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It may seem simple, but choosing your pickleball paddle is no laughing matter! Just walk into any sporting goods store; you’ll quickly see what we mean. There are hundreds of paddles to choose from, and many are proudly labeled as “beginner pickleball paddles.” However, packaging can be deceiving.

What to Look for When Choosing a Beginner Pickleball Paddle

Generally, the best beginner pickleball paddles should perform well without costing an arm and a leg. You want something durable and functional, of course, but you don’t want the financial commitment of an expensive paddle.

For many beginners, the perfect paddle will be:

• Comfortable: An uncomfortable grip circumference is more than an inconvenience; it’s a liability! You’ll feel the awkwardness full-force when you reach to hit those tricky shots. Avoid injuries by choosing a paddle that’s suitable for your grip. If you can’t find one out of the box, you can always order slip-on grips.
• Cost-Effective: Many beginners still don’t know if pickleball is “their thing.” Springing for a high-end paddle from the start can put excessive pressure on newcomers. Instead, purchase a “starter” paddle. You can always upgrade later.
• Durable: Not all paddles are made equal. A beginner paddle should be durable enough to withstand faults and unconventional strikes. Most beginner pickleball paddles achieve this through composite construction, although you’ll find a few splendid wooden beginner paddles.
• Midweight: Lighter paddles require more force to produce more power, while heavier paddles send balls flying with even a slight touch. Master the basics first! Choose a midweight paddle to get a feel for the “average” pickleball hit.
• Practical: A “sweet spot” is any portion of the paddle face that returns a clean, solid hit. Beginner paddles should have large sweet spots. Otherwise, you’ll quickly grow frustrated with your inaccurate pop-offs. Both the traditional shape and widebody paddles offer sizable sweet spots.

So, with that in mind, let’s dig into Pickle Goddesses’ top four pickleball paddles for beginners!

1. The Best Budget-Friendly Beginner Paddle

Few can beat the affordability of this Paddle Sound® set, which costs just $35.99. Buyers get two paddles, a carrying case, a towel, and four balls — but our focus is on the paddle.

It’s an all-around comfortable, durable, and forgiving paddle. Its graphite paddle face offers solid, reliable ball hits, while its polypropylene core provides a comfortable grip. Moreover, its shape gives the Paddle Sound® pickleball paddle a huge sweet spot!

Much of its impressive control comes from its construction. Graphite paddle faces offer more control than more rigid picks. Overall, graphite faces are known for their “soft” feel. The material deforms with the ball, giving you a split second to better control your return. Conversely, harder materials — such as fiberglass — will rapidly repel the ball, giving you a more powerful but less nuanced play style.

What to Know

Aside from its eye-catching design, the Paddle Sound® pickleball paddle is a great fit for all playing styles. Both hard-hitting offensive players and strategic dinkers will be pleased with their purchase. These paddles will accompany you for many years on your pickleball journey!

• Price: $35.99
• Style: Widebody
• Grip Circumference: 4.3 inches (10.9 centimeters)
• Grip Length: 4.8 inches (12.2 centimeters)
• Paddle Length: 15.7 inches (39.9 centimeters)
• Paddle Width: 7.8 inches (19.8 centimeters)
• Weight: 7.9 ounces

2. The High-Performance Pickleball Paddle

Few can say a $100 price tag is “cheap,” but the Vatic Pro® Prism Flash paddle is well worth the price.

The proprietary manufacturing process produces paddles with more control and less brawn. And we can’t overlook that sleek design! The Vatic® Pro Prism Flash is the best paddle for anyone down bad with the pickleball bug. However, its steep price makes it a tough choice for newcomers.

So, what makes it so special?

The Vatic® Pro Prism Flash is a through-and-through carbon fiber pickleball paddle. Unlike its competitors, this paddle uses a solid molding production process, eschewing the traditional “sandwiched” design. Its graphite face leads directly to its reinforced grip, giving it more power and less recoil.

What to Know

It may seem expensive now, but this graphite paddle is a happy medium between high-end paddles and beginner-friendly choices. A comparable option — say, for instance, the PaddleTek® Tempest Wave — is double the price! Overall, the Vatic® Pro Prism Flash is a splendid paddle for anyone willing to spend a bit more on the hobby.

• Price: $99.99
• Style: Standard
• Grip Circumference: 4.1 inches (10.5 centimeters)
• Grip Length: 5.3 inches (13.5 centimeters)
• Paddle Length: 16.3 inches (41.4 centimeters)
• Paddle Width: 7.7 inches (19.6 centimeters)
• Weight: 8 ounces

3. The Best Pickleball Paddle for Balanced Playing Styles

Starting at $64.99, the PCKL® Launch series paddles are literally designed for beginner players. One of these will have a classic polymer core and plenty of heft for a midweight paddle. You’ll also look super stylish.

The paddle is somewhere between a traditional shape and an elongated design, which, when paired with its thicker core, gives it that trademarked forgiveness. At the same time, the fiberglass face offers a quick and confident experience, quickly training your agility and reaction times.

Notably, the price is variable. While the listed price is $64.99, the PICKL® Launch series paddles frequently go on sale for $40 or less!

What to Know

Anyone looking for a quicker way to boost their skills should consider a PICKL® Launch series paddle. These durable paddles are the perfect balance of performance and cost, and the design on their paddle face is timeless.

• Price: $64.99
• Style: Standard/Elongated
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches (10.8 centimeters)
• Grip Length: 5 inches (12.7 centimeters)
• Paddle Length: 16 inches (40.6 centimeters)
• Paddle Width: 8 inches (20.3 centimeters)
• Weight: 7.9 ounces

4. The Most Stylish Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle

If you want something other than a carbon fiber face, consider the Recess Pickleball® paddle!

Now, at $84.99, it’s not the cheapest option on our list. Moreover, its fiberglass face may make it a more challenging pick for a beginner paddle. However, its stylish design and reasonable pricepoint have secured it a spot on our list.

The Recess Pickleball® paddle offers a rapid, powerful experience without the expense of many high-end pickleball paddles. Its fiberglass face is adorned with gorgeous, professional-grade designs, while the grip circumference is wrapped with a sweat-proof foam cushion. The shape resembles a traditional pickleball paddle, giving beginner players a sizable sweet spot.

What to Know

Like most beginner paddles, the Recess Pickleball® paddle uses a polymer honeycomb core. Its fiberglass face favors power and agility over slow, strategic play. That emphasis on speed may be its weakness, but it’s a powerful asset for anyone favoring rapid playing styles.

• Price: $84.99+
• Style: Traditional shape
• Grip Circumference: 4.25 inches (10.8 centimeters)
• Paddle Length: 15.7 inches (39.8 centimeters)
• Paddle Width: 7.8 inches (19.8 centimeters)
• Weight: 7.5 ounces

The Best Way to Find Your Perfect Pickleball Paddle

The tricky thing about pickleball paddles is that everyone has a “perfect” match, and no two players will have the same preferences. Ultimately, the right paddle will fit your needs, not someone else’s.

Everyone has a different weight class preference. Some people like a hard-hitting, heavier paddle; others want light paddles. Try different paddles before committing to your “perfect” pick.

Many pickleball clubs are happy to offer newcomers loaner equipment for a small fee. Try these paddles and ask about their specifications. After a few games, you’ll find what paddles you prefer.

Find the Best Beginner Pickleball Paddles (And More)

Regardless of your choice, you’ll probably form a bond with your first pickleball paddle. That’s okay! We all have a soft spot for our beginner picks, but there’s always room to grow. Eventually, you’ll surpass that “junior” paddle and need something heftier.

When that time comes, turn to Pickle Goddesses for help! We have comprehensive guides for your pickleball needs. And our expertise doesn’t stop at paddles. We also know about the best pickleball balls and shoes. You’ll even find guides to strategic thinking and play.

So, go ahead! Share this post to help your friends find their perfect paddle. Then, check back in for regular updates on pickleball!