Are you curious about pickleball, but don’t know where to start? This blog post is for you! We’ll talk about the best paddles for beginners, and what to look for when choosing one. Plus, we’ll give you a few tips on how to get started playing this fun sport. Let’s get started!
Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
If you’re not sure where to begin while shopping for a pickleball paddle, take a look at these great options:
1) niupipo’s Pickleball Paddle Set (2 Paddles, 4 Balls, Carrying Bag)
At A Glance:
- USAPA Approved Pro Graphite Paddles
- Awesome grip on the paddles
- Durable bag and paddle cover (which are included)
- Thousands of positive reviews behind this product which is loved around the world
2) JP WinLook’s Pickleball Paddle Set (2 Paddles, 3 Balls, Carrying Bag)
At A Glance:
- Stylish deigns on the paddles and the included carrying bag
- Includes everything you need to get started with Pickleball with a friend.
- Options available for a 4-paddle set if interested.
- Almost 5,000 5-star reviews
3) ONIX’s Z5 Pickleball Paddle
This paddle is famous among both pros and absolute beginners. The ONIX Graphite Z5 stands as one of the most versatile and balanced picket ball paddles in its price bracket. Although it’s designed for stability and control, the Nomex honeycomb core coupled with a Graphite face allows you to play powerful strokes as well.
This pickleball paddle comes with a firm grip of 4 ¼’ and oversized dimensions with a huge sweet spot. The ‘forgiveness’ rating of this pickleball paddle is off the charts and even an absolute beginner can have a great and enjoyable game while using this paddle.
The ONIX Z5 features a tennis handle and has a wide body shape for beginners and players who struggle to maintain control over their shots. Despite the graphite facing and large shape, the paddle has a weight of only 8 ounces which is ideal for people with a weak elbow or a similar issue. The paddle is available in several colors and has an attractive outlook which will also help you stand out from the other players in the court.
At A Glance:
- this pickleball paddle is High quality and backed by a reputable brand, ONIX
- Comprised of Graphite, Carbon Fiber for durability and ease of use
- Eye-catching designs with many color options available
4) VINSGUIR’s Pickleball set (2 Paddles, 4 Balls, Carrying Case)
At A Glance:
- Includes everything you need to play pickleball
- Multiple options available with varying designs
- Built with high quality and durable material
5) Panel Sound’s Pickleball Set (2 Paddles, 4 Balls, Carrying Set, Cooling Towels)
At A Glance:
- Stylish and modern designs on the paddles, carrying case, and cooling towels
- Loved by thousands around the world
- Offers a fun and enjoyable experience for those who are just starting out with pickleball
6) Uteeqe’s Pickleball Set (2 Paddles, 4 Balls, Carrying Bag)
- powerful and light-weight pickleball paddles are excellent options for beginners
- Includes virtually everything you need to start playing pickleball
- Over 3,000 positive reviews behind this product (at the time of writing this) with plenty of unique questions answered on their product page.
7) niupipo’s Pickleball Set (2 Paddles, 4 Balls, Carrying Bag)
At A Glance:
- Niupipo is a quality brand in the pickleball space, focusing on high-quality pickleball products.
- Eye-catching and lightweight design
- Easy to grip handles and durable stow-away carrying bag included
8) HEAD’s Radical Elite Pickleball Paddle
At A Glance:
- High-performance pickleball paddle which is loved around the world
- Distinct color options (green, orange, and white) available
- Loved By thousands of pickleball players around the globe
Shopping For Pickleball Paddles – A Reference Guide
Poised to pick an appropriate Pickleball paddle for prodigious Pickleball progress? There are endless Pickleball paddles available for the fun and popular sport and when it comes to choosing a paddle that is right for you, as a beginner, then you can quickly become overwhelmed by the selection. You do not want to end up with a paddle that is difficult for you to control which in turn may limit your ability to learn and play at your best. Factors such as weight, grip, shape, and materials are important key differences between a beginner’s Pickleball paddle and a professional model. Take a look below to discover what you need to know before buying your first Pickleball paddle.
A fantastic overview on the rules of pickleball.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport played in the United States and Canada that is growing in popularity over the last few years. It combines elements of play from Ping-Pong, tennis, and badminton, is played in doubles or singles, either indoor or outdoor. The court is rather small at 20 feet wide by 44 feet long and this is the same whether one is playing in singles or doubles. Not much equipment is needed to play Pickleball, essentially a perforated ball, a net at the height of 36 inches and a paddle. The paddle needs to be within a small size variation, that being 7-8.75 inches wide and 15-16 inches total height, with a handle length of 4-5.5inches long. However, in recent times, manufacturers have begun designing elongated or flattened paddles that still fit paddle size regulations but allow for slight advantages to counter a player’s weaknesses. As you play Pickleball more often, you will find that perhaps one style may be more beneficial for you than another, but starting out, we strongly recommend you stick with a standardly shaped paddle.
Features to Consider in a Pickleball Paddle
After playing for a few times, potentially borrowing a paddle from a friend or from the rec center, and if you find that you yourself enjoy the game, you should consider purchasing a paddle of your own. This will allow you to play whenever you wish to allow you to advance your skills.
Great video talking about how to shop for a pickleball paddle
So when it comes to buying your beginners Pickleball paddle, you need to ensure you consider the following features:
Weight
The weight of your Pickleball paddle is one of the key differences between a beginner paddle and a professional one and is the number one consideration when purchasing a Pickleball paddle for a beginner. Anything over 8.5 lbs. is classed as a heavy paddle and is better designed for more professional players. Although you have a lot of power with a heavier paddle, control is harder to come by and being able to guide your ball to your opponent’s side of the court is more important in the game than power. From 7.3 lbs. you are looking at a mid-range weight and is ideal for beginner players, and although lighter weights are designed especially for beginners, as you advance in your game and technique, you have more weight variations to adapt to, potentially resulting in a few hiccups and hurdles along the way. It is recommended by several professional Pickleball players and teachers that a weight of 7 to 8.5 lbs. is an excellent paddle, to begin with.
Material
Lightweight materials that your Pickleball paddle will most likely be available in are generally either composite or graphite. Both composite and graphite paddles can be inexpensive and will last for several years if you don’t drop them too often and chip the sides. The textured surface of a composite paddle allows for a great spin on the ball whereas the graphite face sets a graphite paddle apart from the competition. Weighing between 6 and 9 lbs., the thin and strong layer of graphite provides quick action of the paddle. This is the material of choice for professionals, and still at a reasonable price and lightweight design is possible for beginners to enjoy as well.
Both graphite and composite paddles consist of a core of rigid nylon, polymer or aluminum, and a fiberglass or carbon fiber surface. Rigid nylon or Nomex is the hardest and the loudest of the cores available and is responsible for the familiar popping noise that you hear on the court. Rigid nylon is a sound choice for speed and power. The polymer is the most popular core material on the market and also the newest. It is the quietest and softest option, and although this softness dampens your blow, it allows for more control. Lighter weight models come with an aluminum core, which is relatively soft allowing for more control and less noise than the rigid nylon but does not compare with the polymer.
Originally, wood paddles were used for Pickleball, but due to their cumbersome weight, are not preferable for a beginner player.
Grip
It is important to find a handle that comfortably fits on your hand. Do not attempt to find a small handled paddle that you cannot hold properly just to potentially gain a few millimeters of length on the paddle (if the paddle is even designed this way). The quickest way to find the right grip size is to consider your height. If the player is less than 5 ft. 2 inches, then a small grip at 4 inches is desirable. If the player exceeds 5 ft. 9 inches, then a large grip of 4 ½ inches will suffice. Anything in between, seek for a grip at 4 ¼ inches or so.
Price
So to the all-important question: how much is this going to cost me? Thankfully, even professional Pickleball paddles do not break the bank, and as a beginner, you can be comfortable in purchasing a Pickleball paddle for under $50.
Conclusion
With this quick reference guide, you should now feel more confident about shopping for a pickleball paddle as a beginner. These above-listed paddles are great options to consider if you’re just starting out. And remember, have fun and enjoy the game!