TOP 6 Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners in 2023

Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners – Quick Comparison

Product image	Product name	Editor's Rating	Price
	Franklin Sports Pro Pickleball Paddle Amazon Users' Rating : 8.6Check Price	8.6	Check Price
	GAMMA Sports 2.0 Pickleball Paddles Amazon Users' Rating : 8.5Check Price	8.5	Check Price
	Niupipo Graphite Pickleball Paddle Amazon Users' Rating : 8.4Check Price	8.4	Check Price
	SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles Amazon Users' Rating : 8.4Check Price	8.4	Check Price
	Amazin' Aces Graphite Pickleball Paddle Amazon Users' Rating : 8.3Check Price	8.3	Check Price
	ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle Amazon Users' Rating : 8.2Check Price	8.2	Check Price

Pickleball Paddle Buyer’s Guide for Beginners

If you’re reading this article, then we assume that you are a beginner who doesn’t have a lot of knowledge about pickleball.

Therefore you might also not have any knowledge about the paddles. Whenever we purchase something, we always check the required specifications and information about that item.

For example, if you are purchasing a laptop, you will read all of the required specs. This helps you to purchase the best laptop in the market. The case of pickleball paddles is similar to this.

Therefore we have created a complete buying guide for you that will help you purchase the best paddle. In this guide, we have included the weight, material, and grip sizes of the paddle.

By keeping these factors in mind, read the ultimate list of the best pickleball paddles and find the best one for yourself!

Weight of Pickleball Paddle

When choosing your pickleball paddle, we consider many factors. For example, weight is an important factor for us as it will affect the way we play.

Paddles can be light or heavy depending on the player’s preference. For example, if you are someone who wants to play for a long time, you may prefer heavier paddles because they are more durable and less prone to breakage than lighter ones.

Similarly, as a beginner, you would want to use a light paddle while as an advanced player, you might use something heavier such as one made from wood or graphite material.

The weight of a pickleball paddle is surprisingly very low. The national regulatory authorities of Pickleball have imposed the rule of having the pickleball between .78 ounces and .935 ounces.

However, they haven’t recommended an ideal weight for the paddles. Therefore you must choose the weight of the paddle according to the size of the ball. We also advise you to keep other facts such as your physique, game level, etc in mind.

Categorization of Weight

There are three main categories of weight when it comes to the pickleball paddle. These are;

• Lightweight Paddles

The lightweight paddles have a weight range below 7 or 7.5 ounces. This is a perfect pickleball paddle for you if you are new to the game or just want to get better at it.

Most of these are made of an ultra-lightweight, high-strength polymer that is easy to grip and provides optimum power and control.

These paddles are favorite as they feature a smaller grip size for those with smaller hands, as well as a wider paddle head for better ball control.

• Midweight Paddles

The weight of these paddles lies between 7.5 to 8.5 ounces. The weight of this paddle also makes it easier for players to get an extra edge over their opponents by giving them more momentum when they swing the paddle.

Since the Midweight paddles come between the lightweight and heavyweight. Therefore these pieces of equipment are the best for beginners who want both; control over the ball and power on the paddle.

All in all, the Midweight Pickleball Paddle is designed for you if you want to play with more power and speed. It has a thicker blade than most other paddles on the market, which allows it to hit the ball harder.

• Heavyweight Paddles

Any paddle that weighs more than 8.5 ounces comes under the umbrella of the heavyweight paddles. These paddles require a lot of skill and strength to use.

The heavyweight paddles also require us to have extra strength. We have to strike the ball strongly with the paddle which gives them more power.

So, heavyweight paddles are not the best option for beginners or for those who don’t have physical strength.

Why Does the Weight of Pickleball Paddle Matter?

The weight of the pickleball paddle is considered an important factor when buying a paddle for beginners. It can change how much you enjoy the game.

As a beginner, if you choose a heavier paddle for yourself, you’ll find it difficult to enjoy the game. With the heavy paddle, you would be focused on hitting the ball as it requires a large strength.

The paddle with a large weight will be heavier on your arm and will make it harder for you to keep up with your opponent. A light paddle, on the other hand, will be easier for a beginner to handle but can cause wrist strain if used for too long.

Also, every player has a different physique and different build of the body. Therefore people with more strength will find it easy to use heavier paddles.

Material of the Pickleball Paddles

There are various types of pickleball paddles in the market. These paddles are composed of different materials.

Difference Between Graphite and Fiberglass Paddles

The most common materials used to make the pickleball paddle are graphite, fiberglass, etc. The paddles made with fiberglass give more power and strength.

The fiberglass paddle gives more power to the ball when it strikes the surface. This helps us to return the ball safely to the opponent. It also helps to win the point easily.

On the other hand, the paddle made with graphite gives more control to the player. Graphite is a very light material so it is mostly used for lightweight or midweight paddles.

Which Materials Are Commonly Used to Make Pickleball Paddle Surfaces?

The surface of the paddle is mostly made with carbon fibers or graphite. Since you’re a beginner, the best paddle surface for you is one that’s made with fiberglass or graphite.

What is the Core of a Pickleball Paddle?

The core is the middle layer of the paddle which is sandwiched between two faces. It is also one of the most important factors when it comes to buying the paddle. Core determines the speed, power, and spin of each shot.

For beginners, it’s often best to start with a lighter paddle core made from a softer material. This will allow them to practice their strokes and control the speed of their shots. As you become more advanced, it would be easy to upgrade to a paddle with a denser core made from harder materials.

This will give more power and spin to the shots. It’s important to keep in mind that the core of your pickleball paddle can also affect its weight, so be sure to choose one that is comfortable to use. With the right paddle core, you’ll be able to make the most of your pickleball game.

• Read more: “Top 10 Best Pickleball Paddle For Spin 2023 | Buying Guide include”

What Material is Used to Make the Core of the Paddle?

The core of a pickleball paddle is typically made of Nomex, polymer, aluminum, or wood.

The most common core material used in pickleball paddles today is a honeycomb composite that is made up of a combination of foam and polymer material.

This type of core is lightweight, durable, and provides good power and control for beginners and experienced players alike. The foam and polymer materials also help to absorb vibration and impact, providing a softer feel when the ball is struck with the paddle.

Other materials such as graphite, aluminum, and wood can also be used to make the core of a pickleball paddle, but due to the cost, weight, and performance, these materials are less commonly used today.

What is the Best Option for a Beginner: Thin or Thick Core?

When it comes to pickleball paddles, the core is one of the most important factors to consider. A thick core is generally more durable, while a thin core is more lightweight and offers better control.

But for you who’s a beginner, what is the best option? The truth is that the best option will depend on your choices. If you’re looking for maximum control, a thin core is the way to go.

The lighter weight will help you move the paddle around quickly. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a durable paddle, a thicker core is the way to go.

To summarize, it’s your choice to decide which core type is best for your needs. Whichever option you choose, always make sure to pick a pickleball paddle with a quality core material. That way, you can be sure your paddle will last for years to come!

Grip Sizes of the Pickleball Paddle

Grip size is an important factor to consider when choosing a pickleball paddle. A grip size that is too large or too small can lead to muscle soreness and poor control, so it’s important to find the right fit.

If you’re just starting, you should look for a pickleball paddle with a standard grip size. This will give you more control over the paddle and allow you to place shots more accurately.

For more advanced players, a smaller grip size is recommended. This helps give them a more powerful stroke. However, it is better to experiment with different grip sizes.

Ultimately, the best grip size is the one that allows you to play the game at the highest level of comfort and performance. All in all, you can optimize your game and improve your pickleball skills with a good grip size

How to Measure Your Grip Size?

To find the best paddle for yourself, you must measure your grip size. Follow these steps to do that;

• The first step is to measure your hand size. You can do this by either using a ruler or printing out a grip size chart and measuring it against your hand.
• Once you have your hand size, you can determine the right grip size for your pickleball paddle. The size guidelines are usually mentioned on the paddles.

What Grip Size is Suitable for Beginners?

For beginners, it’s best to start with a standard-sized grip. This is usually the most comfortable and gives you the best control over the paddle. However, it is better to find your grip size first. As you progress, you can experiment with other grip sizes to find out what works best.

It’s also a good idea to try different paddles with different grip sizes to find the one that feels the most comfortable. If you’re still unsure, don’t be afraid to seek advice from a more experienced player or a coach.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to find the grip size that works best for you, so don’t be afraid to experiment. With the right grip size, you’ll have the confidence and control you need to improve your game skills as a beginner!

Edge Guard

Edge Guard is wrapped around the paddle’s face. An edge guard is usually made of plastic or rubber. This prevents the face of the paddle from wearing out and also protects it in the long term.

6 Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

You might have searched for the best pickleball paddles for beginners on a search engine. But you might have received dozens of paddles and every company is claiming that theirs is the best.

So keep in mind all of the factors that we mentioned earlier and find the best pickleball paddle to get started.

Many beginners like to start with this basic pickleball set, it’s a perfect starter pack for beginners since the price is very affordable. This is a lightweight paddle so it’s easy to grip, and the paddle speed fits a beginner. Some say that this is the best paddle for tennis players who are starting to play pickleball.

Major Features

Here are some of the features because of which we added the Niupipo’s paddle to our list.

• The size is 8 ounces so it’s neither too heavy nor too lightweight.
• Transitioning from the tennis paddle to this paddle would be easy due to its similarity with the tennis racquet.

Approved by the USAPA (US Pickleball Association), this paddle is one of the best options for beginners. Let’s start with the grip.

The grip of the paddle by Niupipo is comfortable to hold as it has a standard size. The grip is cushioned so the player doesn’t get any wrist fatigue. Also, the grip has perforations so it is sweat-absorbent as well.

The core i.e. the interior part of this paddle is the honeycomb core. Therefore the core provides optimum control and strength to the paddle.

Graphite carbon fiber is used to make the surface of the Niupipo paddle which also gives it extra strength.

These paddles come in different sets, but the most popular one has four paddles and balls. However, you can purchase a single paddle of Niupipo as well.

PROS	CONS
✔️ It’s an economical paddle as it doesn’t cost much. ✔️ The paddle has a good size for beginners.	❌ The build quality of the Nuipipo’s paddle is not the best. ❌ The bag that comes with this paddle is made with cheap quality.

My Rating the Niupipo Paddle

• Control: 7.8/10
• Power: 7,0/10
• Spin: 8.0/10
• Forgiveness: 8.5/10
• Light Weight: 9.6/10
• For Beginners: 9.6/10
• Overall: 8.4

So far this one is of good quality, with a reasonable price paddle after the sale. The paddle is light and the “pop” sound when hitting the ball is unique, some might love it.

Useful Features

They are the most useful features of the Gamma 2.0 paddle according to our understanding;

• The Gamma 2.0 is approved by the US Association of Pickleball.
• It is a middleweight paddle with fiberglass built so it’s good for both beginners and intermediates.

The Gamma 2.0 paddle is approved by the USAPA, which means it is made according to the standards of the pickleball authorities. Therefore the players can also use it in tournaments.

The weight of this paddle is only 8 ounces so it is easy for the starters to use this piece of equipment. The grip is 4 inches in circumference and is sweat absorbent.

PROS	CONS
✔️ Have a low weight so it’s good for the beginner and for those who have a background in tennis. ✔️ The handle has an extra cushion so it can be held comfortably.	❌ This paddle makes clunk sounds when the ball hits it, which can be annoying for some people. ❌ The ball doesn’t bounce off easily from the Gamma 2.0 paddle.

My Rating the Gamma 2.0 Paddle

• Control: 7.8/10
• Power: 8.5/10
• Spin: 8.0/10
• Forgiveness: 8.5/10
• Light Weight: 9.2/10
• For Beginners: 9.0/10
• Overall: 8.5/10

This paddle might not have a ‘fancy look’ but it is perfect for beginners. The set is a big win in price since you can get 2 paddles and 4 balls for the price of one more expensive paddle. An excellent value for a beginner.

Major Features

These are the prominent features of the Selkirk’s paddle;

• Does not cost a lot and also has an optimum weight.
• The multilayer face technology is used in this paddle which makes it strong.

The paddle of Selkirk weighs only 0.7 ounces and is very lightweight. Therefore it is a good option for the starters as the heavyweight paddles may give them soreness in the arms.

The multilayer face technology is used to make the Selkirk Pickleball Paddles. Fiberglass and graphite are used as the core materials.

Also, the grip has a cushioned surface so it won’t cause fatigue to the player. The set comes with two paddles, four balls, and a bag.

PROS	CONS
✔️ The grip is very comfortable so it’s easy to handle this paddle as a beginner. ✔️ It is lightweight but has enough weight to give the required strength to the shot.=	❌ The build quality of the Selkirk paddles feels cheap. ❌ The sweet spot is also not the best here.

My Rating the Selkirk Paddle

• Control: 7.0/10
• Power: 8.5/10
• Spin: 8.0/10
• Forgiveness: 8.0/10
• Light Weight: 9.4/10
• For Beginners: 9.2/10
• Overall: 8.4/10

The paddle is very durable and has a nice sweet spot. It hits hard with good control. However, it might be heavier than the stats said so you will need more strength to master this baby. One thing I love about this paddle is it has low noise and the vibration is minimal.

Major Features

These are the salient features of the Amazin’ Aces paddle;

• It is light in weight and the handle is also comfortable so it is a perfect option for beginners.
• The designs on this paddle make it fun and vibrant.

The paddle of Amazin’ Aces store is also proven by the United States Pickleball Association. The core is made of honeycomb polymer so this paddle has strength and durability.

The face of the paddle is made of graphite material. The size is 8.1 ounces which means it is a light to midweight paddle which is best for beginners.

PROS	CONS
✔️ Lightweight, but has good quality. ✔️ The customer support team of Amazin’ Aces is supportive and responsive.	❌ This paddle requires the player to strike harder, which can be tiring for beginners. ❌ Product damage is very common in the shipping process of these paddles.

My Rating the Amazin’ Paddle

• Control: 7.5/10
• Power: 7.5/10
• Spin: 7.7/10
• Forgiveness: 8.0/10
• Light Weight: 9.6/10
• For beginners: 9.6/10
• Overall: 8.3/10

After testing it several times, the first thing I want to say about it is “WOW! that’s a large sweet spot” and for that, you will have more control over your ball direction. The ‘pop’ when hitting is loud, some might like it, and some might not. If your hand is not firm enough, the vibration could be a problem. For me, I wear a glove when trying this paddle, it does help a lot.

Major Features

Here are some salient features that stand out in the crowd.

• This paddle has been used for four weeks to six months by different players and everyone was happy with its durability.
• This paddle will not only help you in your beginner era but will also be beneficial in the intermediate stages.

ONIX is a well-known brand among the pickleball community, so their paddle had to be a part of this list. Other than that, the Onix Z5 Graphite Pickleball Paddle is also approved by the USAPA so it is also eligible to use in the tournaments.

Beginners are usually recommended to purchase a standard-sized paddle so that they can easily control it. The paddles of ONIX weigh 7.5-8.2 pounds so they are ideal for the starters.

The handle of this paddle is protected by an edge guard and is quite similar to the tennis racket. Therefore it will provide a good spin to the ball.

PROS	CONS
✔️ The size of the paddle is 7.5-8.2, therefore, it is a great option for beginners. ✔️ Although it doesn’t cost a lot, It gives a feeling of high-end paddles.	❌ The material of grip is made with low-quality material. ❌ The tape on this paddle comes off very easily.

My Rating the ONIX Paddle

• Control: 8.0/10
• Power: 7.0/10
• Spin: 7.5/10
• Forgiveness: 9.0/10
• For Beginners: 8.8/10
• Light Weight: 9.0/10
• Overall: 8.2/10

Although this paddle is not 100% for beginners but it would be a great upgrade since most beginners love it compared to their cheap paddles. The Paddle is great for a spin. However, the grit doesn’t last long so keep in mind this information to consider your choice.

Major Features

These are some of the useful features of Franklin’s paddle:

• The weight of Franklin’s paddle comes between 7.5 ounces the 8 ounces, which is perfect for a starter.
• Approved by the USAPA.

Let’s start with the core of the Franklin Sports paddle, which is made of polypropylene. Another layer of fiberglass is used in the core to add more control.

The name Franklin Sports is not new to pickleball players because of their high quality. These paddles are also made with premium quality but have a small size.

PROS	CONS
✔️ Lightweight, comfortable grip and long handle make this paddle famous among beginners. ✔️ Best for the occasional or recreational games.	❌ It is not made for the pros at all as it is very lightweight. Therefore the pro players would have to spend a lot of energy hitting the balls. ❌ The build quality feels cheap.

My Rating the Franklin’s Paddle

• Control: 8.5/10
• Power: 8/10
• Spin: 9/10
• Forgiveness: 9/10
• Light Weight: 8.8/10
• For beginners: 8.2/10
• Overall: 8.6

Lastly‌

We hope that you could find the best pickleball paddle for yourself and get started. Every company tries to add different features to their paddles to make them unique.

But as a beginner, you must purchase the one that has the optimum weight, core, and grip size. We congratulate you for starting this new journey and hope that you’ll love this game. Happy Pickleballing!

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