Picking your very first pickleball paddle can feel intimidating. With many shapes, materials, and specs to consider, how on earth are you supposed to make a decision? Players new to the sport would want something light enough to swing with ease, 8oz max. Gentle enough on your joints as you learn the strokes, yet affordable enough in case your heart shifts as fast as your backhand. We've handpicked some of the best beginner paddles from our selection, keeping a balance of quality and performance in mind. Read ahead to learn how to choose a pickleball paddle for beginners.
What to Look For in a Beginner Paddle
What makes a paddle beginner-friendly in the first place? Here are some traits to look out for when picking out a paddle on your own:
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Lightweight: Beginners should aim for anywhere between 7 to 8 ounces. Lighter paddles are easier to control and won't tire you out as easily, reducing fatigue.
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Forgiving Sweet Spot: A larger sweet spot gives you more margin for error on those early mishits. This is crucial while you’re still finding your rhythm.
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Balanced or Slightly Head-Light: A paddle that’s well-balanced, or even a bit lighter at the tip, gives you quicker handling and less strain on your shoulder.
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Comfortable Grip: Grips sized around 4¼ inches are ideal for most hands. A grip that’s too big or small can lead to poor control or even injury over time.
- Affordability: A quality paddle can certainly improve your game, but until you develop more refined skills, you may not be able to fully utilize the best paddles for power and control. Cheaper paddles pose a lower barrier to entry while allowing burgeoning players to hone their abilities.
With those essentials in mind, let’s explore the best paddles for taking your first shots and building a solid foundation for improved play.
Top 7 Beginner Pickleball Paddles
Once you've begun playing pickleball more regularly, either recreationally or with the intent to compete, you'll want something more substantial than a cheap wooden paddle. These paddles combine quality with affordability to get you on the right track.
1. Selkirk SLK Nexus Pickleball Paddle
The Selkirk SLK Nexus is a standout beginner paddle that balances playability with an inviting, comfortable feel. Despite being a lightweight paddle weighing in at around 8oz, this paddle manages to pack a punch and have a generous sweet spot. You won't need superstar skills to start seeing early success on your path toward advanced play.
2. Gamma Fusion 2.0 Pickleball Paddle
What makes the Fusion 2.0 particularly beginner-friendly is its wide body shape, which expands both the hitting area as well as the sweet spot, making shots incredibly consistent. Its textured fiberglass surface makes it easy to hit with power and spin, so even beginners can feel like they're making advanced plays.
3. Holbrook Dune Pickleball Paddle
The Holbrook Dune is a standout option for beginners seeking a paddle that blends comfort and responsiveness. Weighing in at just 7.6 ounces, it offers a lightweight feel that helps new players swing freely without fatigue. Its fiberglass surface provides a durable, tactile response that adds both control and subtle power to each shot. Comfort is a priority here, too: the specialized grip is designed to fit securely in your hand and reduce slip, even during extended play. Thoughtfully balanced paddle dimensions make for a well-rounded design that's easy to use for any play style.
4. Engage Encore Pro V2.0 Pickleball Paddles
Engage's Encore Pro V2.0 series comes in a variety of vibrant colors that makes it easy to find the paddle that speaks out to you. Besides its stellar look, the Encore Pro V2.0 is designed with an innovative paddle shape that balances hitting power with control and spin. Thanks to the flexible fiberglass surface, hits feel softer to the touch without sacrificing performance. Encore Pro V2.0 models come in thicker 15.2mm models that have a softer touch with more control, while the thinner 12.7mm models are more flexible and give easier hitting power.
5. Onix React Graphite Pickleball Paddle
The React's signature Fusion Core technology adds a Nomex insert into the honeycomb core to enhance the sweet spot. Together with its wide hitting surface, the React pickleball paddle makes it so even beginners feel like they have full control over the court. Its graphite hitting surface has a soft touch while also providing exceptional hitting power.
6. Franklin Aspen Kern Centre Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle
You can get a taste of world-class performance with the Franklin Centre pickleball paddle. Its lightweight yet durable design makes it easy to handle while being able to stand up to rigorous play and practice. By using a carbon fiber surface, this paddle is capable of incredible spin potential. Carbon fiber is also the preferred surface material used by pros, so you'll get used to the feeling of hitting with a carbon paddle as you go from beginner to intermediate level.
7. Paddletek Phoenix G6 Pickleball Paddle
The Phoenix G6 is lightweight and has a balanced design to support all sorts of play styles. You can quickly maneuver it for quick exchanges while also having enough power to drive in a finishing shot. The vibration-dampening core does more than create a clean sound, it can minimize the impact on your arm and wrist to reduce the risk of injury.
Final Thoughts On the Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
Choosing the right paddle is the first step toward enjoying pickleball and building confidence on the court. Each of the paddles we’ve highlighted offers beginner-friendly features like lightweight construction, forgiving sweet spots, and solid durability without overwhelming your budget.
Whether you value control, power, or balance, there’s an option here to match your needs. Start with the paddle that feels most comfortable, and as your skills grow, you’ll be ready to explore more advanced gear - you’ll also have a better idea of what you need for your personal style of play.
Most importantly, remember that the right paddle makes the game more fun, and that’s what pickleball is all about.
