Reviews

Based on 118 reviews
86%
(102)
11%
(13)
2%
(2)
0%
(0)
1%
(1)
Big upgrade in spin!

Now my main paddle! I've played tennis for most of my life and this paddle gives me a ton of topspin on my shots. Compared to some other paddles I've used, I've noticed my balls have way more topspin and give my opponents a lot more trouble. Be warned, however, that the paddle is very powerful! For the first few days, I was hitting a ton of shots long, and many of my serves were sailing long. However, now that I'm used to the increased spin/power, I really feel like my shots have been elevated to another level.

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Model 515 Uni
Sandy White
I love this paddle!

I was in the Boyne area a few weeks back and everyone was talking about this paddle. I tried it and came right to the store to buy one. I've used it exclusively and just love the pop on the paddle as well as the control. I am, however, surprised how dirty the face gets after just one game. I was told I don't need to use an eraser, but I do just so it looks clean. Maybe I'm a clean freak! Anyways, I've been promoting your paddle downstate. I have used a ProKennex paddle for several years because of its technology (lightweight and doesn't hurt my injured right shoulder, elbow or wrist). The Uni doesn't either! I'm so glad I found this. Thanks again!!
S. White

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Model 515 Uni
Craig Widmaier
New uni in Harbor springs

Meets expectations, light , grip very comfortable and paddle provide pop when In rally

Sublime Paddle

The Thompson 515 Twill is sublime, with great power and weight ration allowing smooth powerful baseline strokes, allowing for deft touch on the dinks and a ball that rips off the face when applying spin. This is an epic paddle.

Demo great: bought it: love it!

Great paddle (for me)

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Model 515 Twill
Lucy Lammer
Love the paddle !

I had to order the hard handle as you were out of stock on the preferred handle. I find this handle gets very slippery and I’ve not had ‘sweaty’ hands with other paddles. Also- is there a brush I can buy to keep the grit/dirt of the twill pattern?

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Model 515 Uni
Dennis Thompson
Love this paddle

My game has improved so much. I have 3 paddles and this is my go to paddle. Give it a try and you will lkve it.

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Model 515 Uni
Office Office
Game Changing Paddle

I've tried a lot different high end paddles, they play good but all seem to be similar in feel. The Thompson paddle I purchased was different. For myself, the paddle feels like it's a more balance paddle than any other I've used. Ever aspect of the Thompson paddle from the design to the build and the way the paddle performs during play fells like quality in your hand. I'm extremely with my paddle purchase from Thompson. I will be purchasing another paddle from Thompson for a backup soon...

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Model 515 Uni
Mark Hufnagel

I like the paddle, it has nice control, and I really like the edge band.

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Model 515 Twill
Matthew Morelli
Love the pop! Love the control.

Great paddle and worth the investment.

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Model 515 Uni
Charlotte Barnard
No pop

I purchased this paddle solely because it was entirely made in the US. This is my fourth paddle in 3 years. The handle is hard and unpadded and slips and turns and is a bit too large in my hand compared to all of my 3 previous paddles (two were similarly priced Vulcans). Even wearing a glove, it’s difficult to control slippage. This paddle lacks pop and power and despite the surface grit, spin is not what I had anticipated. I thought perhaps it was just me, but had my husband (4.0) try it and he agreed.

Great Demo Option

Was able to demo both paddles. Since I play a few times a week the demo period was long enough to get a good sense of each! Easy process.

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Model 515 Twill
Kraig Britvec
High quality paddles built right here in Michigan.

I bought a Uni in January of 2025. I was impressed by the quality of the paddle. Recently switched to the twill and found it to be a better fit for my style of play. I found both paddles gave me improved control and confidence at the no volley line. Twill has a little more pop and spin imo. Great paddles.

Highly recommend the demo!

I found the Thompson demo process to be easy, efficient, and ultimately valuable. The demo paddles arrived about 24 hours after I ordered (I'm in Chicago, so pretty close to Michigan). Based on the materials I had read beforehand, I assumed that the Twill would be a better choice for me than the Uni. I'm a 3.8 player who thrives more on a precision/control game than power. I've been using (and enjoying) the 16mm Six Zero Ruby for the last year or so. I played with the Twill the first day and absolutely loved it. My opponents remarked that they hadn't seen a ball spin like that before. I almost was ready to pack both paddles and send them back the next day, fully intending to purchase the Twill. But that night I read a few more of the reviews of the Uni and figured that I should at least give it a try since I had this demo right in front of me. So I played with the Uni a couple days later and, seriously, I feel like it took my game to a new level. I was playing with new power and confidence that I hadn't felt before. And the best part was, I didn't feel I had to sacrifice any of the control that I had grown used to with the Ruby (or with the one day with the Twill). I purchased an Uni the next day and I am so pleased that I did! I can't imagine ever switching back to another paddle manufacturer now. The customer service has been top notch. Honestly, Thompson's marketing materials are good but they don't do these paddles justice. I hope they grow and thrive in the marketplace, except of course among my pickleball opponents who I hope never find out about this superb product :) Try the demo and see which model works better for you - you won't regret it.

Wow! What a paddle !

I took the UNI and Twill to Aiken, SC with me and passed them around for the women to try! Immediate hit! From beginner players to advanced , the paddles take no time to get used to and their play is that much better! Tomorrow I take them to PB in Wisconsin and will let the ‘northerners’ try them out! Get ready for orders!

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Model 515 Uni
Brian Williams
Superb quality

Incredible quality. Obviously American made! Great sweet spot. I’m incredible spin. Customer service is the best.

Paddle Demo Kit

This is a great program and allowed me to make an informed decision!

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Model 515 Uni
Cam Hoang
Responsive and Comfortable

I’m really impressed with this Thompson pickleball paddle. It’s very well-built, and you can tell the quality as soon as you hold it. The paddle offers great accuracy and just the right amount of bounce, which makes my shots feel consistent and controlled. I also love the handle grip—it feels natural in my hand, and I can easily tell where to grip for the best control during play. Overall, it’s a solid paddle that has definitely improved my game.

My masterpiece 515 twill

I have Mod, Apes and Wilson Vesper, they are good but not my best. Then finally I found my best.
T-1100 face is definitely much better than T-700. I used 515 at outside court 1 month almost everyday (over 100 games) but still no gouged scratch, super high spin. Other paddles must have gouged scratch in 2 weeks.
If you are 4.0 or above tennis player I will 100% recommend this paddle. I can hit high speed flat ball, egg ball, low bounce slice and super curved slow service easily with only 515 twill.
I might try 515 uni as well because I'm already Thompson fan!
Whatever other major companies release new technology I will continue to buy Thompson paddle as long as face is T-1100 or better!

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Model 515 Uni
Richard Ernst
Great Paddle !!!

It's the best paddle, I played with. It's my number one paddle. It plays great for a 14.25 mm paddle, and best of all it's made in Michigan, USA. Thank You, Richard.

Great way to try paddles

The paddles were great; lots of spin, easy swing weight and powerful when needed. I really enjoyed the oval grip and the way the uni played. The construction, material and craftsmanship are top notch.

Only recommendation would be making the exact same paddle in different shapes. I’d love to try one in a hybrid or standard shape. Will definitely be recommending these paddles to others.

Loved the paddles - We need to discuss the prospect of our carrying them in our offering..

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Model 515 Twill
Peter Oliver
So far, so good!

I am enjoying getting to learn this new, not having a raised edge is such a bonus, the sweet spot is enormous, and it generates plenty of power for a thin paddle, it's maneuverable and controllable. Only thing I didn't like is the grip texture, but an overgrip solved that in 2 mins.

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Model 515 Twill
Michael Giuttari
Great From The 1st Shot - Instant Confidence

I had been playing with CRBN paddles. I saw and read the Thompson reviews and decided to try one. My wife now has my last CRBN. I had so much instant confidence with my new Twill. I have used it every day since receiving it and love it. I’ll probably buy one for my wife now.

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Model 515 Uni
Ginny Batcheller
Love it

Great control paddle! Like it better than my Selkirk Epic amped air!