Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners: Top 5 Choices for 2025
Pickleball is a fun and fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Players of all ages and skill levels love it because it’s easy to learn but challenging to master. If you’re new to pickleball, choosing the right paddle is a crucial first step in your journey.
Pickleball paddles come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. As a beginner, you’ll want a paddle that’s comfortable to hold, easy to control, and forgiving on mishits. The right paddle can help you improve your technique and enjoy the game more.
When picking a beginner pickleball paddle, pay attention to weight, grip size, and core material. These factors affect how the paddle feels in your hand and how it performs on the court. A good beginner paddle should be lightweight, have a comfortable grip, and offer a balance of power and control. We tested 15 popular pickleball paddles to find the best options for new players.
Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners
Starting your pickleball journey is exciting, and having the right paddle makes a big difference. We’ve put together a list of top paddles perfect for new players. These options offer a great mix of control, power, and comfort to help you improve your game.
MTEN Fiberglass Pickleball Set
You’ll find great value in this USAPA-approved pickleball set for beginners and casual players.
Pros
- Includes paddles, balls, and carrying case
- Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue
- USAPA approved for tournament play
Cons
- May not satisfy advanced players
- Paddle weight not ideal for all players
- Grip size might be too large for some
The MTEN Fiberglass Pickleball Set gives you everything you need to start playing right away. You get two paddles, four outdoor balls, and a handy carrying case. The paddles feel solid and well-made when you pick them up. They have a nice weight that isn’t too heavy or too light.
When you start playing, you’ll notice the comfortable grip. It’s designed to absorb sweat and provide cushioning. This helps you hold onto the paddle even during long games. The wide paddle face gives you a good sweet spot for hitting the ball. You’ll find it easier to make solid contact.
The fiberglass surface and polypropylene core work together to give you good power and control. When you hit the ball, you’ll feel less vibration thanks to the honeycomb technology. This set is great for casual games with friends or family. If you’re just getting into pickleball, it’s a solid choice to learn the basics.
VUFOXT Carbon Fiber Paddles
These USAPA-approved paddles offer a great mix of quality and value for beginners starting their pickleball journey.
Pros
- Carbon fiber surface for enhanced spin
- Comfortable grip for extended play
- Complete set with paddles, balls, and bag
Cons
- Grip may be short for larger hands
- Might not suit advanced players
- Limited color options
The VUFOXT paddles feel light and easy to swing, making them perfect for newbies. You’ll notice the carbon fiber surface gives you more control over your shots. This helps you learn to add spin to the ball faster.
These paddles have a comfy grip that won’t slip even when your hands get sweaty. The set comes with both indoor and outdoor balls, so you can play anywhere. The carry bag is a nice touch for bringing your gear to the court.
While great for beginners, you might outgrow these paddles as your skills improve. Some players with big hands find the grip a bit short. But for most new players, these paddles hit the sweet spot between price and performance.
JoncAye Pickleball Set
You’ll love this complete pickleball set for its great value and USAPA-approved paddles.
Pros
- Lightweight fiberglass paddles
- Complete set with balls and bag
- USAPA approved for tournaments
Cons
- May not suit advanced players
- Grip might wear out quickly
- Limited color options
The JoncAye pickleball set is perfect for beginners and casual players. You get four paddles, four balls, and a carrying bag. The paddles feel light in your hands, weighing just 8 ounces each. This makes them easy to swing for long games without tiring your arms.
When you grip these paddles, you’ll notice the comfortable cushioned handle. It’s designed to absorb sweat and prevent slipping during intense rallies. The large sweet spot on the paddle face is forgiving, helping you hit more consistent shots as you learn the game.
You’ll appreciate how quiet these paddles are compared to some others. The polypropylene honeycomb core reduces noise, so you can play without worrying about bothering neighbors. For the price, this set offers great value and everything you need to start playing pickleball right away.
SLK Neo 2.0 Pickleball Set
You’ll find the SLK Neo 2.0 bundle to be a great choice for beginners looking to start their pickleball journey with quality paddles.
Pros
- Lightweight and well-balanced
- Comfortable grip
- USAPA approved for tournaments
Cons
- May lack power for advanced players
- Included balls are not very durable
- Limited color options
The SLK Neo 2.0 paddles feel great in your hands. They have a nice weight of about 7.5 ounces, which gives you a good balance of control and power. You’ll notice the comfortable grip right away – it’s designed to absorb sweat and reduce impact, so you can play for longer without discomfort.
When you start hitting with these paddles, you’ll appreciate the graphite face and polymer core. They work together to give you good control over your shots. The textured surface helps you add spin to the ball, which can be a game-changer as you improve your skills.
These paddles are perfect for learning the game. You get two in the set, along with four balls and a carry case. It’s everything you need to get started or to play with a friend. As a beginner, you’ll find these paddles forgiving and easy to use. They’re also approved for tournaments, so you can use them as you progress in the sport.
Mayboom Beginner Pickleball Set
This pickleball set offers great value for beginners with its USAPA-approved paddles, balls, and carrying bag.
Pros
- Lightweight fiberglass paddles
- Comfortable ergonomic grip
- Complete set with balls and bag
Cons
- Included balls may wear quickly
- Grip might be too thin for some
- Limited color options
You’ll love the Mayboom Beginner Pickleball Set if you’re just starting out. The paddles feel light in your hands, making it easy to swing and control your shots. When you grip the handle, you’ll notice how comfortable it is, even during long play sessions.
The wide paddle face gives you a better chance of hitting the ball, which is great when you’re learning. You won’t have to worry about arm fatigue, as the lightweight design helps reduce strain on your elbow and shoulder.
This set comes with everything you need to start playing right away. You get two paddles, four balls, and a carrying bag. It’s perfect for taking to the court or playing in your backyard with a friend. The paddles are USAPA approved, so you can use them in tournaments if you decide to compete later on.
YC DGYCASI Beginner Paddles
You’ll find these paddles a solid choice for starting your pickleball journey, offering good value and features for newcomers.
Pros
- Lightweight fiberglass construction
- Comfortable, sweat-wicking grip
- USAPA approved for official play
Cons
- Ball bounce could be better
- May lack advanced features
- Included balls are basic quality
When you pick up these paddles, you’ll notice how light they feel. At just 7.5-7.9 ounces, they won’t tire out your arm during long games. The fiberglass surface gives a nice pop to your shots, though the bounce isn’t as lively as pricier options.
The grip is a standout feature. It’s soft and has tiny holes to keep your hands dry. You’ll appreciate this when you’re playing for hours in the hot sun. The edge guard is tough and protects the paddle from chips and dings.
This set comes with everything you need to start playing right away. You get two paddles, four balls, and a carry bag. The paddles are USAPA approved, so you can use them in official games. As you improve, you might want more advanced paddles, but these are perfect for learning the basics.
GARYE Carbon Fiber Pickleball Set
This USAPA-approved set is a great choice for beginners looking for quality paddles at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Lightweight carbon fiber construction
- Comfortable grip absorbs sweat
- Includes balls and carrying bag
Cons
- Balls not as durable as high-end options
- Bag could be bigger
- Edge guard may peel over time
The GARYE pickleball set gives you everything you need to start playing right away. You get two carbon fiber paddles that feel light and easy to swing. The grips are cushy and help you keep a firm hold even when your hands get sweaty.
These paddles have a nice big sweet spot, so you don’t have to hit the ball perfectly every time. The carbon fiber face puts a good spin on your shots. At 8.1 ounces, the paddles strike a nice balance between power and control.
The set comes with 6 balls and a bag to carry it all. The balls work fine for practice but may not last as long as pricier ones. The bag fits the paddles and balls, but you might wish it had more room for other gear. While most users love these paddles, a few had issues with peeling after heavy use. For the price though, this set offers good value for new players.
CZRR Carbon Fiber Paddle
This USAPA-approved paddle has advanced features and a comfortable grip, making it a solid choice for beginners and intermediate players.
Pros
- High-grip carbon fiber surface for extra spin
- Comfortable, sweat-wicking grip
- Approved for tournament play
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some paddles
- May take time to adjust to the weight
- Limited color options
When you pick up this CZRR paddle, you’ll notice its solid feel right away. The carbon fiber surface gives you a nice grip on the ball, letting you add more spin to your shots. This extra control can really help your game, especially if you’re just starting out.
The grip feels great in your hand. It’s made with soft artificial leather and has little holes to help keep your hand dry. You won’t have to worry about the paddle slipping, even during long games. This is super helpful when you’re learning proper form and trying to improve your technique.
At 8.0-8.5 ounces, it’s a bit on the heavier side. This extra weight can give your shots more power, but it might take some getting used to. The 16mm polypropylene core helps absorb shock, so your arm won’t get as tired during play. Plus, since it’s USAPA approved, you can use it in tournaments if you decide to compete later on.
Niupipo Beginner Paddles
These USAPA-approved paddles offer great value for new pickleball players looking to improve their game.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable grip
- Includes carry bag and balls
- Approved for tournament play
Cons
- May lack power for advanced players
- Grip size not adjustable
- Durability concerns with heavy use
You’ll love the feel of these Niupipo paddles in your hands. The lightweight design makes it easy to swing for hours without tiring your arm. At 7.62-8 ounces, they’re perfect for beginners still working on their form and control.
The fiberglass face gives you a nice pop when you hit the ball. You’ll notice the difference compared to cheaper paddles right away. The polypropylene honeycomb core helps absorb shock and reduces noise, so you can play without disturbing your neighbors.
Your grip will stay secure thanks to the cushioned, sweat-absorbent handle. The 4.72″ grip length fits most hand sizes comfortably. With two paddles, four balls, and a carry bag included, you’re all set for a fun day at the courts. Just grab a friend and start playing!
Mayboom Beginner Pickleball Set
This pickleball set is perfect for new players who want a good starter kit with everything they need.
Pros
- USAPA approved for tournament play
- Comfortable grip for long games
- Includes balls and carrying bag
Cons
- May be too basic for advanced players
- Limited color options
- Paddle weight may not suit all preferences
The Mayboom Beginner Pickleball Set is a great choice if you’re just starting out. These paddles feel light in your hands, making it easy to play for hours without getting tired. The grip is nice and comfy, so you won’t have to worry about the paddle slipping during intense rallies.
When you hit the ball, you’ll notice the large sweet spot on these paddles. This makes it easier to get good shots, even if you’re still learning the game. The set comes with both indoor and outdoor balls, so you can play wherever you want.
The carrying bag is a nice touch. You can easily pack up your gear and head to the courts. These paddles are approved for tournaments too, so you can use them as you get better at the game.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right pickleball paddle as a beginner can feel overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider:
Weight
Paddle weight affects your control and power. Lighter paddles (7-8 oz) offer more control, while heavier ones (8-9 oz) provide more power. As a beginner, aim for a medium-weight paddle around 7.5-8.5 oz.
Grip Size
Your grip size impacts comfort and control. Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. This length in inches is your ideal grip size.
Materials
Paddle materials affect performance and durability. Common options include:
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Wood | Affordable, heavy |
| Composite | Balanced performance, popular choice |
| Graphite | Lightweight, offers good control |
Shape and Size
Paddle shape influences your playing style:
- Wide body: Larger sweet spot, good for beginners
- Elongated: Smaller sweet spot, better reach
Choose a size that feels comfortable and suits your playing style.
Price
Set a budget that works for you. Quality beginner paddles typically range from $50 to $100. Avoid very cheap options as they may not last long or perform well.
Remember to try out different paddles if possible. What feels right in your hand is often the best choice for you.
