If you just started playing pickleball and you're looking for a list of the best pickleball paddles for beginners - you've come to the right place. Chances are, when you got introduced to the game, you may have borrowed a friend's paddle or used a free wooden paddle many recreation centers or YMCAs offer. Now however, you're hooked. You can't stop playing the game and you want a paddle of your own!
The goal of this article is provide you the most up to date list of the best pickleball paddles for beginners. These paddles range from graphite to composite, come in many different shapes, sizes and weights - all without draining you're bank account along the way. If you're looking to grab an inexpensive paddle that performs well, and is reliable, these are the pickleball paddles to choose from.
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Pickleball Paddle Chart
Top Pick: ARD GF200 |   | Weight: 8.0oz Length: 15 5/8" Width: 8 1/8" | |
Runner Up: The Venom |   | Weight: 7.8 oz Length: 15 3/4" Width: 8 1/8" | |
Rally Graphite 2.0 |   | Weight: 7.8 oz Length: 15 3/4" Width: 8 1/8" | |
HEAD Radical Elite |   | Weight: 8.0-8.3 oz Length: 16" Width: 7 7/8" | |
The Neo Composite |   | Weight: 7.6-7.9oz Length: 15 1/2" Width: 7 5/8" | |
The Fusion 2.0 |   | Weight: 7.9oz Length: 15 5/8" Width: 8 1/4" | |
Upstreet Graphite |   | Weight: 8.6oz Length: 16" Width: 7 7/8" | |
Ranger Paddle for Kids |   | Weight: 6.5-6.9 oz Length: 15 1/2" Width: 8" |
Our list of paddles featured in this article is quite lengthy, because there are a lot of quality beginner paddles to consider from some of the top paddle manufacturers in the sport.
However, there are many other paddles, in similar price ranges that we would not recommend.
Why is this?
Well for starters, they're not made by common manufacturers let alone the top brands. In addition, some of these paddles are sold only online from online retailers. You cannot go into a common sporting goods store and find these paddles. In our opinion, this is not ideal. We've said it before, just because a paddle is sold online and popular, doesn't mean it's a good one. Research needs to be done.
Second rate paddles in the $20-$30 range won't help you improve your game, and they won't stay in shape very long either. But, pickleball paddles for beginners don't need to be $100 either. And that's where we come in. We've done all of that work for you to create a complete, extensive list of the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
Related: Looking to make a pickleball court in your driveway? I wrote this article on how to make a court using temporary pickleball court lines.
The Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners - Updated: 2018
Top Pick - The GF200 by ARD
- Paddle Specs
- Why Players like it
Our top pick for Best Beginner Pickleball paddle is the GF200 from paddle manufacturer newcomer ARD or Advanced Recreation Design. The GF200 is their entry level model however it's also the company's most sophisticated racket as well.
This flagship graphite paddle has something very unique about it. In fact, it's a one of a kind concept, using ARD's patented "throat" design. The throat concept is a structural component to the paddle connecting the paddle face to the grip. Most paddles connect the face to the grip all in one. Think of the ARD throat design as the neck that connects the paddles head to it's torso; or grip. It's a structural component that adds to the paddle's large sweet spot and improves stability. In addition it provides the player less vibration and more consistent performance. No other paddle on the market offers this!
The polyurethane core adds pop for when you need to push your opponent back to the baseline on serves and returns. It also gives the paddle good touch and control at the net for a consistent soft game when dinking.
We also like that for a beginner paddle, it's slightly heavier than others. Weighing between 8.2 to 8.4 ounces, this paddle can deliver an aggressive smack and give newer players ample power while they're still learning shot and stroke technique.
For more on the GF200's brother, the composite HF100 and why it made our list of Best Pickleball Paddles for 2018, click here.
Runner Up - The Venom by Pickleball Inc.
- Paddle Specs
- Why Players like it
The Venom was featured in our other article The Best New Pickleball Paddles for 2017, and for good reason. Pickleball Inc has essentially been around as a proven pickleball paddle maker since the sport's inception. And they're not afraid to use their history and tradition and use it as inspiration for future paddles.
The Venom uses its unique "tear drop" tapered shape to place more of its overall weight in the paddle's head; much like a tennis racket or traditional wooden pickleball paddle. This, along with it's innovative and proprietary nomex core Pickleball Inc calls their "PFG2 Core" give this paddle great balance, symmetry, control and exceptional power.
As we've mentioned before, most nomex paddle cores tend to be the loudest (we love the trademark "pop") and create a defection response where the ball virtually leaps off of the paddle back at your opponent. However, Pickleball Inc's PFG2 nomex core is ahead of its time, allowing the paddle to remain remarkably quiet. The finishing touches are a composite paddle face for extra grab and spin and an elongated "tennis-like" handle for better control of the heavy paddle head. Pickleball Inc did it right and for a reasonable price, has made one of the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
The Rally Graphite Power 2.0
- Paddle Specs
- Why Players like it
The Rally Graphite has been around for years but recently got an upgrade with it's "2.0" version. We reviewed the original Rally Graphite, you can find that here. The 2.0 is on our list of best beginner paddles because it offers a good blend of power and control.
The 2.0 is slightly heavier than the first installment, giving the paddle a little more punch with your follow through. It's a medium weight paddle, which we recommend for beginners because a heavy weight paddle takes time to reel in while a feather weight paddle takes practice to find the right amount of swing to generate power.
At about 8 ounces even, the Rally 2.0 finds a happy medium, limiting break in time. This is ideal for new players perfecting their serve and placing the ball deep at their opponent's baseline.
The 2.0 also gets a different paddle core. The original Rally Graphite, had a Nomex core to generate "pop" to help compensate for it's lighter weight.
The Rally 2.0 Power however offers more control, touch and feel at the net with it's polymer core. In addition, it's features a thicker polymer core - offering players a larger overall sweet spot. For new players, the more forgiving the paddle, the better.
The Radical Elite by HEAD
- Paddle Specs
- Why Players like it
For those of you who might be coming from a tennis background, the name HEAD will sound familiar. HEAD’s expertise in the tennis game with supremely popular and successful tennis racquets make it an easy translation for them. In fact, HEAD’s Radical line of racquets finally makes it’s way from the tennis courts to the hard courts of pickleball!
That’s right, if you’ve played with a HEAD Radical tennis racquet, then you know what you’ll be getting with it’s pickleball cousin. HEAD’s Radical line of pickleball paddles are the Tour, the Pro and the Elite. The Tour and Pro are more seasoned paddles for veterans while the Elite is HEAD’s powerful entry level option.
It’s inexpensive, weighs in at a sturdy 8.1 ounces and is easy to pick up and get a feel for, thank to it's soft ergonomic grip. For newcomers looking for a great paddle from a reputable company that will grow with them as they gain skill, the Radical Elite is in our opinion, one you must look at.
The NEO Composite Paddle by Selkirk
- Paddle Specs
- Why Players like it
Selkirk has been a respected brand in the world of pickleball for years, and the Neo Composite represents their best paddle for new players. The Neo comes in two simple yet flush color options; red or blue but Selkirk did not skimp out on the paddle tech they put into their entry level option. The composite paddle face allows this paddle to provide both spin and power while remaining exceptionally light on it's feet. Weighing in at 7.6-7.9 ounces, this is a well balanced, surprisingly light beginner paddle! Newer players will appreciate the Neo's light weight and fast response at the net, which isn't always felt with composite paddles, let alone budget ones. Beneath it's composite face is an advanced polymer core. Despite it being an entry level option, Selkirk has incorporated it's PowerCore polymer technology. As a new player, all you need to know is that this gives the paddle touch and feel beyond it's minimal price tag. The best pickleball paddle for beginners should combine great design and manufacturing while maintaining a low price point...the Neo Composite from Selkirk does just that!
The Fusion 2.0 Widebody by Gamma
- Paddle Specs
- Why Players like it
The Fusion 2.0 from Gamma Pickleball is a wide body paddle offering a large 8 inch wide paddle face giving new players more hitting surface. Inside the paddle, Gamma opted to go with an aluminum honeycomb core. This means it's harder than soft "polymer cores" found in many of today's paddles but softer than the extra rigid "nomex" cores found in power paddles. Essentially, with an aluminum core, the Fusion 2.0 offers a good balance power and touch.
The paddle face is manufactured out of a fiber glass composite face giving you a playing surface designed to grab the ball and even slow it down. This effectively gives you the chance to dictate the pace of the match and control more points - perfect for a beginner player. This is why the Fusion 2.0 has made our list of the best pickleball paddles for beginners.
Graphite Paddle by Upstreet
- Paddle Specs
- Why Players like it
This graphite paddle from Upstreet represents our budget pick. For those looking for a quality paddle for under $50, this could be your best bet.
Upstreet is a new name in the paddle business and is clearly targeting a younger more recreational type of player with their products. Their signature paddle is this inexpensive graphite option boasting many colorful, youth inspired color options and graphic designs.
It's a heavy paddle at 8.6 ounces but that's because Upstreet uses a unique cell structure for it's polypropylene honeycomb core. This gives the paddle a more uniform mechanical structure for optimal performance.
It should be noted that this paddle is the only paddle on our list not approved for tournament play by the USAPA. Our take: if you're looking for a basic recreational paddle, ideal for outdoor use, this could be a great budget friendly pick.
The Ranger by Paddletek -
The pickleball paddle for kids
- Paddle Specs
- Why Players like it
The Paddletek Ranger is truly one of a kind. It's the first and only pickleball paddle designed for kids! If you're looking for a paddle that is perfect for a grandchild or little one in grade school, then this is the paddle for you! Paddletek stepped up and became the first major paddle manufacturer to target a younger audience - kids 12 and under!
Every aspect of this paddle's design was done with the younger generation in mind. From the grip, to the paddle's overall smaller profile, this paddle is perfect for the child in your life who wants to join you at the local pickleball courts!
As you'd expect, this paddle's weight is extremely light - 6.5 to 6.9 ounces to be exact, making it very easy to pick up and play with. To go along with the light weight, Paddletek has incorporated an extra long handle (to allow for two handed grip) and an extra large 8 inch wide paddle face. This is an ideal combination for a pickleball paddle designed for kids.
The face itself is comprised on composite material, ideal for grabbing the ball and adding an extra level of control. Again, this is best suited for kids getting introduced to the sport of pickleball.
We hope you enjoyed our run down of the Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners! Is it extensive? Yes, but we feel these eight paddles represent the very best in paddles designed with a beginner in mind.
Leave a comment below, we'd love to hear from you! What paddle do you use? Why do you like it?
