If you're just starting out in pickleball, it can be tough to know which paddle is right for you. That's why we've put together this article - to recommend the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
We'll go through what we think are the best paddles and help you decide which one is right for you when choosing the best beginner pickleball paddle.
So if you're looking for a great pickleball paddle that will help take your game to the next level, read on for our recommendations for the best pickleball paddles for beginners!
How We Choose The Best Pickleball Paddles For You
If you're new to pickleball, the process of choosing the first paddle can feel daunting. There are so many different paddles on the market, and it's hard to know which one is right for you.
It's no wonder that so many people are intimidated by picking out a pickleball paddle. With all of the choices available, how can you be sure you're getting the best for your needs?
We've done all the research for you! We've come up with a list of the four best beginner pickleball paddles that will help you start playing like a pro. Our picks are based on customer reviews, experts, and our own experience.
SLK Neo Graphite
SLK Neo Graphite
Why We Love It
The Selkirk Neo Graphite is the perfect paddle choice for beginners who want to get the most out of their game. With a traditional shape and honeycomb core, The Selkirk Neo Graphite provides great power and ball control while the graphite surface ensures fast and consistent shots.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your game to the next level, the Selkirk Neo is a great option that won’t disappoint.
What You Should Know
When it comes to finding the right pickleball paddle, there are a lot of things to consider. One of the most important factors is the size of the grip. Selkirk has made it easy with a standardized USAPA-approved pre-cut handle for a customized fit and feel.
The Selkirk Neo is 7.875 inches wide which provides more hitting surface area. This paddle is designed for optimal control and feel, which makes it an excellent choice for a beginner pickleball player.
With its wide hitting surface and comfortable grip, the Selkirk Neo is a great option for anyone looking for a quality pickleball paddle.
Selkirk SLK Latitude Graphite
Selkirk SLK Latitude Graphite
Why We Love It
The Selkirk SLK Latitude Graphite is an excellent choice for beginner players who are looking for quality, balance, and comfort.
The Selkirk SLK Latitude Graphite provides excellent ball control and power, making it a great option for those who are just starting out. The widebody design also provides added stability, making Selkirk SLK Latitude Graphite a great choice for those who want to improve their game.
What You Should Know
The Selkirk SLK Latitude Graphite is a great entry-level paddle for any player looking to get into the game. The slightly longer-than-average length handle provides extra reach and room for trying out a two-handed backhand, while the graphite surface offers a sensitive touch that helps players stay connected to their paddle.
The polymer PowerCore ensures a tough construction that will last for many games, and the stylish design is sure to turn heads on the court.
Whether you're just starting out or you're looking for a reliable paddle to add to your collection, the Selkirk SLK Latitude Pickleball Paddle is a perfect choice.
ONIX Graphite Z5
ONIX Graphite Z5
Why We Love It
The ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is one of the sportier options on the market, and it's easy to see why. The ONIX Graphite Z5 is built for power, with a large sweet spot that will make it easy to deliver crushing shots and smashes. With its sleek lines and graphite finish, it's definitely a good-looking paddle.
But it's not just a pretty face - this quality paddle has some serious performance credentials, too. With the ONIX Graphite Z5, you'll have all the tools you need to take your pickleball game to the next level.
What You Should Know
The ONIX Graphite Z5 Pickleball Paddle is a mid-weight paddle of superior quality, with a widebody design and large sweet spot that makes it easy to hit the ball even if you're just starting out. Weight and balance make it extremely comfortable to use, while the raised edge ensures excellent control.
The large sweet spot means miss-hits are less likely, and the graphite construction ensures that every shot is powerful and accurate. And when you're ready to up your game, the Graphite Z5 paddle offers the performance you need to take your game to the next level.
So whether you're just starting out or looking to take your game to new heights, the ONIX Graphite Z5 is a perfect paddle choice.
Rally Flare Graphite
Rally Flare Graphite
Why We Love It
Do you want a beginner-friendly paddle that offers comfort, power, and control? Then look no further than the Rally Flare Graphite! It's also one of the lightest paddles on the market, so you won't have to worry about tiring out your arm during long rallies.
Made with a lightweight graphite Construction, Rally Flare Graphite provides a great hitting surface that is perfect for beginners who want to improve their game. Additionally, the wide-body shape of this paddle makes it easier to control the ball, while the flared handle provides a comfortable grip.
So if you're looking for a great starter paddle, the Rally Flare Graphite is the ideal choice!
What You Should Know
The Rally Flare Graphite is one of the best-selling paddles on the market for a reason. Its honeycomb core made of Nomex gives it more 'pop,' allowing the ball to bounce off with ease.
And at only 7.5 ounces, it's a lightweight pickleball paddle enough for any player to control.
Plus, its balanced measurements make it feel at home in just about any player's hand. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the Rally Flare Graphite is a great choice.
The Best Pickleball Paddles For Beginners FAQs
People often have questions about pickleball paddles, but don't know who to ask. If you're not sure what are the best pickleball paddles for beginners, it can be tough to make a decision about what is the right one for you.
There are so many different options on the market, and it can be hard to figure out which one is best for your needs.
We've answered the most frequently asked questions about pickleball paddles so that you can find the perfect one for your game.
Whether you're looking for a lightweight pickleball paddle or one with more power, we have the information you need to make the right choice today for a beginner pickleball paddle.
What is the best pickleball paddle?
There truly is no definitive answer to this question as the best depends on personal preferences. However, there are certain characteristics that can make a paddle better suited for certain players.
For example, a lightweight paddle may be ideal for those who want more maneuverability and control, while heavy paddles can provide extra power behind each shot.
The material of the paddle also plays a role in how it performs - different materials will have different feels and properties that can affect gameplay.
What are the best pickleball paddles for beginners?
There are a lot of different pickleball paddles on the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
A good option for a beginner's pickleball paddle that is lightweight and has a large surface area. This will help you to make contact with the ball more easily and give you extra power when you hit it.
Another important thing to consider when choosing the best beginner's pickleball paddle is its grip size. You want to choose the one that feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to grip it firmly.
These things mentioned above are the most important when choosing the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
What is the best weight for a pickleball paddle?
There is no one "best" weight for a pickleball paddle. Some people prefer paddles that are heavier, while others prefer lightweight paddles. It really depends on your own preferences and what feels comfortable for you.
That being said, most experts agree that a weight between 7 and 8 ounces is ideal for beginner pickleball paddles. Heavier paddles can be more difficult to control, while lighter pickleball paddles can be more difficult to hit the ball with power.
So finding the perfect pickleball paddle weight between a lightweight paddle, midweight paddle and heavier paddle for you will require some experimentation to see what feels best. If you have tennis elbow, we recommend either a lightweight or midweight paddle.
What are the best pickleball paddles made of?
Some pickleball paddles are made of wood while others are made of composite materials. Wooden paddles are cheaper and more durable, but they are also heavy and technology has overtaken wood as the material of choice.
The best pickleball paddles are typically made of composite materials because they are lightweight and durable. They usually have a graphite face and an aluminum core.
Graphite paddles are a high-quality and safe choice when comparing pickleball paddle materials. Players looking for control and extra power prefer graphite paddles over wooden paddles.
How long does a pickleball paddle last?
It depends on a few factors. If you clean the face and edge guard of your paddle with every use, it will last much longer than if you do not. Generally speaking, a good-quality paddle should last between 6 and 12 months.
This of course can vary depending on the amount of paddle use, how well you take care of it and the material it is made out of. If you play a few times a week and clean it regularly, it should last for about a year.
What is a pickleball paddle's sweet spot?
A pickleball paddle's sweet spot is the area that results in the most control and power when hit. Most paddles have a sweet spot near the center.
To find your paddle's sweet spot, experiment with different ones until you find the one that provides the most control and power.
Does grip size matter in pickleball?
Pickleball paddle grip sizes might not be as crucial in pickleball as it is in some other sports, but they can still affect your game.
A bigger grip size can give you extra power, while a smaller grip size can help you with control.
Ultimately, it’s up to each player to experiment with different grip sizes and find what works best for them.
What is a graphite pickleball paddle?
A graphite pickleball paddle is a great choice for beginners because it offers good control and plenty of power.
Graphite is a lightweight material that makes the paddle easy to swing, and it also absorbs impact well so you can generate more speed.
Why are pickleball paddles Square?
Actually, pickleball paddles aren't always square. They can be either square or round. The main reason for this is that a round paddle can create more spin on the ball, which can be helpful for players who want to put loop their shots.
However, a square paddle provides more power and control, which is why many beginner and intermediate players prefer them.
How many pickleball paddles should I have?
How many paddles should I have? This is a great question! Depending on how often you play, and how competitive you are, you might need different numbers of paddles.
Here is a basic guide to help you choose the right number of pickleball paddles for your needs:
If you are a casual player who plays for fun, one paddle may be all you need. You can use this paddle for both practice and games. If you want to improve your game or if you play competitively, however, you will likely need multiple paddles.
Competitive players usually have 2-4 paddles so they can always have a backup in case their main paddle breaks or gets damaged.
Is pickleball a good workout?
Yes, pickleball is a great workout! It's a fun, interactive sport that gets you moving and thinking at the same time.
Plus, it's easy to learn and can be played by people of all fitness levels.
Whether you're looking to get in better shape or just have some fun, pickleball is definitely worth checking out!
Best Pickleball Paddle For You
So, which is the best for you? If you’re just starting out and looking for an excellent beginner paddle that is also great value for your money, any of our top four picks will work great for you and give you plenty of good practice.
We hope our findings have helped you make an informed decision about your new paddle.
Thanks for reading – now go get yourself some sweet new paddle and start dominating the court!
And don't forget to tap the links below to check the best prices on Amazon today! We hope you have a lot of fun playing this exciting game.
SLK Neo Graphite
Selkirk SLK Latitude Graphite
ONIX Graphite Z5
Rally Flare Graphite
Be sure to check out our other pickleball and sports & fitness blog posts!
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