Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners
To make your early stage worthwhile, check out my top picks for the best pickleball paddles for beginners that take your game hopping all the way from 0.5 to 5.0 level. These are the pickleball paddles me and my fellas played with when we started pickleball playing pickleball. It’s 3 years ago, though, so I further researched and collected data because there’s always something new in the market, and I also tested 8 new paddles launched in 2022.
A pickleball paddle for a beginner can be anything from a miss to a hit. Many beginners tend to think power is what it’s all about and get a heavier paddle with which they end up making a lot of faults and misplaced shots. It’s not wrong that pickleball is a power game, but it’s more of a finesse game of dinks and slow volleys.
On the top, the beginning level forms your playing start, whether you want to be a power hitter or a dink rally man, your first paddle will have a 90% impact in deciding that. Therefore, here I brought those pickleball paddles that could understand and complement your gaming style, so you can keep up your natural game and make the most out of pickleball without making many faults.
For a quick recommendation, here are the paddles we selected for their consistent performance in making any beginner learn, level up, and improve his game.
MY 3 TOP CHOICES
Champion eclipse Pickleball Paddle:
- Champion eclipse is reasonably my top pick from the list.
- The graphite and carbon contribute to the control and finesses with as little ball deflection as possible.
- They offer maximum control, perfect shot placement accuracy, a polymer honeycomb core, and everything you would ever need for getting started.
Selkirk prime epic:
- Prime Epic by Selkirk is a control paddle with a little pinch of power and spin.
- They have a larger sweet spot with a comfortable grip to block and defense quick shots while staying in your bounds.
- Along with the durability, it has a nice color range for which they’re highly considerable.
ARD GF200:
- ARD GF200 is not only the company’s best manufactured but also an overall attractive and resilient paddle to own.
- They have a special throat design that adds more functionality as well as durability to the paddle.
- In solid colorways, composite material and foam core GF200 is undoubtedly the best choice to be made by any beginner player.
Buying Guide: Entry level players must read this!
As a beginner, you must have a lot of questions in your head and you must be confused while so many factors are bumped into your head. First things first, quality is a considerate factor while you are out searching for the best pickleball paddle for beginners. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a ruined passion and consistency for the game, because it’s all a non-calculated purchase would do to you. But that’s just the summed-up factor of all others. The top 10 question guide will help you in getting a paddle to really complement you on the court. Some of them might be in your head while the other questions that’ll make your purchase wise.
Questions you may have:
What weight pickleball paddle should I use?
Weight is a floating component for the paddles for newbies. you might be familiar with the fact that the heavier the paddle, the more powerful it is, since force = mass*acceleration. The case is with matter like graphite, carbon, or fiber because they’re naturally lighter in weight, and the addition of lead tape makes them ultra robust. Sounds great, but sadly, not suitable for you, because paddles with heavy matters cause strain in the hand for longer play and you can’t practice with these paddles for longer hours. In these matters, make sure the paddle doesn’t weigh more than 7.5 oz.
The case is different for wooden paddles because they naturally have a heavyweight. If wood is your choice, then the weight would be automatically heavier. Still, you need a paddle as lightweight as possible to allow you a long time on the court. Any paddle between 8.5 to 9.5 or above works fine without spinning overly and playing simple dink and volleys.
How do I know what size pickleball paddle I need?
Good question. You don’t. Because every size of pickleball is exceptional in its own way and I don’t think you should limit your experience to a certain fact many experts have established. The fact says elongated paddle size is for the ex-tennis players and those who seek extra length at the NVZ. Traditional ones are for dink rallies and increased sweet spot, and blade-style paddles are the most power-oriented.
For a beginner, you should try a traditional size for doubles play specifically, and an elongated paddle for singles. You’ll have a better idea of what size you love playing in. passing these stages, you can give a shot to blade-style paddles, but these are rarely used and seen on the courts for their inconsistency.
What is the most popular pickleball paddle brand?
Despite the changing trends, the most popular pickleball paddle brand is the Paddletek. It’s merely a new brand, being in the marketplace for just a decade (as of 2023). Paddletek is dominantly an ideal brand for pro players. None of their paddles will suit the best to any beginner. For a beginner, however, the best brand is Champion Eclipse. They’ve well-budgeted paddles with a composite build.
Is Power better or Control?
For beginners, any coach or an expert recommends a control paddle because pickleball is mostly based on dink rallies for which you need more control than power in your paddle. Well, it’s true that control is essential for starters, but you can have a naturally aggressive sports style and a control-oriented paddle might be too boring for you and mess with your skills as your shots may not have the exact power as you put on the ball.
In terms of performance, a power paddle gives the ball an added pace, lifts it high which helps serve and return lobs and overheads, and makes it hard for your opponent to return the ball. In return, there are shot placement issues and pace management with this because power paddles lead to speedy play. If you can maintain your accuracy, you need to prioritize and look for the power factor. A control paddle is the exact opposite. It allows you to learn the intricacies of pickleball. Control paddles have limited deflection and thus make you enough skilled to place the shot correctly.
Still can’t decide? Choose a control paddle and learn the game. Then, move to a power and spin paddle.
What makes the best surface and the core?
When you’re new to the game, the most common material you’ll hear about for you is Wood. Technically, there’s nothing wrong with wood, though. They provide excellent power and are highly inexpensive, which makes these paddles fairly considerable. However, wood paddles won’t help you out in the long run and limit you to a few shots only. Sooner or soonest, you’ll need to switch to a more functional paddle at a fair price.
In the courts, graphite pickleball paddles are the most popular ones. These are the paddles pro players use on the courts. However, Graphite may be too expensive for a beginner, plus they tend to be more power-oriented which requires accuracy too, and of course that you might not have at the very start. Carbon Fiber Paddles can be a decent choice, though. But only if you trust your skills and power management well enough. they’re very helpful in leveling you up from beginner to intermediate with a healthy improvement.
Composite material is a perfect choice for the novice. They’re a mixture of different materials which results in more quality, and increased durability and allows the players to practice several shots with fewer efforts and at a lesser price. They’re abuse-resistant as well. You can have a paddle with a greater graphite count for a better feel.
Core:
The core is where all the performance of a ball lies. How the ball will make contact with the paddle, the bounce rate, pop effects, noise concern, and its consistency. Many manufacturers have introduced various appealing technologies that you can’t stand against. But honestly, they won’t help you since they allow more spinning and power which will destroy your style in seconds if you don’t have the required accuracy.
The best core material is always polymer with a honeycomb structure. If you prefer power and don’t have a noise issue in your community, Nomex or Aluminium are your choices. On the downside, they can be satisfyingly noisy though. You’ll have a budget benefit in these. Overall, if you want the best core without sound and vibration, choose polymer but make sure you have enough budget to afford that.
Even in polymer cores, there are various sizes that alter the overall feel of the paddle. There are two major types of polymer honeycomb core: 13 mm and 16 mm. However, you don’t have to know that in that early stage. What’s more important for you right now is….
What grip size do I need?
Although you can truly test the grip size by having a paddle in your hand, the rough area is still necessary. Ideally, you need a grip size that fits fine in your hand. Your fingers shouldn’t overlap and neither there should be too much space when you wrap your hand around the paddle. Normally, grip depends upon the size of your hand plus your height.
- Under 5’2: 4 inches
- 5’3 – 5’8: 4 ⅛ – 4.25 inches
- Above 5’8: 4.5 inches
Let’s decipher the calculations in easier wording. If you’re taller, you require a paddle with a great circumference, let’s say 4.5 inches. Similarly shorter ones need a smaller circumference, generally 4.0 inches.
How long should a pickleball handle be?
There are three types of handles in pickleball: small, traditional, and tennis racket-like. The length, as in other factors, differs per the player’s preference and playing style. The difference is they depend upon your gaming style whether you love handling elongated equipment or need closer contact with the surface. Each handle has unique capabilities and is best for different types of players. If you naturally spin and want a closer connection with the surface, what you’re looking for are the small handles. Small handles measure around 4”. However, these paddles are less control-oriented because players usually opt then for placing their thumb on the surface for hard-hitting.
Traditional handles are 4.5” and 5”. These are best for those who want a balance between control and power. You can place your full hand on the paddle, which gives less strain on the hand. Also, you can have better contact on the ball with that length. The handles measuring above 5” are for those who’ve transitioned from tennis. These paddles give a tennis-like feel and also enable extra reach toward the nets.
With the specifications, also note the flexibility of the handle. The material on the grip should be a bit softer to be more comfortable on your hand. The best handle types are perforated because they absorb sweat and make your grip tackier. You need handles that you can hold for longer without strain.
What is the sweet spot on a pickleball paddle?
The sweet spot is the central part of the surface and the softest one from where the shot can be hit incredibly. It’s where the best and most accurate shots come from. Also, it’s the spot that enables the player to feel the pop effect that charges up the adrenaline. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you want the biggest sweet spot on the paddle and it has been featured in many paddles having a wider body and long length.
When looking at the specs, you want the length at 8” and width at 15” to make sure the paddle has enough large sweet spot. Many elongated paddles, however, don’t have a large sweet spot because of reduced width.
What is the lifespan of a pickleball paddle?
Pickleball paddle usually lasts for 1 to 5 years, depending on the quality of the build and your playing routine. However, this is the estimated figure. Many paddles get broken on their first day on the court. Besides, if you’re an insane player who gives several hours in a single day to play pickleball, your paddle won’t be alive for more than a month. As a beginner, you want a paddle that should stay durable for at least a month when playing hard and extensively.
Do expensive pickleball paddles make a difference?
Price is the most important factor if you’re to buy a pickleball paddle mainly for the first time. Well, you’d probably have heard of the idiom–the more sweat, the more the reward. Relating to that, expensive pickleball paddles do make a difference but they’re loaded with too many features making any starter overwhelmed. So erase this one thing from your mind: “expensive is worthy” because for your skill level, sincerely it’s not.
As for a fair calculation, any paddle between the $50-$100 price range is your best pick with maximum quality and top features, importantly those you need the most. All the paddle listed and reviewed here falls under the mentioned price factor that won’t fail to meet your expectations to the fullest
Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners in 2023
Pickleball is easy and fun to play the game despite the age factor and this is the reason it gained so much popularity in relatively less time. In the last years, the number of players increased from 3 million to 4.8 million, and every day, there are new and new players joining the game. This ongoing practice makes the game of pickleball full of beginners, who have tons of questions and lack information. Alone pickleball equipment requires much of a calculated consideration when buying since several industries came into being manufacturing top-quality paddles that you can’t resist buying.
The criteria are totally changed if you have just started playing or planning to level up. Pickleball paddles are the most essential gear in the player’s arsenal for beginners the selection criteria is entirely different in terms of weight, price, power, control mechanism, and quality.
1. Champion Eclipse – Best for Improving Kitchen Faults
9.4/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Weight average between:
7.3 to 7.8 inches -
Grip circumference:
small (4 inches) -
Grip length:
5 inches -
Material:
Composite (carbon and graphite)
-
Core:
polymer honeycomb core -
USAPA:
Approved -
Total width:
7.75 inches
Low on price and high on quality, this is what a Champion eclipse paddle is. Graphite and carbon combinedly make up the surface that gives touch and feel. Besides giving perfect shot placement, I’ve calculated the paces being 5mph that stayed maneuverable, which helped me excel in my skills up to an upper level.
The bounce coming out of the polymer core helps me in dink, groundstroke, volley, or cross courts without them getting scratched or defective. Its 7.3 to 7.8 mid-weight range with which I could maintain accuracy and reduce faults. This paddle feels so light in my hands that even my kids could easily use it.
Finally, a small grip circumference and a 5” elongated handle make them extremely comfortable on the hand, besides increasing reach. What I love the most about this paddle is how eliminates the urgent need to rush to the nets after the quick shot. With it, I’ve minimized my kitchen faults and maintained my stance.
The champion eclipse is no doubt the best beginner pickleball paddle that shapes a perfect gaming style and suits the skills and budget.
- A larger sweet spot for a variety of shits
- Excellent control mechanism
- Eliminates hand aches and injuries
- Constructed with high-quality composite materials
- Grip size might not suit well for taller people
Whether you are buying your first paddle, or need solid back support for long-practice hours–Champion Eclipse is a ground-breaking paddle to go for. While it improves your accuracy, it keeps your fatigue and strain at zero–making you love the game and, above all, own it with style!
2. Selkirk Prime Epic – Offers the Best Maneuverability
9.4/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Material:
Fiberglass -
Core type:
X4 polypropylene polymer honeycomb -
Colors:
Green, Purple, Red, Blue
-
USAPA:
Approved -
Weight:
7.3 to 7.8 -
Grip circumference:
4.25
Selkirk prime epic, with its X4 polypropylene polymer honeycomb, provides a balanced control with finesse. These are performance-oriented–giving you a lot of manageability with a visible improvement above all.
Because of its tennis-racket style grips, it speeds up the process for tennis players to professionalize their pickleball game. Per my research, I found that during the 2020 summer-fall period, 50+ players made their transition in just a month with Epic Prime.
Prime Epic is composed of high-quality fiberglass material that ensures durability and robustness in the long run. The heavy technology X4 honeycomb core, on the other side, stands up to the rigors when I play with them. I reckon if I had a different paddle, it’d have been broken by the way I get aggressive when practicing with machine.
The specifications include a grip size of 4.25 inches, which is extremely comfortable on my hand. Though I’ve been playing for over a year with them, and haven’t got any injuries or aches which is why I’d prefer them to any day for elongated practice sessions. While they’re the best pickleball paddles for beginners, it’s USAPA approved too, I’ve taken them to my clubs many times and won many times.
- The solid and resilient core
- A considerably larger sweet spot
- Performance-oriented
- Comfortable grip
- The handle may not suit taller or weighty people
Selkirk is a top-tier, high-quality, heavy-performing paddle one can never regret buying. They have desirable durability plus an efficient control factor with Selkirk’s special honeycomb technology, so all you have to do is choose a color and you’re good to go.
3. ARD GF200 Pickleball Paddles – Best Composite Beginner Paddle
9.5/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Material:
Carbon fiber graphite -
Core:
Styrene foam -
Average weight:
8.5 ounces -
Construction type:
Vibration-proof throat style
-
Grip circumference:
4 ⅜ -
Length:
15 ⅝ -
Width:
8 ⅛
The composition of all three materials, i.e., carbon, fiber, and graphite in the ARD GF200, guarantees an increased skill level and passion for the game.
The unique throat design connects the grip to the face. I must admire that because I’ve figured the adhesive being strong, plus, it makes my thumb placement soft, which further enhances the grip strength.
Due to the foam core, it doesn’t create deflection and keeps the ball bounce manageable for anyone, with or without a racket-sports background. ARD GF200’s control-orientedness, sprinkled with the touch and feel of graphite, simply makes them the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
Along with the surface, the handles are further composed of graphite, giving them a longer shape. While the graphite handles increase durability, it further enhances the stability of balancing the surface and makes invisible cutting edges in quick games.
- A good balance between control and forgiveness
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Excellent control with more accuracy and less power
- Throat style grips
- Cancels additional vibration
- A bit expensive
If you are planning on a long-term investment for a pickleball paddle, choose ARD GF200. From grip to edge, and everything in between, the paddle speaks of quality and effectiveness. These are the paddles you can trust easily as a beginner because disappointment is a word unknown to ARD.
4. Uteeqe Pickleball Paddles – Best for Starters
9.6/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Material:
UV resistant vinyl, fibreglass -
Core:
Polymer honeycomb -
>Weight:
7.8 to 8.0 ounces -
Grip style:
Perforated grip
-
Grip length:
5 inches -
Grip circumference:
4.5 inches -
Currently available Colors
blue -
Edge guard:
¼ (overlapping paddle face)
Uteeqe paddles have significantly improved their balance between power, control, and reactiveness through their textured graphite surface. The core has a reduced size, which minimizes the power in return for accuracy.
The graphite surface keeps the ball staying a little longer on it, plus with the edges, I could easily block the overhead shots. The contour-shaped grip, on the other hand, helps in building up the right paddle position that suits my game.
The textured surface is not limited to providing accuracy, though, it further helps me in giving the ball a decent spin, so there’s definitely no way one isn’t improving with the Uteeqe pickleball paddle.
- Shock and vibration proof
- Fairly affordable
- Balanced control and maneuverability
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environment
- Lightweight and easy on the hand
- Only available in blue color
While falling into everyone’s pocket, Uteeqe provides pinpoint accuracy through its slicker core and textured graphite surface. Moreover, it takes up your game to the advanced level by giving your shots a bit of a style in a control-oriented manner.
5. Rally Tyro Pro – Best for Drives and Fast Rallies
9.2/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Material:
Carbon – graphite on the surface -
Core:
Polymer honeycomb
-
Grip type:
Perforated cushion type -
Weight:
7.3 to 7.8 oz
Besides being my favorite, Rally is a high-profile preeminent brand, showcasing Tyro Pro as the most qualified control-oriented paddle, having larger handles and surface to play from the baseline.
The point of connection of the handle to the surface is wider to help me block the shot when my opponents trick me with extremely fast shots. The perforated cushion grips allow me to have better control over the paddle, plus its thin edges help a lot in making a transparent drive to confuse the other side of the court.
Over its carbon-graphite slicker core is the velvet texture face, providing the hitting area with a large sweet spot through its 7.875 width, along with reducing the weight to 7.7 oz only. Its moist-absorbant grips have overthrown 70% of the beginner paddles, including Onix Z5, reducing arm and shoulder aches and soreness, besides strengthening stability.
- Allows accessibility for several shots to play with it
- Comfy on hands
- Light in weight
- Smooth and reactive ball deliveries
- Quiet and shock-proof
- A higher cost factor but definitely worth the features
No knowledge about the game and its gears? Rally Tyro Pro is there to back you up! From hitting the shots as you have in your mind to stay comfortable and stable, the paddle has everything a novice needs to level up; both mentally and physically.
6. Champion Spark – Most Lightweight Beginner Pickleball Paddle
9.4/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Grip circumference:
4 inches -
Grip length:
5 inches -
Core:
Polypropylene honeycomb -
Weight:
7 oz
-
Material:
Composite -
Colors available:
Blue and Purple – with a White base -
Protective edge guard
-
30-day money-back guarantee + a years warranty
Champion spark, being the lightest pickleball paddle, can make any player outshine their opponents. Not only I found this paddle the lightest, but it’s also the cheapest, making it the best bargain, including the 110-rated fiberglass surface, vibration-dampening core, and anti-fatigue grips.
Instead of working on the graphics, the paddle has material being worked on, resulting in the highly reactive fiberglass surface embodied with a Polypropylene honeycomb core, that balances the ball deflection and allows for accuracy in the quietest manner possible. Although the paddle weighs only 7 ounces; it gives off a good reach having 0.625 inches added to the average 15 inches length.
They offer excellent maneuverability whether you are a fan of playing under the sky or inside the wall. The UV protection coating shields against the dead spots in the sun, while the vibration and noise-proof ability help play in noise-restricted zones.
- Easily Maneuverable
- Lightest weight with reduced tennis elbow
- Extremely lightweight
- Having a protective edge guard to ensure a longer life
- Not suitable for taller people
They offer excellent maneuverability whether you are a fan of playing under the sky or inside the wall. The UV protection coating shields against the dead spots in the sun, while the paddle is vibration and noise-proof so I and my brother could play with it in our green-zone community for several hours.
7. Upstreet Graphite – Best Value Pickleball Paddle
9.4/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Weight:
8.6 ounces -
Material:
graphite
-
Core:
PP honeycomb composite -
Grip type:
Ring type tape neck
Upstreet is one of the best cost-effective paddles to start your pickleball career. They offer a quality graphite paddle with a honeycomb core at the price of a hefty wooden paddle. My friend had these paddles when he stepped into pickleball, and he did beat me while I was at a 2.5 rating.
For heavy practices, his priority was the paddle that he can hold for hours without getting red marks and arm aches. Upstreet, in this case, is a favorite paddle due to its ring tape neck that allows a usual comfortable grip at the paddle to add variety between high-paced volleys to low-paced dinks.
With its honeycomb core, he bounces up a ball to shoulder height from the ground level and can control and defend effectively. What’s different in the polypropylene honeycomb core is the composite material that not only reduces vibration and sound but also ensures durability through the least dead spots. And it’s the only paddle I found with this unique quality that a beginner desires.
- Comfortable grip for control
- Budget-friendly
- Shields from arm injuries and soreness
- Sturdy and good for practice sessions
- A bit heavier than average graphite paddles
If you’re looking for a highly cost-effective paddle for just getting started, Upstreet is the one. You will get the graphite paddle instead of wood, at a less price, and with more features that would escort you even on your intermediate level.
8. Amazin’ Aces Graphite Paddles | Best-Selling Entry-Level Paddle
9.5/10 – Our Score
Specifications
-
Weight:
8.3 oz -
Material:
graphite -
Core:
honeycomb polymer -
Width:
7.75 inches
-
Total length:
16 inches -
Grip circumference:
4 ⅜ inches -
Grip length:
5 inches
Amazing aces is one of the top-selling pickleball paddles for over 4 years. The affordable price plus the 5.0 level pickleball paddle features, with a boost of control, is the reason I see them everywhere nowadays.
From its outer reactive surface to the internal core, it depicts quality and consistency. The graphite on the surface is resilient and durable, but most of all, it makes the paddle useful for longer runs with a pinch of extra weight. The extra weight of these paddles, along with increasing power, complements the players who’ve practiced with wooden paddles.
One thing I found different is, the power is not beyond the limits, like that in some expert-skilled player’s paddle, but enough to be easily manageable. This is the reason it stays useful when you’re at a 3.5 level from 1.
What entirely intrigues me is the hand-stitched grips that make it unique among machined-designed grips. It favors the player in saving up their energy, while the paddle’s power and control come forward to make the players win.
- A perfect control system with a bit of power
- Exceptional quality material
- Comfortable grip
- Generous sweet spot
- maneuverable
- Durable
- There’s no color option
Despite the low price, the features are like the cake’s ice. If you’re planning to be a consistent pickleball player, there’s no option better than Amazin Aces, which provides you with long-term durability, top-quality reactiveness, and forgiveness.
Conclusion
As a beginner, the first thing to do is to observe and understand your gaming style. The next is to have sufficient knowledge about pickleball and its equipment, mainly paddle, including grip, weight, material, and other specifics. At this point, you might have gotten the best pickleball paddle for beginners. If not, you can still choose from any of my top-picked paddles namely:
- Champion eclipse pickleball paddle
- Selkirk prime epic
- ARD GF200
Harry is a freak who often argues that O in his name may well stand for “Obsessed with Pickleball.”
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