
As a new pickleball player, you want a great start. Choose from top beginner-friendly pickleball paddles like Pegasus Jelly Bean, Friday paddles, Diadem Warrior BluCore, and hudef. Many new players appreciate these pickleball paddles for their control and comfort. A Good Beginner Friendly Pickleball Rackets Start with the right paddle is essential. Beginners require paddles that assist them in developing their skills. With hudef, new players can enjoy a smooth pickleball game.
Key Takeaways
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Pick beginner paddles that have a large sweet spot. This gives you more control and helps you make fewer errors. You will feel more sure of yourself when you play.
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Find paddles made with shock-absorbing materials like honeycomb or polymer cores. These materials lower vibrations and keep your wrist safe during long matches.
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Try out different paddles before you buy one. Testing paddles helps you find one that fits your style. It also makes sure you feel good while playing and can play better.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
Top Picks List
If you are new to pickleball, you need a good paddle. Many coaches and players say these paddles are best for beginners. They help you control the ball and feel comfortable. Here are some top beginner pickleball paddles:
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Pegasus Jelly Bean
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Friday paddles
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Diadem Warrior BluCore
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HEAD Radical Elite
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Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control
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Vatic Pro Prism Flash
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Gravity Tour LH
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Epic by Selkirk
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hudefsport beginner paddles
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Paddletek Bantam TS-5
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Selkirk AMPED / SLK Series
These paddles help you learn pickleball faster. The HEAD Radical Elite has a big sweet spot and forgives mistakes. The Onix Z5 is a great beginner paddle under $50. Many clubs use it for rentals. The Paddletek Bantam TS-5 is light and easy to swing. It is a runner up for best beginner paddle. The Selkirk AMPED and SLK Series give you power and control. These are good for beginners who want to get better quickly. hudefsport beginner paddles use new technology to make the sweet spot bigger. This helps you hit the ball with more confidence.
Tip: Widebody paddles have a bigger sweet spot. This makes it easier to hit the ball and control your shots.
Best Beginner Paddle Features
When you pick a beginner pickleball paddle, look for features that help you play better. The best beginner paddle has a big sweet spot, forgives mistakes, and absorbs shock. These features let you play longer and keep your wrist safe.
Feature |
Beginner Paddles |
Advanced Paddles |
---|---|---|
Core Thickness |
Usually 20mm for control |
Often 16mm for precision |
Material |
Made for control |
Special materials for spin |
Design |
Built for easy control |
Made for precision and feel |
Grip |
Soft grip for easy shots |
Grip for tough games |
Pick a beginner paddle with a honeycomb or polymer core. These cores make the paddle softer and cut down on vibrations. This means you get more forgiveness and less arm pain. Paddletek says polymer cores feel soft and lively. hudefsport beginner paddles use honeycomb core technology. This makes the sweet spot 35% bigger and helps you hit off-center balls better.
Forgiveness is very important for beginners. A paddle with a big sweet spot and widebody shape gives you more space to hit the ball. This helps you make fewer mistakes and feel more confident. The best beginner paddle also has a strong surface. hudefsport uses titanium alloy coating and special manufacturing. This keeps your paddle tough for many games.
Shock absorption matters too. A good beginner paddle should protect your wrist and elbow. hudefsport paddles have a three-layer shock system and gel in the handle. This cuts down vibrations by 72%. You can play longer without hurting your arm.
Here are some things to look for in beginner pickleball paddles:
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Big sweet spot for more forgiveness
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Honeycomb or polymer core for shock absorption
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Strong surface for lasting use
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Soft grip for better control
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Widebody shape for easier hits
The best beginner paddle has all these features. The Onix Z5 is the best paddle under $50. It gives you good value and works well. If you want another good beginner paddle, try the Paddletek Bantam TS-5 or HEAD Radical Elite. For top beginner paddles, hudefsport beginner paddles are great because they have a bigger sweet spot and help you control the ball.
Note: The right paddle makes pickleball more fun and helps you get better faster. Pick a beginner paddle that fits your needs and how you play.
Good Beginner Friendly Pickleball Rackets Start
Comparison Table
When you look for good beginner friendly pickleball rackets start, you want to see how the top paddles for beginners compare. This table shows you the key features of the best pickleball paddles for beginners. You can use it to find the right paddle for your needs.
Paddle Name |
Weight (oz) |
Grip Size (in) |
Sweet Spot Size |
Surface Material |
Price |
Best For |
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Onix Z5 |
8.0 |
4.25 |
Large |
Graphite |
$45 |
Value, power, all-around |
hudefsport Beginner Paddle |
7.8 |
4.25 |
Expanded |
Carbon/Titanium Alloy |
$60 |
Forgiveness, shock absorption |
Paddletek Bantam TS-5 |
7.5 |
4.0 |
Medium |
Polymer Composite |
$80 |
Lightweight, easy control |
HEAD Radical Elite |
8.1 |
4.25 |
Large |
Composite |
$60 |
Big sweet spot, comfort |
Selkirk SLK Neo |
7.8 |
4.25 |
Large |
Graphite |
$70 |
Comfort, balance |
Diadem Warrior BluCore |
8.2 |
4.25 |
Large |
Carbon Fiber |
$100 |
Power, control |
Pegasus Jelly Bean |
7.9 |
4.0 |
Medium |
Composite |
$65 |
Fun design, easy handling |
Tip: Midweight paddles between 7.3 and 8.2 ounces give you a good balance of power and control. Most paddles for beginners fall in this range.
Who Each Racket Is For
You want a good beginner friendly pickleball rackets start that matches your background and playing style. Not every paddle fits every player. Here is how you can choose the best pickleball paddles for beginners based on your needs:
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If you have a tennis background:
You may like paddles with an elongated shape and a longer handle. These paddles feel more like a tennis racquet. Try the Diadem Warrior BluCore or the Selkirk SLK Neo. Both give you a familiar grip and help you use your tennis skills. The Six Zero Double Black Diamond Control Paddle and the CRBN 2 also work well for tennis players. They have longer handles and help with two-handed backhands. -
If you have no racquet experience:
You should pick a paddle with a large sweet spot and a comfortable grip. The hudefsport beginner paddle uses expanded sweet zone technology. This makes it easier to hit the ball, even if you miss the center. A lighter paddle, like the Paddletek Bantam TS-5, helps you swing faster and learn control. Look for a grip size around 4 inches. This size gives you better control and helps you avoid wrist pain. -
If you want to play often:
Durability matters. The hudefsport beginner paddle has a titanium alloy surface and a shock absorption system. You can play many games without worrying about wear or joint pain. The Onix Z5 is also a good choice for frequent play. It is affordable and strong, so you do not need to replace it often. -
If you want easy control and comfort:
The HEAD Radical Elite and Selkirk SLK Neo both have big sweet spots and soft grips. These paddles for beginners help you control the ball and play longer without getting tired. -
If you want a fun design:
The Pegasus Jelly Bean paddle stands out with its bright colors and easy handling. It is a good beginner friendly pickleball rackets start for kids or anyone who wants a paddle that looks different.
Note: Beginners should use midweight paddles between 7.3 and 8.2 ounces. Smaller grips (about 4 inches) help you control the paddle and add spin. Larger grips (around 4.5 inches) give you more power if you hit hard.
You can see that the best pickleball paddles for beginners come in many styles. Some focus on control, others on power or comfort. When you start pickleball, think about your background and what feels best in your hand. A good beginner friendly pickleball rackets start helps you enjoy the game and improve quickly.
Choosing Your First Pickleball Paddle
Weight and Balance
When you choose your first pickleball paddle, weight and balance matter a lot. Most beginners start with mid-weight paddles. These paddles for beginners give you a mix of power and control. Lightweight paddles are easier to move and help you react fast, but you may need more effort to hit hard. Heavy paddles give you more power, but your arm can get tired quickly. Look at this table to compare:
Paddle Weight Category |
Pros |
Cons |
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Light (6-7.5 oz) |
Easier to maneuver, quick responses |
Less power, possible fatigue |
Mid-weight (7.5-8.5 oz) |
Balance of power and control |
None for most beginners |
Heavy (8.5+ oz) |
More power, stable |
More fatigue, harder for long play |
What I look for in a beginner paddle is a mid-weight design. This helps you play longer and learn faster.
Grip Size
Grip size affects how you hold and control your paddle. If the grip is too small, your hand can slip and you lose control. If the grip is too big, your wrist cannot move well and you get tired. Most paddles for beginners have a grip size between 4 and 4.25 inches. You want a grip that feels comfortable and lets you move your wrist. A good grip size helps you avoid pain and play better.
Tip: Try holding different paddles to find the right size for your hand.
Materials
Beginner paddles use different materials. Polymer cores are common because they last long and give you control. Fiberglass paddles are heavier and give you more power. Graphite paddles are lightweight and help you control the ball. Composite paddles mix materials for balance and durability. What I look for in a beginner paddle is a strong, lightweight material that helps you learn. Some paddles for beginners use honeycomb cores and textured faces for a bigger sweet spot and better control.
Price Range
Most beginner paddles cost between $50 and $100. You do not need to spend a lot to get a good paddle. Many paddles for beginners in this range work well and last long. Some higher-priced paddles have extra features, but you can find great value at lower prices. Focus on size, weight, and comfort when you choose your first pickleball paddle.
Best Beginner Bundle Deal
Value Packs
You can save money and get everything you need with a best beginner bundle deal. Many brands offer value packs that include more than one paddle, balls, and sometimes a bag. These bundles help you and your friends start playing pickleball right away. Here are some popular value packs for beginners:
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Selkirk NEO Composite Bundle: 2 paddles and 4 pickleballs, great for new players.
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Rally Tyro 2 Pro Bundle: 2 paddles, 4 outdoor balls, and 2 covers, ready for tournaments.
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Paddletek Phoenix LTE Bundle: 2 paddles, 4 pickleballs, and a small bag, perfect for absolute beginners.
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Friday paddles 2 for $99: A simple deal for two paddles, good for those who want to start with a friend.
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hudefsport starter sets: These sets include paddles with expanded sweet spots and shock absorption, making them a strong choice for the best beginner set.
You can see how these bundles compare in price and features:
Product Name |
Price |
Features |
---|---|---|
PROLITE Bolt Middleweight Carbon Fiber 2-Paddle Bundle |
$79.99 |
2 paddles |
JOOLA Ben Johns Blue Lightning Starter Set |
$59.95 |
Starter set |
Selkirk SLK x Dude Perfect Trickshot Bundle |
$59.95 |
Bundle deal |
Gearbox Paddle Starter Set |
$109.99 |
Starter set |
Baden Wooden Paddle & Pickleball Starter Set |
$19.99 |
Affordable starter set |

What to Look For
When you pick the best beginner set, you want value and quality. Look for a pickleball paddle set that gives you two paddles, several balls, and a bag. This lets you play with a friend and carry your gear easily. The best beginner set should have paddles with a large sweet spot, soft grip, and strong surface. These features help beginners learn faster and play longer.
You should check if the bundle includes USAPA-approved paddles. This means you can use them in official games. A good best beginner set also has balls that last and a bag that fits all your gear. If you want the best beginner bundle deal, choose one that matches your needs and helps you enjoy pickleball from the start.
Beginner Tips for Getting Started

Trying Paddles
It is smart to test different paddles first. Many clubs let you borrow demo paddles before buying. Some stores have demo days where you can try paddles. Brand ambassadors sometimes bring paddles to events for testing. You can ask friends if you can use their paddles during games. These choices help you find a paddle that feels good and fits your style.
Tip: Try more than one paddle before picking one. Each paddle feels different, so you will see what works best for you.
Common Mistakes
New players often make mistakes when picking their first paddle. You can avoid these problems by learning from others. Here is a table showing common mistakes and how to fix them:
Mistake |
Description |
Recommended Solution |
---|---|---|
Not Trying Enough Pickleball Paddles |
Most people only test one or two paddles before buying. |
Try several paddles to find the best one. |
Choosing a Paddle Based on What Your Friends Use |
Players copy friends without thinking about their own needs. |
Test different paddles instead of just following friends. |
Getting Swayed by Price |
Some pick the most expensive or cheapest paddle just because of price. |
Choose a paddle that matches your style and budget. |
Other mistakes are using the wrong grip, swinging too hard, or moving your feet poorly. You can get better by practicing good habits early.
Where to Buy
You can buy beginner pickleball paddles in many places. Online stores like Pickleball Superstore and Pickleball Central have lots of choices for beginners. These sites offer guides and reviews to help you. Amazon sells top beginner paddles like Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control and Franklin Sports Pickleball Paddle. If you want a set, Selkirk Pickleball Paddle Set is a good pick for new players. Local sporting goods stores also sell beginner paddles, so you can see and touch them before buying.
Note: Buying from trusted stores gives you more choices and better help when you start playing pickleball.
You can begin playing pickleball with paddles like Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control, PBVMURTG, and Fanovae 3D. Beginner paddles with big sweet spots and shock absorption make the game more fun. Try out different beginner paddles at stores or online shops. The right beginner gear makes you feel comfortable, keeps you safe, and helps you get better over time.
Paddle Name |
Price |
Key Features |
---|---|---|
Doctor Pickleball Surgical Control |
$49.99 |
Great control, big sweet spot |
PBVMURTG |
$44.99 |
Carbon fiber face, thick core |
Fanovae 3D |
~$50 |
Good control, large sweet spot |
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Beginner paddles with comfort features let you play for longer.
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Trying beginner paddles before you buy helps you pick the right one.
FAQ
What makes a pickleball paddle good for kids?
You want a paddle that feels light and easy to hold. Kids need a big sweet spot. This helps kids hit the ball and learn faster. Kids enjoy bright colors.
How do kids choose the right grip size for pickleball paddles?
Kids should wrap their hand around the grip. If kids can touch their fingertips to their palm, the grip fits. Kids need a grip that feels comfortable and safe.
Can kids use adult pickleball paddles?
Kids can use adult paddles if the paddle feels light. Kids should pick paddles with smaller grips. Kids play better with paddles made for kids. Kids learn faster with the right paddle.