Genie Bouchard arrived on the professional pickleball scene in January, and she already has her own signature paddle.

The Versix Vector XL has an elongated handle and shape, a carbon fiber surface, and a polypropylene honeycomb core perfect for tennis players who, like Bouchard, transitioned to America's fastest-growing sport. 

The Canadian star worked closely with Versix designers to create a unique product that 
blended elements of tennis and pickleball together. 

"There are a couple of details that I prefer for me as a tennis player coming to pickleball. One, the grip is longer. I use a two-handed backhand in tennis, and that’s something I’ve kept in pickleball because I’ve done that for 25 years, so we adapted that so I could have space to put both my hands on the grip," explained Bouchard.

“Another thing is the head shape that is a little more shaped like a tennis racket. We tried to make a tennis racket for the pickleball court because that will help me the most. There is really good grit, which they’ve improved, and that helps me get the spin I need. Adding that has been super helpful because I can still play tennis, but adjust it for the pickleball court,” she added.

Versix product specialist Joseph Sutton helped bring the paddle to life.

“The handle has incredible bevels that feel a lot like a tennis racket when you pick it up,” he said. “Players who don’t come from tennis will still enjoy it because it feels solid and gives them a little bit of an understanding of exactly where their hand is on the paddle.”

Bouchard, meanwhile, is especially proud that the paddle is affordable at $130.

It's also currently being used by several pros on the PPA Tour, so that's a perfect stamp of approval.

“I think everyone should be able to go play, and I’m proud to be partnered with someone who makes pickleball available to everyone,” noted Bouchard. 

The former Wimbledon singles finalist believes the paddle has solid appeal.

“We’ve increased the power of this paddle. I was serving [in Atlanta] and my opponent said, ‘You’ve got some heat on your serve.’ And I dinked, too, and had that control that I needed,” shared Bouchard. “For a player like me that likes to hit the ball, but also wants to feel secure on the dinks, it was helping me a lot.”

Rising talent Blaine Hovenier is a fan. 

“The reason I like the Vector is because it has a lot of power and great spins. It’s really good at the kitchen line,” he praised. “At 15 millimeters, it has good control, dinks, and resets. I also love the elongated paddle for singles. Coming from tennis, it’s great for grounds.”

The paddle is an excellent choice for players with a tennis background.

I even tried it out, and I was pleasantly surprised. 

It has a large sweet spot, and it's great for control at the net. It played well alongside the Selkirk paddles that my doubles opponents were using. And it really felt like the kind of paddle that would help elevate my all-around game.

Consider me a fan of this paddle. I’m adding it to my cart now. 

Shop Versix on Pickleball Central to give it a shot for yourself.