Prince Response Pro Review: The $99 Paddle With a Legendary Name Behind It

Prince defined tennis for a generation. Now they're making pickleball paddles — and at $99, the Response Pro is targeting beginners and intermediate players. Here's whether the legacy translates, based on the reviews.

What the Reviews Say

For this review we gathered beginner-friendly reviews, budget breakdowns, and feedback from recreational players — judging this paddle the way most newcomers will actually use it: casual games, open play, and the occasional 'competitive' match.

No jargon and no flex — just an honest read on whether a normal person spending hard-earned money will be happy with this paddle.

What Stands Out

Here's what reviewers consistently single out as this paddle's strengths:

• Brand trust is real — Prince has been making racquets since 1970, and that heritage shows in the build
• At $99 it's in the accessible price range where most new players shop — At $99 it's in the accessible price range where most new players shop
• The polymer core is quiet — great for communities with noise restrictions on courts
• Comfortable grip and balanced weight make it easy to play with right out of the box — Comfortable grip and balanced weight make it easy to play with right out of the box

Where It Falls Short

No paddle is perfect, and the sources are clear about the trade-offs:

• Performance is solid but unremarkable — it doesn't excel in any single category
• The surface texture is basic compared to paddles with carbon fiber or textured faces
• At $99, the HEAD Radical Pro ($89) offers similar or better performance for less money
• Prince's pickleball lineup feels like an afterthought compared to their tennis focus

Who Should Buy This Paddle?

This paddle has real strengths in specific areas, but it's not a universal recommendation. Think honestly about your play style and priorities before committing — and if possible, demo it before you buy.

The Bottom Line

The Prince Response Pro is a perfectly fine paddle that's hard to get excited about. It does everything adequately and nothing exceptionally, which is both its strength and its limitation. If you're a Prince loyalist from your tennis days, you'll feel comfortable with this paddle. But if you're shopping purely on performance per dollar, the HEAD Radical Pro at $89 is a better buy. The Prince name carries weight, and the build quality reflects their racquet heritage — just don't expect it to outperform pickleball-first brands at the same price point.