• Work with Us
  • Blog
  • Pickleball Clinics
  • Private & Group Lessons
  • Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
  • User Reviews

PickleballMAX

Maximize your Pickleball Potential

  • Home
  • Pickleball 101
    • Pickleball Rules
  • Strategy
  • Shots
  • Tournaments
  • Wellness
  • Gear
    • Pickleball Accessories
    • Pickleball Bags
    • Pickleball Clothing
    • Pickleball Glasses
    • Pickleball Machines
    • Portable Nets
    • Pickleball Paddles
    • Pickleball Sets
    • Pickleball Shoes
  • Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
You are here: Home / Gear / Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

For beginners and those new to the game of pickleball, selecting the best paddle to purchase can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. There are now literally hundreds of paddles on the market from which to choose and a seemingly equal number of factors to consider before purchasing. Paddle core. Paddle length. Paddle face. Circumference. Grip size. Weight. Not to mention price, warranty, color, and so much more.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Beginners

Paddle Pricing and the Importance (or Lack Thereof) of Paying a Higher Price

If you’re a beginner and have been perusing paddles online or at your local sporting goods store, you’ve likely noticed that prices range from approximately $15 on the low-end (for a wooden paddle) to $200 on the high end. The question then, inevitably becomes, “is there a significant difference in paddle playability that justifies these pricing differences?”

The answer to this question is “yes” and “no.”

While all #pickleball paddles are certainly not created equal, it’s also unnecessary to get the most expensive brand or model on the market.
Tweet This

It’s important to remember that pickleball paddle technology plays just a part in your progression as a pickleball player.

Simply put, while I would advise against purchasing the lowest-end wooden paddles – unless, of course, your budget only allows it – I would also steer you against going “all in” with a $200 purchase as well. At least at first.

Pickleball Paddles Priced at $100 or Less

Without further ado, here are my recommendations for the best pickleball paddles for beginners. The following paddles – all priced at $100 or less ($90 or less if using the “10MAX” 10% off coupon code at checkout) – are smart options that provide for a good combination of power and control for the beginner pickleball player (or any level, for that matter). The paddles listed below range from least to highest price.

GammaFusionGamma Fusion 2.0 Pickleball Paddle

The Gamma Fusion 2.0 Pickleball paddle is a paddle made available at our local club for new players to temporarily borrow if they came without a paddle. It is designed with a textured fiberglass face and a composite core. This is a solid composite paddle for beginners and intermediate players.

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!


 

VulcanV330Vulcan V330 Hybrid Pickleball Paddle

I’m a fan of Vulcan-sponsored pro, Jocelyn (Jay) Devilliers. While this isn’t the paddle he uses, it is nevertheless a solid choice for beginner and intermediate-level players. The Vulcan V330 Hybrid Pickleball Paddle comes with a polypropylene core and graphite surface. It features a sleek 10mm polypropylene, honeycomb core with a durable surface. Vulcan Max Control Grip at 4-1/8”. The paddle is made to 7.8 oz.

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!


 

HeadExtremeProHead Extreme Pro Pickleball Paddle

The Head Extreme Pro has a unique diamond shape that incorporates a Comfort Grip for less vibration and more comfort. The paddle has a composite face for increased power. The Extreme Pro offers a mid-weight option.

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!


 

PrinceResponseGraphitePrince Response Graphite Pickleball Paddle

The Price Response Graphite Paddle uses Prince’s characteristic circular shape which results in a huge sweet spot that extends to every part of the 8-1/4″ wide face. It has a fairly long handle at 5-1/2″ so it can be used for double-handed backhands, or those who prefer having a bit more handle length. The grip size is 4.” The paddle’s weight ranges from 7.6 – 8.0 oz., placing it in the light-to-midweight range.

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!


 

OnixZ5Onix Z5 Composite Pickleball Paddle

The Onix Composite Z5 is perhaps the best-selling paddle for beginners and intermediate-level players on the market. You will likely see several people playing with this paddle at your local pickleball club. The Z5 has a fiberglass face and total paddle weight of 8.4-8.7 ounces. The Widebody shape on the Z5 has a relatively large sweet spot.

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!


 

SLKAtlasSelkirk Graphite Atlas Control Widebody Paddle

The Selkirk SLK Atlas Graphite is a great entry-level paddle. It features a Dual-Layer Graphite face and a Polymer PowerCore. The SLK Atlas gives players the ability to control shots and improve the overall performance of their game.

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!


 

VulcanV510Vulcan V510 Hybrid Pickleball Paddle

The Vulcan V510 Hybrid Pickleball Paddle has a 4 3/4″ long handle and weighs an average of 7.9 oz. The carbon fiber surface is 7 3/4″ wide and helps give you the great ball feel that graphite and carbon fiber paddles are known for.

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!


 

GearboxCP7Gearbox CP7 Pickleball Paddle

I know several people that absolutely love Gearbox paddles. This paddle features a carbon fiber and glass fiber face with a 7mm x 12mm Polypropylene honeycomb core. True to Gearbox’s high quality signature and promise to always achieve excellence, this paddle will deliver outstanding control, power on demand and give you the best overall value for its class.

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!


 

OnixEvokeProOnix Evoke Pro Pickleball Paddle

The Onix Evoke Pro is a paddle that I have previously personally played with for a couple of years and really liked. The polypropylene core delivers touch and control with a composite face providing additional power.

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!


 

SelkirkS2PrimeSelkirk Prime S2 Pickleball Paddle

This is a paddle my mother-in-law recently purchased. She seems to really like it. The Selkirk Prime S2 has a slightly shorter handle and longer face compared to the Epic. The S2 shape boasts the largest sweet spot and surface area of all Selkirk paddle shapes. Durable, well-balanced, and impactful, the Prime S2 is a solid choice for any level pickleball player.

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!


 

BenJohns-WhiteFranklin Ben Johns Signature Paddle

Many would argue, just purchase the Ben Johns paddle and be done with it. This is a paddle used by several professional pickleball players, including Zane Navratil, JW Johnson, and many others. With a price point of $100 (before 10% discount code [10MAX] applied), you can’t go wrong. And it’s hard to argue with the success of the #1 player in the world!

BUY IT NOW ON FROMUTH

Use discount code 10MAX for 10% off!

To find out which paddles the pros use, check out this article!

Free Shipping + 30-Day Return Window

Please note that if you make a purchase of $75 or more from Fromuth Pickleball, you are entitled to free shipping. Additionally, there is a 30-day return window for used paddles if, after playing with it, you just don’t like it.

In addition to the 11 aforementioned paddles, a couple of other affordably priced beginner pickleball paddles available on Amazon include the Niupipo Explorer paddle and Amazin Aces.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best pickleball paddle for your game, while likely stressful, is also an exciting time for you as a beginner pickleball player. Your journey is just getting started. Now buckle up and enjoy the ride.

See you on the courts!

>>READ MORE: Pickleball Paddles 101 – How to Choose One that is Best for You<<

Article by PickleballMAX / Filed Under: Gear Leave a Comment

Doubles Strategy Blueprint

Paddles, Shoes, Bags & More!

Fromuth Pickleball – Use Code “10MAX” for 10% Off!
  • Hundreds of pickleball paddles, court shoes, and bags in stock now and ready to be shipped.
  • Free Shipping on orders of $75+
  • Use Discount Code 10MAX for 10% off your purchase. (some exclusions apply)

Fromuth Pickleball
Order your favorite pickleball gear today!

Performance Eyewear (Sunglasses & Eye Protection)

RIA Eyewear
  • 100% UVA/UVB protection
  • Impact-resistant & shatterproof lenses
  • Lightweight, anti-fogging, and vision-enhancing (contrast of the ball to the court)

pickleball glasses
Order your RIA Performance Eyewear Today!

It’s Fun to Feel Good!

Jigsaw Health – Discount Code!
Use Code “PickleballMAX10” at Checkout for $10 off your Jigsaw Order.

Jigsaw Health

  • Relax your legs, muscles, and brain for better sleep with Jigsaw MagSoothe™.
  • Stay hydrated and energized with Jigsaw Electrolyte Supreme™.
  • Prevent muscle cramping with Pickleball Cocktail®.

Order Jigsaw Health Today!

About PickleballMAX

Tennis player turned pickleball player. I blog about how one maximizes their picklebility. Picklebility is simply defined as an embodiment of one's passion, ability and addiction to #pickleball. See you on the courts!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search this website

Guides

  • Pickleball for Beginners
  • Pickleball Clothing
  • Pickleball Court
  • Pickleball Equipment
  • Pickleball Net
  • Pickleball Paddles
  • Pickleball Ratings
  • Pickleball Rules
  • Pickleball Shoes
  • Pickleballs
  • Tournament Pickleball
  • What is Pickleball

Online Store

  • Bags
  • Ball Accessories
  • Ball Machines
  • Balls
  • Eyewear
  • Gloves
  • Hats and Visors
  • Hydration & Recovery
  • Jewelry
  • Men's Apparel
  • Miscellaneous
  • Nets
  • Online Pickleball Courses
  • Paddle Accessories
  • Paddles
  • Prevention and Recovery
  • Printables
  • Shoes
  • Socks
  • Tournament Products
  • Training Aids
  • Wellness
  • Women's Apparel
  • Home
  • Pickleball 101
  • Strategy
  • Shots
  • Tournaments
  • Wellness
  • Gear
  • Shop

PickleballMAX | PO Box 813| Mason, OH 45040
PickleballMAX participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program
Copyright © 2023 · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy · Disclosure