The 10 Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners

Dianne Birtley

The Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners

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Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners Under $50

Amazin Aces

This Amazin’ Aces is a great starter paddle for beginners. The weight will work for most players whether playing a rec league or on the driveway. It’s even USAPA approved so you can enter your first tournament with it.

Buy if:

  • You want a paddle that will last
  • You’re on a budget
  • You want a USAPA approved paddle

Don’t Buy if:

  • You want a one time investment – you’ll grow out of this paddle fast
Amazon

Gamma Fusion 2.0

The Gamma Fusion has a textured surface that can help you improve ball spin and control, a feature you don’t typically get with a paddle in this price range.

Buy if:

  • If you like a midweight paddle
  • If you want some help with ball control and spin
  • If you have smaller hands – 4″ grip
  • You’re looking for good value for price

Don’t Buy if:

  • You have larger hands – you might find the grip small
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Upstreet

Upstreet makes a wide range of entry level paddles that will more than do the job for the casual player or someone who isn’t sure they will play long-term. This Upstreet holds it’s own and you can’t go wrong with the price point.

Buy if:

  • You’re okay with a heavier paddle
  • You want a paddle cover
  • You like having a 12 month warranty

Don’t Buy if:

  • If you are prone to shoulder or elbow injury – heavier paddle
  • You want to play in USAPA tournaments
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Rally Tyro 2

The Rally Tyro is one of the most lightweight paddles available and with a grip on the smaller end, it’s perfect for players with smaller hands, including kids. Those prone to tennis elbow might prefer this paddle.

Buy if:

  • You want a lightweight paddle – helping with ball control
  • Have smaller hands or prefer a small grip
  • You don’t want to pay a lot but want good value

Don’t Buy if:

  • You have larger hands
  • You like to hit 2- handed backhands
  • You want to play in USAPA tournaments

Amazon

Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners Over $50

SLK Selkirk Latitude

The SLK Selkirk paddle is durable, and consistent with the Selkirk PowerCore polymer core giving an amazing responsive “Sweet Spot” coverage. Plus, players like the ability to manage spin with the composite surface.

Buy if:

  • You want a lightweight paddle with good balance and power
  • You want a paddle with a decent sweet spot
  • You don’t want to break the bank

Don’t Buy if:

  • You’re an intermediate player – there are other paddles you’ll appreciate more
Amazon

HEAD Radical Elite

The Head Radical Elite is a staple in a long list of pickleball paddles available in the market. It’s a great option for beginners who want to start with a solid paddle that they can grow into. I give it a big thumbs up.

Buy if:

  • You’re okay paying a bit more than the cost of a true entry level paddle
  • A high quality, tried and tested paddle is what you’re looking to buy
  • You want a paddle that you can grow with

Don’t Buy if:

  • You’re an occasional player – check out one of the other paddles on this list

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Best Pickleball Sets for Beginners

Amazin’ Aces Pickleball Set

Amazin’ Aces is incredibly well known for making quality pickleball paddles for the beginner player. This Amazin’ Aces set is a great option for players just getting started – with a comfortable grip and weight – it’s a good option.

Buy if:

  • You’re looking for an affordable set
  • Good quality and value appeal to you
  • A mid-weight paddle and 4.5″ grip works for you
  • You want to play in USAPA tournaments

Don’t Buy if:

  • You’re looking for a paddle that will grow with your experience level – there are better options

Amazon

niupipo Pickleball Paddle Set

niupipo makes many different pickleball paddles for beginners and this set is a great example. Beginner players appreciate the price point and the quality. The weight of these paddles will work for most and the grip is comfortable.

Buy if:

  • You are on a tight budget. Can’t go wrong with this set
  • You’re looking for 2 paddles, balls, covers and a bag
  • You want quality, mid-weight starter paddles with a comfortable grip
  • You want to play in USAPA tournaments

Don’t Buy if:

  • You’re playing 2 – 3 times per week
  • You can afford to invest in a better quality paddle
Amazon

The Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners Under $100

Onix Z5

Players love the feel and power you get from playing with an Onix Z5 paddle. It’s fantastic quality and a paddle that has been seen on the courts for years. Players like the all-around feel and the power. Not a great option for players who have difficulty placing the ball – might send it flying…

Buy if:

  • You know you like the game and will play regularly
  • You can control the ball even when hitting with power
  • You like playing with a mid-weight paddle

Don’t Buy if:

  • If you’re a complete beginner. There are less expensive paddles
  • You’re still learning to control the ball
  • You’re playing near houses (some people complain about a loud pop with this paddle)
Amazon

Bison Rampage

The Bison Rampage is a very competitive price which means you’re getting a quality paddle, that looks good and is a fraction of the price of the bigger names. A slightly wider face and a carbon fiber surface that is great for putting spin on the ball.

Buy if:

  • You like a wider paddle face
  • You like a textured paddle surface for imparting spin
  • You want good ball control
  • You want to play in USAPA tournaments

Don’t Buy if:

  • If you’re an occasional player – there are decent paddles at a lower price point
Amazon

The Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners Over $100

These 2 paddles are not in the entry-level paddle price range but I included them for those players who are okay spending more than many beginner players.

Both these paddles are well-liked in the pickleball community with the Selkirk being on the much higher end.

Keep in mind that Selkirk technology is unique and stands out in a crowd so if you’re okay investing in a paddle, this is definitely worth close consideration.

Selkirk Epic Amped S2

Buy if:

  • You are the kind of person who loves to spend money whatever you buy
  • You want a quality paddle that will last you well into your playing career
  • The idea of a larger sweet spot appeals to you
  • You’re looking for a lighter weight paddle

Don’t Buy if:

  • No common, consistent complaint from players which is good given the price tag
Amazon

SLK Halo

The SLK Halo by Selkirk with the T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Face will help with control and putting spin on the ball. It’s manufactured for beginners, intermediate and experienced players. Definitely a paddle that looks good and will carry you as you progress your game.

Buy if:

  • You’re okay paying more for a paddle that will make you feel and look like a PPA player
  • You want a paddle with a longer handle. Tennis players who dig a 2 handed backhand will appreciate it.
  • A comfortable, padded, leather grip is what you’re looking for

Don’t Buy if:

  • If you don’t care whether you look like a professional
  • You’ll never use a 2 handed swing
  • You’ll only play on occasion – spend your money on a dinner out and less expensive paddle
Amazon

FAQs for The 10 Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

Is it important to have an edge guard on a pickleball paddle?

It is important to have an edge guard on a pickleball paddle to protect the edges of the paddle from chips, wear and tear.

Some paddles, such as the Gearbox pickleball paddles, don’t have an edge guard and the paddles are referred to as edgeless. The idea behind having an edgeless pickleball paddle is that pickleball players don’t need to worry about the ball bouncing off the edge guard and going in a direction that wasn’t intended.

What is better for a pickleball paddle surface graphite or composite?

A graphite pickleball paddle surface is better if you want a paddle that responds quickly to the pickleball. Graphite makes a very hard surface which means the ball doesn’t dip into it, instead it’s easier to direct the ball.

A composite paddle surface is better if you want a good, all-around paddle with a good combination of touch, feel and strength with usually a bit more power than carbon fiber or graphite. If you are a beginner pickleball player, who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money, we recommend a composite pickleball paddle.

Is carbon fiber or graphite better for pickleball?

Carbon fiber is better for pickleball paddles if you want a very durable and lightweight paddle. When on top of a honeycomb core, carbon fiber is strong and durable. It provides better control but sometimes loses a bit of power compared to other paddles.

Graphite provides a light and responsive surface and is less expensive and slightly less durable than carbon fiber. The carbon fiber surface is very stiff and makes it easier to place a ball.

What is a good pickleball paddle for beginners?

A good pickleball paddle for beginners is graphite or fiberglass, mid-weight (7.3 to 8.3 oz), is a standard paddle shape and not elongated or tear-drop shape.

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