For a beginner, it can be a challenge finding the best pickleball paddle.
These are available in different grip sizes, weights, and appearances.
Perhaps you’d want to try all in the stores, which can be tedious.
Here, we’ve made it easier for you to decide the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
Keep reading.
Table of Contents
Best Pickleball Paddle for Beginners In 2021
The Amazin’ Aces brand is popular in the provision of high-quality pickleball essentials. It’s not surprising that their pickleball paddle is one of the best there is on the market.
This outstanding paddle is a mix of quality, with the face consisting of premium graphite and the core durable honeycomb-polymer.
For the price, the classic option performs exceptionally.
You’ll get power, speed, and control all in one package.
The face delivers an excellent pop, whereas the handle gives a soft touch that is comfortable on your hands.
This bat features a guard that protects your hands when doing some ground hits. Further, the handle offers a firm grip even when doing powerful shots.
Thus you don’t have to worry about slippages.
One more reason why we choose this classic paddle is the eBook that has essential tips on how to use the paddle.
- A high-quality paddle that will give value for money
- Well balanced for optimum performance
- Excellent handle for a perfect grip
- Protective guard
- Some users don’t like the shape of the handle
- A bit heavy
If you’re a first-timer, then you’d want something that will last long so that you won’t need to upgrade soon.
The Apollo pickleball paddle is just what you need for your pickleball practice session.
Many things propelled this paddle to among our favorite choices.
First off, it features a lightweight design for maximum control.
This ensures there’s a perfect balance to give you better control, movement, and power.
The handle is not only comfortable to play with but also offers good gripping to minimize the chances of slipping.
The honeycomb core and the granite face offer a durable surface for a firm and accurate punch.
Further, the bonding to the honeycomb consists of a premium construction for durability and superior performance.
In the package, there’s everything to get started. Other than the paddle, you’ll also find two pickleball balls, a cover, and a PDF guide for beginners.
- Well-balanced
- Better construction for durability and performance
- Has an easy to read and understand PDF guide
- The handle has a comfortable grip
- Lightweight design
- The exterior coating cracks easily
You can’t go wrong by picking Upstreet paddle since the company is renowned for the supply of durable products.
The first thing that you’ll note is the elegant color and the Upstreet logo, which shows creativity in design.
Underneath all the beauty of this paddle are unique features that enhance its performance.
Pickleball players with tiny hands have a problem finding a comfortable paddle that’s neither too bulky nor too heavy.
However, you can find solace in the Upstreet pickleball paddle.
Although the Upstreet is a little heavier than other options, we feel the weight is manageable at 14.1 ounces.
For a beginner, the additional weight will give you more power when practicing at your backcourt.
The core material is durable honeycomb, and for the price, it’ll give you a better value in terms of quietness.
While the handle feels soft on your hand, obviously, it’s an upgrade of the wooden paddles and offers a perfect grip.
- Lightweight design
- High-quality materials
- Classy appeal
- Great grip
- It is not approved for play in most tournaments.
- Not ultra-weight
Unlike the Upstreet racket, the Selkirk Sport is approved for playing in USAPA tournaments. You can be sure that this paddle will elevate your game to the next level.
You will love the appearance of the Selkirk paddle.
It’s an elegant racket featuring red and blue vinyl graphics for a splendid appeal.
The polymer core consists of durable material for the power needed to achieve consistent and excellent performance.
It also features an edgesentry-guard, which offers extra protection, thus enhancing your confidence levels.
Likewise, the grip size measurement is 4.125 inches, which is comfortable and gentle on your hands.
When it comes to weight, this paddle weighs 7.9 oz.
When you compare to the Upstreet, you’ll note that it weighs less, which is ideal for both beginners and intermediary players.
- Perfect grip
- Well-balanced
- High-quality materials for durability
- Lightweight design
- Elegantly colors
- Reasonably priced
- There are no varieties for outdoor balls
If you’re a player transitioning from playing tennis to pickleball, you’ll be happy practicing with Element Pickleball paddle.
For the price, this paddle outperforms other options within the same price range.
The Element Pickleball Paddle is a good value, and as a newbie, you’ll be satisfied with its playability.
The grips are comfortable while the paddle feels more solid and responsive.
We highly recommend it for its lightweight, toughness, and maneuverability.
Indeed, the grip has an overall measurement of 4.25 inches for the circumference.
It’s ideal, especially if you have small hands.
This racket weighs only 7.6 ounces and is what you need to kick start your pickleball game.
The polymer core is made to last, and this gives you more power and excellent control. Without a doubt you can put more spins on your balls effortlessly.
- Excellent and comfortable grip
- Durable core
- Reasonable price
- Extremely lightweight
- It doesn’t have a smooth touch
- Has a tape for protection instead of rubber edge-guard
Quite often, pickleball players worry about swinging the paddle really hard due to low power.
You can choose the Paddeltek Pickleball Paddle, which differs significantly over most options when it comes to power and control.
In fact, it has been approved for competitive leagues.
The gripe size has a measurement of 5.25 inches and a circumference of 4.25 inches.
It’s a little heavier with a maximum weight of 7.9 ounces.
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For this reason, we highly recommend it for players with big hands.
You’ll love the feel of this paddle, which is well balanced for better control. The core is made of high-quality materials and will give you value as you venture into playing pickleball.
- High-quality core that will last long
- Approved for tournament
- Well balanced for optimal performance
- Good grip
- A little heavier
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The PickleballCentral Pickleball Paddle is a cut above most paddles on the market. The first thing you’ll note is that this paddle’s graphics are a bit calm.
If you like keeping things simple, then this is an excellent pick.
The polymer core is a bit thicker for better control and an impactful yet quiet shot at the ball.
The pickleball feels lighter at 6.7 ounces and is well balanced to deliver powerful shots.
The honeycomb core consists of durable material for maximum performance.
Besides, the edge-guard protects the paddle, thereby enhancing durability.
The grip size is universal at 4 inches and a circumference of 5 inches.
This size is suitable for both small and large hands. Therefore, this allows for wrist action and over grips.
- A thicker polymer core for better shots
- Well balanced
- Durable honeycomb
- Grip size for everybody
- Lightweight design
- Appealing
- Not suitable for tournament
GAMMA Sports is a high-performance paddle and a better alternative to plastic or wood options.
It’s crafted from high-quality materials similar to those used to make pricey paddles. With this paddle, you’ll get a better grip and enhanced ball control.
Further, you’ll not miss the hits since the GAMMA technology increases the hit area by 30%. We highly recommend this for beginners and intermediaries.
Fortunately, even experts can test their skills using this incredible racket.
The face features elegant highly-textured fiberglass, and on the sides, the edge guard offers maximum protection.
The honeycomb core is consists of durable construction that offers more in terms of power and control.
The grip size has an overall dimension of 4 inches and is soft with absorbent characteristics. This keeps your hands dry and comfortable.
Finally, we highly recommend the GAMMA since it’s approved for ASAPA tournaments.
- Durable honeycomb core and fiberglass face
- Perfect grip size
- Has edge guard protection
- Lightweight
- The racket is smaller than most others on the market.
Having the best racket for your pickleball sessions can make a difference. It’s important to pick the best paddle that’s best suited for your skill and style.
Coming from a reputable company, the Upstreet Graphite is our best pick that will enhance your game.
This lightweight yet incredible paddle strikes a balance between power and touch.
The graphite face offers a highly responsive touch, whereas the honeycomb gives you more power and control.
The grips size boosts your comfort during the game, and the material absorbs all moisture hence stopping slippages.
Lastly, you can use the Upstreet paddle for tournaments since USAPA sanctions it.
- An award-winning brand
- Highly responsive
- Comfortable grip
- Sanctioned for tournaments
- Lightweight
- Paint on the surface flakes pretty fast
The good thing about the Amazin’ Aces is that everything comes in a package. Therefore, you don’t need to make a return trip to the sports store to buy more essentials.
Additionally, there’s a free e-book for beginners, with useful tips to get you started.
It doesn’t cost much, and for the price, you get two pickleball paddles, four balls, and a carry bag.
All praises and accolades go to the Amazin Ace products in terms of durability and performance.
The materials are top-notch, more so the graphite face and the honeycomb core. The grip is impressive for a comfortable feel, even during a sweaty session.
- Comfortable handle for a perfect grip
- Superior quality materials for the core and face
- Reasonable price
- Free e-book with tips
- Slightly heavier especially for women players
Pickleball Paddle for Beginners: Things to Keep in Mind
When buying a pickleball paddle, three things should be in your mind. These are; power, control, and grip.
These should form the basis of your selection of the best pickleball paddle.
There are useful features that ensure maximum performance.
Here, we shall explore each to make your selection easier.
How To Choose A Pickleball Paddle For A Beginner
Price
Our beginners’ choices are reasonably priced. The reason being when starting, you wouldn’t want to spend too much.
However, that’s not to mean that favorable prices undermine the quality.
On the contrary, we’ve carefully selected the best brands, such as Upstreet, Amazin’ Ace, and Gamma that have won many hearts globally.
The best paddle should be reasonably evaluated so that it doesn’t hurt your budget but also give you value for money.
Some mid-priced paddles are also a worthy consideration. These are ideal if you’d like to take your game to the next level.
But if you’re not sure if you’d like to play for the long haul, then budget options are ideal.
Material
When shopping, you need to consider the material used in construction. Traditional paddles were made of wood, and these were not user-friendly.
With advancements in technology, modern paddles are made of graphite, carbon fiber, and fiberglass or composite.
Carbon fiber is strong and has more ball control. However, you’ll lose some bits of strength. Fiberglass is also common, has a lot of pop but not very strong.
We highly recommend graphite models since they’re light, have more pop, or and offer excellent ball control.
However, they cost more than their wooden counterparts.
You’ll also need to consider the core. Pickleball paddles construction consists of the face and the core. The main materials for the core are aluminum, Nomex, or polymer honeycomb.
The polymer is the most preferred since the cells are larger and are softer. Therefore, it holds pretty well, is quieter, and has more power.
When it comes to controlling the bat, Nomex and Aluminum perform better.
Purpose
Your style, skill, and purpose matter a lot when choosing the best pickleball. If you are transitioning, then chances are you’re a pickleball beginner but not a novice per se.
You’ll need a good paddle that will ensure a smooth switch.
Weight
The weight of a paddle affects your performance at the court. A heavy paddle will give you more power and enhances your shots. More so, the long drives and serves.
You can easily control a lighter paddle, and this allows you to maneuver.
Since weight greatly affects the overall performance of your game, the handles should be comfortable on your hand.
A beginner will find it easier to play with a lighter racket. From our review, most paddles are mid-weight at around 7.9 ounces.
We choose medium weights for beginners since it’s too early to settle your preferences. Nonetheless, these give you a lot of power and control.
Heavy pickleball paddles are for expert players since they provide power and strength though they’re hard to control.
Notably, heavy paddles require more strength, and these can cause elbow pain. These are suitable for single practice and light hitting.
Grip Size
When it comes to size, the best thing is to try a few until you get the best grip size. However, when shopping online, you may not have the luxury to test.
When choosing a pickleball paddle, consider a perfect size that will fit on your hand. If you’re not sure about the size, consider a smaller grip.
From our review, most paddles have an overall measurement of between 4 to 5 inches for the circumference.
A large grip is likely to slip from your palm and cause injury. A smaller grip is more versatile in terms of wrist action.
In return, it’s more stable, and you can easily control the paddle.
Normally, the grip size goes hand in hand with your height. For short players, four-inch grip size is ideal. For tall players, consider grips sizes above 4.5 inches.
If you are transitioning from table tennis, you’ll discover that the paddles are not as thick. And if you’re used to badminton paddles, the pickleball paddles are a bit thick.
Hitting Area
Does the hitting area matter? Yes. For a beginner, it’s crucial to consider the size of the hitting area.
A wider area makes it easier to hit and minimizes your miss hits. Expert players will go for a small hitting area.
The good thing is that the market for pickleball paddle is saturated with different varieties. Hence it’s easier to choose the best shape depending on your skill level.
Protective Edge Guard
Most of the paddles that we’ve reviewed have an edge guard that forms as a protective barrier. It greatly enhances durability, and the paddle gives you value for money.
Accessories
When shopping, it’s important to consider other accessories that come with the set or the package.
Most of the products have a cover; carry bag, e-book, and balls to get you on the right foot.
FAQs Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
What Is the Best Weight for A Pickleball Paddle?
Pickleball paddles come in different dimensions and weights. A light paddle is easier to control than a heavy one. As a beginner, consider a lighter option.
However, there are different sizes available for different players and skill levels.
The low weights are below 7.3 ounces, mid-weights between 7.3- 8.4 ounces, whereas heavyweights weigh between 8.5 to 9.5 ounces.
When using light paddles, you don’t need a lot of strength; nevertheless, they can generate a lot of speed. They are ideal if you’re hitting hard and suitable for a double play.
Medium weights are ideal for beginners since they strike a balance between power and control.
Heavy paddles are for players who’d like more power. Usually, they don’t allow for much control hence suitable for single play and practice.
Which Is Better Graphite or Composite Pickleball Paddle?
Pickleball players are usually at a crossroads deciding on whether to choose a composite or graphite paddle. Ideally, the best pickleball will depend on your skill level.
Composite paddles consist of polyester and Nomex. These enhance the texture and make the paddle smooth, soft and are quieter on every hit. Besides, they are lightweight.
The composite paddles are lighter than the graphite paddles. These are ideal for beginners since you can control and maintain balance.
The only problem is that they limit you to achieving optimum strength.
On the other hand, the material used in the construction of graphite paddles makes it extremely light yet very rigid.
Overall, the graphite paddles have more balance and are well built with the exterior meeting the needs of many players.
The lightweight of graphite paddle enhances balance while the rigidity allows for the dispersion of strength on the paddle and hand.
Since the surface is hard, you’ll not likely lose velocity. Due to this characteristic, this makes the graphite paddle the most preferred by players.
However, they are not easier to control, and beginners often lose their balance.
Should You Add Lead Tape to Your Pickleball Paddle?
A lead tape adds power to the paddle, improves balance, ensures stability, and minimizes the vibration.
However, since they usually add weight to the paddle, this makes the paddle hard to control. A lead tape may reduce the swiftness of the paddle.
When Should I Replace My Pickleball Paddle?
A premium pickleball paddle can last up to one year. However, it can last for a few months, depending on your usage.
A beginner’s paddle is less likely to wear out fast as compared to an expert’s paddle. The best time to replace it when you notice signs of wear and the paddle has less power.
How Do You Apply Lead Tape to A Pickleball Paddle?
You’ll need a strip of lead adhesive tape. A quarter-inch lead tape adds approximately 0.25gms.
Clean the edge guard first using a cotton ball swabbed in alcohol. Peel the wax paper at the rear side.
Apply gently to the edges of the edge guard. Add extra strips until you attain the best feel and power.
Finish by covering the lead tape with electric tape to minimize reflection on the surface of the paddle and keep the tape in place.
The electrical tape shouldn’t extend more than 0.5 inches beyond the edge guard.
How to Clean My Pickleball Paddle?
It’s essential to keep in mind that too much cleaning can damage your paddle. You need a clean towel and water.
Damp the towel and skim the paddle to remove the dirt. Finally, run a dry towel over the paddle to get rid of the water.
Conclusion
Evidently, the best pickleball paddle for beginners is a lightweight one, with more power, and easier to control.
With the different brands available on the market, your selection should revolve around the three essential criteria.
Price aside, the product you choose should be well balanced, give you value, and, most importantly, elevate your skills.
