Great paddle. Overall balance is excellent. Nice pop and feel with a large sweet spot. the vibration damping is very noticeable and it feels like you get a better dwell time on the face then other paddles i have. Overall a great paddle with the combo of feel with a nice pop. Love that is made right here in Michigan !!!
I have played with all the big brand names: Joola, Gearbox, Proton, Diadem, Selkirk and Thompson and the Uni is my go to paddle now. Evenly balanced, soft & quick at the kitchen. Still enough power on the serves and crazy topspins to put shots away. Good job Thompson, keep up the good
Wow... great feel, light weight, minimal twist, control is amazing, could use a bit more power, made in america! Awesome Paddle! Only change would be to offer this paddle wioth a longer handle (5.75).
I have recently switched from the spartus Olympus to the 515 uni and can definitely say that the control and the ability to shape the ball is on another level. Since the spin on this paddle is so high, I can put more power on my serves and drives and the top spin generated usually ensures that the ball lands in. I have added about 8 inches of 0.5g/inch tungsten tape starting an inch above the throat and this has further enhanced the stability and plough through. Highly recommend getting this paddle 👌
Wow, this thing makes shaping shots feel like writing in cursive, I love bending the ball to my opponents feet with ease and never have to doubt that my dinks and drives are going to dip when I need them to. Good balance of power and control, not a power paddle or a pillow, somewhere right in between. Handle was small for me, but I added an overgrip and it feels perfect. I also added some tungsten tape to the head and bottom corners and the forgiveness/plow through got even better.
Loved the Twill. Unfortunately I was shipped two of those, so I couldn’t review the Uni. They followed up apologizing for the mix up and offered to send the uni for review. No need….i was sold on the Twill.
Paddle seemed a bit stiff when I first picked it up, but after an hour or two it has become a joy to play with. Plenty of power (I played with Paddletek ESQ) but my kitchen game is solid and controlled. As they advertise, no dead spots. I am sold on this paddle !
Been researching and looking for a paddle to main and decided on this one. I’ve used the J2k+ which I loved and the Trufoam 1. I fear for the durability of the Gen 3 paddles and the higher weight. This plays similar to the Trufoam but much faster in the kitchen and maybe a tad bit less control and dwell time. But games are won in the kitchen and the durability of it not being thermoformed is a huge plus! Give it a try and hoping for a wide body version soon!
Paddle is light in the hands and super fast at the kitchen. Pop is very good and power is too—easily increased with a touch of head weight. Handle is a bit bulky and shaped less ergonomically than most others, but didn’t take me long to get used to it. I did remove the original overgrip, which was a little difficult then replaced with two custom overgrips for a nice feel.
Also, the paddle feels super durable and very well made. No complaints there.
This paddle is a game changer for me. I did not even need a break in period to get used to it. Easier to flick my wrist too with this paddle to grab those ultra-low balls...
I'm a newer player, tried several paddles and this is by far the best I've used. Placed in several tournaments this year with it. Will be ordering another for spare.
I have been searching for over a year for the best performing paddle for my game. Coming from Table Tennis, I have a particular grip, swing path, and reliance on spin that I have not been able to find with any other paddle. Some come close, but not near the feeling of this paddle.
I've own and used these both. They are hands down the greatest paddles I have ever used. If the Twill could get to the similar swing weight to the Uni. It would be my unicorn paddle.
For reference I own Paddletek Esq 12.7 and 14.3, Tko-C14.3, CRBN 1 Genesis true foam, Franklin C45, B&B Shogun, and J2K pro. I will be selling all these paddle now. For me and my style these are that good.
The Thompson UNI has incredible pop and after dozens of games I haven’t found a bad spot on the paddle. With previous paddles at similar prices I have found high quality sweet spots but if you’re off center by a couple inches you would get an unpredictable response. The UNI has above average grip for added spin and more pop than I will ever need. Control at the kitchen has been surprisingly very good due to the ability to hit the ball anywhere on the paddle and get the same result. It’s very lightweight and by far the thinnest paddle I have owned. But the paddle is very well balanced and did not require any added weight in the right places unlike others I have played with.
Con - You should sell or give away, Thompson apparel so we can help you market this gem.
Thompson 515 Twill Pickleball Paddle Review – 220+ Matches In and Still Going Strong.
After playing over 220 matches (each averaging 1.5 hours), I can confidently say the Thompson 515 Twill paddle is a beast when it comes to durability and consistent performance. From day one to now, the feel of the paddle hasn’t changed—it still delivers the same solid pop, control, and responsiveness I loved when I first picked it up.
What really impresses me is how well the core has held up. No dead spots, no warping, and no breakdown in performance over time. The twill surface is also incredibly durable, with only minimal wear despite constant use and contact. Whether I’m at the net or hitting deep baseline shots, it continues to perform at a high level.
If you’re looking for a paddle that can take heavy, regular play and still feel like new, the Thompson 515 Twill is absolutely worth the investment.
Rating: 10/10 for durability, consistency
Love the brand. Love the new handle! Still feel the only thing missing to bring you guys to the next level is a standard/widebody shape. Not every person wants an elongated shape. That would bring Thompson to a much wider market. It would also legitimize your product as most brands are offering multiple shapes now. Let’s go!!
Very nice paddle. Plenty or power, pop and spin and good sweet spot. It's a tad head heavy for me but I think I'm getting used to it. Wondering if the Uni would have been better for me. The hexagonal handle was too firm feeling but I applied a "Drippin" overgrip on it and that did the trick. The high quality of manufacturing is easily apparent.
Bought the paddle for the high spin and twist weight. Spin is great ,but the paddle still twists on off center shots. Paddle has a very hard feel to it. I prefer a softer feel and I am returning the paddle.
I buy around 7-8 paddles a year and this Thompson is the best paddle I own so far. This 515 Uni paddle has great control, power and spin with a low swing weight and is headlight which good for my elbow and shoulder.
I have now been playing with your Twill paddle for the last week. My game continues to improve especially the soft game extra control on the paddle. I expect that it will only get better thank you.
Received my paddle about 3 days after ordering. Very nice craftsmanship. I've played with it 7 times now and am getting the feel for it. Love the low swing weight (much faster handspeed). I feel the pop is very similar to the Gearbox, power on serves, returns, and drives maybe a little less, but makes up for it completely with the added spin. Very happy so far!
I like the elongated shape, the edgeless design, and the fact it's made in Michigan and the USA. Also seems easier on my healing tennis elbow than the Gearbox, likely due to the lower swing weight.
I’ve enjoyed playing with my original Thompson paddle since day one but wished it had an octagon shaped handle. My wish has come true. I now have a second Thompson paddle and this has made a great paddle even better. Loving the new handle shape!
Having played with my new Thompson Uni for 2 weeks now I definitely have no regrets! I was a little concerned that I would lose some power that I had with my Invintka but that is not the case. I not only enjoy great power but have a better touch in midcourt and dinking shots. I would definitely recommend this paddle.
I normally don’t right reviews on a paddle that I’ve only owned for a couple of weeks but I’m making an exception. This paddle lacks power but more than makes up for it with its spin and control. I’ve played about 35 games with it and there is a learning curve when using it. I have used many different paddles from engage, Joola, Selkirk and paddletech. I don’t believe they are any better than this paddle and if this paddle last as long as those I would have to say it is a superior product. My net game is much better with this paddle and we all know that’s where this game is won.
