Pickleball is a sport that is among the fastest-growing in the United States. With over a million new players every year joining this game, there is a lot of fierce competition among the manufacturers to provide the best pickleball paddle for beginners.
A pickleball paddle is smaller than a tennis racquet and larger than a ping-pong paddle. As a beginner, with so many variations in design, quality and price the real challenge is knowing how to choose the best paddle for you.
Every paddle has some unique qualities but to select the best pickleball paddle, there are various factors to consider such as weight, material, grip size, core, shape, price and edge guard.
The weight and material of the paddle will directly impact the way you play. Getting the right grip size will ensure comfortable play and the edge guard will protect your paddle during play.
There are a lot of options out there for pickleball paddles so to narrow down your choices I have come up with 7 of the best pickleball paddles for beginners along with their detailed reviews, pros and cons. This will help you to find the paddle that best fits your playing style and budget.
First up is the Uteeqe Pickleball paddle manufactured by the brand Uteeqe. It is an excellent medium size all-round paddle.
This paddle has been designed specifically for pickleball which allows for greater stability and control while maintaining a low centre of gravity. Therefore, makes it ideal for beginners who are just starting or those looking for a high-performance paddle.
In an Uteeqe pickleball paddle set, there are 2 paddles, 4 balls and an attractive carry case. This paddle features a very responsive graphite face, which allows strokes to bounce off it consistently and accurately. Using this graphite material, the premium mid-weight paddle can also have a combination of power and control.
Moreover, it has a textured face that makes spin methods easy to remove. In addition to the textured face, this paddle has dimensions of 15.8 x 7.9 x 0.57 inches and also provides a large surface area on which to perform spin techniques.
Although it isn’t the widest paddle on the market, having a large sweet spot on the face makes it the best pickleball paddle for beginners allowing them to practice controlled and powerful shots.
With a weight of 7.8 ounces, it has exactly the correct amount of heaviness for strong hits while remaining light enough for simple mobility.
Meanwhile, the grip of this paddle is only 4.25 inches long and is comprised of a highly robust, sweat-absorbing padding for maximum comfort.
When it comes to durability, it’s not uncommon for newbies to drop their paddle, so there is a low-profile edge guard to protect the paddle from harm no matter how many times it hits the ground.
The core of this paddle claims to have “both Nomex and aluminium benefits in one unstoppable bundle.” It means that the core combines the controllability of aluminium with the responsiveness of Nomex, thanks to a patented honeycombed and polymer orientated pattern.
Franklin Sports PickleballPaddles are known for their dependability, durability, and high quality. This Franklin Sports Wooden X-Volt Pickleball Paddle is one of the best paddles that they have manufactured. It is ideal for both intermediate and advanced players.
This Pickleball-X Paddle can help you improve your game. It has the perfect balance of playability and functionality. There are 2 (USAPA) approved wooden paddles along with 2 pickleball with sizes of X-40 in the set of Franklin Sports pickleball X-Volt paddles. This X-40 pickleball is also manufactured by the Franklin sports brand.
Furthermore, these paddles have a seven-ply hardwood design that provides a solid foundation for excellent play. Moreover, it features a soft EVA grip and padding for competitive play while still providing great comfort to the player.
Also, rubber edging has been added to this item to increase its longevity. It also features a great design with bright yellow graphics against a black background.
As far as the weight of the paddle is concerned, it is around 11-11.2 oz. (1.7 pounds) with dimensions of 17 x 8 x 4 inches. In this paddle, there is extra plastic covering to protect it from nicks and dents.
Gamma Sports 2 fibreglass paddle is one of the best paddles for spinning the ball. Everyone in the pickleball community knows about Gamma Sports’ pickleball paddle as one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
According to my research, expert to beginning paddlers who don’t want to invest a lot of time can benefit from this adaptable paddle. This paddle has a good grip, a good size is lightweight, and has excellent graphics on the paddle.
This 0.57 pounds (8 oz.) paddle is made of an 8 inch textured fibreglass composite material, which gives incredible spins. For great balance and power, there is an aramid honeycomb core inside the paddle.
Moreover, it also provides a playing surface that may grasp and even slow down the ball. This allows you to manage the pace of the game and gain more points, which is ideal for a starting player.
For any pickleball player, the grip is one of the most important parts of a quality paddle. This Gamma fusion 2.0 paddle has a 4-inch grip which is the perfect size for most players. Moreover, this grip is designed with a honeycomb cushion for providing soft and comfortable padding.
With the help of this cushioned grip, this high sweat absorbing Fusion 2.0 paddle will make your technique much easier, you will hit the ball with full confidence. If you want to be more suitable and comfortable, this paddle will give you the option to even add your grip to the stock handle.
Due to having great spin, good control and moderate power, this paddle with dimensions of 15.75 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches is highly approved by USAPA for tournaments. Also, many players and customers have recommended it as the best pickleball paddle for beginners as it boasts a large sweet spot.
For keeping the paddle hitting surface and core protected from court damage, there is a durable edge guard available that covers the face of the paddle.
At an affordable price, this paddle is a great choice, thanks to its classic design and sturdy construction.
If you are a beginner in pickleball sport or if you want to buy a paddle for your kids then Tyro 2 pickleball paddle is a great option. It is called a super paddle all around and can be considered the best pickleball paddle for beginners.
This Tyro 2 paddle has a non-wood structure made of a polypropylene honeycomb core. This core as compared to aluminium core lasts longer. Besides being a top-rated composite paddle, it is very lightweight just around 6.9-7.2 oz.
With this weight, you can easily make this paddle move around with full control. Moreover, it also provides comfort for driving shots and overheads along with delivering incredible optimized performance.
As compared to other paddle options, this Rally paddle fall short in the category of having a textured surface area for gripping and spinning the ball.
Furthermore, the Rally pickleball paddle possesses a strong power due to a 50-inch thicker polymer core. This core will increase the sweet spot of the paddle which results in a lot of force on the ball.
In a Tyro 2 paddle, a fairly compatible standard size grip with a circumference of 4-inches is available for both small and large hands. Though it is a honeycomb cushioned grip, hard enough for players to take all kinds of shots. If you are sweating a lot, this well-gripped paddle will help you to play for long hours.
When it comes to durability, this paddle has a strong rating. It has an exceptional edge guard for protecting the paddle during play from dents and nicks. This paddle has dimensions of 16 x 12 x 4 inches.
If you are looking for a pickleball paddle that offers a huge amount of power without any loss in touch or sensitivity then this Legend Neurocore paddle made by the brand Gamma is the option to choose.
As the name suggests, this paddle has a Neucore technology, with a 25% thicker polymer core. Thanks to this technology, this paddle though has a soft feel that reduces shock but still maintains a quieter sound when hitting the ball. This will help you to go past your opponents by passing winning shots with ease.
Moreover, this paddle has a composite fibreglass material that gives you the option to add more power to your shots.
This Legend composite paddle having an average weight of 8 ounces is specifically designed for an experienced professional in pickleball sport. With extreme power and control, this Gamma Legend paddle will give you high-level performance. Therefore it is a great choice to have as the best pickleball paddle for beginners.
Furthermore, a 4-1/8-inch size honeycomb cushioned grip is present in this paddle which is good for those who enjoy a comfortable feel in their hands so that they can control the paddle easily during play.
More to add to this paddle along with the grip is the ergonomic and comfortable handle having a length of 4.75-inch. Using this handle you can hit the ball with full confidence.
Lastly, this paddle with 15.88 x 8 x 0.63 inches dimensions is approved by USAPA to be used in friendly games as well as in tournaments.
The Amazin Aces Pickleball Paddle is our recommendation for the most budget-friendly option. Its mix of good quality design and entry-level pricing makes it a terrific pick if you’re still on the fence about whether pickleball is right for you.
Amazin Aces are the makers of this incredible pickleball paddle that lets you get a good feel for the sport.
Calling this paddle budget-friendly doesn’t refer to its price because there are a lot of cheaper models available in the market. But due to their wooden structure, they are more difficult to control and therefore cause more damage during play.
However, with this paddle, you don’t face this kind of problem. This is because it is designed from a high-quality honeycomb polymer core and along with a superior graphite face. The addition of the graphite feature is to provide a smooth playing surface for accuracy and feel you need as a beginner with this paddle.
Furthermore, it’s not just the performance and quality of this paddle that makes it the best pickleball paddle for beginners but also the add-ons that come with this paddle.
There are two graphite paddles, four balls, and one large portable bag for storage in the Amazin Aces pickleball paddle set.
This graphite paddle is weighing at 8.3 ounces which for some players as well as for customers a little heavy. One another aspect of this paddle is the loud sound it makes when it contacts the ball. Although it is not as annoying as compared to other paddles but still it does make a lot of noise.
Another good feature of this pickleball paddle is the hand-stitched contoured grip having a size of 4 3/8 inches. It is a small, comfortable and ergonomic grip which easily fits in your hand to provide complete power and control.
With a large sweet spot located at the centre of the paddle right where the Company’s logo is placed, this USAPA approved paddle is a perfect and affordable choice for beginners and intermediate players.
For a beginner, the ONIX Z5 pickleball paddle is a perfect option to start as a pickleball player. It is a fantastic paddle being manufactured by the brand ONIX.
This ONIX Z5 paddle is made for both beginners as well as professionals. It will help you to develop skills as a newbie. Also, using this paddle you can upgrade yourself very soon to start playing in leagues and tournaments.
A wide-body shape that is designed with a paper honeycomb core and graphite face, this paddle gives a large textured surface area. This will allow you to make every shot easily while playing even if you’ve never played before.
Also to add that it offers a large sweet spot that produces a satisfying sound when makes contact with the ball.
Another feature of this Z5 graphite paddle is that it is available in a variety of different colours. It will give you more options to choose your favourite paddle. As compared to other paddles, this ONIX Z5 is not that expensive at all and it is extremely durable.
Furthermore, this graphite paddle comes with a weight range of 7.5-8.2 oz. Even though it is a middle-weight paddle with superior quality but very lightweight and easy to use and performs well.
For good ball control, this paddle has an exceptional 4.25-inch size grip that makes it even more comfortable to hold the paddle. Moreover, it has dimensions of 18 x 11 x 3 inches giving the user freedom to move the paddle quite easily.
A decent quality pickleball that is used several times per week by a typical player should last up to five years before needing to be replaced. If you’re a more serious player, though, and you use that paddle virtually every day, it may begin to wear out after 2-3 years.
2- Is there a difference between Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Paddles?
There is no difference between indoor and outdoor paddles. A pickleball paddle will work the same way in any environment whether it is indoor or outdoor.
3-What is the best weight for a pickleball paddle?
It depends on the way you play. If you are a player who prefers power over control then a heavy paddle is your suitable option. But if you like more control than power, you should go for a lighter paddle. Generally, paddles with a weight range of 7-8.5 ounces provide a balance between power and control.
4-Is graphite or fibreglass paddles better for pickleball?
Fibreglass paddles are a little heavier than graphite paddles. Thus they possess more power than as compared to graphite paddles who have more control and finesse. But both paddles are equally strong.
5-Are men’s and women’s pickleball paddles different?
A pickleball paddle is a paddle regardless of who uses it. But there are some paddle designs which are more appealing to women than men. However, because women’s hands are smaller than men’s, a paddle with a smaller grip may be preferable.
Conclusion:
Pickleball in general is an easy and fun sport to play. But sometimes players like to take it to a competitive level. So they look for durable and good quality material paddles that are versatile for both beginners and professionals.
Therefore, it was important to provide you with a completely researched list of pickleball paddles that will make your buying decision easy regardless of your budget.
The goal of this article was to explain the best pickleball paddle for beginners available on the market. I have reviewed 7 of them with their outstanding features, along with pros and cons. So next time you want to purchase a cheap paddle that is reliable and performs well, then these are the pickleball paddles to choose from.
My name is Maggie and I am the Author/Owner of Best Pickleball point. Pickleball is my passion for the last 10 years. I always share my experiences with other people through this Blog. I always love to share my knowledge and experiences about the best pickleball products.
