Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

Pickleball is a sport that has fast gained popularity over the last few years. It’s a hybrid between ping pong, tennis, and racquetball. Pickleball uses slightly bigger paddles than ping pong. It’s, especially, important for beginners to be selective on the pickleball paddles they play with.

In this article, we have narrowed down on 5 of the best pickleball paddles. That will best work for you if you are a beginner, like me.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners-Top Picks

1) Niupipo Pickleball Paddles

If you are looking for an affordable alternative to introducing yourself to the game of pickleball, then this paddle will do you the favor. Besides being ideal for casual play, It’s USAPA approved and sanctioned for tournament play.

The paddle is made of a fiberglass face and Polypropylene-honeycomb composition. The Materials make it noticeably lighter, at the same time giving it an ideal level of strength and sturdiness.

Key Features

• Comes with 1 bag and 4 balls
• 4.25″ cushioned comfortable grip
• Graphite face & Polymer honeycomb core
• dimensions 15.5″ L x 7.87″ W x 0.5″ H
• Handle length 4.5″
• weighs 7.8 oz.

What we like

• The weight perfectly balances control and performance
• The package contains 2 paddles, 4 balls and a bag.
• Affordable price

2) GAMMA Sports 2.0 Pickleball Paddles

This paddle perfects the balance between a premium tool and a functional tool meant for beginners. Basically, this paddle can be used for all skill levels, yet it’s not overly expensive.

It has a wide body and features a proprietary honeycomb handle, that offers a firm grip when playing ball. The paddle also complies with all USAPA regulations.

Key Features

• Weighs 7.04 oz.
• Graphite frame & textured fiberglass hitting surface
• 4″ honeycomb comfortable grip
• Dimensions 15 5/8” L x 8-1/4″ W x 7/16” H
• Handle Length 5″

What we like

• Feels premium yet its affordable

What we dislike

• Comes with only 1 paddle and doesn’t include a bag

3) SLK by Selkirk Pickleball Paddles

This offers you a modern alternative as it’s built using the latest developments in paddle technology. These paddles come with a multilayer face using both graphite and fiberglass.

The paddle is neither light nor heavy and provides that perfect weight for a beginner. It comes in a set of 2 and includes 4 pickleball and a carry bag.

Key Features

• Graphite frame & fiberglass surface
• 4.25″ grip circumference
• 5.25″ handle length
• 15.67” L x 7.8W
• Weighs 7.05 oz.

What we like

• The paddle has a durable edge guard that protects its face from scraping on the court

4) Selkirk Amped Pickleball Paddle

If you intend to eventually grow your skills from a beginner to a pro. Well, you are better off starting with the right tools so you won’t have to upgrade later.

This paddle is slightly more priced than the others but it prepares you to be a pro. Sharpening your skills while giving you a slight edge in every game.

One characteristic that stands out is its slightly long handle, which makes it possible for 2 handed swings. It also comes in different variations and you get to choose; the length, width, and color depending on your preference

Key Features

• Dimensions 15.75” L x 8” W
• 5.25” Handle length
• 4.25” grip circumference
• Different weights from 7.2 to 8.4 oz.
• Fiberglass material.

What we like

• It comes with varying options to choose from.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners- Buying Guide

Some features play a key role while deciding which paddle to choose. Some of these features include;

1. Paddle material

Paddles are made of different materials, both on the surface and on the entire structure. Initial paddles were made largely from wood. But now we have the introduction of graphite, and composite materials like; fiberglass, and carbon fiber.

A paddle made from wood feels sturdy and is also cheaper compared to the rest. The sturdy characteristic makes it the most appropriate paddle if you want the power for your shots.

The graphite material is lightweight, durable, and provides the best response time of all. The drawback to paddles made from this material is that they are expensive. This material would be more suitable for an advanced player who is keener on their performance, for example in a tournament.

The composite materials provide a middle ground between the wooden and graphite materials. They are not overly expensive and can serve you for a considerable time.

Beginners can opt for pickleball paddles made either out of wood, or composite material. Since both are affordable and offer adequate performance.

2. Grip size

The paddle grip size can either make you love or hate the game of pickleball, especially when you are a beginner. Using a grip size that is too big will more than likely cause the paddle to slip out of your hand during play.

The grip size is measured using the circumference of the handle. Most paddles have circumferences ranging from 4” to 5” with 1/8” increments. It’s ideally recommended that the grip circumference of a paddle should be determined by the height of the player.

A shorter player of around 5’ 2” should opt for a smaller circumference of 4”. Whereas a slightly taller player ranging from 5’ 2” to 5’ 8” should use a slightly larger circumference of 4.25”. A player taller than 5’ 9” should go for a circumference of 4.5”.

The ideal grip size can also be determined using the distance from the middle of your palm to the nail end of the ring finger.

If you are still unsure about the grip to get for yourself. You should opt for the smaller one. This Is because we have over-grips that can be fitted over the handle to increase its circumference.

3. Weight

The weight of most paddles ranges from 5 to 14 oz. A paddle is considered heavy if it weighs more than 8.5 oz. while lighter ones weigh 7.5 oz. and under.

A lighter paddle enables more control and is suitable for a beginner. A heavier paddle, conversely, is able to drive the ball with more power. And should be used by someone with a better experience in playing pickleball.

4. Width

We have narrow elongated paddles, and paddles with a broader hitting surface.

A narrow-elongated surface provides for a better reach. Suitable for tackling far balls in competitions and tournaments While a broad surface increases the chances of hitting the target, especially for beginners.

 Final Thoughts

A game of pickleball plays a good part in socializing and is also a good source of cardio to help you stay fit. The game can be both fun and competitive.
A bad paddle, however, can discourage you. And you will fall out of love with the game at the very initial stage when you are still a beginner. Luckily you have this guide, and if you carefully go through it no discouragements will happen.

Check out the best affordable paddles you can get for under $100