If what you are looking for is a good pickleball paddle, then you have come to the right place. There are literally hundreds of pickleball paddles out there to choose from, and not all of them are ideal for beginners. However, this is exactly what we are here to help you find today. Let’s get right to it and take a look at the top five contenders for the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
- Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners: Reviews
- Buyers Guide
- FAQs
- #1 Is it better to have a lighter or heavier pickleball paddle?
- #2 How much does a beginner pickleball paddle cost?
- #3 Is it important to have an edge guard on a pickleball paddle?
- #4 Is carbon fiber or graphite better for pickleball?
- #5 What is the most important factor when picking a pickleball paddle?
- Conclusion
Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners: Reviews
1. Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle
If you’re looking for a super high quality pickleball paddle that is USAPA approved, one with all of the features you could possibly want for maximum power and control, then this is a paddle for you. We do feel the need to mention that this product is proudly made in the USA.
Review
Here we have a pickleball paddle that comes in at 16” x 8”, combined with a 5” handle, which is a pretty standard size, and yes, it does fall within USAPA guidelines. On that note, the grip circumference is 4-3/8″, which should be more than good enough for comfort.
Not only is the rubber grip a good size, but it’s also made with high-quality rubber. It’s designed to provide you with a lot of tack, so you can easily hold onto it without slipping, even if you get a bit sweaty. It’s probably one of the most comfortable pickleball paddle grips out there.
Something that does stand out about the Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle is how it has a super thick 5/8” core, which is thicker than the standard core. Many people like this as it allows for greater control and power when hitting the ball, although it does increase the weight of the paddle a bit.
The Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle comes with core and skin dimensioning technology that allows it to have a huge sweet spot for accurate shots. You never have to overswing and you always have great control, which is also thanks to the ControlPro Polymer Core that has vibration control technology. The fact that this paddle minimizes vibration is a pretty big deal.
You might also like how it comes with a rough textured skin, therefore allowing you to get a great spin with every hit. That kind of traction comes in handy for a variety of reasons.
All in all, we think that the Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle is one of the very best pickleball paddles out there. Just keep in mind that it is rather expensive, but you get what you pay for, and what you get here is truly the best of the best.
Pros
- Great control
- Lots of power
- Allows for great spin
- Comfortable grip
- Standard shape
- Durable design
Cons
- Slightly on the heavier side
2. HEAD Cyber Elite Pickleball Paddle
If you need a pickleball paddle that comes in a standard shape, allows for excellent control, is ideal for beginners, and doesn’t cost a fortune, then this one should be ideal for you.
Review
Here we have a pickleball paddle that features the standard rectangular shape, and yes, it is designed for beginner and intermediate players. It comes in at 16” x 7-7/8”, along with a 4-1/8” grip. This is all pretty standard as far as pickleball paddles go, and it’s not overly large. We like that it’s not the largest paddle out there, as it doesn’t require much power to swing.
As for the grip, we think that it is a good length and width to suit most people. At the same time, it also comes with a special wrap that allows for a lot of padding and shock absorption, so your hands won’t hurt from a game of pickleball. Furthermore, although it is quite soft and comfortable, it’s also designed to be very durable.
The paddle itself is made with a polypropylene honeycomb core, which allows for a great touch with minimal vibration. Of course, having a paddle that doesn’t vibrate much is very important. You then get a fiberglass hitting surface that allows for great fuel and plenty of power.
The fiberglass finish also allows for a good deal of spin and control. If you need a pickleball paddle that is going to offer plenty of power, control, and precision, then this is it. What is quite impressive is that this particular pickleball paddle doesn’t cost all that much.
In fact, this is going to be one of the most affordable ones on the list today. With all of that being said, although it is a perfectly fine option for beginners, especially for the price, it still doesn’t really stack up to the much higher quality models out there, especially pickleball paddles designed for professional and competition use.
Pros
- Good price
- Good power and control
- Solid build
- Standard shape
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Not ideal for playing at a professional level
3. Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle
If you are looking for a pickleball paddle that is good enough for professional use, but also ideal for beginners, then here we have a rather good option for you to look at. What is surprising is that this pickleball paddle doesn’t cost more than other options. Something else worth noting is that this pickleball paddle is approved by the USAPA for both tournament and competitive play.
Review
This pickleball paddle comes in at 16.5” by 7.3”, combined with a 5.6-inch-long handle. The handle features a circumference of 4.75”. As you can tell, this pickleball paddle is rather large, quite a bit bigger than some of the others we have looked at so far today.
However, this large design does make it easier for beginners to use, as it’s much easier to hit the ball. You have a much larger paddle to hit that small ball width, which can come in handy for beginners. It’s not overly heavy for a pickleball paddle, but it’s not lightweight either.
Going back to the grip, we want to say that it is quite comfortable. It is designed to be fairly soft so it will absorb a bit of impact for maximum comfort. At the same time, it also comes with an ideal texture so you won’t slip even if you got a little sweaty.
This pickleball paddle is made with a fiberglass surface layer that allows for a great sweet spot right in the middle of the paddle. This allows beginners to easily hit the ball with maximum control every time. The paddle surface also has a bit of this texture to it, which allows for great control and the ability to spin the ball.
You might then also appreciate how this pickleball paddle is made with a 16-mm polypropylene core combined with so-called MaxGrit dampening technology. This core is not only very durable as well as lightweight, but it also allows for the dampening of vibrations. This allows for great control and comfort.
For the relatively affordable price that this unit comes in at, we think that it is a perfectly fine option to consider, not to mention that it also comes complete in a variety of colors and designs.
Pros
- Competition approved
- Large size for easy hitting
- Large sweet spot
- Great control
- Durable design
- Great for minimizing vibrations
Cons
- Some might find it too large
- Not the most powerful paddle
4. Amazin’ Aces Graphite Pickleball Set
This is a good, all-in-one pickleball set that comes with a couple of paddles, some balls, and some other extras, all for a very low price. Keep in mind that this product is definitely designed for beginners and is in no way ideal for professional or competition use.
Review
With this set, you actually get two graphite pickleball paddles, along with four balls and a mesh carry bag, all for one very low price. In terms of the pickleball paddles, they come in at 16” by 7.75”, which is fairly standard, although definitely on the larger side of things. Being quite large is ideal because it does of course make the ball much easier to hit, although it might limit the amount of power you can generate.
This pickleball paddle features a grip that is 5” long and 4.5” in circumference, which is also pretty standard. It should be a good size for most people. At the same time, it comes with a grip wrap that is very comfortable to hold. It’s hard enough to be durable and long-lasting, yet soft enough to be comfortable and absorb a good bit of impact. It also has a good texture to ensure that your hand doesn’t slide off of it.
These pickleball paddles features a honeycomb polymer core, which is very lightweight yet also durable. What really stands out about that core is that it has the ability to absorb a lot of impact and to minimize vibrations, therefore keeping you comfortable while playing and also allowing for a good deal of control.
We also appreciate the graphite face of this pickleball title, as it is very durable, allows for a good deal of control, and also has a large sweet spot.
Do keep in mind that these pickleball paddles are fairly average but they also don’t cost much. They have more than enough power, control, durability, and comfort for basic use, but we probably wouldn’t recommend them for professional purposes. They just don’t have quite enough power or control for a real competition. Considering that you get a full pickleball set for around $50, we do think it is an ideal choice for beginners.
Pros
- 2 paddles included
- Great price
- Ideal for beginners
- Quality materials
- Decent specs for beginner paddles
Cons
- Not ideal for professional use
5. niupipo Pickleball Paddle
If you are looking for a pickleball paddle that is approved for professional use in competitions, yet more than good enough for beginners to use, and also not overly expensive, then this is another pickleball paddle worth checking out. This pickleball paddle is made to meet USA standards and is sanctioned for USA tournament play.
Review
If you are looking for a mid-weight pickleball paddle that comes in at roughly 8 oz, then this is a good option to consider. We think that the weight of it allows for a big balance of power and control. Due to its relatively lightweight design, it is ideal for expert and fast-paced play and is also ideal for spinning the ball.
Speaking of spinning the ball, this pickleball paddle features a graphite surface. This graphite surface is very lightweight, responsive, and durable.
This graphite surface therefore allows you to really control that ball with ease and it also allows you to get a good deal of spin as it does have a bit of a texture. The grip on the face of the paddle allows the ball to stay on the racket for a split second more, therefore allowing for a greater amount of control.
A good pickleball ball paddle is all about power and speed, as its special design and weight allow you the ability to generate maximum amounts of power while still retaining a good deal of control. The bottom line here is that if you like spinning the ball, then this is a good paddle to consider.
Moreover, this pickleball paddle also comes complete with a polypropylene honeycomb core. This core is very lightweight which helps to control vibrations. Even with big and powerful hits, this paddle isn’t going to vibrate much, so it is comfortable to use. It’s also worth noting that this is an extremely durable paddle.
Something else that you might appreciate is that this paddle comes complete with an ultra-perforated cushion grip. It’s hard enough to allow for great durability, yet more than soft enough to allow for a great deal of comfort. It also features some texture to ensure that you can easily hold on to it without slipping.
Pros
- Comfortable grip
- Tournament approved
- Great speed, power, and control
- Great for spins
- Super durable
- Decent price
Cons
- Sweet spot starts to deteriorate with time
Buyers Guide
Before you go out and buy any old pickleball paddle for beginner use, there are a few important considerations that you should keep in mind. Let’s take a look at the most important factors to consider before making a purchase.
1. Weight
When selecting a pickleball paddle, one of the most important things to keep in mind is how heavy it is. there is a tradeoff to consider here. If you have a very heavy paddle, it’s going to give you a whole lot of power and drive for those big and powerful hits, but very limited control. Heavy paddles can be great for serving because you have full control of the shot and don’t need to react quickly.
On the other hand, if you have a lightweight paddle, it’s going to give you a lot of control, but much less power and drive for those powerful hits. Therefore, most people like going for something in the middle that features a moderate weight, as it allows for a good mix of balance, power, and control.
Something around 8 oz is usually considered ideal.
2. Paddle Materials
The next thing to consider is what the paddle is made out of. Generally speaking, you have two options to consider, which are graphite paddles and fiberglass paddles. Fiberglass paddles may also be referred to as composite paddles.
Composite or fiberglass paddles are fairly lightweight and also have a bit of flex to them, therefore allowing for great accuracy and control. Although graphite is also quite lightweight, it’s not quite as flexible and offers a bit more power. Therefore, if you are looking for those big power shots, then graphite is generally considered best.
You do then also want to look for a paddle that comes complete with something like a polypropylene honeycomb core. A polypropylene honeycomb core will allow the pickleball paddle to remain somewhat lightweight while also being durable and rigid. This allows for a mix of power and control.
3. Grip Sizes
The next important thing to pay attention to when choosing a pickleball paddle is the size of the grip. You have small pickleball paddle grips that range from 4” to 4.12”, medium ones at 4.25”, and large ones at 4.5” in circumference.
You want to get a pickleball paddle grip that is ideal for your size of hand, so this is often a bit of a trial-and-error thing, as you have to find out what is comfortable for you. With that being said, a smaller handle is usually easier to hold on to as it will prevent slippage from occurring, so we do recommend starting off smaller.
4. Edge Guard
In case you didn’t know, the edge guard on your pickleball paddle is the rubber, plastic, or other material that is used to wrap around the face of the paddle.
These edge guards help stop the paddle from chipping or breaking, and help to add a good bit of durability, especially if you happen to scrape the ground.
However, just keep in mind that if your pickleball paddle has an edge guard that is too pronounced and you hit the ball with it, it can negatively affect the accuracy of your shot.
FAQs
#1 Is it better to have a lighter or heavier pickleball paddle?
What is better really depends on what you are looking for. If you have a heavier pickleball paddle, you’re going to be able to generate a lot more power and drive for those powerful hits. However, it’s hard to get a lot of control and accuracy with a heavy paddle.
On the other hand, a light pickleball paddle provides control and accuracy, although this sacrifices drive and power. Therefore, a medium pickleball paddle is recommended for beginners.
#2 How much does a beginner pickleball paddle cost?
if you want to get yourself a decent pickleball paddle that will perform adequately, we recommend spending anywhere between $60 and $80.
#3 Is it important to have an edge guard on a pickleball paddle?
Some people prefer their pickleball paddles to have edge guards on them. Edge guards allow for a great deal of durability, especially if you happen to scrape the paddle against the ground on a return shot.
With that being said, if you don’t have an edge guard present, your pickleball paddle might not last quite as long but it does allow for greater control and accuracy. You just don’t want the ball hitting that edge guard.
#4 Is carbon fiber or graphite better for pickleball?
People tend to prefer carbon fiber for their pickleball paddles, as it is extremely durable and lightweight, yet still produces a lot of power and drive.
With that being said, graphite still offers a great deal of power, and because it’s very stiff, the ball doesn’t sink into it, so it does allow for good ball placement. It really depends on what your needs are.
#5 What is the most important factor when picking a pickleball paddle?
Generally speaking, the most important consideration to keep in mind when choosing a pickleball paddle is the weight of it. You need one that is heavy enough to produce a lot of power, yet light enough to allow for good control.
You also don’t want something too heavy, or else it is going to cause you to fatigue too quickly.
Conclusion
We think that the best pickleball paddle for beginners on the list today is the Engage Pickleball Encore EX 6.0 Pickleball Paddle.
Sure, it is a very expensive pickleball paddle and it is ideal for professionals as it is tournament and competition approved. However, it does feature a very high-quality build, an ideal design and shape, and much more. Although it is expensive, it is by far the best pickleball paddle on the list.
I hail from the picturesque landscapes of Denver, Colorado, where the pickleball scene is as vibrant as our city's sunsets. The game has changed my life in ways I never thought a sport could. You see, before I got hooked, my closest encounter with a racket was a fly swatter.
As far as my coaching credentials go, well, it's a classic underdog story. I was once the guy who couldn't tell a pickleball paddle from a pizza peel, and now I'm proudly sporting the title of Master Teaching Professional from the IPTPA. If that doesn't give hope to all my fellow klutzes, I don't know what will!
My love for pickleball goes far beyond the court. I run the In2Pickle YouTube channel, which is a blend of pickleball tactics, bloopers (mostly mine), and heartfelt stories from players whose lives have been touched by the sport. If you're more into listening than watching, you can catch me chatting about everything pickleball-related on my Pickleball Therapy podcast. And if that isn't enough, I've also penned a book titled "Play Pickleball", where I share everything from basic rules to advanced strategies, and of course, anecdotes of my own hilarious mishaps.
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