7 Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners in 2023
Looking for the best pickleball paddles for beginners? Welcome! The first thing to consider when you start playing pickleball is your equipment. Your paddle is more important than shoes and accessories. With new paddles launching every month, it’s overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we will answer your questions about beginner pickleball paddles and list the top 7 paddles available in 2023. We tested each paddle on this list to ensure our selections are reliable.
Consider the weight of the paddle when new to pickleball. Pickleball paddles can be categorized as midweight (7.3 to 8.5 ounces), lightweight (under 7.3 ounces), or heavy (8.5 ounces and above). Lighter paddles offer more control, while heavier paddles provide more power. Yet, mid-weight paddles are the best option for novices.
7 Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners: A Quick Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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PCKL Launch Series Premium Pickleball Paddle | Core material: Polymer honeycomb Paddle weight: 7.9 Oz Paddle length: 16″ Face Material: Fiberglass composite |
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Rally Flare Graphite Pickleball Paddle | Core material: Polymer Paddle weight: 7.5 Oz Paddle length: 15″ Face Material: Graphite |
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SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles | Core material: SX3 Polymer honeycomb Paddle weight: 7.5 Oz Paddle length: 16.67″ Face Material: Graphite and Fiberglass |
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Bolt Pickleball Paddle – Light, Powerful | Core material: Polymer honeycomb Paddle weight: 7.6 Oz Paddle length: 15.5″ Face Material: Carbon Fiber |
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Bison Graphite Pickleball Paddles | Core material: Polymer honeycomb Paddle weight: 7.8 Oz Paddle length: 15.5″ Face Material: Graphite |
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HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle | Core material: Polymer honeycomb Paddle weight: 8.1 Oz Paddle length: 16″ Face Material: Fiberglass |
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Panel Sound USAPA Approved Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles | Core material: Polymer honeycomb Paddle weight: 8.0 Oz Paddle length: 15.7″ Face Material: Fiberglass |
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Our team tested each beginner pickleball paddle and created detailed reviews. Take a look. This guide focuses on helping you understand important factors when buying a pickleball paddle, without any sales pitch.
1. PCKL Launch Series Premium Pickleball Paddle
We recommend the PCKL Launch Series quality paddle for beginners in 2023. PCKL is a great paddle for those starting their pickleball journey. It has a wide body shape, making it forgiving and reducing mishits. The 8 wide face provides a large sweet spot, resulting in a satisfying pop when you hit the ball.
This paddle allows novices to sustain rallies for longer, giving them more chances to improve. It’s also lightweight, allowing for faster movement and more shots. The paddle is very responsive, even during warm-up dinks, and provides a solid feel for generating force.
The launch paddle has good serve accuracy. It allows for powerful swings and enough spin to make serves difficult to return. While it may not offer as much spin as advanced paddles, beginners won’t mind. The paddle feels great in your hands and allows for many shots and long rallies.
The pickleball paddle has a strong fiberglass face and a polypropylene honeycomb core. It has a comfortable and firm grip. Its handle is 4.8 inches long, which is a good length with sweat-absorbing and anti-slip. The paddle weighs 8.0 ounces, making it lightweight. These pickleball paddles are great for players of all ages and abilities because of their size and weight.
Key Features
Pros
- Pickleball set with a larger sweet spot for better shot enjoyment
- Lightweight and agile feel for quick responses
- Suitable for all skill levels
- Affordable price, making it a reliable all-arounder in the market
Cons
- The net game might be weak and flop on volleys.
2. Rally Flare Graphite Beginner Paddle
The best pickleball paddle for kids is the Rally Flare Graphite Pickleball paddle. It is lightweight, portable, durable, and affordable. It can handle the roughness of being used by kids because of its strong neck. Kids can use it comfortably because of its small grip size. This paddle is well-designed and has a graphite face and a thin honeycomb core. The stylish design, available in four colors, will impress new pickleball players.
The Rally Flare Graphite paddle is flexible and responsive, making it a good choice for both beginners and intermediate players. It is durable and can be used by tournament players as well. The paddle is made with strong materials that provide power and can withstand daily play. It is also lightweight, allowing for quick movements near the net. The polymer core of the paddle gives it a softer feel, helping players with ball placement. Overall, the Rally Flare paddle is reliable and will help improve performance.
Key Features
Pros
- Excellent for little hands
- Reasonably priced
- Choice of four colors
- Provides a lot of control
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lack Of Durability
3. Choose the Best SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles
The SLK NEO 2.0 pickleball paddle is made by Selkirk, a leader in paddle technology. Selkirk Labs, the research and design arm of the business, focuses on improving pickleball paddle technology. This paddle uses innovative technology to perform well on the court for advanced players as well. The SLK NEO 2.0 has a multi-layered paddle face made of fiberglass and graphite, with a honeycomb core to reduce vibrations. This makes long practice sessions easier on your hand.
It has a wide sweet spot and a good grip, making it forgiving for beginners. The paddle face is protected by a sturdy edge guard, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged. Selkirk’s ultra-comfort grip is designed to keep your hands dry and maintain a good grip.
Beginners have a fantastic option in the SLK NEO 2.0 to paddles that are more affordable on Amazon, including the Niupipo Graphite. In comparison to the Niupipo, the SLK has a superior build quality, improved feel, and a more forgiving sweet spot, according to tests conducted by me and beginners.
Key Features
Pros
- lightweight, reasonably-priced product
- Offers better performance compared to other entry-level options
- It has a suitable grip for easy handling.
Cons
- Difficult To Control
4. PRO-LITE Bolt Light and Powerful Beginner Pickleball Paddle
The PROLITE Bolt Pickleball Paddle is our top choice for a medium-weight paddle on the market. It is slightly heavier than others but still allows for quick reflexes. It is easy to maneuver and switch positions quickly to react to shots at the kitchen line. The low-profile, tapered edge guard prevents mishits without affecting gameplay.
The Bolt also has a contoured handle for added security during fast action. The face of the paddle is made of polycarbonate with a texture similar to carbon fiber, providing a firm grip on the ball. However, it doesn’t provide as much spin as the Phoenix G6 paddle. PROLITE is a family-run company that makes its paddles in Wisconsin and stands behind the quality of its products. They offer a 1-year, no-dead spot warranty on all their paddles.
This PROLITE Bolt Pickleball for beginner paddle option that is durable, lightweight, and easy to handle. These paddles are powerful and allow for fast wrist action. They have superior striking power and ball control due to the graphite surface. The textured face helps with spin, and the contoured tackifier grip improves feel and control.
Key Features
Pros
- Affordable price
- Manufactured in America
- One-year warranty covering dead spots
- This paddle is great for beginners and costs around $60 with the PROLITE warranty.
Cons
- Narrow grip is not suitable for people with large hands.
5. Choose a Beginner Pickleball Paddle: Bison Graphite
The main paddle from Bison pickleball paddles is the Bison graphite paddle. The business aims to sell durable and affordable pickleball paddles. As a beginner, you may drop the paddle and scrape it on the ground. To handle wear and tear, the Bison paddle was created. The paddle has a shock-proof edge guard to protect the face from shock, and the graphite face itself is strong and resistant to chips.
The grip has a ridged, anti-slip material to prevent drops, and it also has holes to remove moisture from the palm. The core of the paddle is narrow at 10mm, which allows for more power since it doesn’t absorb as much energy as thicker paddles. It is the best budget-friendly pickleball paddle for beginners who want power.
Thinness has a downside: it creates a smaller sweet spot and less effective vibration absorption compared to thicker options. It also reduces control in the short game and dinks. However, the texture of the graphite face can help you regain some control over the ball.
The pickleball paddle Bison has a graphite face and a shock-proof edge guard. It also has a polymer honeycomb core, providing power for drives and slams while maintaining a light touch around the net. The paddle’s distinctive appearance makes it desirable, and it is approved by USA Pickleball for superior comfort.
Key Features
Pros
- Durable and robust with a 30-day free return period and 1-year warranty
- A thin core allows for generating high power
- High-quality paddles at an affordable price
- Paddles feature a textured carbon surface for an enhanced spin.
Cons
- Large-handed players may find the short handle unpleasant.
6. HEAD Radical Elite Pickleball Perfect Paddle: Great for Beginners
We think the Head Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle is the best value on our list. It has advanced features usually found in more expensive paddles. It works well for intermediate players too. The paddle face has a special composite hitting surface that gives maximum power and reduces vibrations. Its unique design of the core gives a big sweet spot and good ball control. The foam handle makes it comfortable to use. Just remember, this paddle is heavy and better for powerful shots than gentle ones. It’s a high-quality paddle for beginners.
The Tubular Core has been improved by HEAD engineers to make it easier to play with and to improve the sound it makes. The Composite Hitting Surface gives more power to all players and has a softer feel. It also increases comfort when hitting the ball. The ERGO GRIP has a special foam grip that is more comfortable and gives a better feel. The paddle weighs 8.1 ounces, is 13mm wide, and is 16 inches long.
Key Features
Pros
- Premium attributes
- Super-sized sweet spot
- Suitable for intermediate players
- Comfortable grip for good control of the paddles
Cons
- A long handle makes it harder to move around.
7. Panel Sound Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles
The paddles are approved by USAPA for tournament play. You can check the approval on the USAPA website. The paddles have a strong fiberglass face and a polypropylene honeycomb core. They are made of premium material, which makes them lightweight, sturdy, and durable. The handle length is 4.8 inches, which is perfect for grip.
The grip is sweat-absorbing and anti-slip. The set includes two paddles, four balls, a carrying case, and two cooling towels. Before using the towels, please wash them. The set is suitable for players of all ability levels.
This pickleball paddle has a durable fiberglass face and a sturdy polypropylene honeycomb core. It offers a secure and comfortable grip with a 4.8-inch handle. The paddle is sweat-absorbing and has an anti-slip feature. Weighing only 8.0 ounces, it is lightweight and suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
Key Features
Pros
- Paddles are lightweight, reasonably priced, and offer effective control.
- Paddles have a polypropylene honeycomb core and a sturdy fiberglass face.
- The complete set includes great value gifts.
- Paddles provide optimal performance with an ergonomic grip.
Cons
- Customers have reported problems with the paddles. These problems include small holes, uneven quality, and weak construction.
How Do I Choose a Beginner Pickleball Paddle
To find the best pickleball paddles for beginners, you need to follow a step-by-step process. This process ensures that the paddles are suitable for new players and match their skill level.
We made our list by focusing on what a beginner would need in a paddle. Our team looked on Amazon and Pickleball Central and picked the ones we thought were best for beginners. We read reviews to see what people liked about the products. Here are some important factors we considered when making our list, and we’ll give more details on how to find the perfect paddle later.
Durability: A beginner’s paddle should withstand regular use without getting damaged.
Price: You don’t have to spend a lot on your first paddle. As you get better, you can treat yourself to more expensive ones.
Usability: As a beginner, you need a reliable paddle that can be used for various purposes and help you improve your skills.
Comfort: We want to avoid blisters and ensure that the paddle performs well, making comfort just as important.
Weight
pickleball Paddle for Beginners should use lightweight paddles for better control. Heavier paddles produce more power but require more strength. Lighter paddles help beginners learn the necessary skills quickly. There are three weight categories for pickleball paddles: weightless, between 7.6 and 8.2 ounces, and heavier than 8.2 ounces. Our selection focuses on light and middle-weight paddles for novices.
Grip circumference
Grip circumference
The next thing to consider is the size of the grip after the weight. Your hand size and personal preferences will determine the best grip size for you. Here’s a quick test to find your approximate grip size: Find the three lines in your palm by opening your paddle hand with the palm facing up.
Then use a ruler to measure straight down from the tip of your ring finger to the middle line. This number represents the circumference of your pickleball grip, which is usually between 4 and 5 inches. Once you have this number, try a grip of that size. You should also try a grip that is a quarter-inch smaller and a quarter-inch larger to see which one feels most comfortable.
Handle length
Pickleball paddle handles are usually 4.5 to 5.5 inches long. If you have big hands, go for a longer handle. Tennis players who switch to pickleball also tend to prefer longer handles. A longer handle can give you more leverage and power, but it might be harder to maneuver, especially for beginners. However, if you often hit two-handed backhands, the extra length is definitely useful.
Materials used in paddle construction
Contemporary paddles use advanced materials. Understanding the descriptions can be difficult due to changes in neck reinforcements and core materials. But as a beginner, you can trust that experts know what they’re talking about.
Most modern paddles have a honeycomb-shaped core surrounded by a frame. They are usually made of a strong and lightweight plastic composite, sometimes with fiberglass, carbon fiber, or graphite. These materials are chosen for their durability and lightness. Next, we’ll discuss the best material for the paddle’s face.
Do expensive pickleball paddles make a difference?
You don’t have to spend a lot on a pickleball paddle when you’re starting. There are many affordable and effective options. Save the expensive paddles for when you improve. But first, you need to practice and play. The person is more important than the equipment in any sport.
Difference between fiberglass & graphite pickleball paddles
Most paddle builders use fiberglass or graphite for paddle faces instead of wooden paddles. It can be hard to decide which material is best because each has pros and cons. Fiberglass, also called composite, is cheaper and more flexible. This flexibility gives you better control and power when hitting the ball. Graphite is more expensive but lighter. A thin layer of graphite creates a rigid surface on the paddle face. This rigidity allows for more accurate ball placement and direction.
FAQs: Best Beginner Pickleball Paddles
How do you pick a pickleball paddle for beginners?
Midweight is a great pickleball lesson for beginners. It’s a paddle that combines power and control, making it suitable for all types of shots and skill levels. It’s the right choice for both powerful serves and gentle dinks.
What to know before buying a pickleball paddle?
Before buying a pickleball paddle, it is important to consider the weight, grip size, and material of the paddle. Different weights and sizes will affect your control over the ball, while different materials will affect both the feel of the paddle and its durability. Researching what type of paddle best suits your playing style is essential for optimizing your game.
What is the best pickleball paddle for beginners women?
If you’re new to paddle sports, we suggest trying the Onix Graphite Z5, Selkirk Prime S2, Paddletek Tempest Wave, Engage Encore Pro, or Gamma Needle. Any of these paddles will work well for you. So, think about your choices and pick the one that suits you best.
How do I know what size pickleball paddle I need?
As a result, the string face and your palm will have the same angle. Once you have the Eastern grip, slide your index finger from your other hand between your ring finger and palm. Choose a paddle grip size so that your index finger fits comfortably in this space.
What is an advanced beginner pickleball player?
This style of play leads to longer rallies. They use backhands and make easy volleys, but they should practice improving their shot strokes. They are starting to move closer to the non-volley zone to prepare for volleys.
How do I choose a pickleball paddle weight?
The weight of your paddle depends on your strength, preferences, and risk of injuries.
Remember that the best paddles for beginners vary based on personal preferences and playing techniques. A paddle that suits your playing style and feels comfortable will enhance your performance and enjoyment on the pickleball court.
