Best Pickleball Paddle For Beginners

Recently got hooked on playing pickleball?

No one can blame you. It’s a pretty addictive game, especially if you’re someone looking for a challenge that has ping pong and tennis mixed into one exciting game.

For a more enjoyable and satisfying game, it is important that you use the right pickleball paddle for beginners. Doing so can help improve your game immensely.

Pickleball paddles come in many shapes, sizes, and weights. They’re made of different materials as well, from graphite to composite.

This article will help you choose the best of the best pickleball paddle for beginners.

Gamma New Fusion 2.0 Pickleball Paddles 

This pickleball paddle from Gamma is a great blend of a performance paddle at an entry level price everyone loves

It features an aramid honeycomb core which gives a  blend of power and control benefits for beginners and experienced players alike. The Gama Fusion 2.0 Paddle has a fiberglass textured face giving more spin, better ball biting and more control it also has a built in a bumper.

Paddle Specs

  • Grip Dimensions: 4 3/8″
  • Average Paddle Weight: 7.2 Oz
  • Paddle Dimensions: 16.2 x 8.2 x 1.5 inches

What’s to like?

  • 4” HONEYCOMB CUSHION GRIP: Our paddles feature a soft, sweat absorbing grip to help you hit with confidence
  • MEETS USAPA SPECIFICATIONS: complies with official USAPA specifications

aSelkirk Latitude Widebody 

This pickleball paddle from Gamma is a great blend of a performance paddle at an entry level price everyone loves

It features an aramid honeycomb core which gives a  blend of power and control benefits for beginners and experienced players alike. The Gama Fusion 2.0 Paddle has a fiberglass textured face giving more spin, better ball biting and more control it also has a built in a bumper.

Paddle Specs

  • Grip Dimensions: 5.25″
  • Average Paddle Weight: 6.9-7.5oz
  • Paddle Dimensions: 15.65″ x 8.25″ x 1.5 inches

What’s to like?

  • USAPA  tested and approved – Selkirk pickleball paddles are tested and approved also they are made in the USA 
  • Selkirks widest paddle face. bold colors, and great performance, the Latitude is a lightweight all-around awesome paddle. 
  • PowerCore polymer core & PolyFlex composite surface- Powerful, durable, and consistent the PowerCore polymer core gives you amazing responsive “Sweet Spot” coverage. Plus, Selkirks innovative engineered PolyFlex composite surface enhances your performance with the ability to neutralize spin
  • Rugged EdgeSentry guard offers more protection and durability, with a sleek, comfortable, and lightweight Selkirk ThinGrip for confident control.

Venom by Pickleball Inc.

Made by proven pickleball paddle maker Pickleball Inc., Venom has a unique “teardrop” tapered shape where its overall weight is concentrated in the paddle’s head.

Along with its proprietary and innovative Nomex PFG 2 Core, this pickleball paddle for beginners offers players better control, symmetry, balance, and exceptional power.

The Nomex core also creates that trademark loud “pop” sound every time the ball hits the paddle, which is satisfying to every player’s ear.

Paddle Specs

This pickleball paddle is made of a composite with an aluminum core.

  • Grip Dimensions
    • Circumference: 4 1/4″ (Medium)               
    • Length: 5  1/2″ (Long)
  • Average Paddle Weight: 7.8 oz
  • Paddle Dimensions: 15 3/4″ x 8 1/8″

What’s to like?

Because it is modeled after a tennis racket, where the overall weight is concentrated on the paddle head, a player that comes from a tennis background will quickly adapt to its unique weight distribution. They will also find it easier to control the racket.

New players especially like the textured composite surface of the grip for better handling and the nice weight range that enables a player to play for extended periods.

Rally Graphite Power 2.0

Offering players a good blend of power and control, this is one of the best beginner pickleball paddles from Rally Graphite.

Medium weight, beginners will not have a hard time reeling the paddle in and will quickly find the right amount of swing to generate power when serving and placing the ball deep at the baseline.

It has a thicker polymer core that offers players a large overall sweet spot, making it a better, more forgiving paddle.

Paddle Specs

Made of graphite with a polymer core

  • Grip Dimensions
    1. Circumference: 4 1/4″ (Medium)                                              
    2. Length: 4 1/2 ” (Medium)
  • Average Paddle Weight: 8.0oz
  • Paddle Dimensions: 15 3/4″ x 8 1/8″

What’s to like?

Despite it being slightly heavier than most pickleball paddles for beginners, many newcomers like it because of its easy swing and lightweight feel. They’re sure to see immediate improvement in their dink game.

It provides newbies with the perfect balance of control, power, and touch. Designed for durable construction and long-term playability, the paddle can be used by players moving up from 3.0 to 3.5.

Radical Elite by HEAD

Experts in the tennis game and racquets, HEAD brings to the courts of pickleball a beginner paddle with a soft ergonomic grip that is easy to get a feel for and pick up.

Elite is the powerful entry-level option in their line of pickleball paddles. The other two are the Tour and the Pro.

Paddle Specs

This pickleball paddle is made of composite fiberglass with a polymer core.

  • Grip Dimensions
    • Circumference: 4 1/4″ (Small)                                                          
    • Length: 5″ (Medium)
  • Average Paddle Weight: 8.0 to 8.3oz
  • Paddle Dimensions: 16″ x 7 7/8″

What’s to like?

Newcomers especially love the large hitting surface, offering players a large overall sweet spot. Without the fancy extras, including the “Extreme Spin” technology found in other HEAD paddles, beginners can get this pickleball paddle for a low cost.

Final thoughts

With several beginner pickleball paddles available on the market, you are sure to find the best one that will help boost your performance.

To help narrow down your options, analyze each product based on:

Price – The mid-range price spectrum is recommended since you’re likely to get a new paddle as you move up the skills range.

Material – Graphite or composite is highly recommended.

Paddle Technology – Yes to beneficial features, no to expensive bells and whistles.

Edge guard – Protects a paddle from damage and wear and tear for a long time

USAPA approval – Best for when you want to play in sanctioned tournaments.

Remember these tips, and shopping for a pickleball paddle will be easier.

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