Best Starter Pickleball Paddle Reviews 2025

Beginners wishing to keep active and sociable might try pickleball, a fun and growing sport. Selecting the finest beginner pickleball paddle is essential for playing and progressing. The right paddle should be lightweight, simple to wield, and controllable.

We'll examine the Best Starter Pickleball Paddle and give a full shopping guide to help you choose. We'll also address common issues and provide new gamers guidance in our FAQ.

Top 10 Starter Pickleball Paddle

Best Starter Pickleball Paddle Reviews

1. Selkirk AMPED Pickleball Paddle

The Selkirk AMPED Pickleball Paddle's lightweight design and exceptional control make it ideal for beginners. Beginning players may enhance their accuracy and comfort with the paddle's fiberglass face and thicker polypropylene core, which dampens vibration. Its broad sweet spot makes it forgiving, giving inexperienced players confidence with each stroke. The paddle's ergonomic form and balance allow players to keep control without much effort, which is particularly useful during extended games.

Pros:

Light and controllable

Large sweet spot improves accuracy

Fiberglass face for strength and touch

Comfortable grip ergonomic design

Cons:

Price may be more than comparable starter paddles.

Short handles may bother certain players.

Few color options

2. Onix Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle

Beginners love the Onix Graphite Z5's power-to-control balance. The Nomex core offers durability, while the graphite face provides responsiveness. The broad body design creates a large sweet zone for reliable shots. A comfortable grip lets players control without tiring their wrists. The paddle's lightweight form helps novices learn appropriate technique without feeling intimidated.

Pros:

Graphite face is responsive.

Wide body for bigger sweet spot

Comfortable, ergonomic grip

Lightweight for portability

Cons:

Somewhat heavier than beginning paddles

Less vibration dampening than other models

Can be harsh on offcenter hits

3. Paddletek Bantam EXL Pickleball Paddle

Another beginner-friendly paddle with power and control is the Paddletek Bantam EXL. For lengthier matches, its polymer core reduces vibrations and its textured polycarbonate surface makes spinning the ball easy. The paddle improves control and power, making it a good all-around novice paddle. The paddle's precise weight distribution allows players to retain accuracy without compromising power, which is crucial for a well-rounded game.

Pros:

Balanced power and control

Polymer core abates vibrations

Textured surface improves spin

Stable shots with balanced weight

Cons:

May lack strength for expert players.

Somewhat pricey for novices

A little heavier than other starter alternatives

4. Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle

One of the greatest starting paddles is the Rally Tyro 2 Pro. The composite face offers power and control, while the lightweight polypropylene core makes longer play comfortable. The wider surface size and forgiving sweet spot let beginning players to concentrate on skill development without worrying about mishits. The paddle's endurance makes it a good option for novices since it can sustain regular usage without wearing out.

Pros:

Affordable cost

Light and comfy

Large, forgiving play area

Built to last

Cons:

Less durable than premium paddles

Low spin potential

Low power compared to heavier paddles

5. Gamma Sports Fusion 2.0 Pickleball Paddle

Beginners seeking comfort and control will love the Gamma Sports Fusion 2.0 paddle. The Fusion 2.0's textured composite face improves ball control and power. Players feel comfortable during intensive games with the honeycomb cushion grip. Beginners may feel confident with every shot thanks to its somewhat wider paddle face. Sweatabsorbent paddle grips assist players grasp securely over long bouts and avoid slippage.

Pros:

More comfort with cushion grip

Big face and sweet place

Surface texture improves control

Sweat-absorbing grip for safety

Cons:

Modest power, not for aggression.

Somewhat heavier than other starting paddles

Few color choices

Best Starter Pickleball Paddle Buying Guide

To get the finest starting pickleball paddle for your requirements and ability level, consider many things. You should consider the following:

Material

Pickleball paddles are wood, composite, or graphite. Although sturdy and inexpensive, wooden paddles are heavier, which might tire novices. Composite paddles are more adaptable and balance power and control, whereas graphite paddles are lightweight and good for accuracy. Composite paddles are ideal for players who prefer durability, responsiveness, and comfort, whereas graphite paddles are lightweight and agile.

Weight

The paddle's weight considerably impacts gaming. Beginners should utilize 67-ounce paddles since they are lighter and less tiring. Heavy paddles (over 8 ounces) offer force but might strain wrists and elbows. Beginners should use 78-ounce paddles for power and comfort. Some players choose a heavier paddle for power, while others favor mobility and control.

Grip Size

Comfort and injury prevention depend on grip size. A smaller grip size increases wrist motion, which adds spin and control. Larger grips reduce tennis elbow danger by increasing stability. Measure from your palm's center line to your ring finger to discover the proper size. A comfortable grip helps retain control and reduce wrist strain, particularly during extended games. Starters should test several grip sizes to find the most comfortable and secure.

Paddle Form

Performance is also affected by paddle shape. Widebody paddles are the most popular and have a bigger sweet spot, making them ideal for novices. Elongated paddles are better for intermediate players due to their longer reach and smaller sweet spot. Beginners should use a widebody paddle for reliable shots. Widebody paddles are more forgiving and simpler to handle, making it easier to return tough strokes.

Central Material

The paddle core might be polymer, Nomex, or metal. Polymer cores are the most popular for novices since they're softer and easier to manipulate. Nomex cores are stronger and more powerful than aluminum cores, which are less durable. Polymer cores blend power and control, making them ideal for beginners. For quieter gaming in noisesensitive situations or leisure, polymer cores are an advantage.

Budget

From $50 to $150, pickleball paddles range in price. Beginners don't need a costly paddle straight away. Start with a midrange paddle that's affordable and high-quality. Upgrade to an advanced paddle that suits your playing style as you develop. A fairly priced paddle gives you the features you need to improve your abilities without splurging on expensive technology.

Power vs. Control

Beginners should prioritize control over power. Good paddle control helps you develop technique and increase accuracy. To keep the ball in play more consistently, use paddles with a bigger sweet spot and softer face material. You may find stronger paddles as you go. Control early on will provide you a solid foundation, making it simpler to increase power as you gain confidence and expertise.

Best Starter Pickleball Paddles - FAQs

1. Which material is ideal for a beginner pickleball paddle?

Composite or graphite paddles are suitable for beginners. Composite paddles mix power and control, making them adaptable for beginners. However, lightweight graphite paddles provide outstanding control and accuracy for players who wish to concentrate on technique. Beginners may struggle using wooden paddles since they are heavier and less forgiving. Choosing composite or graphite depends on whether the player values control or power and mobility.

2. How do I select a pickleball paddle weight?

Pickleball paddle weight depends on your physical ability and playing style. Beginners and players with wrist or elbow concerns benefit from lightweight paddles (67 ounces) that are simpler to use and prevent arm strain. Power and control are balanced in 78-ounce paddles, making them ideal for novices. Paddles 8 ounces or more provide greater force but may strain the arm, therefore expert players use them. To find the weight that's most comfortable and suits your game, test several ones.

3. Is a broader paddle better for beginners?

Beginners benefit with broader paddles since they have a greater sweet spot. The enlarged sweet spot makes hitting the ball consistently easier, which boosts confidence and abilities. Widebody paddles are the most popular for novices because they forgive offcenter blows, letting them concentrate on technique rather than precision. Beginners can keep rallies going and enjoy the game more with a broader paddle, which reduces mishits.

4. What grip size should my pickleball paddle have?

Comfort and injury prevention depend on grip size. Measure from your palm's center line to your ring finger to get the right grip size. Smaller grip sizes (44.25 inches) provide greater wrist motion, which adds spin to strokes, while bigger grip sizes (4.5 inches) give stability and lessen tennis elbow danger. Starting players should choose a grip size that feels secure and comfortable. When in doubt, use a smaller grip. You can always apply overgrip tape to make it larger.

5. Is an expensive paddle necessary for pickleball?

No, a costly paddle is not needed to play pickleball. Beginners may get high-quality paddles at low prices. A midrange paddle between $50 and $100 offers adequate control, comfort, and durability without the high price. After learning your playing style, you may get a more sophisticated paddle. Starting with an inexpensive paddle lets you practice without worrying about breaking pricey gear.

Conclusion:

The Selkirk AMPED Pickleball Paddle is ideal for wrist pain, control, and comfort. Players who wish to play without stressing their joints will love its lightweight design and vibration-dampening core. The ergonomic grip and optimum weight distribution make playing more pleasant and reduce wrist pain. Start playing pickleball with the correct paddle and enjoy this booming sport. With the correct gear, you'll master the game and enjoy yourself on the court.