Last Updated on August 26, 2020 by Jake
Pickleball is a unique paddle sport particularly because of the way the ball moves through the air. The movement of the ball is effected mostly by its perforated nature. Pickleball is an incredibly fun game for beginners due to the simplicity of the rules and the size of the court.
To get started with this exciting sport, you will need the ball, court, paddle, and some pickleball shoes. Selecting the best pickleball paddle or best pickleball paddle for beginners will set you up to have a great time playing this game.
Let’s take a look at all the important factors you need to consider when getting a paddle as well as provide you with reviews of the best pickleball paddles on the market.
Table of Contents
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Picks:
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Rally Tyro 2 Pro Pickleball Paddle (2 Paddles / 4 Ball Bundle - Ocean Blue) | Check Price on Amazon |
 | ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle (Graphite Carbon Fiber Face with Rough Texture Surface, Cushion Comfort Grip and Nomex Honeycomb Core for Touch, Control, and Power) | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Engage Encore Pickleball Paddle (Red, White and Blue) | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Prolite Crush Powerpsin with SPINtac Pickleball Paddle (Skate) | Check Price on Amazon |
 | XS XSPAK Graphite Pickleball Paddle Set, Lightweight Graphite Honeycomb Composite Core Paddles Sets of 2 Including Racket Bag and 4 Balls, USAPA Approved | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Pickleball Paddle Graphite - Uteeqe Pickleball Paddles Lightweight Texture Surface Polymer Honeycomb Core Pickleball Racket Cushion Comfort Contour Grip Low-Profile Edge Guard Pickleball Racquet | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
As a beginner, you want a quality paddle that is also easy to handle. The paddles we chose to put on our beginners’ list are moderately priced and durable. They are designed for people who wish to play the game regularly and enjoy it.
The Champion Graphite paddle is perfect for the beginner who wishes to play in tournaments in the future. This paddle is solidly built with innovative technology and is perfect for both children and adults. The Rally Tyro 2 paddle is also one of the best on the market. The purchase comes as a set of two paddles, and four balls so you can start playing with your friends and family straight away.
Champion Graphite Paddle
The is one of the most suitable pickleball paddles for beginners. For starters, it has a large hitting surface, which gives novices an edge.
Also, it is USAPA approved and great for persons who wish to participate in a USAPA tournament in the future. It comes in 5 different covers including black, purple, red, blue and green. This vintage and classy looking paddle is a superb choice for all beginners.
- Material – Nomex honeycomb core and graphite face with BOPP overlay
- Length- 15.75 inches, 5-inch handle
- Width – 8.25 inches
- Grip – 4.25 inches (cushioned) & 4 inches (thin)
- Weight – 7.9 Ounce (average weight)
Features
- Made in the U.S.
- USAPA / IFP approved.
- Vintage styled.
- A year warranty.
- Comfortable grip (size of grip can also be changed).
- Large hitting face.
Rally Tyro 2 Paddle
- HIGH END PERFORMANCE - Impress your friends and experience high-end performance with the ultra-durable Tyro 2 Pro composite pickleball paddle - USAPA/IFP APPROVED for tournament play.
- POLYPROPYLENE HONEYCOMB CORE - Vibration dampening technology offers both power and control, while providing excellent ball strike feedback and comfort
- POLYCARBONATE FACING - Durable velvet texture face protects the paddle and further enhances the sweet spot to give you a better chance a a perfect shot every time
- PERFORATED MOISTURE WICKING CUSHION GRIP - gives you superior contact with the paddle wicking sweat away from your hand for a great grip and comfort all day even in the harshest conditions
- Full size face: 15.57" x 7.875", Perfect Weight: 7.7 - 8.0 oz, One Size Fits All Grip: 4.25" Circumference/4.375" Length AUTHENTICALLY ORIGINAL – SATISFACTION GUARANTEED, contact us if you are not 100% happy with any of our products, we care about our customers!
This bundle includes 2 paddles and 4 balls for under $70. As you can see, these paddles are affordable. Despite being affordable, they are well-made and strong. They are easy to maneuver and don’t tire players out quickly. With a weight of just 7 ounces, they are one of the lightest pickleball paddles available. Both beginners and players with injuries find the Rally Tyro 2 advantageous.
- Material – Polypropylene honeycomb core, polycarbonate facing
- Length- 15.57 inches
- Width – 7.875 inches
- Grip – 4.0 inches circumference
- Weight – 7 ounces
Features
- Comes with four balls.
- Affordable.
- Lightweight.
- USAPA/IFP approved.
- Made in the United States.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Intermediate and Experienced Players
ONIX Graphite Z5 Paddle
- LEADING PICKLEBALL MANUFACTURER – ONIX is the leading manufacturer of performance pickleball paddles, balls, and accessories that enable players to compete at their highest level. ONIX is devoted to giving athletes of every player level the best paddle and ball for their game. ONIX has players that play in national pickleball tournaments all across the country.
- MOST POPULAR PADDLE – The Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is the most popular paddle coming from ONIX. With its spectacular touch and control, it is the ultimate pickleball racket for every stage of pickleball player from beginner through advanced. The Z5 paddle offers light weight characteristics for support and added speed, pop, and maneuverability.
- TENNIS HANDLE SHAPE – Mimics the handle shape of a tennis racket, making it comfortable to us, as well as providing great spin and control during play to ensure your game is at its best. Each Z5 pickleball paddle is protected with an edge guard. This allows players to dive for shots without worry.
- NOMEX HONEYCOMB CORE – The ONIX Z5 paddle is perfect for any player that is striving for amazing ball control of a nomex paddle in a medium-weight graphite paddle. With the racquet being a perfect medium-weight of 7.5-8.2 lbs., it makes for a perfect balance between power and speed.
- USAPA/USA PICKLEBALL APPROVED – The Z5 ONIX pickleball paddle meets and is approved by USAPA and USA Pickleball requirements deeming it acceptable for all official tournament play.
The Onix Graphite Z5 from Onix is simply one of the best on the market. This quality paddle is made of Nomex honeycomb core and has a graphite carbon fiber face. When using this paddle you can feel the improvement in ball control and touch. The price is great and it’s perfect for all levels of players. Its’ mid-range weight ensures that it is well balanced.
- Material – Nomex Honeycomb Core, Graphite Carbon Fiber Face
- Length- 15.5 inches
- Width – 8.3 inches
- Grip – 4 .25 inches, Widebody paddle shape, cushion grip
- Weight – 7.5-8.2 ounces
Features
- Tested and approved by USAPA.
- Excellent grip.
- Allows for first-rate ball control.
- The grip is wide-bodied similar to that of a tennis handle.
- Superb for all levels of players.
Paddletek Bantam EX-L Paddle
- Extra-large playing surface with balanced weight distribution
- Light weight provides increased all-around performance
- Advanced ProPolyCore2 with vibration dampening technology
- Weight: 7.9 to 8.3oz
- Length 15.75": Width 7.75": Handle: 4.5" Grip Circumference: 4.25"
The main aim of the founder of Paddletek, Cody Smith, was to create durable yet effective paddles. The Paddletek Bantam EX-L Paddle was created with that aim. Although this is one of the more expensive paddles on the list, it is also one of the more durable, if not the most durable.
Its large playing area and lightweight nature set this paddle apart from the others. These features make it great for beginners as well as experienced players. The paddle’s vibration dampening technology means greater control and more comfort.
- Material – Polymer honeycomb with a fiberglass face
- Length- 15.75 inches,
- Width – 7.75 inches
- Grip – 4.5 inches grip, cushion and perforated
- Weight – 7.9 to 8.3 ounces
Features
- Extremely durable.
- Vibration dampening technology.
- Meets USAPA Tournament guidelines.
- Made in the United States.
Engage Encore Pro Paddle
- MAXIMIZED POWER AND SPIN- Only the Encore was specially designed to maximize deflection (power) and surface roughness (spin). Based on USAPA guidelines, the Encore hits both limits.
- IDEAL FOR SOFT SHOTS- By maximizing the amount of time the ball stays on the paddle, (a concept originally developed by Engage Pickleball), the Encore provides the soft feel you need to command the net game.
- THE ENCORE EFFECT- The Encore line of paddles have always been about 'control' and 'ball placement'. Using ControlPro Technology, Engage gives you the perfect paddle to do what you want with the ball, whether you hit 'hard' or 'soft'.
- THE ENGAGE DIFFERENCE- Engage Pickleball incorporates innovation into every paddle. They use applied physics on every paddle design to engineer and optimize the positioning of the sweet spot in relation to your hand. Engage innovates and tests different dimensions and material compositions on average every 7-10 days. No other Pickleball manufacturer tests the boundaries and invests as much in 'Research and Development'.
- MADE IN USA- Engage performs every step of the paddle manufacturing process here in the United States. Why do this when most paddle manufacturers outsource their paddles to OEM manufacturers overseas? It's simple. To ensure the quality and workmanship in every paddle, and to make certain the proper quality controls and procedures are in place. The end result: Technologically advanced paddles backed by an industry leading warranty process and game changing customer service.
If you want to spin, then the Engage Encore Pro Paddle from Engage Pickleball is one to consider. The feel and balance of this paddle are outstanding. The grip is comfortable, and the texture of the surface makes it perfect for slice shots. It is excellent for players with a skill level of 3.0 and above. It is a great all-round paddle. Use this paddle and feel the incredible improvement in your game.
- Material – Polypropylene face, Polymer Honeycomb core
- Length- 15.5 inches
- Width – 8.125 inches
- Grip – 4.25 inches
- Weight – 7.8 – 8.3 ounces
Features
- Designed for control, power, and ball placement.
- Great all-round paddle.
- Great for slice shots.
- Durable.
20P XL Epic Polymer Composite Paddle by Selkirk Sport
- Polymer Honeycomb Core & Composite Surface Layer
- Lightweight and Durable Ultra-Low-Profile Edge Guard
- Screenprinted Surface
- USAPA Tested and Approved for Tournament Play
- Made in Beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA
This paddle is quick. Moving it is effortless and reflexive. While it has the feel and looks of a traditional pickleball paddle, it controls much better. This lightweight paddle is recommended for players who want speed and lots of it. The XL Epic Polymer Composite Paddle also conforms to all USAPA tournament regulations. One noticeable feature of the 20P XL is its bright and exciting graphics.
- Material – Polymer honeycomb core and Composite layer face
- Length- 15.75 inches
- Width – 8 inches
- Grip – Pro-Lite Gamma Grip (cushioned grip), 4.25 inches
- Weight – 7.0 – 7.6 ounces
Features
- Lightweight and quick.
- Durable and well made.
- Colorful surface.
- Pro-Lite Gamma Grip.
- Made in the United States.
- Tested and approved by USAPA.
Crush Powerspin with SPINtac
- Durable SPINtac hitting surface for enhanced spin control
- QuadCore polymer honeycomb cell technology
- Exclusive ProLite MicroEdge guard
- Approved for quiet zone, noise restricted communities
- USAPA Approved - Made in the USA
The Crush Powerspin is a powerful paddle from Prolite. Made with QuadCore polymer honeycomb cell technology, this paddle is very durable. Its SPINtac surface is designed for enhanced spin control.
It is also approved for noise-restricted communities and quiet zones, which is a welcomed feature. Additionally, the grip is admirable. If you want more control and a lot of spin, the Crush Powerspin got you covered.
- Material – QuadCore polymer honeycomb core, fiberglass face
- Length- 15.5 inches
- Width – 7.875 inches
- Grip – 4.125 inches, cushion grip
- Weight – 7.4 – 7.8 ounces
Features
- ProLite lifetime warranty.
- Offers great control and spin.
- Comfortable grip.
- Durable.
- Made in the United States.
- USAPA Approved.
- Approved for noise restricted communities and quiet zones.
Pro-Lite Rebel PowerSpin
The subtle has its upsides and a downside (price). This quick paddle is perfect for quick blocks and volleys, and yet still it is sensitive enough for dinks and drops. When you need it to, it can also provide you with the power you need for long drives.
As with all Powerspin models, it is easy to get spin on the ball. The graphics on the face is catchy and allows this pickleball paddle to stand out. This paddle is sure to advance your game as well as provide you with the advantage needed to beat your opponents.
- Material – QuadCore polymer honeycomb core, textured fiberglass face
- Length- 16 inches
- Width – 7.813 inches
- Weight – 7.5-8.1 ounces
Features
- Made in the United States.
- USAPA Approved.
- Colorful graphics.
- Great grip.
- Durable.
- The perfect all-round pickleball paddle.
How to Choose the Best Pickleball Paddle
Weight
The weight of the paddle is important as it dictates your style of play. While light paddles allow for more control and maneuverability, heavier paddles give you more power. For beginners, a light pickleball paddle is more fun as it allows for drop shots and playing a slower-paced game among friends.
For experienced pickleball players, heavier paddles are the way to go. A heavier paddle will add boost your serves and long drives. Heavier paddles require more strength and skill to handle by nature so we would not recommend heavier pickleball paddles for beginners.
Generally speaking, we recommend a paddle with a weight between 7 and 8 ounces. Paddles within this range give players an excellent mix of power and control. At the end of the day though, the weight preference depends on your preferences.
USAPA Approval
Approved pickleball paddles are sanctioned by the USAPA (USA Pickleball). USAPA approved paddles can be used in sanctioned tournaments. Depending on your goals as a player, a USAPA approval may be an important factor to consider. However, if you have no plans in competing in tournaments in the future then the approval is by no means necessary.
Pickleball Paddle Grip Size
The paddle needs to fit your hand. Paddles come in circumferences of 4 inches (small), 4.25 inches (medium), and 4.5 inches (large). Usually persons under 5’2” go for paddles with a small grip size; persons with heights from 5’3 to 5’8″ go for paddles with medium grip size, and persons 5’9” and over go for paddles with a large grip size. While this measurement isn’t exact, it is a good starting point.
Material and Build Quality
The materials that go into making the paddles are important. The paddles included in our list are made of quality materials such as composite, polymer, graphite, and fiberglass.
The paddle needs to be solidly built as the better the quality, the longer it will last. There are also paddles with special features such as noise-canceling which is great for noise restricted communities and quiet zones. Some are also designed to increase topspin. Similarly, some are also built with overlay.
Price
The price of a paddle can range from as low as $10 to over $150. The paddles included in our list have prices ranging from $70 to $120. This price range enables us to review top quality paddles. Good paddles last longer and are worth the investment.
Best Pickleball Paddle – Wrap Up
As with every sport, getting the best equipment enables you to give out your best performance. The equipment also has to be durable, well-made, and conform to the standards in place. If you’re looking to buy the best pickleball paddles then you have come to the right place.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our post on outdoor games ideas next!
Last update on 2022-06-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API