Newbies in pickleball will find buying paddles to be a hard errand to do at first. There are many paddles available, and it can be too overwhelming to choose one. In this guide, you’ll find the best pickleball paddles for beginners. I’ll show you what to consider when buying paddles and what models to look out for when purchasing. It ranges from budget, longevity, and style, so you have more choices.
Picking out pickleball paddles can help you grow more interest in the sport. It allows you to learn more about it and the necessary equipment to buy.
Some of you may find the paddles in the list familiar because you are using them already, or you’ve seen others use them. But if you plan on changing, this list will help you.
These paddles are specifically for beginners who have tight budgets for a casual pickleball game, have a little extra to spend, or want something that can last them long.
Also, please note that they are not the only paddles available out there. You can still find cheaper ones, but the quality will not be the same as this guide.
Pickleball Paddle Basics
For those who are new to pickleball, you can still be in the phase where you’re still deciding whether you enjoy this sport or not.
Or maybe, you like the sport, but you are not sure how much you’ll be playing it regularly.
It can be a reason as to why you are holding back on spending money on pickleball paddles. However, the budget will not be a fundamental problem here because most paddles are affordable.
Paddles have different materials, styles, sizes, shapes, and specifications, overwhelming newbies. But there are specific paddles to avoid because they may not work for you.
For example, paddles made of wood are not the best beginner option, but if you need a budget-friendly choice, it is your last card.
As for the shape, it is preferable to get a long and narrow paddle instead of a wide one. You can also add to the list of “no-no” s paddles that are too heavy or too light.
Lastly, paddles have a core where the ball directly bounces when it reaches the surface of the paddle. Therefore, it affects how the ball bounces, and the aluminum core is not the way to go.
Related Reading: Pickleball Rules – Check Them out Here
How To Choose The Best Pickleball Paddle
Over the years, pickleball has slowly become known to more countries and people. The growth in popularity also increased the demand for more paddles in the market.
Now that there are thousands of pickleball paddles to buy, players have a lot to go through to find the perfect one for them. It can be a little bothersome to look at one by these thousands of paddles, right?
So to cut the hassle and make it less confusing for you to find the perfect paddle match, this post will narrow down the things to look out for when buying a paddle.
Of course, other people’s review of the paddles is an essential factor to consider. If there is more positive feedback with inconsistent complaints, then it can be a good sign.
A customer’s feedback is not always the same because of experiences with a defect, courier, and other factors. A recurring complaint on a product is an indicator of an unworthy paddle.
Another thing to look at is the price, of course. Some paddles are cheap with decent quality, and there are expensive ones too.
People have different preferences and budgets because some are willing to invest more in a pickleball paddle. Meanwhile, some people want to pay reasonably-priced ones.
Lastly, paddles that have an aggregated score of at least 8.5 are green flags. It will help you have an excellent performance in the whole game.
Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners
Some of the best pickleball paddles are just out there at your local sports store. But if you want to make sure to buy before going out, you can check this list.
Many players had left detailed feedback and used these paddles during their games, so rest assured that it will be a comprehensive guide.
However, many things make a paddle fit for someone. What’s best for some may not be the best for you.
Therefore, choose which aligns with your style, comfort, and budget. Experiences from other customers will help you, but it’s all on you now.
HEAD Radical Elite
First on the list is an affordable yet excellent quality paddle from HEAD. Their Radical Elite paddle has a composite surface and polymer core. It’s one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
It also has around 225 grams which are not too heavy or too light in standard.
The grip provides a comfortable hold for your hand so you can swing and hit better. Naturally, you’ll have reasonable control over the ball with this kind of paddle.
The only bad thing about this paddle is that it doesn’t come with a paddle cover to protect your paddle when not playing.
Amazin Aces Signature Paddle
Another budget-friendly paddle is the Amazin Aces, with a polymer core and a graphite surface. It is a cheaper option compared to Radical Elite but has decent quality and inclusions.
It has a four and half inch grip width which is a considerably comfortable one. The paddle is easy to swing because of its 235-gram weight.
It offers an excellent price for a beginner because it comes with a paddle cover and an ebook. Also, the USA Pickleball Association approved the specifications of this paddle for tournament play.
However, some players noted that the Signature paddle might easily crack.
Onix Graphite Z5
If you are willing to pay more for a more quality paddle, your money will not waste with Onix Graphite Z5. It is a popular model that players like, and it shows in their ratings.
It has a fiberglass surface for the paddle while Nomex for the core. Nomex is not the best option for new players because it may be hard to control due to its bounce.
But nothing that practice can fix, right? Many people learn how to adapt well when using Onix Z5.
The paddle is great for powerful hits despite it being lightweight. You can gain control with your ball with its broad surface.
Also, the paddle grip is comfortable, as if reminding you of a tennis racquet handle.
However, the two things to be disadvantageous about this paddle are the core’s overwhelming power for newbies.
It also creates a loud popping sound whenever the ball hits it, which can be annoying for a quiet playing environment.
HEAD Radical Pro
Another offering from HEAD is their Radical Pro which has a fiberglass surface. Meanwhile, the core is a polymer that makes the whole paddle weigh around 230 grams.
It gives players a tremendous amount of power to hit the ball; therefore, you’ll get the best out of ball control with this one. Not to mention, it has an outstanding grip, so players can play like it’s a natural arm extension.
But for some players they find this paddle to have some minor quality issues. Still, many players find it to last longer than other paddles.
Selkirk Latitude
Selkirk will not disappoint you with its powerful pickleball paddle, one of the best in this price range. The Selkirk Latitude has a polymer core and composite surface, which gives a sweet spot on the paddle. It is one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
The paddle is responsive and durable, so you expect it to last for a long time. You can even do spins on your ball.
Some people may find the lightweight feature to be an advantage because it weighs almost 200 grams. But the grip is comfortable for the hands to do excellent swings.
Many players recommend Selkirk Latitude to be the best pickleball paddle for beginners at a reasonable price.
There is no critical comment about this paddle aside from the minor fact that it does not have a paddle cover when bought.
Selkirk Amped S2
Selkirk has another pickleball paddle to offer, but it is a little more expensive than the previous one. Selkirk Amped S2 uses fiberglass for the surface and a polymer core which explains the price.
The weight of this paddle ranges from 210 grams to 240 grams which is still a decent weight. It is not too heavy and not too light that allows players to control their hits better.
You can choose from two models that Amped S2 has so you can find which fits the best to your liking. You can go for the lighter one or the more standard one.
A notable feature from this pickleball paddle is the “sweet spot” that makes every hit powerful and more controlled.
Despite the paddle being thick, it is still light because of its unique technology. Since it has a broader surface, the handle is a little shorter than the regular ones.
However, there’s not a lot of players who complain about such features. The only concern here is the price because it is not one of your budget-friendly paddles.
Still, you’re getting your money’s worth with all these great features, so it is a win.
Engage Encore Pro
Beginners can go for this Engage Encore Pro paddle with a little more money to spend on a pickleball paddle. This paddle has a fiberglass surface and polymer core which is always a good combination.
It also has a good weight and a comfortable width that allows better hits and control to the ball. If you want to buy a paddle straightforwardly and you have the budget to do so, Engage is the first one to go.
Many pickleball players enjoy the ball control and the spins this paddle gives, making every game more fun.
However, for some beginner’s standards, it can be a little too powerful. It may take some time for people who find its power overwhelming to be familiar with it.
The con that this paddle has is not that consistent. Some people find this pickleball paddle heavy, but it is not a recurring complaint.
Related Reading: How to play pickleball – Read Here
Summary
These pickleball paddles in the list have unique features that players love about them. It can be difficult making a call when looking for the best pickleball paddles for beginners. Price-wise, Head Radical Elite is one of the cheapest ones that has an acceptable quality.
Meanwhile, for quality, Selkirk has one of the best offerings though they are not the most affordable one on the list.
Now there are more pickleball paddles in the market ever since pickleball rose to popularity. It is overwhelming for beginners, but hopefully, this article helped you decide the best starter paddle for you.
Players look at paddles as an extension of their hands, so choosing the best one is vital so you’ll feel at ease when playing.
Your style and experience are still different from other players, so it is up to you which of these paddles will fit your preferences.