all better than me.I will be using this paddle as my main paddle and expect that it is way better than I am at P-ball... for now.Great look too by the way I got orange, cool paddle.Tim

I was a competitive racquetball player for years but they slowly closed all the courts in my area. I started playing pickleball and at first didn't know what to think. Love the game now. I just bought a basic racquet (the one by Amarey that is Amazon's pick and is only $39. After playing for a month, thought I would move up to a better racquet. I did some research and the Prince got great reviews, etc.I purchased the standard weight and regular size handle. The weight was 8.1 ounces which was the same at the Amarey. I didn't like the Prince at all. It felt good but it was too soft for me and I couldn't get the same spin on the ball or velocity.

Great power, well balanced, best paddle I’ve used since starting Pickleball three years ago. Weight is a little more than previous paddles I’ve used, 8.4 oz, but is so well balanced it feels no different. The weight increase, sweet spot, paddle thickness, longer handle and shape of the handle have really improved my ability to rally with power and control. It feels like I’m swinging a tennis racket again because I can control the ball so much better with this paddle.

Like it better than the tempest, nice control decent power but I did add lead tape to get it closer to pro weight, ordered the small grip and heavier option which came in at 8oz and increased the weigh to 8.4. Lost a little touch but more than made up for it with added power and amazing defense. It’s easy to modify from its head lite balance. Large sweet spot. Can’t go wrong with this paddle !

This paddle is lightweight but yet has good power when playing doubles. The sweet spot is quite large due to the paddle’s circular shape.

Love the feel and touch of this paddle but I have had it for less than 3 months and it is starting to break. After spending close to $150 this should not happen. I am not rough or abusive on my equipment and now I see the return date was April 10th. I am stuck.

This is a used paddle, but you can not tell it is. I have three expensive paddles and this is the lightest. But it still has good power and control. Could have returned it but didn't so that should say something.