Are you looking for the best pickleball paddles for beginners?
It is difficult knowing what the best pickleball paddles for beginners are when you are new to the sport.
When you are a beginner at any sport, you usually want to start small and with more affordable equipment. This is to make sure that you like the sport before you commit to it.
Pickleball is no different.
Pickleball is a new sport compared to “evergreen” tennis but is rapidly gaining in popularity. We recommend starting with beginner-friendly paddles before you splurge out on the more expensive variants. However, there are so many different styles and brands that choosing one becomes confusing.
There is a fine line for beginners between a cheaper paddle and a poor quality paddle. Some cheaper paddles are great value and a good starting point. You need to have a paddle that comfortable to hold and gives enough spring back without vibrating up your arm.
This article explains what to look for and recommends 5 of the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
How to choose a Pickleball paddle…
There are 3 main areas to look at when choosing a pickleball paddle. They are…
- Material used in the paddle face
- Size of the handle grip
- Weight of the paddle
What are Pickleball paddles made of?
Pickleball paddles are made of a variety of materials.
The original game was played with wooden paddles. Like most racquet sports, in the beginning, wood was the only material they came in. Although you can still get wooden pickleball paddles, I wouldn’t recommend them unless you want to keep them for when you go on a family vacation.
Technology has changed so many of our materials from natural wood to man-made materials that are both strong and durable.
Many pickleball paddles are now made from either graphite or a composite of materials including carbon fiber. These types of paddles are strong and lightweight and are versatile enough to give you control for soft shots and power for baseline drives.
These paddles also have a variety of core constructions. Some are aluminum, some are polymer and some are known as honeycomb.
Find out more detailed information about how to choose a Pickleball paddle by clicking here
Pickleball paddle grip size
It’s important to know that you can get different Pickleball paddle grip sizes.
Some players have large hands and some are small.
There are some paddles that come with a variety of grips sizes. After a few longer games you will find that a comfortable grip is really important to manage hand fatigue.
Pickleball paddle weight
Pickleball paddle weights usually range from 7 to 8 ounces. Getting a paddle weight that suits your hand is as important as the grip size.
Most players think the heavier the paddle the more you can hit baseline drives. This is not necessarily the case.
Power comes from a variety of inputs from the material, core and your playing ability. If you are a beginner, start by learning how to control your shot more than hitting bangers all the time.
Most pickleball games last around an hour so having a lighter paddle would be better for most beginners.
Our recommendations for the best Pickleball paddles for beginners…
Please note that we earn an affiliate commission through PickleballCentral.com and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and purchase from our website.
1. Vulcan V510 Hybrid paddle
The first on the list is the Vulcan V510 Hybrid paddle with its vibrant blue and white abstract print all over. The quality is very good and you will appreciate its traditional shape and large sweet spot.
It has a nice feel in your hand and is well balanced. You can get a good mix of controlled soft shots and there is power if you want to hit a banger.
A slightly lighter paddle with the polypropylene core further makes this an amazing investment, especially with the long-term wear it provides. The paddle weighs around 7.9 oz and is ergonomically designed for a comfortable hold.
Nice feeling grip and good for sweaty hands.
This is a great value, all round paddle that should see you through your beginner days and into your intermediate, more strategized plays.
2. Rally Flare Graphite Pickleball paddle
If you are particularly looking for a beginner’s pickleball paddle that is priced around $50, there is nothing that compares with the Rally Flare Graphite Pickleball paddle.
This paddle is designed to enhance your skills and help you tackle your winning position in the tournaments.
The lightweight design of this paddle has an evenly balanced design that makes it easier to play with. The adaptability and versatility of this product is a bonus. The cushion comfort grip is sweat-resistant and prevents the paddle from slipping out of your palms.
The paddle is designed with a high-quality honeycomb core with a carbon graphite construction. This gives the paddle its characteristic shape, durability and overall construction. The reinforced neck with the sleek design further adds to the benefits of this paddle.
Besides the durable and sleek construction, the paddle also comes with a carrying case, which keeps it secure and prevents the edges from getting scuffed over time.
Great paddle at an affordable price.
3. Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle
As we are discussing great beginner pickleball paddles from Rally, we had to include the Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle in the list. Whilst this one is a slightly more expensive option than the one above, most importantly it comes with a quality design and great durability.
The thicker shock dampening polymer core in this paddle gives a heightened durability and user experience, especially when you are tired after a long match. It’s also got a consistent and large sweet spot that really helps with improving your shots quickly.
It is quite lightweight and offers a balanced design to better handle the ball on the paddle.
The polypropylene honeycomb design is a staple of this product, which is another reason why it has gained the kind of popularity that it has. The composite face ensures harder hits and better chances of winning the rounds.
The 4” universal grip is quite easy to hold onto and is sweat resistant too, which adds to the benefits further. The paddle weighs between 7.7 to 8 oz, which is a standard. The product is locally made in the United States.
Great value, affordable and good comfortable feel. It should take you from beginner to intermediate quickly. It really is a paddle for any level of skill.
4. Niupipo Carbon Fiber Face
Niupipo is a brand that everyone knows when discussing some of the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
Amidst all the options, the Niupipo Carbon Fiber Face is a bestseller that you can consider investing in.
The product comes in a set of two and is USAPA approved, which means that you can play with it in professional tournaments if you want. The combination of graphite honeycomb core with the graphite carbon fiber surface gives it heightened durability for prolonged usage.
The paddle weighs around 8 oz, allowing you to swing it around with ease and without any kind of discomfort. Likewise, the ergonomic design with extra grip ensures optimal comfort without any complaints.
The grip of the paddle comes with additional perforations that contribute to a better grip on the paddle so you can easily swing the ball.
Check out the price here at Amazon
5. Onix Z5 Graphite
Last but not least in the list of amazing pickleball paddles for beginners is the Onix Z5 Graphite. The Z5 range is their bestseller consequently it works not just for beginners but for advanced users as well.
The paddle is priced under $100 and is the most popular option in this line. The exterior touch on the surface of the paddle offers optimum grip to the ball which allows players to have extra time to assess the situation and then hit the ball back to their opponent.
The widebody shape of the paddle makes it easier for beginners to hit back to the opponent without faulting. The paddle weighs between 7.5 to 8.2 oz., which is quite the standard as suggested by USAPA.
This is a really popular pickleball paddle and with good reason – it’s a good price and versatile paddle.
Conclusion
If you have been looking for the best pickleball paddles for beginners, these are some of our top picks.
All of these paddles are lightweight, ergonomically designed, reasonably priced and perfect for newbies who are just starting with pickleball.
