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VettedGear
Cam Vigliotta Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
If you’re stepping onto a pickleball court for the first time, the best pickleball paddles for beginners will make it easy to master the basics. With a large, forgiving sweet spot and lighter weight, they prioritize control and comfort, allowing you to return volleys, place shots and quickly gain confidence. We evaluated a series of beginner pickleball paddles before naming the On Holiday Classic Paddle the best overall for its comfortable, sweat-resistant grip and fiberglass face that balances power and control. It was one of five beginner pickleball paddles to make the final cut.
I pored over specs, looked through reviews and relied on first-hand experience to identify the best pickleball paddles for beginners. No matter how invested you are in America’s fastest growing sport, this guide has an entry-level paddle for you.
Best Pickleball Paddle For Beginners Overall: On Holiday Classic Paddle
Best Budget Pickleball Paddle For Beginners: Amazin' Aces Bainbridge Paddle
Best Upgrade Pickleball Paddle For Beginners: Vatic Pro Prism Flash Paddle
Most Stylish Pickleball Paddle For Beginners : Hudef Viva Pro Paddle
Best Pickleball Paddle Set For Beginners: Selkirk Prime Max Pickleball Bundle
Best Pickleball Paddle For Beginners Overall
A Forgiving Paddle That Makes It Easy To Control Shots
If you’re looking to enjoy your time on the court and master the basics, look no further than the On Holiday Classic Paddle. It’s built with a durable fiberglass face to boost durability and a sturdy honeycomb core that makes it easier to control and place shots before focusing on sheer power.
An edge guard around the face of the paddle helps protect it against scrapes or scuffs, and the brown grip tape—a staple found on all of On Holiday’s paddles—prevents sweaty hands from dropping the paddle during intense volleys. Weighing eight ounces, it sits in a sweet spot between lighter paddles that promote control and heavier paddles that offer power. After you’ve spent a few weeks learning how to accurately place shots, you’ll have the opportunity to hit with more force before upgrading to a better paddle.
Best Budget Pickleball Paddle For Beginners
A Rimless Paddle With A Larger Sweet Spot
If you’ve never played pickleball and want to pick up a paddle without spending a lot on a new hobby, the Amazin’ Aces Bainbridge Paddle is a good place to start. Its rimless design offers better control thanks to a larger sweet spot, allowing for precise shots without stray bounces, although it comes with a slight trade-off in edge durability.
Weighing just seven ounces, it combines a graphite- and fiberglass-blended face with a lightweight aluminum honeycomb core, delivering a balance of power and control. And its quality construction includes a cushy grip to offer comfort during long sessions of play. To find a paddle with such beginner-friendly qualities for less than $50 is rare, and the sticker price makes it that much easier to enjoy a new sport without the commitment.
Best Upgrade Pickleball Paddle For Beginners
A Raw Carbon Paddle That Balances Power And Control
Having played with the Vatic Pro Prism Flash before, I can say it's a game-changer if you’re ready to upgrade to a nicer carbon paddle after mastering the basics with cheaper paddles. With its foam edge walls, it offers remarkable ease in resetting, shot placement and finishing. Vatic goes so far as to add polyurethane inserts to enhance shock absorption and feel, striking a great balance between power and control.
With a broader face and therefore a bigger sweet spot, the Prism Flash provides controlled power even on mish*ts. It's also USAPA approved and, thanks to its use of raw carbon fiber, it’s lightweight yet durable. According to Vatic, the cold-moulding approach that shapes the paddle makes it more sensitive to control and touch, which is essential for beginners. And at $100, it’s priced firmly between beginner paddles and those that cater to veteran players.
Most Stylish Pickleball Paddle For Beginners
A Raw Carbon Paddle With Modern Looks
If you’re simply looking for a paddle with a bit of pop (in terms of style), Hudef’s Viva Pro Paddle should help you stand out on the court in a more subtle manner. The raw carbon fiber face features a bright red rim for a bit of contrast, and while the design lacks any eye-catching color, raw carbon paddles are all the rage these days. As you get better, opponents will remember playing against the up-and-coming pro with the jet black paddle who serves up ruthless soft dinks from the kitchen line.
Beyond looks, the Viva Pro comes complete with a large 16.5 x 7.4-inch sweet spot and a 5.5-inch grip for plenty of control. As intimidating as it looks, remember that this is still a great paddle for beginners when all’s said and done.
If, however, a minimalist paddle isn’t really your style, consider the Classic Paddles from Nettie that feature brighter colors and designs inspired by specific locations around the world. They’re easy to use on the court and even easier on the eyes.
Best Pickleball Paddle Set For Beginners
The Selkirk Prime Max Pickleball Bundle is a game-changer for beginners who are eager to play, learn and grow together on the court. The two Prime Max paddles boast a fiberglass face, giving the perfect balance of control, spin and power—elements that are essential for refining gameplay as you progress. What truly excites us about these paddles is their textured surface, which enhances spin consistency and ball control from the start. Powered by a 13mm core, these paddles provide the punch and responsiveness you need to step up our game. The bundle comes complete with not only two paddles, but three balls and a carrying case to boot—everything you need to get started and enjoy the game.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- With over six years of hands-on experience evaluating sports equipment, Vetted gear Cam Vigliotta oversees a large library of tennis and racket sport guides. With a kinesiology degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a passion for outdoor activities, he brings a wealth of expertise to each of these buying guides.
- This guide isn't just based on research; it's also shaped by the advice of seasoned pickleball players and experts, all of whom we’ve talked to for various guides, including our broader roundup of the best pickleball paddles.
- When it came to understanding the ins and outs of pickleball paddles, we turned to Carl Schmits, managing director of equipment standards at USA Pickleball. His insights on construction, grip size and surface texture helped us identify the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
How We Chose The Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners
- We started by looking at popular paddles from brands we know and love like On Holiday, Selkirk and Vatic. We then compared the properties of each paddle by comparing them across key factors like weight, materials, dimensions and grip size.
- We included beginner paddles for a variety of users. Whether you intend to play multiple times per week or a couple of times per month, we carefully chose options to fit the specific needs of beginners with different intentions.
- All of the pickleball paddles we’ve listed have stellar customer reviews with ratings no less than 4 out of 5 stars.
Is There A Big Difference Between Pickleball Paddles?
Factors like paddle materials, weight, grip size and surface texture all play a role in how a paddle performs on the court. Whether you prefer power, control, spin or a blend of these attributes, finding the right paddle tailored to your style can make a substantial difference in your enjoyment and success on the court.
What's The Difference Between Fiberglass And Graphite Pickleball Paddles?
Fiberglass paddles offer a blend of power and control to deliver a balanced feel on the court. Graphite paddles, on the other hand, are lightweight and great for controlled shots, which allows for better touch and maneuverability. Both materials are durable, but graphite paddles tend to be a bit pricier due to their construction, so you might start with a fiberglass paddle before working your way up to graphite.
What Size Pickleball Paddle Do You Need?
Your ideal pickleball paddle size depends on factors like your playing style and experience. If you're just starting out, a larger paddle will be more forgiving, while experienced players might prefer the precision of a smaller paddle. At the end of the day, it's about finding what feels right for you, so don't be afraid to try out different sizes to see what suits your game best.
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