Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

Sana Sabir
May 4, 2023
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Read Time:9 Minute, 50 Second

Ready to pick up a new sport and take on the exciting world of pickleball? 

As a beginner, finding a good beginner pickleball paddle can be the key to unlocking your potential and dominating the court. But with various choices available, how to select the ideal option? 

Don’t worry, you’re in luck. This article covers the best pickleball paddle reviews for beginners along with tips for selecting the right one for your needs. From lightweight options to those with a larger sweet spot, I’ll help you find the best beginner pickleball paddles that fit your skill level and playing style. 

So let’s get cracking and discover the ultimate fit for your winning shots!

Disclaimer!

It’s important to note that the reviews I’ll be sharing in this article are based on a combination of in-depth market research, customer reviews on Amazon, and my personal experience with these racquets. However, what works for one player may not work for another, so it’s important to consider your own unique concerns and preferences when selecting the perfect one for yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • When looking for the best starter pickleball paddle, consider the weight, materials, and size to find the best fit for your needs.
  • Heavyweight racquets like the Vulcan 530 offer more power, while lightweight options like the GAMMA Dart prioritize maneuverability and control.
  • Carbon fiber and composite materials offer durability and power, while graphite paddles like the Onix Z5 provide a softer feel.
  • Make sure to choose a racquet with a large sweet spot for forgiveness, and consider grip size and texture for comfort and control.
  • When in doubt, try out a few different options to see what feels best for your playing style and skill level. Also, be sure to check the ratings of the supplier before any purchase.

What are the Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners?

When it comes to finding the best starter pickleball paddle, there are a few key factors to consider (I’ll explain them in detail below.) But mainly, the ideal racquet depends on your personal preferences and playing style. 

That said, I’ve done the research and tested out several options to bring you my top picks for the good pickleball paddles for beginners. In the following section, I’ll review each option based on its overall performance, customer reviews, and affordability. So whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly racquet or a high-end option that delivers exceptional performance, you’ll find one in this list.

Vulcan 530 Carbon Fiber Heavyweight Paddle

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners - Vulcan 530 Carbon Fiber Heavyweight Paddle

If you’re looking for the most powerful pickleball racquets for beginners,  you should try Vulcan 530. Vulcan is a well-respected brand in the world of racquet sports, and the 530 model showcases their expertise in designing high-quality paddles.

The Vulcan 530 is a heavyweight paddle that weighs 8.5 ounces. Above all, the carbon fiber surface will enable you to generate a lot of power, making it perfect for players who like to smash. The paddle’s widebody shape offers a large sweet spot, which means you’ll have more forgiveness when hitting the ball.

One of the core features of the Vulcan 530 is its wide body shape— offering a great sweet spot. This provides extra forgiveness to the shots, making it easier to hit accurately and consistently. I bet you’ll love this racquet if you transition from tennis to pickleball.

Pros:

  • Highly regarded manufacturer
  • Powerful carbon fiber surface
  • Widebody shape offers a large sweet spot

Cons:

It’s worth noting that the Vulcan 530 has a grip size of 4 3/8 inches which is considered large. This might not be the ideal option for players with smaller hands.

You can place the order using this link on Amazon.

GAMMA Dart Composite Lightweight Pickleball Paddle

Alt: GAMMA Dart Composite Lightweight Pickleball Paddle

If you’re looking for a racquet that offers a great balance between power and control, the GAMMA Dart is worth considering. Despite being the lighter racquet, it can generate some serious power that will make you feel like you’re hitting above your weight class.

One of the best things about this paddle is the textured surface, which allows the player to apply a controlled spin on the shots. The grip size is a bit small, but it’s not a big deal, and you can always utilize tape to make it more comfortable.

All in all, if you’re someone who wants a lightweight option with decent power at an affordable price, buy this racquet without a second thought. I bet you’ll thank me later.

What I Like the Most about GAMMA Dart:

  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Generates good power for a midweight paddle
  • Textured surface for better spin control
  • Affordable price point

Things I Don’t Like:

  • The size of the grip might be small for few players
  • Not the most durable racquet on the market

You can buy GAMMA Dart through the link here.

PROLITE Bolt Carbon Fiber Middleweight Paddle

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners - PROLITE Bolt Carbon Fiber Middleweight Paddle edited

Another pick in the list of the best pickleball rackets for beginners is PROLITE Bolt. It is a midweight racquet that strikes a balance between affordability and quality. If you’re someone who wants to elevate the game without breaking the bank, it’s a great option for you.

The PROLITE Bolt has a huge sweet spot and a weight of 7.6 oz — making it forgiving for new players. Crafted by hand in the USA, the textured surface of the paddle helps generate spin on the ball, while its quiet construction minimizes noise on contact. So it is a plus for those playing in shared spaces.

Features that I Like about PROLITE Bolt:

  • An affordable option for those on a budget
  • The large sweet spot for shot forgiveness
  • Textured hitting surface enhances spin
  • Quiet construction decreases noise

Possible Cons:

  • Not the lightest racquet on the market
  • Grip size may not be suitable for those with larger hands

Use this link to place your order.

Onix Z5 Mod Graphite Middleweight Paddle

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners - Onix Z5 Mod Graphite Middleweight Paddle

The Z5 of Onix is another best pickleball racquet for beginners. It is another popular and well-regarded brand on the market today. Its unique construction and design offer a perfect balance of power and control that will satisfy players of all levels.

One of the standout features I like about Z5 Mod is its wide face, which provides a larger sweet spot, making it easier for beginners to connect with the ball. Moreover, the middleweight construction also contributes to its exceptional balance, allowing for effortless maneuverability and control during play.

Additionally, the racquet’s construction is optimized for a smooth feel and consistent swings, ensuring maximum accuracy and minimal vibration. Another bonus is the vast array of colors it comes in, making it easy to find a racquet that suits your style.

Pros:

  • Well-balanced between power and control
  • Smooth feel on every swing
  • Comes in many different colors

Cons:

  • Slightly heavier than some other beginner paddles
  • Some players may find the grip a bit thin at 4 1/4 inches

To buy this racquet, visit this link.

Paddletek Phoenix G6 Composite Middleweight Pickleball Paddle

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners - Paddletek Phoenix G6 Composite Middleweight Pickleball Paddle edited

Here comes the last pick in the list of best pickleball paddles for beginners! The Paddletek Phoenix G6 is another great choice if you’re looking for a high-quality racquet without breaking the bank. This middleweight racquet has a perfect balance of control and power, making it an ideal pick for players of any skill levels. Moreover, the huge sweet spot offers forgiveness for beginners and helps players feel confident in their game. 

Above all, the Paddletek Phoenix G6’s construction is top-notch, ensuring that it will last for a long time. Not just that, it is also unique in its affordability, making it accessible to everyone who wants to enjoy playing the game.

What I Like the most about Paddletek Phoenix G6:

  • Middleweight racquet offers a balance of power and control
  • Large sweet spot
  • Quality construction ensures longevity
  • Affordable price point

Possible Cons:

  • The grip size may not be comfortable for players with larger hands

You can purchase this racquet through the link here.

Pickleball Paddle Buyer’s Guide for Beginners

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners - Pickleball Paddle Buyers Guide for Beginners

Undoubtedly, Pickleball is a fun and easy-to-learn game, but selecting the right racquet can be difficult for beginners. The racquet you choose can impact your performance and enjoyment on the court, so it’s essential to make an informed decision. 

Here’s what you need to know when buying the best pickleball paddle for beginner.

Pickleball Paddle Weight

Weights are normally classified as light, medium, or heavy. A lighter racquet is generally easier to maneuver and provides more control, while a heavy racquet can offer more power. Beginners typically find that a light racquet is easy to use, especially when learning proper form and technique. However, once you become an experienced player, you might want to try a heavier paddle for more power and deeper shots.

Pickleball Paddle Materials

There are several different materials that may be used to create the best pickleball racket for beginners, including composite, wood, and graphite. Although wood racquets are typically the least expensive, they tend to be heavier and less durable than composite and graphite paddles. 

Composite paddles provide a nice balance of durability and affordability, while graphite racquets are the lightest yet very expensive choice. As a beginner, it’s generally recommended to start with a composite paddle, as it provides a good balance of weight and durability at an affordable price point.

Pickleball Paddle Sizes

Pickleball racquets are available in various sizes, but most fall within a specific range of length and width. The most common paddle length is between 15.5 and 17 inches, while the width typically ranges from 7.5 to 8.25 inches

A larger paddle can provide a larger sweet spot and more power, but it may be harder to maneuver. So, as a beginner, it’s generally recommended to start with a mid-size paddle that provides a good balance of power and control.

You might also like to read: Best Pickleball Paddles for Spin

FAQ

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners - Pickleball FAQ
How do I choose a pickleball paddle for beginners?

When choosing the best pickleball paddle for beginner, consider the weight, materials, and size of the available options. As a novice player, a lightweight and composite racquet with a mid-sized sweet spot is recommended. Also, look for a paddle that feels comfortable in your hand and allows for easy maneuverability.

How do I know what size pickleball paddle I need?

The size of your paddle depends on your preference and playing style. The standard size of a racquet is 8 inches wide by 15-3/4 inches long, but there are larger and smaller sizes available. As a beginner, a mid-sized racquet with a sweet spot of around 7-3/4 inches wide by 10-1/4 inches long is a good option. You may want to try different sizes to identify which one feels most comfortable and offers the best performance for you.

Wrap Up

That being said, it’s important to remember that finding the right racquet depends on individual preferences and playing style. Some players may prefer a heavier one for more power, while others may prefer a lighter option for better control. 

Regardless of what you choose, investing in a quality pickleball paddle can make a big difference in your game. I hope you find my guide on “pickleball paddles for beginners” helpful. Please let me know your top picks in the comments section. 

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Sana Sabir

Hi, I’m Sana Sabir. I’m a freelance content writer from Pakistan. I am passionate about fitness and sports, so much so that it’s the reason my career has taken off. My background is in business studies and I love to write about fitness and sports-related topics.

I also write articles on other niches like healthcare, fashion, and lifestyle. Being a fitness lover who has always been fascinated by the human body and how it works, I had always wanted to be a fitness writer since an early age. I enjoy trying new sports, one of my favorites of which is pickleball. 

I’ve been writing for 3 years now, and my work has been published on many fitness, health, and lifestyle blogs. I always entertain my readers with some interesting and informational articles. To ensure my articles are genuine and relevant, I perform in-depth research, explore case studies, and read books on the topic before writing. Besides writing, I love painting, cooking, and gardening.