6 of the Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
More than a million new players join Pickleball every year, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the USA. There’s a lot of competition among manufacturers to offer the right pickleball paddle to newcomers to accommodate the rising demand.
With so many beginner paddles on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing your first paddle. Every new paddle has some unique qualities; the challenge is knowing how to match the player with the right paddle.
Pickleball paddles vary in design, core materials, weight, size, and price point. Knowing the qualities of a paddle will equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the most suitable one.
Read on to take a look at some of our top picks for the best pickleball paddles for beginners on the market, and pick up your favorite today.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Pickleball Paddle?
As a beginner, the goal is to enhance your skill level. It's essential to select a paddle that is comfortable enough for a gentle introduction and strong enough to improve your gameplay over time.
When choosing a pickleball paddle as a novice pickleball player, there are a few essential aspects to consider.
Weight of the Pickleball Paddle
The paddle's weight directly affects your gameplay, as it determines your speed and swing. Most paddles available are classified as lightweight, mid-weight, or heavyweight. If you plan to play in tournaments as your skills improve, you’ll want to choose a paddle that falls into one of these weight classes and is approved by the USAPA.
Light-weight: 6.7 to 7 ounces
Lightweight paddles are most appropriate for beginners and those with medical issues affecting the wrist or arm. A lighter paddle provides more control and is easy to maneuver. Most lightweight composite paddles have a large sweet spot due to a lightweight polypropylene honeycomb core and a standard size.
Mid-weight: around 7.5 ounces
Most players are comfortable with mid-weight paddles because they balance power and finesse while not causing fatigue. You will see more widebody and elongated paddles with longer handles in this weight class advertising a larger sweet spot. As a beginner, certain shots, such as backhands, may be more difficult with a mid-weight or heavy-weight paddle.
Heavy-weight: 8.3 to 8.5 ounces
Heavy paddles are most appropriate for advanced players and those with a lot of upper body strength. Although the power provided by a heavy paddle is excellent, heavier paddles are harder to control and can hurt the wrist or arm after prolonged use. Most new heavy-weight paddles are made with carbon fiber and a textured surface for spin.
Material of the Pickleball Paddle
Pickleball paddles have different core and facing materials. The inner part or core provides stability, and the pattern of the structure determines weight and shape.
Many cheap beginner paddles are wooden paddles, and while they may be okay for your first few practice sessions, it is recommended to get a composite paddle if you plan to play regularly.
Choosing Surface Materials for a Pickleball Paddle
The outer surface or facing touches the ball and can either be aluminum, Nomex, or polymer.
Aluminum paddles are dense and offer less power but excellent control.
Nomex paddles provide enough control but less power and are loud.
Polymer paddles are softer, quieter, and provide more power but less control.
The coating on the facing material is usually carbon fiber, fiberglass, or graphite.
Carbon fiber is tough, durable, and provides excellent control and significant power.
Fiberglass is the most common and ensures the most power.
Graphite is durable and offers medium control and less force.
How to Pick a Grip Size for a Pickleball Paddle
Pickleball paddle grips differ in thickness and circumference, and the suitable size depends on your hand size. If you have a large hand, you will need a larger circumference.
Using the wrong paddle grip circumference will make it difficult to grasp and control. The best way to determine the appropriate grip size is through your height.
If you’re 5’2” inches, try the smallest grip size of 4 inches.
If you’re between 5’2” inches and 5’8”, a medium grip size of 4 ¼ inches is the best fit.
Those taller than 5’9” should use the large grip size or 4 ½ inches.
Pros and Cons of Edge Guards
An edge guard is an optional accessory. It protects your paddle if you accidentally drop it during a game and keeps the paddle safe from wear and tear along the edges. The main downside is that it occupies the surface area that comes into contact with the ball.
Although edgeless paddles exist and have protective tape around them, it's less effective than an edge guard.
Top 6 Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
1. Baddle Pickleball Advance Paddle
This mid-weight paddle is one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners. The graphite plate surface and polymer honeycomb core ensure a seamless combination of comfort, power, and control.
It features a perforated, anti-slip grip to ensure optimum traction and low vibration, while the proprietary Edgetech Protect system by Baddle protects it from scratches.
The standard handle length is 5 inches, but an XT version has a longer handle of 5.25 inches.
This paddle will make beginners comfortable on the pickleball court but is advanced enough to be suitable for intermediate players.
The Niupipo paddle is a light to medium-weight paddle with a sturdy 4.5-inch grip. It’s great for beginners and intermediate players due to its wide surface and honeycombed polymer core that improves performance.
It has a smooth graphite surface with a carbon fiber finish that helps with spin and adds control. The standard grip size is 4.5 inches, and the circumference is about 4.25 inches. The grip has a cushion to absorb sweat and minimize vibration.
The Niupipo paddle has a Neoprene case and an edge guard for protection.
The Onix Stryker 4 graphite paddle is an excellent choice for beginners. It weighs 6.9 to 7.4 ounces and is perfect for speed and dinks at the net.
This paddle has a wide hitting surface suitable for anyone learning the game. It has a polypropylene core and a graphite face that delivers well-balanced power. It’s relatively quiet and has a smooth finish to enhance responsiveness and performance.
4. Selkirk Neo
The Selkirk Neo paddle is an affordable paddle suitable for most beginners. It has a composite paddle face and weighs between 7.6 and 7.9 ounces. Its lighter weight enhances your speed while the polymer core ensures better performance.
The Selkirk Neo is 7.875 inches wide, which provides more hitting surface area. It has a thin, comfortable grip size of 4.125 inches for better control and an EdgeSentry guard for protection.
The Gamma Fusion 2.0 paddle is an excellent choice for beginners due to its functional design. It offers exceptional speed and hitting power, which improves maneuverability and accuracy.
The Gamma Fusion 2.0 weighs 8 ounces and has an 8-inch broad textured fiberglass face. The grip is small, about 4 inches, and has a soft cushion to absorb sweat during the game.
This paddle provides well-balanced power, balance, and control.
The Rally Tyro 2 Pro paddle is a great option in the market. It weighs between 7.6 and 8.2 ounces and has a wide hitting surface, which benefits you as a beginner.
This paddle has a honeycomb polymer core to absorb shock for better ball control. The grip is soft, comfortable, and the longer handle length of 5 inches gives you the ability to use one or two hands as you learn.
The Rally Tyro 2 Pro is an asset for any beginner and one of the most popular on the market today.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, choosing a quality paddle comes down to personal preference and playing style. If you’re starting out and haven’t decided if pickleball is for you, there’s no need to buy the most expensive paddle on the market made for intermediate players or professionals. If you have the funds and want the best, by all means - choose the latest Ben Johns Hyperion paddle or any other high-quality paddle you desire.
Just remember that while a paddle can help the player, practice makes the player great. What is your favorite beginner paddle? Let us know in the comments below!
