If you're new to pickleball, chances are you're looking for the best beginner pickleball paddle to get started. With so many on the market, it's not easy choosing the pickleball paddle for you. That's why I created a list of the top paddles for beginners to help you.
Below you'll find a range of choices to suit different budgets and needs, from paddle sets to kids' paddles. Beginner paddles can be especially hit-or-miss, so I've personally tested each one on this list. Check out my top picks for beginner paddles in 2024:
Best beginner pickleball paddles at a glance
Best overall
Our Rating:
1. Friday Original
The Friday Original brings spin and power into your game, making you competitive right away. Make it a set with our 2-for-$98 offer, one of the best deals ever.
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The GoSports GS1 offers real value for beginners. It has good pop, and genuine spin, and is easy to control. It's simply the best paddle I've ever played in the $25 range.
If you'd prefer a more advanced paddle, go straight for the PIKKL Hurricane Pro. It's one of the best control paddles, gets crazy spin, and is super forgiving.
The beginner pickleball set from Selkirk, the SLK NEO 2.0 comes with all you need to get started: a durable pickleball bag, 2 quality paddles, and 4 pickleballs.
Before buying a paddle, it’s important to make sure it fits your game. That's why I created a 30-second quiz that recommends the best paddles for your play style and budget.
Give it a try and see if any of these beginner paddles make the list:
Find the perfect paddle
I've personally tested over 80 paddles. Take the quiz to see which ones fit your game best.
Why should you trust Pickleheads? I spend hours testing every product I recommend. Only the cream of the crop makes it onto my lists, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Learn more about how I test and review products.
After rigorous testing, I've put together deep dives on each beginner pickleball paddle on my list. Check them out:
with a carbon fiber, thermoformed build, this is the highest quality paddle ever offered at this price ($50 each with our exclusive offer).
You want a paddle set:
our exclusive 2-for-$98 deal gets you two of these high-performance beginner paddles so you can give one to a partner.
You want good power and spin:
start your pickleball journey off right, learning how to hit shots with decent power and spin.
Pass if:
You want a very forgiving paddle:
the Friday has a small-medium sweet spot. Try the PIKKL Hurricane Pro instead, the most forgiving paddle on my list.
Your budget is $25:
I'm impressed by the GoSports GS1, a $25 paddle that performs like a $50 paddle.
You want a full set:
while our deal with Friday gets you two paddles, the SLK NEO 2.0 includes paddles, balls, and a bag too.
Friday
Save $40 on 2 or more paddles with code PICKLEHEADS
Amazon
Paddle Weight
8.3 oz
Paddle Length
16.5"
Paddle Width
7.5"
Handle Length
5.5"
Grip Circumference
4.25"
Paddle Face Material
Carbon fiber
Core Material
Polypropylene honeycomb
Core Thickness
16 mm (0.63")
Sweet Spot
Small
The Friday Original is the best beginner paddle overall because its mix of power and spin will give you confidence early on, helping you advance quicker than a cheap Amazon paddle. Plus, our exclusive Friday deal gets you two of these paddles for $98, making it one of the best deals in pickleball.
At $50 each, there's never been a better starter paddle. This is a high-quality thermoformed carbon paddle that performs better than any $50 paddle I've tested so far.
Who it suits
I'd recommend the Friday Original to any beginners who want a pickleball paddle set so they can play with a friend or partner. While a single paddle is still great value at $69-99, you can get the most value if you get them in a pair.
This paddle is also for any new players who want to try adding spin and power to their game, as these are the Friday's best attributes. If you need a more forgiving paddle, check out the PIKKL Hurricane Pro.
Watch my first thoughts on the Friday Original:
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Features
This paddle is built like the famous JOOLA Ben Johns Hyperion but costs a fraction of the price. It seems too good to be true, but this really is a thermoformed carbon fiber paddle. The only difference is it's not raw Toray carbon like some more expensive paddles, but that's expected for the price.
I like the rock-solid specs here—the elongated shape with a curved top for a boost in speed, the heavier 8.3 oz weight for increased power, and the 16 mm core to balance control. I've never seen specs this good on any other $50 paddle.
Save $40 on 2 or more Friday paddles with code PICKLEHEADS
Design and feel
This has a really cool design, which I always like in a beginner paddle. I get a lot of compliments and interest from other players when I play with it.
While it feels heavier than most beginner paddles, that same heaviness gives you more power. Friday did a great job of balancing that with the curved hybrid-style top, which makes this paddle faster at the kitchen than you'd expect.
The tennis-style grip is comfortable and more premium than most paddles even under $100.
Power is the next best quality. When you combine it with spin, you'll soon be hitting hard topspin drives that give you the edge over other beginners. This will give you a lot of confidence as you progress.
The sweet spot is small-medium, so you'll have to get used to some mishits when you hit around the edges. I'm still calling this a solid all-court paddle, though. That's because the spin helps boost control, so your drops will be on point until you're ready to graduate to an intermediate pickleball paddle.
Value for money
This is simply the best paddle ever available for just $50 (when you use our 2-for-$98 deal). If you just want one paddle, though, you can often find it for as low as $70, which is still great value.
The Friday Original is the best beginner paddle of 2024 because its blend of power and spin (backed by good control and forgiveness) will help you progress quickly. You'll get the specs and performance of a paddle in the $100-150 range. With our exclusive 2-for-$98 deal, you're getting a beginner set to hit the courts with a friend right away.
Today’s best deals
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this is the best paddle I've played with in this low price range.
You want good forgiveness:
the 8" widebody face gives this a larger sweet spot than the Friday Original, making it very forgiving for newcomers.
You want a light paddle:
at just 7 oz, this is by far the lightest adult paddle on this list.
Pass if:
You're ready to invest more in your game:
if you have a $160 budget, the PIKKL Hurricane Pro is the best investment for beginners who are ready for a more advanced paddle.
You want a full set:
you'll prefer the SLK NEO 2.0 on this list (check out the two-paddle deal on the Friday too).
You're shopping for a kid's paddle:
check out the last paddle on this list, the Oneshot Juniorshot.
Amazon
Paddle Weight
7 oz
Paddle Length
15.75"
Paddle Width
8"
Handle Length
4.25"
Grip Circumference
4.25"
Paddle Face Material
Textured fiberglass
Core Material
Polymer honeycomb
Core Thickness
13 mm (0.51")
Sweet Spot
Large
If you're a new player who doesn't feel like spending $50 or more on a paddle just yet, you can't go wrong with the GoSports GS1. For just $25, you'll get a fast paddle with solid pop and spin to start you off on your pickleball adventure.
I can't believe how well this paddle plays given the price. I've been able to beat legit 4.0+ level players with it.
At this price, you'll find a lot of wooden and poor-quality paddles, but I was pleasantly surprised by the GS1. This one offers real value and is the only paddle I recommend in the $25 range.
Who it suits
If you want to spend the bare minimum to try out pickleball, I like this paddle for you. It plays way better than every other paddle I've tested in its price range. This means you can start to enjoy the game and grow your confidence before you're ready for a step-up paddle.
This is also a good choice for teenagers as it's really lightweight and has a short 4.25" handle, making it a nice transition from a youth paddle.
Try the GoSports GS1 & see how far budget paddles have come
Features
At just 7 oz, this is a really lightweight paddle. It's quick and maneuverable at the kitchen. The 13 mm honeycomb core and fiberglass face get decent pop while still playing soft on your control game.
The 8" paddle face width gives you plenty of playing surface, so it's nice and forgiving for beginners, minimizing mishits as you get a feel for the game.
As I said above, the handle length is really short (just 4.25"). You definitely won't be trying any two-handed shots with this, but most beginners won't be ready yet for that anyway.
Watch my initial thoughts on the GoSports GS1:
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Design and feel
The design is fairly standard, but that's what you'd expect from a $25 paddle. What's more important is that it's got a comfy grip and a good feel to it. It doesn't have the stiff wooden feel of so many cheap Amazon paddles, which is one of the reasons it stands out for me.
Performance
The first thing I noticed with the GoSports GS1 was its spin. I've never had spin from a paddle this cheap, but the GS1 can generate real topspin. This will let you swing harder and still control your shots.
Next, I like the GS1 for its speed. It's a whole 0.5 oz lighter than the next lightest adult paddle on this list, the SLK NEO 2.0. This will help you to build confidence in your reaction time and make you competitive at the kitchen.
Lastly, the paddle has a satisfying pop. The 13 mm core will help you start trying power shots, but take enough pace off the ball so you don't lose control.
Value for money
If you're eager to get on the courts but not ready to spend a lot of money, this is my top choice for you. It's the standout of any paddle I've tried in this price range, playing way better than almost all budget Amazon offerings.
My verdict
The GoSports GS1 shows how far paddle manufacturing has come in the last couple of years. I remember when budget Amazon paddles were literally made of wood! Now, you get much more for $25 with the GS1. This is a true quality paddle that's fast at the net, has solid pop, and can generate real spin.
An awesome control paddle with next-level spin and a huge sweet spot.
8/10
Power
10/10
Control
10/10
Spin
9.5/10
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You're ready for a more advanced paddle:
while this is more of an intermediate paddle, it's so forgiving that it suits beginners who want the very best.
You want a thermoformed paddle:
this gives you the strength of a thermoformed paddle without it being overwhelming—it's super plush and soft.
You have a $160 budget:
though it's the most expensive on the list, this is a great investment if you want your paddle to stay with you through to intermediate level.
Pass if:
You want a great deal:
the Friday Original 2-for-$98 deal is one of the best values a beginner can find.
You want the best paddle set:
the SLK NEO 2.0 is a longtime favorite of mine, and still the best pickleball paddle set for new players.
You want a cheap pickleball paddle:
if you just need a single paddle, the GoSports GS1 is top value at just $25.
PIKKL
Save 15% with code PICKLEHEADS
Amazon
Paddle Weight
7.76 oz (14 mm) / 7.94 oz (16 mm)
Paddle Length
16"
Paddle Width
8"
Handle Length
5.5"
Grip Circumference
4.12"
Paddle Face Material
T700 raw carbon
Core Material
Polypropylene honeycomb
Core Thickness
14 mm or 16 mm (0.55" or 0.63")
Sweet Spot
Extra-large
The PIKKL Hurricane Pro might be one of the best intermediate paddles for control but I can see plenty of beginners loving it too. This is for any newcomers who want to hit the ground running with a high-performance paddle, but with all the forgiveness you'll need when starting out.
All that forgiveness comes from having one of the most generous sweet spots I've ever seen. As a result, it doesn't have a ton of power, so many beginners will be able to handle it.
Who it suits
If you want to skip a traditional entry-level paddle and see what a thermoformed raw carbon paddle is like, I'm recommending the PIKKL Hurricane Pro. It's soft, controlled, and forgiving so it's way more user-friendly than the majority of thermoformed paddles.
If you get this early in your pickleball career, you can save the cost of a step-up paddle when you graduate to intermediate level. It's even used by one of the top pros in the game, Hurricane Tyra Black.
Watch my first thoughts on the PIKKL Hurricane Pro:
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Features
The most innovative tech here is PIKKL's unique "pro skin". With other paddles, when the grit on the surface wears down, spin starts to weaken and you either have to put up with it or buy a new paddle.
With PIKKL paddles, you instead peel off the paddle face (or "skin") and apply a new one that costs $19.99. This is super interesting tech that could save you a lot of money but I haven't used my paddle long enough to test it out.
Besides that, you're getting a paddle built with top specs like high-quality T700 raw carbon for spin. Plus, the foam-injected walls extend the sweet spot, making this one of the most forgiving paddles I've ever tested.
Design and feel
This is a widebody paddle with standard dimensions (16 x 8"), though the handle is longer than normal for this paddle shape. It's more like an elongated handle at 5.5". I also really like the curved top. This is more typical of hybrid paddles and it helps boost the Hurricane Pro's speed.
The grip is comfortable. The overall feel is super plush with none of the stiffness you usually find on a thermoformed paddle.
When it comes to the looks, there are some options for customization. You can jazz up the run-of-the-mill black carbon style by choosing a blue, green, pink, or red edge guard.
Performance
This is one of the most forgiving paddles ever made with a huge sweet spot that makes mishits so rare. It's also one of the best control paddles. Straight out of the box, I can hit shots with pinpoint accuracy.
If you're curious about spin, this is a rare paddle that matches some of the best spin paddles while still being soft enough for a beginner. It's got as much power as the Friday Original too, and it's the fastest, most aerodynamic paddle on this list.
Once you get the hang of it, I can see you winning a lot more games with the Hurricane over a budget paddle.
Value for money
At $159.99, the PIKKL Hurricane Pro will be out of reach for some beginner players. If you're willing to invest, though, you could advance your game a lot quicker with this paddle.
You're getting a long-lasting paddle that's built with some of the best paddle specs. Plus, the unique "pro skin" tech means you can replace the grit when it wears down (instead of replacing your paddle), saving you money in the long run. All in all, this is 100% worth it if you have the budget.
My verdict
The PIKKL Hurricane Pro is one of the only pickleball paddles used by a pro (Hurricane Tyra Black) that also suits some beginners. A lot of new players nowadays would rather start their pickleball journey with the best paddles on the market. If that's you, the Hurricane Pro is my top choice because it's plush, forgiving, and controlled but still packs a punch and has crazy spin generation. At $159.99, it's cheaper than its $200+ rivals.
The best starter set for newbies from an elite brand
6/10
Power
7/10
Control
6/10
Spin
9/10
Forgiveness
Buy if:
You want the best pickleball set:
there are a ton of cheap sets you can buy, but if you want the best of the best, I'd recommend this one.
You want a brand you can trust:
this is made at the renowned Selkirk Labs, so you can trust the quality and customer service.
You're shopping for pickleball gifts:
this is my favorite beginner pick in my list of the best pickleball gifts in 2024.
Pass if:
You don't need a bag and balls:
check out the Friday Original—you can choose to buy one or get a deal on two paddles.
You want a cheaper paddle:
you'll prefer the GoSports GS1, which costs just $25.
You want more spin and power:
check out the PIKKL Hurricane Pro, the most advanced paddle for beginners.
Amazon
Paddle Weight
7.5 oz
Paddle Length
15.6"
Paddle Width
7.8"
Handle Length
5.25"
Grip Circumference
4.25"
Paddle Face Material
Blend of fiberglass and graphite
Core Material
Polymer honeycomb
Core Thickness
13 mm
Sweet Spot
Large
Carry Bag
Durable SLK carry bag
Balls
Four indoor/outdoor balls
If you're a beginner who wants a full pickleball set, this is my top pick for you. The SLK NEO 2.0 bundle is one of the best deals in pickleball.
You'll get two paddles, four high-quality pickleball balls, and a pickleball bag. These are all made by Selkirk, one of the best and most innovative manufacturers in pickleball.
Who it suits
This is for anyone who wants the full toolkit to start playing pickleball and actually enjoying it too. Since the paddles are actually good, you'll grow in confidence and start learning a lot about the game.
If you're shopping for pickleball gifts for someone, this is also a smart choice. It's miles better than the cheap sets you can find on Amazon in my opinion.
See what makes the SLK NEO 2.0 the best set on the market
Features
The paddle face is a composite of fiberglass and graphite, so you can expect some decent power. The honeycomb core also helps to reduce vibrations. The large sweet spot makes it really forgiving, which will give you confidence starting out.
I really like the Selkirk ultra-comfort grip on these paddles too. Just because it's a budget paddle doesn't mean you have to settle for sweaty, uncomfortable hands. It feels like a way more expensive grip and it's managed to withstand the Arizona heat with no problems.
Design and feel
These paddles look great for their price. Like the Friday Original, they stand out from other budget offerings. You have two color choices: one green and one purple paddle, or one blue and one red paddle.
The feel of these paddles surprised me too. They're quick in hand battles but solid and durable.
They understandably don't feel as premium as Selkirk's expensive paddles like the Selkirk LUXX or the VANGUARD Power Air Invikta. That said, it's clear they were made with way better tech, materials, and R&D than their competitors in this price range.
Performance
The best attribute of these paddles is their forgiveness. The large sweet spot means mishits are really rare, which is important for many beginners. It has a touch of spin, which will excite a lot of newcomers, and good power and control.
All in all, you're getting a nicely balanced set of paddles that rival some of the best beginner paddles on the market.
Value for money
I still think this set from Selkirk is one of the best bargains in the game. For $80, you get two top-quality paddles from one of the top brands in pickleball, as well as four pickleball balls, and a good-quality pickleball bag. Most other sets can't compete with this.
My verdict
Still tried and true, the SLK NEO 2.0 keeps its place as the best pickleball set for beginners. With this, you and a friend can hit the courts ready to play a competitive game. It will give you plenty of forgiveness, good power, control, and spin, and a feel for what premium paddles are like.
with short handles, super-fun designs, and low swing weights, this is thoughtfully designed for youngsters.
You're shopping for a toddler or a kid:
the toddler size suits players under 8 years, while the kid's size is for under 12s.
You want good value:
considering the superior construction and performance, I think this is very fairly priced at $45.
Pass if:
You're not a kid:
these are youth paddles, so adults should check out any of the paddles above.
Your child is over 12:
teenagers are probably ready for an adult-sized paddle, like the GoSports GS1 with its short handle and low weight.
You want a full pickleball set:
the SLK NEO 2.0 on this list is my favorite paddle set for beginners.
Oneshot Pickleball
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Pickleball Central
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Amazon
Paddle Weight
5.3 oz (toddler) / 6 oz (kids)
Paddle Length
12.4" (toddler) / 14.8" (kids)
Paddle Width
6.9" (toddler) / 7.4" (kids)
Handle Length
3.5" (toddler) / 3.9" (kids)
Grip Circumference
3.5" (toddler) / 4" (kids)
Paddle Face Material
Fiberglass
Core Material
Polypropylene honeycomb
Core Thickness
10 mm (0.39")
Sweet Spot
Large
The Oneshot Juniorshot is just one of many paddles for kids, competing with companies like JOOLA, GAMMA, and ONIX. Personally, though, this one stands out to me. For one, it comes in two sizes, with a paddle for kids under 8—something I've yet to see from other manufacturers.
It's made from top materials and the specs are thoughtfully adapted to kids of all ages. I also think kids will love the patterns and designs of this paddle. This is so important for making them want to get out on the court and interested in the sport.
Who it suits
What I love about this paddle is that the brand took younger kids into consideration. You can choose a "toddler" paddle for kids under the age of 8, and I've even heard of a 2-year-old who plays with it.
Then there's the "kids" size for players aged 8-12. The grip sizes and weights are different to suit these different ages.
Try the Juniorshot Series & see why it's the favorite of so many young pickleheads
Features
A lot of thought went into making this paddle. The toddler version (under 8s) is 12.4" long, weighs 5.3 oz, and has a 3.5" grip circumference. The kids' version (under 12s) is 14.8" long, weighs 6 oz, and has a 4" grip.
These are well-built, sturdy paddles that are way better than cheap Amazon offerings in my opinion. The face is fiberglass and the core is polypropylene honeycomb. This will help starters get a real feel for the game.
Design and feel
The designs created by Oneshot are so cool, and I think kids will love them. There's a Jurassic dinosaur model, as well as space, ocean, and classic themes.
The feel is sturdy but light, giving kids a taste of what a premium adult paddle will feel like.
Performance
The Juniorshot focuses on the things that will help new young players get used to the game. Control and forgiveness are the best attributes, which will help them build confidence on the court.
There's a nice little pop off the fiberglass face too, which I think will excite young players. There's no spin but I didn't expect there to be. For now, it's about learning how to play pickleball, and these light paddles, with comfortable short handles for small hands, do that right.
Value for money
You can always buy a cheap kids' paddle on Amazon for around $20, and that's totally fine. However, if you want the young player in your life to fall in love with the game, you'll have much more success with the Juniorshot.
I think $45 is a great price for a paddle that was built with young players in mind.
My verdict
With fun designs, thoughtful specs for kids, two choices of size, and solid performance, the Oneshot Juniorshot paddles stand out from other youth paddles. It's my top pick for young starter pickleheads.
Today’s best deals
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How we picked the best pickleball paddles for beginners
To decide my list, I focused on everything we need from a paddle as beginners. I'll go into a lot more detail about how to choose the right paddle later, but for now, here are some of the top criteria I used when choosing my list:
Durability: a beginner paddle should withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
Price: there's no need to break the bank on your first paddle. Once you advance, you can treat yourself to something pricier.
Usability: as a beginner, you need a reliable all-round paddle that'll help you to advance your skills.
Comfort: I don't want anyone getting blisters—comfort is just as important as performance.
Brandon Mackie with the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash pickleball paddle
How to choose the best beginner paddle
When choosing the perfect paddle to set out on your pickleball career, there are several factors to consider:
Weight
The general guide is that lightweight paddles are best for beginners because they offer better control. Heavier paddles require more strength but provide more power.
Lighter paddles allow you to learn the skills and techniques you need more quickly—skills you'll need to know before you start thinking about generating maximum power from your shots.
Pickleball paddles can be loosely classified into three weight categories:
Lightweight: 7.6 oz and under
Midweight: 7.6-8.2 oz
Heavyweight: 8.2 oz and over
You'll notice that my list focuses a lot on paddles that fall into the light and middle-weight categories, as these are most suited to beginners.
Grip circumference
After weight, the next thing to consider is grip circumference. The right grip circumference for your needs is determined both by your hand size and personal preference.
Here's a quick test to find your approximate grip size:
1. Open your paddle hand face up and find the three creases in your palm. Now get a ruler and measure from the tip of your ring finger straight down to the middle crease. This figure is the circumference of your pickleball grip (around 4-5").
2. Once you have this figure, try a grip of this size. You should also try a quarter inch on each side of it to see which one feels the most comfortable.
Brandon Mackie demonstrates how to grip the Vatic Pro PRISM Flash pickleball paddle
Handle length
The handle length of pickleball paddles ranges from around 4.5-5.5". If you have big hands, go for a longer handle. People coming to pickleball from tennis also tend to prefer a longer handle.
A long handle can provide more leverage and therefore power. This can make it more difficult to maneuver, especially for beginners. However, if you tend to hit two-handed backhands, the extra length is certainly useful.
Materials used in paddle construction
Modern paddles use a range of high-tech materials in their construction. The descriptions of each—with the variations in core materials and neck reinforcements—can be hard to understand. However, beginners don't need to worry too much about this just yet.
Nearly all modern paddles use a honeycomb-shaped design in the core of the paddle, surrounded by a frame. These are usually made from some type of plastic composite, sometimes combining fiberglass, carbon fiber, and/or graphite.
All of these materials are used because they are lightweight and super strong.
Durability
When you're investing in your first pickleball paddle, you want something that'll stand up to the wear and tear of plenty of practice.
Paddles manufactured poorly, or made with cheap materials, can quickly fall apart—sometimes in a matter of months.
All the paddles on my list are well-rated for durability but be sure to read reviews for any mention of paddles falling apart shortly after purchase.
Design/style
Finally, choose a paddle that you like the look of, and that suits your style. There are so many color options out there to choose from. Pickleball embraces colorful and wacky looks, so don't hold back!
Brandon Mackie with the Friday Originals
Do expensive pickleball paddles make a difference?
As a beginner, there's no need to spend a fortune on your pickleball paddle. There are lots of affordable, quality paddle options that will do everything you need and more.
For now, though, you need to get out there and put in the hours! Just like any other sport, the equipment matters, but it's the player that makes the biggest difference.
What's the difference between fiberglass & graphite pickleball paddles?
Since wooden paddles were replaced with super-light modern materials, the majority of paddle makers use carbon fiber, fiberglass, or graphite for their paddle faces. Each material has its pros and cons, and it can be hard to choose which performs better on the courts.
Fiberglass, sometimes listed as "composite", is generally cheaper. It's also very flexible, meaning that when it hits the ball, there's a tiny amount of give on the paddle face. This allows for more "feel" of the ball, while the flex transfers more pop and power to your shot than a graphite paddle.
Graphite is a lighter material than fiberglass and is more expensive. On a paddle face, a wafer-thin layer of graphite is all that's needed to provide a super-rigid surface. This stiffness provides more of a ricochet effect than fiberglass, which transfers to more accurate direction and ball placement.
How do pickleball paddles affect your game?
As a beginner, you may wonder whether your paddle actually makes a difference to your performance on the court. The short answer is yes.
To efficiently advance your game and develop your pickleball skills, it's important to have a strong, lightweight paddle that performs well on the court. That doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune—all the paddles on my list fulfill those criteria.
Remember: the paddle doesn't make the player, and a paddle is no substitute for lots of practice and court time—no matter how fancy it is.
Bottom line
That's it for my list of the best pickleball paddles for beginners in 2024. My top choice this year is the Friday Original because of its value and performance.
There are other great options too, depending on what you need. To recap, here are my top five beginner paddles again:
In this new update, I've added the PIKKL Hurricane Pro as the "most forgiving" (a brand new category). While I'd usually call this an intermediate paddle, I'm also recommending it to beginners because of how forgiving it is.
At $159.99 (or $136 with our 15% discount), the Hurricane Pro is the most expensive paddle on my list. However, it's worth the investment if you want to skip ahead to a more advanced paddle.
FAQs
Pickleball paddles come in various shapes, but there are no size options unless you pick a junior paddle for children. Grip size and weight are the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing a paddle.
Open your hand and find the three creases in your palm. Measure from the tip of your ring finger to the middle crease. This figure will be the perfect circumference for your pickleball grip (between 4 and 5 inches).
Beginners are generally those with a rating of 1.0 to 3.5, who have a basic understanding of the rules and can hit simple shots. An intermediate player can sustain rallies and hit a mix of shots, and has a rating of 3.5 to 4.5.
Choosing your paddle weight is all down to your strength, personal preference, and whether you suffer from strain injuries.
13 mm is the thickness of the paddle's core. 16 mm is a thick core, 10 mm is considered a thin core, and 13 mm is about average for a modern paddle.
Brandon is an avid writer and co-founder of Pickleheads™. Once a competitive tennis player, Brandon can now be found these days honing his dinks on pickleball courts near Phoenix, Arizona.
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