Whether it is summer or winter, people enjoy spending time playing a sport. Pickleball is one of the easiest yet most interesting games that everyone needs to try. As professional players are familiar with the game, they also know which paddle to get for themselves. However, as a beginner, you cannot just purchase any model from the market; you will only look for those Pickleball paddles that are best for beginners.
Beginner pickleball players have different needs than professional players, so they need to be careful while buying a paddle. In this stressful situation, I have come to your aid with this article containing the 10 best pickleball paddles for beginners. Every model in this article has been tested and then reviewed thoroughly.
Contents
Top 10 Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners
- HEAD Extreme Lite Pickleball Paddle – For Control and Extreme Spin
- Element Pickleball Paddle
- Niupipo Pickleball Paddle
- SLK Neo by Selkirk Pickleball Paddle Set
- Paddletek Tempest Wave II Pickleball Paddle
- Gamma Fusion 2.0 Pickleball Paddle
- JP WinLook Pickleball Paddles Set
- Amazin’ Aces Graphite Pickleball Set
- Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle
- Upstreet Graphite Pickleball Paddle
Quick Summary: Our Top Three Picks
- Graphite Diamond shape face
- Wide hitting area
- Control stabilizer technology (CST) for great torsional stability and vibration reduction
- Textured surface for extreme spin and control
- Comfort Grip System
- Ultralight: 7.2 ounces
- USAPA Approved
- Fiberglass face
- Extra-large hitting surface making it easier to generate spin
- Advanced ProPolyCore with vibration dampening technology
- Provides more power and control
- Narrow grip width
- Lightweight: 7.4 ounces
- USAPA approved
10 Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners – Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
PREMIUM + GREAT SPIN & TORSIONAL STABILITY
|
HEAD Extreme Lite Pickleball Paddle |
9.7
|
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EDITOR’S CHOICE + MORE POWER & CONTROL
|
Element Pickleball Paddle |
9.5
|
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GREAT BALANCE OF SPEED & POWER
|
Niupipo Pickleball Paddle |
9.3
|
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AMAZON’S CHOICE
|
SLK Neo by Selkirk Pickleball Paddle Set |
9.0
|
Check on Amazon |
UNMATCHED TOUCH, CONTROL & FORGIVENESS
|
Paddletek Tempest Wave II Pickleball Paddle |
9.0
|
Check on Amazon |
BUDGET PICK + PERFECT FOR SMALL HANDS
|
Gamma Fusion 2.0 Pickleball Paddle |
8.9
|
Check on Amazon |
PERFECT FOR ALL AGES
|
JP WinLook Pickleball Paddles Set |
8.7
|
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GOOD FOR BEGINNERS TO INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS
|
Amazin’ Aces Graphite Pickleball Set |
8.5
|
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VALUE FOR MONEY
|
Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle |
8.3
|
Check on Amazon |
AVERAGE CHOICE
|
Upstreet Graphite Pickleball Paddle |
8.1
|
Check on Amazon |
1. HEAD Extreme Lite Pickleball Paddle (For Control and Extreme Spin)
Whether a beginner or an expert player, pickleball players need their paddles to be as strong as possible. Strength and tough design come in handy when a player needs to make a power shot. Thanks to the graphite construction of this model, every beginner will now be able to strike the ball hard without damaging their paddle. Moreover, the textured surface of the paddle also aids in making sharp strikes.
The 16 inches long and 7.8 inches wide size of the paddle gives players a wide hitting surface. The model weighs 7.2 oz, which is ultra-lightweight for a paddle. The weight and size make this model perfect for beginners as it gives a large enough hitting surface without weighing a ton.
To make things more comfortable for novice players, Head has added advanced technology to this model. The Control Stabilizer Technology reduces vibrations by evenly distributing the weight all across the surface, making it one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners. Lastly, this model comes with a 5-inch long handle and 4 ¼ inches grip width with a tight wrap. The wrap will make sure that the handle is not a nuisance to hold for beginner players.
- Graphite face
- Control stabilizer technology
- Wide hitting area
- Comfortable grip
- Textured surface
- Expensive
Master the art of pickleball with the Head Extreme Lite pickleball paddle. This model comes with everything a pickleball player needs, from a striking exterior to a robust and user-friendly design. Built from graphite, this paddle is what every beginner needs in their life.
2. Element Pickleball Paddle
Element pickleball paddle is at 2nd position in the list of best pickleball paddles for beginners. The striking print of this pickleball paddle is enough to make any player drool. The cherry on top is that it comes in three different colors, so the user can choose whichever they like the most. Apart from the stunning exterior, the interior of this model is just as drool-worthy. The fiberglass face combined with the polymer core gives this boy the strength and power to strike the ball hard without getting damaged.
Despite being sturdy and robust, the paddle only weighs 7.4 ounces. A lightweight design is needed, especially when you are a beginner who is playing for the first time. The Element paddle is 15 ¾ inches long and 7 ¾ inches wide. A paddle with a face of this size provides players with enough hitting surface to effortlessly make shots in all directions.
Furthermore, similar to the paddle frame, the manufacturers have not compromised on the paddle’s grip either. It comes with a 5-inch-long grip that has a circumference of 4 ¼ inches. The narrow width of the grip makes it easier to hold the paddle and play for hours. This boy will have your back for the longer practice sessions!
- Narrow grip
- Fiberglass face
- Polymer core
- Weighs 7.4 oz
- 5 inches long handle
- Hefty price tag
If you are someone who is looking for a good quality paddle to step foot into the world of pickleball, this model is the ideal fit for you. It does cost more than the other models available in the market, but the high-quality frame combined with the large grip makes it worth each penny.
3. Niupipo Pickleball Paddle
This Niupipo pickleball paddle is one of the best options for every beginner. As this model is manufactured with a beginner’s need being kept in mind, you can keep high hopes for it. Firstly, this paddle has been manufactured with a combination of graphite and carbon fiber. Together, both of these elements make the paddle stiff and durable.
The shape of this pedal is square with curved edges, the classic shape of a paddle. In addition to the sturdy construction, this model comes with a good-quality edge guard. Moreover, the paddle is 15.5 inches long and 7.9 inches wide, which gives the players a wide hitting surface. Furthermore, the addition of a 4.5-inch long handle really ties the entire design together. The 4.25-inch wide circumference of the handle is what makes this paddle ideal for beginners. It is not wide enough to cause any arm fatigue. The overall weight of the paddle is 8 oz. The manufacturers have also added a cover in the package to keep your paddle safe. The last feature that seals the deal is that the handle comes with a sweat-absorbing grip on top of it!
- Affordable price
- Large hitting surface
- 4.5 inches handle length
- Graphite and carbon fiber construction
- Sweat-absorbing grip
- Comes with a cover
- Heavy in weight
Every first-timer needs to take a look at this model. This paddle comes packed with features that make it ideal for beginners. Everything from solid construction the wide-hitting surface, to a beginner-friendly design, this model has it. It is slightly heavy, but the meager price tag makes up for that!
4. SLK Neo by Selkirk Pickleball Paddle Set
Everything that comes with the tag of Selkirk is built to last. The SLK Neo upholds the company’s reputation as it comes with a strong yet lightweight frame, which makes it perfect for every novice on the field. The paddle has a striking print on the face, which makes it appealing to the eye. However, there is more to this model than just an eye-catching look.
It comes with a face built from graphite. The graphite face combined with the SX3 honeycomb core will see to it that you make sharp strikes on the field with speed. The core will also make sure to absorb the noise and the hits so that the players can enjoy a game without their ears and hands aching. When you combine the 16 inches length of the paddle with the 7.8 inches width, you get a large hitting surface.
Another feature that really sets this model apart from the others is that it comes with a 5.25-inch long handle with a width of 4.25 inches. The handle of this model is perfect in both length and girth to provide users with a comfortable grip. The best part is that the manufacturers have wrapped a material on top of the grip. While testing the paddle, my hands did not get sweaty, thanks to the sweat-absorbing quality of the grip material.
- Reasonable price
- Graphite frame
- SX3 honeycomb core
- Long handle
- Sweat-absorbing, comfortable grip
- The edge guard comes off
The SLK Neo provides the best pickleball paddles for beginners out there. This model provides players with a large hitting surface built from graphite at a reasonable price. At the bottom of the hitting surface is a comfortable handle with an anti-sweat grip.
5. Paddletek Tempest Wave II Pickleball Paddle
Paddletek is quite a famous name in the world of pickleball. The reason behind their fame is that their paddles are exactly what players need. This pickleball paddle has been built for beginner players, so every newbie can keep their hopes high from this model
The first thing a beginner needs from his paddle is a sturdy yet lightweight design, and that is exactly what the Paddletek Tempest Wave II paddle is all about. High-quality graphite has been used in the construction of the frame. Along with durability, graphite brings stiffness to the design, which shows that your paddle is not soft.
What contributes to bringing you the power to deliver sharp strikes is the robust handle of this boy. 5 ¼ inches long handle, which is 4 ¼ inches wide. Both the length and the girth of the handle are ideal, as it is long and narrow enough to stay in your hands for hours without causing any fatigue. In addition to that, the handle is cushioned to provide you with a more comfortable grip.
- Graphite face to reduce weight and vibrations
- 5 ¼ inches long handle
- Cushioned grip
- Durable frame
- Weighs 7.4-7.8 oz
- Costs more than other models
Every beginner who wants to take their pickleball skills up a few notches should spend their bucks on this one. It does come at a heavy price; however, if you are looking for precise and accurate shots, then you need to look past the price tag. The durable graphite frame and the cushioned grip will make sure every beginner thoroughly enjoys a game of pickleball without getting tired.
6. Gamma Fusion 2.0 Pickleball Paddle
The Pickleball paddles for beginners must be as light as possible, and that is what Gamma has provided in this model. Despite being light in weight, this model is sturdy enough to last you many years. It comes with a fiberglass construction, which contributes to keeping the overall design light. In addition to that, fiberglass makes the paddle durable and brings more power to the shots. More power means even a beginner can make more accurate shots.
Moreover, the paddle has a textured surface, which further makes it easy to make sharp strikes and throw the ball all the way to the other end. The honeycomb incorporated in the design plays a huge role in dampening the noise. The 15.75-inch length of the paddle combined with the 8.25-inch width provides the player with a large hitting surface.
The feature that I really liked while putting this model to the test was that it comes with a 4-inch handle that brings more swing to the hitting surface. The cherry on top is that there is a high-quality material stretched over the handle that provides comfort and keeps the hand free from sweat.
- Fiberglass surface
- Lightweight design
- Ideal for beginners
- Sweat absorbing grip
- Low price
- Grip is too small
The Gamma Fusion 2.0 pickleball paddle is the perfect fit for anyone who is trying their hand at pickleball for the first time. It comes with a sturdy frame that, combined with a large hitting surface, will make sure you do not stay a beginner at this sport for a long time. The sweat-absorbing and comfortable grip will see to it that you can enjoy hours of pickleball without your hand getting tired or sweaty.
7. JP WinLook Pickleball Paddles Set
Every pickleball enthusiast who has been too scared to try can now confidently step into the world of pickleball, thanks to this model. First of all, the JP WinLook is not just a paddle alone; the package includes a pair of paddles with 3 balls and a carrying bag, all at an affordable price. So whether you need to play with a friend or a family member, they do not need to bring a paddle of their own. This one set will be perfect for both!
Moving towards the frame of the paddle, it comes with a graphite surface combined with a honeycomb core. Graphite makes it stiff and sturdy, while the honeycomb core reduces the noise of the paddle and heightens the player’s control. With the large sweet spot of the paddle, every beginner will be making sharp shots in no time.
Furthermore, the handle of this paddle is 5.27 inches long, which provides more than enough holding space for those who hold the paddle with both hands. In addition to that, the 4 ¼ inches circumference of the paddle further contributes to making the paddle comfortable for beginners. The wrap on the handle makes it comfortable to hold and reduces the chances of slipping.
- Reasonable price
- Complete set
- Graphite surface
- Honeycomb core
- 5.27 inches long handle
- Average quality edge guard
Whether you want to make a sharp, challenging shot or a low strike, you can easily do that with this pickleball paddle. The JP WinLook comes in a size and design that makes it effortless for beginners to learn the art of pickleball and ace it.
8. Amazin’ Aces Graphite Pickleball Set
The Amazin’ Aces pickleball paddles set is truly amazing for beginners. First of all, this is a complete pickleball set. It comes with 2 paddles and 4 playing balls, which means you can now enjoy playing pickleball with friends. The package also includes a mesh bag for carrying the paddles and balls securely.
What makes the deal even more appealing is the sturdy build of the paddles. The paddles come with a premium graphite construction, which makes them stiff enough to hit the ball across the net without breaking in half. The weight of the paddles is 8.3 ounces. The weight is slightly heavier than other models, but the robust construction and the wide hitting surface make up for it.
To make this paddle more suitable and comfortable for a novice, Amazin’ Aces has added a 4 ⅜ inches long handle to the paddle. To increase the player’s comfort, they have added a cushioned and contoured grip on top of the handle. Therefore, players can hold this paddle for hours without their hands aching.
- Complete set
- Comes with a carrying bag
- 1-year warranty
- Contoured grip
- Graphite face
- Affordable price
- Heavy in weight
This set is a perfect gift for anyone who has just started playing pickleball. The set includes two paddles and four balls, which means you will not have to purchase any balls or extra paddles separately. The best part is that you can get your hands on this deal at a reasonable price.
9. Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle
The Rally Tyro 2 pickleball paddles come with a construction and design that makes them ideal for not only beginners but also for expert players. Firstly, the package includes a sturdy and stiff paddle and a protective cover produced from synthetic rubber to keep the paddle safe from scratches.
Secondly, the Rally Tyro 2 Pro paddle comes with a 5-inch-long handle that has a circumference of 4.25 inches. Both the length and the girth of the handle make it highly comfortable to hold the paddle in your hands for hours. The cherry on top of that is the sweat-absorbent material wrapped on the handle to provide a dry and comfortable grip to the players.
Nothing says durability more than Polycarbonate composite. This material has been used in manufacturing the face of the paddle to provide beginner players with a durable paddle. Along with durability, Polycarbonate composite adds protection from UV rays to the design while keeping the overall design light in weight. This model only weighs 7.7 ounces. To enhance the performance of this boy, the manufacturers have incorporated a polypropylene honeycomb core to the design that will help in making sharp strikes.
- The price tag is lower than others
- 1-year warranty
- Polycarbonate composite construction
- Polypropylene honeycomb
- 5 inches long handle
- Sweatproof grip
- Makes noise
The solid yet lightweight design of this paddle is what makes it suitable for beginner players of pickleball. If you are someone who wants to learn the art of pickleball and enjoy making sharp and quick strikes, the Rally Tyro 2 Pro pickleball paddle is the ideal fit for you.
10. Upstreet Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The Upstreet graphite pickleball paddles come with the classic design of a paddle that fulfills all the needs of beginners. The ocean-blue surface gives it a sleek and appealing look. In addition to being eye-catching, this model weighs 8.6 oz, which is quite reasonable for beginners.
The frame of this paddle has been built with graphite combined with a honeycomb core. Both of these materials are considered ideal for a paddle as they bring durability and strength to the design. They also reduce noise and vibrations that occur when the ball hits the paddle, along with durability and strength. A really thoughtful inclusion by the manufacturers is that they included a paddle case in the package.
The star of the show is the grip of this model, which has a circumference of 4 ¼ inches. The length of the grip is 4.75 inches long, ideal for beginners. On top of the handle is a layer of contoured microfiber that will make sure the paddle does not slip away from the player’s hand. Moreover, the material also makes the handle sweat-free.
- Low price
- Anti-sweat grip
- 4.5 inches long grip
- Graphite face
- Comes with a paddle case
- Weighs 8.6 oz
In this price range, you will not find any model better than this one. Whether you are a novice player or an expert player, the Upstreet pickleball paddle caters to the needs of all. The contoured grip will see to it that you enjoy the game comfortably without your hands drenched in sweat. The graphite face will have your back for many years!
Buying Guide
Pickleball has gained quite a lot of fame over the years. People of all ages enjoy playing this game as it is quite easy to play and still very enjoyable. The first thing any player of pickleball needs to learn to ace a game is a good quality paddle. It is easier for professional players to pick out their sports gear and start playing. However, for beginners, the task of selecting a paddle is not as easy.
Worry not; there are a few things that can come to your aid in picking a suitable pickleball paddle for yourself. I have shared some factors and points below in detail that will help you narrow down the long list of options to the ones that are more suitable for a beginner. Keep these factors in mind when you are choosing the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
Construction Material
This goes without saying that the material used in the construction of the frame of a paddle is a really crucial factor. The reason why it is so important is that if the material is of low quality, then the frame will not be sturdy enough to handle hours of gaming. The ideal construction material for a pickleball paddle includes graphite and fiberglass.
Both of these materials add durability to the design without adding any extra weight. Other materials include polycarbonate composite and aluminum. Make sure the model that you opt for comes with a frame built from high-quality material.
Size Of The Paddle
As a beginner, it is very important for you to consider the overall size of the paddle before you spend your bucks on it. The paddle should not be so big that you have trouble carrying it on the field, nor should it be too small. The paddle should be no less than 15 to 16 inches long and 7 inches wide. This is considered an ideal size for a pickleball paddle for beginners.
Hitting Surface
In addition to checking the size of the pickleball paddles for beginners, always check the size of the hitting surface, too. The models with a larger hitting surface are considered ideal for beginners as it is easier to hit the ball with them. Along with the size, the shape of the hitting surface is also a factor that makes or breaks the deal for beginners. Advanced players often play with oval-shaped paddles, but the classic paddle shape is perfect for novice players. When you are out getting a paddle for yourself, consider the size and the shape of the hitting surface, i.e., the face of the paddle.
Handle Length
The length of the handle is another point that will either help beginner players learn the game in an hour or it will cost them the entire match. The reason why handle length is so important is that it affects the balance while making strikes and sharp shots.
An exceptionally long handle will be difficult to maneuver as players will need to use both hands to balance the paddle. Similarly, a handle that is too short will also affect the performance of players during the game. The ideal length of paddle handles ranges from 4.5 inches to 5.5 inches! Before you spend your money on a paddle, make sure to check the handle length.
Handle Circumference
Similar to the length of the handle, the circumference is also important. Expert players can easily maneuver paddles with wider girth, but novice player needs the paddle’s handle to be as narrow as possible so they can hold it comfortably. The girth of the handle affects how comfortable it is to hold. It will continuously slip from hand if it is too wide and will also be difficult to hold for hours. If you are getting the paddle for yourself, go for a model with a circumference of 4.25 inches. It is neither too wide nor too narrow!
Grip Comfort
Now that you know which length and width to go for, there is one more thing about the handle that will affect its comfort level: the grip! There are many models available in the market that come with a material tightly wrapped over the handle. The reason behind this is that the material provides a comfortable grip and keeps the palm protected from scratches and bruises.
In addition to that, there are a few companies that use anti-sweat material over their handles to ensure maximum comfort. Always go for a model of the paddle that comes with a comfortable, contoured grip that is also sweatproof so that your hand is not drenched in sweat during the game.
Weight Of The Paddle
This factor often gets neglected while users purchase their pickleball paddles, and that is a mistake! The weight of a pickleball paddle directly affects its performance, especially for beginners. The models that are light in weight are much easier to carry around the field. Lightweight paddles are ideal for beginners as they are easy to swing and maneuver.
Heavyweight models will not only be a nuisance to carry to the field but also on the field! Due to the heavyweight, it will be difficult to hold the paddle for a longer period, as it will cause arm fatigue. In addition to that, it will also become a headache to swing the paddle and strike the ball with it. Always go for the model of the paddle that weighs between 6.9 ounces to 7.8 ounces!
Edge Guard
The edge guard of a pickleball paddle is the most neglected factor while making a purchase, but it affects the functionality of the paddle. The edge guard is a tape or an adhesive added to the edges of the frame of the paddle. It is added to keep the paddle safe and protected. The models that come with low-quality edge guards often suffer damage to the frame. So, when you are out there getting a pickleball paddle for yourself, get one that comes with a high-quality edge guard.
Conclusion
Finding a good-quality pickleball paddle is not as easy as it seems. The purpose of this article was to help you find a good-quality paddle suited for a beginner. I hope the reviews and the buying guide helped you pick a model of paddle for yourself. If you still have not made up your mind, then here are my top three recommendations.
HEAD Extreme Lite Pickleball Paddle comes with a graphite face and Control Stabilizer Technology.
Element Pickleball Paddle is one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners constructed from Fiberglass face and comes with an extra-large hitting area.
Gamma Fusion 2.0 Pickleball Paddles has a Fiberglass face, 5 inches long grip, and comes at a low price.
FAQs
How do you pick a pickleball paddle for beginners?
There are a number of factors that need to be considered for selecting the Best Pickleball Paddles for beginners. These include Construction Material, Size of the Paddle, Hitting Surface, Handle Length, Handle Circumference, Grip Comfort, Weight of the Paddle, and Edge Guard.
Is graphite or fiberglass paddle better for Pickleball?
We didn’t find any official studies showing that graphite Pickleball paddles are superior to fiberglass Pickleball paddles. But most professional players think that graphite paddles are better in performance than fiberglass this is because the graphite paddles are both light in weight and strong.
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