Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners in 2025

Finding the best pickleball paddles for beginners can be a challenge, especially when you’re just getting into the game. When I first began, I remember standing in front of a wall of paddles, unsure what really mattered. Over the years, I’ve helped many beginners through that same confusion. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: having the right paddle can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy and improve in the game.

In my experience, the best pickleball paddles for beginners strike a balance between comfort, control, and value. You don’t need to spend a fortune or chase after advanced features that won’t help you just yet. What matters most is finding a paddle that feels right in your hand and supports your learning as you build confidence on the court.

When I review beginner paddles, I focus on a few key things: paddle weight, grip comfort, and overall responsiveness. A lightweight paddle with a comfortable grip allows you to play longer without strain, and it helps you develop proper form from the start. It’s also important to stay within budget—there are great options out there that don’t compromise on quality.

I’ve tested and compared a range of popular models, and I only recommend paddles I’d be comfortable handing to a friend who’s just getting started. Whether you’re looking for something affordable, forgiving, or simply easy to use, my picks for the best pickleball paddles for beginners are chosen with real players in mind.

If you’re new to the sport, start with something simple, reliable, and beginner-friendly. Trust me—finding the right paddle at the beginning can set the tone for how much fun you’ll have every time you step onto the court.

When I first started playing pickleball, I made the mistake of grabbing any paddle I could find. That experience taught me that having the best pickleball paddle for beginners isn’t just about convenience—it’s about building confidence and proper technique from day one. The right paddle can make the difference between falling in love with the sport and struggling to enjoy it.

The best beginners pickleball paddle should feel like a natural extension of your arm, not a burden. I’ve seen too many new players get discouraged because they started with equipment that wasn’t suited for their skill level.

From my experience testing dozens of paddles, I’ve found that the best pickleball paddle for beginners typically weighs between 7.3 and 7.8 ounces. This weight range offers the perfect balance of control and power without causing arm fatigue during longer play sessions.

Lightweight paddles are easier to maneuver at the net, where quick reactions are crucial. When I recommend the best paddle for pickleball beginners, I always emphasize that mastering control comes before developing power.

I consistently advise beginners to choose a medium grip size (4.125 inches). This measurement provides the optimal balance between comfort and control. A grip that’s too large or too small can lead to improper technique and potential injury.

When testing what many consider the best pickleball paddles beginners should use, I’ve noticed that most players naturally gravitate toward this medium size range.

Based on current market trends and player feedback, carbon fiber paddles have become the gold standard. While composite and graphite options exist and can be more budget-friendly, carbon fiber consistently delivers the performance characteristics that help beginners develop proper technique.

I’ve tested paddles from well-known brands like Joola, Selkirk, and Franklin, and while they offer excellent composite options, carbon fiber remains my top recommendation for serious beginners.

After extensive testing and player feedback, I’ve identified several standout options that consistently deliver exceptional value and performance for newcomers to the sport.

While not essential for beginners, a paddle with slight surface texture can help generate spin as your skills develop. I think this a must-have feature when you’re just starting out.

For beginners, I consistently recommend standard-shaped paddles. They offer a balanced sweet spot and are easier to control, helping new players learn the basics without the added complexity of specialty shapes.

As someone who’s guided countless beginners through their first paddle purchase, I understand that budget is often a primary concern. You don’t need to invest in a high-end paddle when starting out. Many affordable options provide excellent quality and performance.

I’ve found that the best rated pickleball paddles for beginners often fall in the $30-99 range, offering professional-level features without the premium price tag.

Specs：

Surface Material: Carbon Fiber

Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb

Weight: 7.8 ounces

Paddle Class: Midweight

Dimensions: 7.8 x 15.6 inches (width x full height)

Handle Size: 4.5-inch circumference

Handle Width: 2.5 inches across

Handle Length: 4.75 inches

Handle Material: Synthetic, Padded

Additional Features: Edge Guard

Ideal For: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Playing Surface: Indoor/Outdoor

Price：$55 from Big Dill

Bottom Line：

The paddle is built solidly and arrived in excellent packaging. When we first opened it, the fun design immediately caught our attention. My kids couldn’t stop laughing at the pickle design on the paddle. They thought it was hilarious and couldn’t wait to head outside and try it out. The excitement it brought to them was worth every penny.

The pickleball paddle cover that comes with the paddle is also very well made. It fits the paddle perfectly—snug but not too tight. The zipper works smoothly and doesn’t get stuck, making it easy to take the paddle in and out. I appreciate the added protection the case offers, especially when transporting the paddle or storing our paddle. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in keeping the paddle in good condition.

One of the first things I noticed when I held the paddle was the handle. The handle has a firm, grippy texture that feels really secure in my hand. Even when my hands get sweaty, I don’t feel like the paddle will slip out. This is important because it allows me to focus on playing rather than worrying about losing my grip. As someone who is just learning how to play pickleball, this feature gives me confidence. I can concentrate on improving my game without being distracted by a slippery handle.

When my wife saw the paddle, she was impressed too. She liked it so much that she asked me to order more for the whole family. We ended up getting another one of this design and also decided to try out two of their Infinity designs. Now, we’re all set to play together as a family. The kids are especially excited because they love the fun branding. It makes playing pickleball even more enjoyable for them. It’s great to have equipment that not only performs well but also adds an element of fun to the game.

Overall, this is a fantastic paddle. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into its design. The construction is solid, and every detail, from the handle to the case, is well-executed. The paddle plays exactly as I expected, delivering the right balance of grip and weight. Whether you’re playing with friends or family, this paddle is perfect for getting out there and enjoying a game of pickleball together.

Specs：

Core Thickness: 13mm

Weight: 7.5 ounces

Grip Size: 4 1/4 inches

Material: Graphite

Skill Level: Beginner

Frame Material: Graphite

Shaft Material: Graphite

Color: Red & Blue

Price:$58.99 from AMAZON

Bottom Line：

My friend is relatively new to pickleball, so he doesn’t have much experience comparing different paddles and balls. So, I recommended to my friend the “2024 SLK Neo 2.0 Pickleball Paddle” set, which was on sale for $58.99. The set includes two paddles—one blue and one red.

Why would I recommend it? From my experience, the paddles have a small sweet spot in the center, and I noticed a significant difference in both rebound and sound when I hit outside of that sweet spot. The paddles are marked “USAPA Approved,” which means they meet the standards for official play. The grips on these paddles are about 4.5 inches long, without large ridges, and they feel reasonably tacky with a soft, comfortable grip. The paddle faces have a slight texture, which adds some spin to the ball.

The set also includes four “SLK Hybrid+” balls, which are also USAPA approved. The balls are yellow and have 40 holes, each about 8mm in diameter. They are also suitable for indoor or outdoor use. The bag that comes with the set holds the two paddles and the balls comfortably, but there isn’t much extra space for additional balls or gear.

Overall, My friend is quite happy with this set as a beginner. It’s a solid starter kit。If you’re looking for an affordable set to get you on the court, this is a solid choice. But if you’re aiming to take your game to the next level, you might want to look elsewhere.

Specs：

Paddle length: 15.4″

Paddle width: 8.1″

Grip length: 4.8″

Grip circumference: 4.25″

Paddle weight: 7.8 oz

Paddle Surface: Fiberglass

Paddle Thick: 11mm

Price:$29.99 from AMAZON

Bottom Line：

This is a set of fiberglass pickleball paddles. If you are switching from tennis to pickleball, you may want to consider this paddle as a beginner. This made them easy to handle on the court.

Let’s talk about the good parts，These paddles are much lighter than a traditional tennis racket, which I found helpful, especially as a beginner. The lighter weight allowed me to react quickly and control my shots more easily.

The balls that came with the set have held up well after three months of regular use without any cracks. The paddles are also holding up fine. They’re lightweight and easy to maneuver, and the bag is convenient for carrying everything. Overall, this set offers excellent value for money.

The paddles seem well-made. After a few hours of play, I didn’t notice any wear and tear, which suggests they’ll last a while. 

So what are the points lost？Switching from tennis to pickleball, I found it took some time to get used to the different bounce off the paddle. It felt different from what I was used to, but with some practice, I started to adapt.

About Bag Quality Issues: After about two months, the bag started to fall apart. I had to re-tie one of the strings to keep it closed, and there’s now a hole near the top of the bag. It still works, but it doesn’t look as good as it did initially.

Overall Impression:

These paddles are a great choice for beginners who are just starting to explore pickleball. The lightweight design and solid build quality are definite advantages, and the price, especially with the coupon, makes them a good deal. While there’s a small learning curve for tennis players to adjust to the paddle’s bounce, these paddles worked well for me in my first game. I’m excited to keep improving with them.

In summary, I would rate these paddles 8.5 rate. They offer good value for the price and are a solid option for anyone new to pickleball. It’s a great starter set for beginners who haven’t played much yet. If you’re looking for higher quality, you might want to consider a more expensive set.

Specs：

Surface: T700 Carbon Fiber with a durable grit surface 

Paddle Weight: 7.8 oz

Paddle Core Material: Honeycomb Polypropylene Core

Paddle Shape: Elongated

Paddle Length: 16.4”

Paddle Width: 7.2”

Grip Circumference – 4.25 Inches

Grip Length: 5”

Core Thickness: 16mm

Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU

Limited six-month warranty against manufacturer defects and workmanship of the paddle

Price:$59.99 from GetProQuik,use code: 40off

Bottom Line：

This is an up-and-coming brand in the Pickleball paddle market, and while I haven’t fully tested it yet, I’ve spent a few hours playing with it and have come up with some conclusions that I hope will help you.

The elongated shape of the paddle provides a larger hitting area, making it easier for beginners to catch and hit the ball. The 16mm honeycomb core thickness offers a comfortable feel, perfect for those new to the game. The paddle is made with T700 carbon fiber and a durable grit surface, boosting power and control. It absorbs impact well with each strike, helping you play your best game.

I really like this paddle. It adds great spin to the ball, and the rough texture is just right. The size, sweet spot, and weight are all perfect.

However, I prefer holding the paddle with both hands, but the grip is only 5 inches long, so it’s really meant for one-handed use. If you like a one-handed grip, I’m sure you’ll love it.

For the price, it’s hard to find a better deal on carbon fiber pickleball paddles. For $59.99, you get two paddles, four balls, two paddle covers, and two suede bags for carrying the balls. If you’re only looking for a single paddle, $29.99 gets you one paddle, two balls, a paddle cover, and a suede bag.

If you’re a new or relatively new player looking for a good pickleball paddle, this is a solid choice. It performs as well as paddles that cost two to three times more and has a feel that can help you learn the game, whether you’re coming from table tennis, tennis, or have no prior experience with racket sports.

Specs：

Surface – Raw TORAY T700 Carbon Fiber

Unibody Foam Inject Walls for an increased sweet spot and added control

 Average Weight  16mm – 7.9 – 8.2oz

Average Weight 14mm – 7.7-7.9

 Total Length – 16.3 Inches

Width – 7.7 Inches

Grip Circumference – 4.125 Inches

Grip Length – 5.3 Inches (elongated for 2-hand backhands)

Grip has 2 polyurethane inserts to reduce shock and help with tennis elbow

Core – Optimized C7 Polymers and high-grade performance honeycomb

Core Thickness – 16mm

Edge Guard: Anti-Abrasion TPU

Average Swing Weight: 110（14mm paddle），115（16mm paddle）

Spin measurement：1800 RPM 

Warranty ：90-day warranty

Price: $89.99 from Vatic Pro used code:Paddlesshop

Bottom Line：

After researching on several sites, this paddle consistently came up as a top choice for “control and spin,” especially for under $100. The skilled player I met suggested I go for a carbon fiber paddle since it’s the latest technology in pickleball.

For first impressions, the paddle comes in a nice cover that feels premium.  It’s very light, with a carbon fiber surface that grips the ball well. The bounce feels soft, with a pleasant “thunk” sound instead of the usual “clunk” from cheaper paddles. There’s no dead spot around the edges, just a small one near the tip.

It took me about 15-20 minutes to get used to the paddle’s responsiveness. I couldn’t hit powerful serves, but I could control short shots and slice serves with remarkable precision.

If you enjoy pickleball, a good paddle makes the game much more fun and allows you to express your skills or lack thereof. This paddle is an excellent choice for anyone considering a nicer paddle. Spin and control are excellent, a solid 5/5. Power, however, is a bit lower, around 3.5/5, likely due to the large sweet spot. The big sweet spot is nice, but don’t expect it to magically make you a better player.

Specs：

Paddle Length: 16.5”

Face Width: 7.5”

Grip Length: 5.5”

Grip Circumference: 4.25” Octagon

Weight: 7.9oz, +/- 0.2oz

Swingweight: 115

Paddle Surface: Raw Toray T700 Carbon Fiber Textured

Paddle Shape: Hybrid

Core Material: Polypropylene Honeycomb

Core Thickness: 16mm

Edge Guard: Yes

Average Swing Weight: 117 

Spin measurement：2120 RPM

Fully USAPA Approved 

Warranty ：6-month warranty

Price: $100 from Ronbus use code:RCPaddleshop

Rating

Power – 2.5/5

Control/Feel – 4.5/5

Spin – 4/5

Forgiveness – 3/5

Bottom Line：

The R1.16 and R3.16 paddles are the top choices in the Ronbus lineup for players who prioritize control. These paddles perform just as well as more expensive options, offering great value. Slowing down the ball is easy, but if you want more power, you’ll need to put in a bit more effort. The paddles naturally add spin to your shots without requiring exaggerated movements.

Even with its longer shape, the R1.16 paddle handles well, providing a larger-than-average sweet spot and a soft, comfortable feel when hitting the ball. This enhances your control and gives you a satisfying touch during play.

If you have trouble keeping the ball low, this paddle can help you maintain better control and consistency, especially in your soft game.

In terms of gameplay, the R1.16 is quite similar to the R3.16, with the main difference being the swing weight. The R1.16 has a lighter swing weight, making it easier to maneuver but slightly less powerful than the R3.16.

When players ask about the best beginner pickleball paddles, I often point them toward paddles that prioritize control over power. These help develop proper technique and shot placement.

I’ve noticed that tennis players transitioning to pickleball often benefit from paddles with familiar feel and handling characteristics. The best beginner pickleball paddle for this group typically has a slightly heavier weight and familiar grip texture.

The best beginner paddles for pickleball don’t have to break the bank. I’ve identified several excellent options under $100 that provide exceptional value and performance.

One question I frequently hear is: “What are the best pickleball paddles for beginners?” The answer depends on your individual playing style and physical characteristics.

New players often assume they need maximum power, but I’ve found that the best pickleball paddle for beginners typically emphasizes control. Power comes naturally as technique develops.

If you plan to play regularly, investing in one of the best pickleball paddles for beginner players makes sense. For occasional players, a more budget-friendly option might suffice.

Through years of experience, I’ve identified several common mistakes beginners make when selecting their first paddle:

1. Choosing based on appearance alone – While aesthetics matter, performance should be the primary consideration
2. Prioritizing power over control – The best pickleball paddle for beginner players focuses on developing proper technique
3. Ignoring grip size – This fundamental aspect significantly impacts your game development

Something I always explain to newcomers is that your paddle needs will evolve as your skills develop. The best beginner pickleball paddle for your first year might not be ideal as you progress to intermediate levels.

This evolution is natural and expected. I’ve seen many players successfully transition from their first paddle to more advanced options as their skills develop.

When choosing from the best pickleball paddles for beginner options, consider these factors:

• Your athletic background – Former racquet sport players may prefer different characteristics
• Physical considerations – Arm strength, shoulder mobility, and any existing injuries
• Budget constraints – Excellent options exist at various price points
• Playing goals – Casual recreation versus competitive aspirations

Once you’ve selected your paddle, proper maintenance ensures longevity and consistent performance. I recommend cleaning your paddle regularly with mild soap and warm water, avoiding extreme temperatures, and storing it properly when not in use.

Best pickleball paddles for beginners can make all the difference as you start your journey in this exciting sport. As a new player, it’s essential to have the right equipment to help you develop your skills and enjoy the game to the fullest. The pickleball paddle is the most critical piece of gear you’ll need, and choosing the right one can be a bit daunting, given the numerous options available.

When selecting the best pickleball paddles for beginners, there are several factors to consider. First, you’ll want to look at the paddle’s weight. Lighter paddles are generally easier to maneuver and are ideal for beginners who are still developing their strength and control. A lightweight paddle allows you to react quickly at the net and reduces the strain on your arm, making it a great choice for those who are just getting started.

Next, consider the grip size. The grip should feel comfortable in your hand, not too large or too small. A proper grip size ensures better control and reduces the risk of injury. Most beginners find a medium-sized grip to be the most comfortable and versatile, but it’s important to choose what feels best for you.

Material is another crucial aspect when choosing the best pickleball paddles for beginners. Paddles come in a variety of materials, including wood, composite, and graphite. Wooden paddles are the most affordable but they gradually lost the whole market and faded from people’s view.

Composite or Graphite paddles strike a balance between performance and price, offering good control and power. Carbon fiber paddles, while more expensive, provide excellent touch and control, making them a popular choice for serious beginners.

Surface texture is also worth considering. Paddles with a textured surface can help you generate more spin, giving you an edge in controlling the ball. However, this feature is typically more important as you advance in your skills, so don’t worry too much about it as a beginner.

Budget is always a key factor. It’s important to find a paddle that offers good value for your money. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable options that don’t compromise on quality. We’ve reviewed several top-rated beginner paddles that provide a great balance of cost and performance, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

These paddles have been selected based on their ability to help new players develop their skills, providing a good mix of control, power, and comfort. Whether you’re just learning the basic strokes or getting ready for your first match, these paddles will give you the confidence you need to enjoy the game.

In addition to selecting the right paddle, remember that practice and patience are key to improving your pickleball game. As you become more familiar with the sport, you may find that your paddle needs change, and you can always upgrade to a paddle that suits your evolving playing style.

Starting with the best pickleball paddles for beginners ensures that you have a solid foundation as you grow in the sport. By focusing on key factors like weight, grip size, material, and budget, you can find the perfect paddle to kickstart your pickleball journey.

Selecting the best pickleball paddle for a beginner is a personal journey that depends on individual needs, preferences, and goals. I’ve found that most beginners succeed with lightweight, control-oriented paddles that emphasize comfort and ease of use.

Remember that the best beginner paddle for pickleball is one that helps you develop proper technique while enjoying the learning process. Don’t get overwhelmed by the technical specifications—focus on finding a paddle that feels comfortable and inspires confidence.

Whether you choose from the 6 best pickleball paddles for beginners I’ve highlighted or explore other options, the key is starting with equipment that supports your development rather than hindering it.

The journey from beginner to skilled player is exciting, and having the right paddle makes all the difference. I encourage you to try different options when possible and trust your instincts about what feels right for your game.