Are you interested in pickleball but not sure where to start? Picking the right paddle is a great place to start, and we're here to help. In this blog post, we'll recommend some of the best pickleball paddles for beginners. We'll also provide top choices to help you choose the right paddle for your playing style. These include different features that match up well with different styles of play and skill levels. So whether you're just getting started or you're looking for an upgrade, read on for our top picks.
How We Chose The Best Pickleball Paddles For New Players:
If you are new to pickleball, it can be hard to know which paddle is right for you. They come in different shapes and sizes and even have different handle lengths.
With all of the different paddles on the market, it's hard to know which one is best for your game. Do you need a power paddle? A finesse paddle? Something in between?
We've done the research for you and have compiled a list of the best paddles for beginners. We also provide guidance on what type of paddles work well with different playing styles.
Key features beginning players often consider when choosing a paddle include:
- Grip size, paddle weight and paddle shape.
- Core material and hitting surface
- Pickleball paddles range from six ounces to 10 ounces.
- Lighter paddles (7 to 7.4 ounces) are better for a pure control game
- Heavier paddles (8.5 ounces +) will help you drive the ball, but you'll have less control
- Paddles come in various shapes and sizes - Rounded or widebody paddles provide a larger sweetspot.
- Players who want to use a backhand stroke will want a longer handle length
Selkirk SLK Omega Max Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Why It's A Great Choice - Lightweight class and large sweetspot with standard shape and handle length
Imagine the perfect pickleball paddle - the Selkirk SLK Omega Max Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle has many top features ! This sleek, edgeless design helps you control your court with top of the line materials and incredible maneuverability. With its advanced DuraEdge technology and GC9-Flex Dual Carbon+ Fiberglass Face, this paddle delivers ultimate power without compromising on control. Perfect for beginner pickleball players looking to dominate their match, this long-lasting paddle will be sure to keep you playing on the court. So what's stopping you? Get your very own Selkirk SLK Omega Max Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle today and take your game to new heights!
Top Features
Pickleball players looking for a great paddle to get started with will definitely enjoy the SLK Omega pickleball paddle. Top features include:
- Boast a lightweight, 7.8 - 8.2 oz construction.
- Flexible GC9-Flex Dual Carbon face material and ultra-durable Rev-Core+ Polymer Core technology.
- It also features a standard shape and size with 16'' length and 7.85'' width; a standard 4 1/4" thick grip; and long or standard 4.85” handle length options.
- This pickleball paddle is USAP approved and has earned a 5-star rating on JustPaddles.com -
Paddletek Phoenix G6 Middleweight Pickleball Paddle Starter Set
Why It's A Great Choice - Great starter set featuring two paddles with large sweet spots
Welcome to the Pickleball experience with Paddletek Phoenix G6 Middleweight Pickleball Paddle Starter Sets! If you’re new to the game, this starter set has everything you need for a fun and rewarding pickleball experience. With two Phoenix G6 models in your starter set, you can power drive from the backline or keep up those long kitchen volleys to outsmart your opponents. Not only that, but we've also included 3 durable outdoor balls and 3 lite4Niteglow in the dark pickleball for night-time battles!
The Paddletek Phoenix G6 Middleweight Composite Pickleball Paddle is made of lightweight composite material plus a large sweet spot for accuracy and overall paddle control. It will give you power plus extra forgiveness to make sure you’re rewarded with every shot. To top it off, each of your paddles comes with their own sleek paddle cover, so you can show up at the court looking like a true pro!
No matter if it’s day or night, when you pick up our Paddletek Phoenix G6 Middleweight Pickleball Paddle Starter Set, Click to Court has never been easier. Get ready to have some fun as you start mastering your pickleball skills - just enjoy and we know JustPaddles will be there in case you need some help from Click to Court along the way!
Top Features
The Paddletek Phoenix G6 pickleball paddle is the perfect pickleball paddle for players of any experience level. Top features include:
- Middleweight core and standard balanced design, this pickleball paddle is able to provide good levels of power and control.
- Features a Polypropylene core material and composite face material for excellent feel, as well as an Edge Guard edging which helps protect the frame from environmental damage.
- With its blue/red colorway and handle length suitable for most players, the pickleball paddle has everything you need to hit exactly where you want it every time.
Gearbox CX14H Pickleball Paddle - 8.0oz
Why It's A Great Choice - Middleweight class and has longer handle for backhand and delivers touch (spins) and durability.
Are you looking for a paddle that can power you through every serve and volley? Look no further than the Gearbox CX14H Pickleball Paddle! This dynamic new paddle is perfect for beginner pickleball players who are looking for a lightweight, yet durable racket to help them tackle those tough games. The aerodynamic design glides with ease through the air, ensuring pinpoint accuracy with every spin. The fresh, hyper shape of this paddle slightly shortens the face while extending the handle - perfect for any two-handed backhand shots.
A generous 14mm core is constructed of T-700 carbon fiber that won't sacrifice playability or durability. Gearbox's patented Solid Span Technology wraps around the edges to protect and reinforce your paddle frame while providing an equal spread of materials between the top and bottom layers. If spin is what you're after, the hyper-bite technology gives you the edge when it comes to controlling both speed and bite on pickleball shots - increasing your chances of landing in your opponent's court!
Top Features
This pickleball paddle is a top pick on TotalPickleBall.com; it offers quality features to include:
- Designed with a T-700 Carbon fiber core that adds power to swing.,
- 3K Woven Carbon Fiber hitting surface ensures quality control.
- Features a factory grip of Gearbox Smooth Wrap for additional comfort and a better hold when playing.
- Its grip size of 3 5/8 inches or 3 15/16 inches, grip length of 5 5/8 inches, paddle length of 15 7/8 inches, width of 8 inches, and thickness of 14 mm (0.55 in) make this pickleball paddle extremely user friendly and great choice for pickleball enthusiasts alike.
PROLITE Bolt Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
Why It's A Great Choice - Quite affordable middleweight design that is quiet and highly rated
If you’re looking for a pickleball paddle to kick off your new hobby, then look no further than the PROLITE Bolt Middleweight Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle. This carbon fiber faced paddle with its polypropylene honeycomb core has plenty of power and spin control to up your game. Even better, it is one of the few paddles on the market quiet enough to be used in communities that have noise regulations. More experienced players have rated this 5-star worthy thanks to its terrific sweet spot and excellent spin control. Best of all, it won’t break the bank—the PROLITE Bolt offers unbeatable affordability for beginners. With rave reviews proclaiming its superior quality and performance, you can be sure that this is a purchase worth making; come join the many satisfied customers who describe their purchasing experience as “a total win”!
Top Features
- The Carbon Fiber face and 10mm Polypropylene honeycomb core helps maintain power and spin,
- The thin 4-inch grip size with standard 5-inch handle length ensures a comfortable hold.
- USAPA approved and has achieved a 5-star rating for its noise level, making this pickleball paddle friendly to pickleball communities around the world.
- Comes with a manufacturer's 1 year limited warranty from date of purchase on top of free shipping when you order online.
Franklin Christine McGrath Signature 16mm Paddle
Why It's A Great Choice - Middleweight class and has longer handle for backhand. Also recommended by two-time US Open Doubles Champion Christine McGrath.
Introducing the Franklin Christine McGrath Signature 16mm Paddle! Designed for beginners, this paddle is sure to put the champion in you in the driver’s seat. It features MaxGrit technology, which allows for maximum spin – ideal for those pickleball players who are just starting out and need some extra assistance. The fiberglass-hitting surface provides power and control, while the 7.8oz weight and 5” handle will allow you to comfortably use a two-handed backhand. The performance of this paddle promises plenty of control as well as powerful shots to help you join the winner's circle. Plus, its balanced design ensures consistency even on mishits – which every beginner needs!
Top Features
This 16mm Paddle is perfect for pickleball players who need power and accuracy. Top features include:
- It weighs 7.8 ounces with a margin of ± 0.5 ounces, making it light and comfortable to handle without compromising power on the court.
- Crafted with a polymer honeycomb core and fiberglass hitting surface.
- Additionally, the paddle includes a 4 ¼ inch grip size and 5-inch handle length that contribute to a surer touch on the court.
- The paddle design features a classic 15.9 inches in length, 8 inches in width, and 16 millimeters in thickness to provide larger hitting surface area while keeping swing maneuverability relatively effortless.
- Franklin Wrap factory grip wraps comfortably around your hand so you can stay grip confident during pickles matches!
Here Are Some FAQ's To Help You Pick The Right One
What is the difference between a lightweight and heavyweight paddle?
One major difference between lightweight and heavyweight pickleball paddles is the weight. Lightweight paddles weigh between 6-7 ounces, while heavyweight paddles range from 8-12 ounces. This extra weight in a heavy paddle provides more power to your shots, making it easier to hit farther on the court. But with this extra power comes less control since heavier paddles take longer to swing, allowing opponents time to get into position and make their return shot. Lightweight paddles give you more control over your shots as they’re lighter and easier to maneuver quickly when needed.
What is the paddle's core?
The core of a pickleball paddle is the most important component as it determines the way in which the paddle affects your play. The core will affect how much power and spin you can generate when striking a pickleball, and ultimately determine how successful or strategic your game might be.
A typical pickleball paddle will have either an aluminum, wooden, or composite core. Paddles with aluminum cores are known for providing more stability, control and power than other materials. Wooden paddles maintain their shape longer since they won't deform like lighter alloys do; yet they also tend to lack power and flex because wood tends to offer less energy return upon contact with the ball. Composite paddles are made up of two different types of materials – usually one softer material that gives a greater feel on contact with the ball along with another stiffer material that provides pop & power upon impact. This combination gives players both feel & potential performance improvement upon contact with the ball when compared to wooden paddles alone.
What are primary difference between wood, graphite and composite paddles?
Wooden paddles are the least expensive option but they won’t provide as much control over the ball as more modern materials do. That being said, if you don’t plan to play at an advanced level right away then wooden is fine for practice purposes. Graphite or composite paddles offer more power and better touch than wood -- which is why they tend to be favored by competitive players -- but they also come with a heftier price tag.
How can the paddle's weight affect your game?
Lighter weights give you faster swing speed while heavier weights can help increase your power output when needed; however too heavy can slow down your game so it's important to find that perfect balance between speed and control (ideally something in the 7-8 ounce range). When it comes to size, smaller grips usually offer greater accuracy due to increased maneuverability whereas bigger grips will give you extra leverage over shots if desired.
Should I choose a long or short handle?
The handle is an important factor in finding the right paddle for you. An important choice to to select a long or short handle. Longer handles offer more reach but can limit wrist movement while shorter handles are great if you want to stay on top of shots and increase your level of maneuverability around the court. When choosing a handle size, try them both out and go with whatever gives you more control and comfort.
How do different head shapes and sizes affect your game?
Paddles usually have either a round head or an edged head (we like calling these ‘teardrop paddles’). Round heads offer more forgiveness while edged heads emphasize power over control - so decide which style fits your skill-level best! You should also keep in mind that larger heads will provide larger sweet spots, offering increased accuracy on off-centered hits - so go big if power isn't one of your strengths yet!
Size matters too - most adult-sized paddles measure 8 inches in width by 15 3/4 inches in length (or 20 cm x 40 cm). Larger paddles offer more power as they provide more surface area at contact with the ball but smaller sizes give better control over direction when hitting shots which makes them ideal for beginners who may not have sharpened their skill yet. For players with short arms or small hands however, smaller paddles like junior sized ones might be preferable due to increased maneuverability.
How does the texture of the paddle affect play?
The face texture of a pickleball paddle also affects play style – smooth faces offer better control whereas textured surfaces allow for greater spin when striking the ball - this combination helps players transition between defensive hits that require less spin and offensive strikes which demand additional rotation on impact with each stroke made by the player’s racket arm respectively resulting in strategic variation often required for success during any match against experienced opponents!
What are the differences between grip shapes and sizes?
Grip shape/size will also make a difference when playing pickleball – some prefer thin grips while others find thicker ones more comfortable depending on their hand size; larger hands usually prefer thicker grips while people with average or smaller sized hands might benefit from thin grips instead. Be sure to check both grip circumference measurements (expressed in inches or millimeters) as well as shape (round vs elliptical) before purchasing your first paddle to ensure that it fits comfortably in your hand!
The Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners Summary
Just getting started in pickleball? Picking the right paddle is a great place to start. In this blog post, we've recommended some of the best pickleball paddles for beginners. We've also provided top choices to help you choose the right paddle for your playing style. These include different features that match up well with different styles of play and skill levels. So whether you're just getting started or you're looking for an upgrade, read on for our top picks. Tap the button or link below to discover the best options for you.
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Ed Staton
